Thank you to Beech-Nut for sponsoring this post giving you a peek at what’s in my diaper bag. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’ve been carrying a diaper bag for the last six years, and I remember trying to research about what I should pack when I was pregnant with my first child: Do I need this? That? Am I packing too much? Too little? I never thought I would need that thing! As soon as Scarlett was born and needed a diaper bag of her own, it was an easy transition from my potty trained preschooler’s bag to a baby one again; many of the staples were the same! So, what’s in my diaper bag now? Baby essentials, lots of snacks, and a few things for me that weren’t there my last go-round!
Muslin Blanket
A thin muslin blanket can do many things! Besides serving as a swaddle, our soft muslin blankets can keep us warm in the cool wind, wipe up spills, serve as a burp cloth, and in extreme circumstances, create a lovely toddler wrap-style dress when you ruin both your clothes and your backup shirt at the doctor’s office! (This actually happened to us!) I always have one rolled up in the bottom of our bag.
Toys and Entertainment
As your baby’s first birthday passes, on-the-go entertainment becomes paramount. Since my little parrot girl mimics everything I do, I found her a little fake phone to call “Nonna” and “Pop,” as well as car keys that beep! A trip to the $1 store gave me additional entertainment ammo like mini Colorforms that can be used over and over!
Extras: Clothes, Paci, Chapstick
Extras – always bring extra! I’m the queen of preparedness, so I have an extra set of clothes, bottled water in the car, an extra pacifier, and additional wipes in our seat pocket. When in doubt, my advice is to have an extra tote filled up in the car, ready to go!
Diapering Supplies… duh!
What’s in my diaper bag? Diapers, always diapers! I always have more than I need at any given time, as well as powder, rash cream or spray, but the one thing I use most in our diaper bag is wipes. A hefty pack will last our family a week or two, between hand wiping, face cleaning, mess fixing and sanitizing surfaces.
Bandages and Ointment
I learned the hard way that rambunctious toddler knees and playground don’t always mix. A bloody post-playground date with Red meant a stash of band-aids and Bacitracin made its way into our bag and I make sure we never run out!
Stuff for Mama
I made a 2017 goal to get a little more self-care into the mix, so I’m not left every day with readied children but without breakfast or a ponytail for myself. That means I have my favorite sunglasses, Lip sense lipstick, a water bottle and my Starbucks gift card for afternoon treats packed at all times. Oh! And that essential spare quarter for trips to ALDI!
Snack Attack
Besides a toy or two for entertainment, cranky toddlers need snacks! Hand to mouth feeding is important for learning and coordination, so I always carry a snack trap with pantry-stable snacks or a granola bar. Pouches of baby friendly fare like applesauce and oatmeal mean goodness on the go. Beech-Nut recently came out with new ready oatmeal in pouches that fit easily into my diaper bag or our new car seat organizer. It’s a widely known fact that Scarlett can clean out a batch of Yogurt MeltiesM in record time, and she is already really fond of the Beech-Nut Strawberry Fruity Oat Bars; they are a yummy snack when we’re out erranding!
You can find more Beech-Nut food and snacks to pack you bag with on Amazon and at retailers near you.
What’s in your bag? As Red and Scarlett have gotten older, our bag has evolved, but the basics are really the same. I have a feeling these staples will carry us for a few years… at least until everyone is potty trained! Is there something that you can’t do without that I don’t carry around with me? Leave me a comment about what you carry!
We have a snack in my bag at all times! It’s a must with little ones.
Snacks were vital to keep in my diaper bag when A.J. was little.
Now I try to keep his favorite cookies handy too, in case we’re stuck in traffic or late for dinner.