Destress Your Diaper Bag
Packing with Our Checklist
Stressing that you’ll leave something out of your diaper bag? If you’re a new or expectant parent, you probably have been bombarded with lists of must-have items. All of these essentials lists will undoubtedly include snagging the perfect diaper bag. Knowing what kind of diaper bag you need and what to pack in it can be overwhelming. After all, it holds everything your new baby needs! The last thing you want is to be caught unexpectedly out on the town unprepared when you need something. In this way, a properly packed diaper bag can ease a lot of the stress that comes with having a new baby.
Knowing what kind of bag and what to put in it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With a little research and guidance, you can create a tool kit that will help your growing family thrive and even have some fun at the same time.
Why is a Diaper Bag So Necessary?
Having a good diaper bag can help ease some of the stress of being a new parent. Holding a crying newborn and not knowing where the wipes are is a frustrating experience. But with a little bit of organization to cool down the chaos, you can help avoid these kinds of frustrations. With everything packed neatly and compactly in its place, you’ll feel much more in control and confident, no matter where you go with your baby.
Finding the Perfect Diaper Bag
Think of your diaper bag as your mobile toolbox for all of the possible scenarios you may find yourself in. Start this process of selecting your diaper bag by asking yourself a few questions:
What will I need at the hospital?
How will I be feeding my child?
What am I most comfortable carrying?
What kind of transportation will I be using on a regular basis?
What do I want for pictures in the hospital?
Are there siblings who will also need items?
Knowing your own needs can make picking a bag easier. These questions can help you figure out the size and the style. They can also help you figure out what kind of storage and organization you need.
The size of the bag should be determined by the number of children and the complexity of their needs. A large bag is great for a family of four or five who travel using their own car. Urban families using public transit will need something more compact. The bag needs to be functional, so your day-to-day activities will play a factor in the size of the bag you might want.
The style of the bag will also need to be functional. New parents will be carrying their diaper bags everywhere. Making sure that it fits their personal style is important. It should also be comfortable. Backpack diaper bags are comfortable, gender-neutral and can hold a lot of items. There are also more traditional styles that look like overnight bags. There are even diaper bags that extend out to a changing area.
You’ll want a diaper bag that is as functional as it is stylish. Many times you’ll have your hands full or quickly need to grab an item. That’s why it’s important your diaper bag includes plenty of pockets and organization features to keep everything neatly accessible. The most important thing to keep in mind when shopping for a diaper bag is its functionality. The bag has to work for you and your family, so make sure it meets your specific needs.
What goes into my diaper bag?
That’s a great question and it has two answers.
If you are packing the diaper bag for the delivery room, you will pack more things for yourself than you will for the baby. Things that make you comfortable should be at the very top of the list. You should also make sure to pack a few basics for bringing your new bundle of joy home. Things like:
- Favorite snacks or drinks.
- Coloring books or another activity you enjoy.
- Pajamas.
- Blankets from home.
- Stuffed animals.
- Cards/games.
- Headphones.
- Books and magazines.
- A favorite outfit for bringing baby home
- A hat for baby.
- Burp cloths.
- Diapers
These are all essential that can make the transition back home much easier.
After the baby comes home, the diaper bag should be emptied out and repacked. All diaper bags are going to be packed a little differently depending on a family’s needs. However, there are a few essentials that all diaper bags should have:
- Depending on your baby’s age, multiple changes of clothes.
- Baby sunscreen
- Powder and wipes
- Rash cream (We like this one)
- Diapers
- Bottle/breast pump/formula
- Baby food and utensils
- Nursing blanket
- Stain removing sticks (You have to take care of yourself too)
- A portable changing mat
- Plastic bag to hold wet clothing
- Burping cloth
- Travel-sized hand sanitizer
- Extra socks
- Weather gear (hats, scarves, mittens, etc.)
- Baby blanket
- Bibs
- Food and energy bars for yourself
- Toys/rattles/pacifiers
Packing a diaper bag doesn’t have to be a huge task. With a little foresight, practicality, and planning, you’ll master the art of the diaper bag! As your baby grows, your diaper bag will evolve into a toy carrier, snack pack, so get ready to enjoy the wonderful journey of parenthood, knowing your bag will be right by your side on all of your travels.
