Here is What To Pack In A Diaper Bag from an experienced mom who knows! This list helps you pack your diaper bag with everything you need for any situation with your baby.

We brought little Brian home from the hospital at two days old, and what I most remember about that day was how exhausted I was. Can’t you see it in my elated but pale face?

Thankfully, my mom came over soon after my husband Brian and I arrived home, and she helped with the baby while I took a nap and Brian went shopping for some baby and new mom essentials (witch hazel and ice packs, anyone?).

As I awoke from my nap, I remember listening to Brian buzz around the house in a whirlwind. While I was feeling totally overwhelmed, he was at the top of his game – unpacking our hospital bags, washing bottles, assembling my breast pump (seriously, he was the one who had to teach me how to put it together), and packing the diaper bag.

Related Article: Must-Haves For New Babies

I was pretty amazed at how well he packed the diaper bag. The first time I used it there wasn’t anything I felt was missing. So I jotted down everything he had packed just to have a list that I could refer to in the future.

One of my friends is expecting a baby any day now, and thinking about those first few days home with baby reminded me that I’ve been meaning to write a post for new moms (and dads) who are wondering just what to pack in their diaper bag. Now that little Brian is almost 7 months old, I have added just a few more things to my original diaper bag essentials list.

Here are the diaper bag essentials you’ll need when you travel out and about with baby:

• Diapers. This one is pretty obvious. As a rule of thumb, I always pack a few more than I think I’ll need. Believe me, they have come in handy!
• Diaper cream.
• Baby wipes.
• Feeding necessities. If you’re breastfeeding – nursing pads are good to pack. If you’re bottle feeding – bottles, water, and formula are your must-haves. (As with diapers, I always pack one more bottle than I think I’m going to need.)
• Bibs and/or burp cloths.
• A changing pad. I personally don’t leave the house without my patemm pad.
• A swaddle blanket. This is good to have in case baby gets chilly, but can also be used as a sun protector over a stroller or even as a nursing cover.
• A change of clothes. I always like to have at least one extra of the following: a onesie, a pair of pants and socks.
• A hat. Even in the summer, I’ve needed a little beanie at times. It’s just good to have one on hand.
• A sweater or zip-up jacket. Like a hat, it’s just good to have. You never know when it’s going to get unexpectedly chilly.
• Plastic bags. These are great for dirty diapers or soiled clothing you want to keep separate.
• Hand sanitizer. I personally like alcohol-free ones.
• Binkies (or if you prefer, pacifiers or soothies.) This is if your baby takes one, of course.
• A small toy/teether.
• A few paper towels to clean up small spills.

Once you have everything here packed in your bag, you’re good to go!

Diaper bag pictured above is from Savvy Chevy.