What to pack in a diaper bag?
The diaper bag is every parent's essential carryall. But this bag is unlike any other. Thanks to its clever compartments, it lets you safely transport all of a young child's survival gear — without feeling like you're hauling your entire home on your back like a snail. If you're lucky enough to own this precious tote, here is a non-exhaustive list of essentials to slip inside for a stroll or any other outing, with complete peace of mind.
The essentials
Let's start by listing together the vital must-haves for any young child away from the comfort of home…
- Diapers! Of course, this is the very first thing every parent thinks of! In a diaper bag, one of the many pockets is specifically designed for this — that goes without saying. Whether you're on team reusable or disposable, you'll have no trouble packing what you need. Count on about 3–4 diapers for a full day…
- To make diaper changes easier, a travel changing mat or pad can slip right into the bag.
- Along the same lines, make sure to bring wet wipes or a washcloth, cotton pads, and a travel-size version of your diaper cream or liniment.
- Think about bringing a plastic bag or, better yet, waterproof pouches, to store used diapers, empty food pouches or snack jars if needed… Until you can find a bin to dispose of them.
- Also important in your diaper bag: muslin cloths, of course (such as our DOLI muslins) — they double as a blanket, a bib, a comfort cloth…
- A walk always calls for a change of clothes (especially a spare bodysuit) to handle any unexpected accident…
- Finally, depending on your baby's age and the time of your outing, a bib can come in handy to wipe a satisfied little mouth.
Bonus: one or two pacifiers, a toy…
Has your baby started solid foods?
The diaper bag has plenty of room for all the food essentials! A fruit pouch for snack time, a small meal to heat up or not, a spoon, a bib, a few crackers… It's all in the bag!
When breastfeeding…
An extra muslin if you'd like more privacy, nursing pads if needed, and a snack to keep your own energy up!
When bottle-feeding…
A bottle, mineral water, and pre-measured portions of formula powder!
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Depending on the season
- In case of warm weather or sunny days
Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat — and remember never to drape a muslin over the stroller to avoid overheating your baby…
- In case of cooler weather
A small blanket can be rolled up inside a diaper bag — just like our DOLI birth blanket! For a sudden chill, don't forget to pack an extra layer such as a small throw, a sweater, an extra pair of socks, a hat… All the things that are so easily lost on a walk!
Going away for longer?
Weekend getaway, longer trip… Whatever the adventure, you can add to this list your baby's health record booklet and a first-aid kit: infant paracetamol, antiseptic, thermometer, saline solution, nasal aspirator, arnica…
And for the parents
A great advantage of the diaper bag is that it also has room for the parents' essentials: keys, documents, ID, hand sanitizer, tissues… And don't forget a few small toys to help the journey go by a little faster!
Our non-exhaustive list is now complete,
you're all set to pack your diaper bag without forgetting a thing!
Here's to heading out with a light heart and enjoying every moment
with your little one, ready for anything!
