Diaper Bag Essentials & Organization

I have always had a thing for bags. It is my favorite kind of accessory. I’m not talking designer bags either. My favorite purse is from Target and I’ve been known to be quite fond of reusable bags too (I come from a long line of bag ladies). When I was pregnant I spent a great deal of time researching diaper bags because I wanted the perfect one. It had to be cute, durable, my style, and also dad-friendly. I ended up finding the perfect diaper bag and couldn’t wait to pack it full of diaper bag essentials.

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The Bag

I would really love to link the exact bag I have for you because I am in love with it. When I registered for it and received the bag it came in three colors: navy, green, and black. The brand, Maman, does have a backpack version of my bag available. Personally, I have never carried a backpack so I would not order a style like this, however, I can attest to the quality of the brand. You can take a peek at the bag I have here and add it to a list for if and when it comes back in stock.

Some of the things to look for in a good diaper bag is that is is durable, functional, and mom/dad friendly. When I was searching for a diaper bag I knew I wanted it to be cute for me but practical for Dave. I picked a bag that had handles and a shoulder strap. I looked for something that had lots of pockets and different sections to organize items. If and when I need to invest in another diaper bag I would get one in a similar style, which has all the same features of my current bag.

What’s in my Diaper Bag?

For Mom

• Water Bottle: Not everything in my bag is for Daniel. Yea, we share space inside for my things and his things but I have to carry it. My favorite water bottle currently is only 20oz so that it fits nicely in my bag and my stroller. Of course, I have it navy blue so that is matches all our things.
• Wallet: My wallet lives in my diaper bag now. I don’t go anywhere where I would need to only bring my wallet so that is where it stays. Before I was pregnant I would only carry my wallet (despite my affinity for bags). This is the best wallet I have ever owned. I love that it has a strap for if I ever just need to carry that around. It has the best slots, sections, and a pocket. It also comes in a ton of colors so if you’re like me and like to match you should be able to easily. Bonus: I don’t have a terrible time pulling out my ID when I’m carded (cause sometimes I still get carded OKAY).
• Hand Sanitizer: I have never touched so many sticky or wet things in my entire life. Babies are constantly wet and sometimes you’re changing them in a pinch. Pack the sani, you’ll be glad you did.
• Tissues, tampons, pads, etc.
• Keys, Sunglasses, snacks, etc.

For Baby

• Bag Organizers: Okay so even though my bag has a lot of pockets I still needed something to keep things organized inside. I have a cute set of canvas bags from Easy Baby Travelers. I also like these clear ones which are very similar. There are two in my diaper bag: one for changing and one for dressing.
• Changing Bag Organizer: Here’s what I keep in the bag in the bag:
  • My favorite OXO Portable Wipes container. We also have the big version in our nursery. I also have a whole pantry set of pop-up containers. They’re such a good brand and good investment all around.
  • Mini Aquaphor. This three pack is perfect for the diaper bag, the bath caddy, and other household changing caddies.
  • Diaper Disposal Bags & Holder. I keep this in the changing bag instead of clipping it on because I can just take the insert to the changing room instead of my whole bag.
  • Diapers (obvious, but I need to be thorough)

• Dressing Bag Organizer: Sounds obvious but here’s what is inside just in case:
  • Burp cloths. Danny is a spit-up volcano so I keep my favorite Burt’s Bees burp cloths in every corner of my house, car, and diaper bag. They’re seriously the best.
  • Bibs. Again, spit monster. I’ve got practical bibs(which are still cute) and cute bibs(which are still practical), depending on the occasion and the level of spit in the forecast.
  • An extra outfit (or two), depending on how long we will be out and where we are going. So glad I had an extra pair of pants for when Danny blew out his diaper right before sitting on Santa’s lap. Shoot, sometimes I throw an extra shirt in for me too.
  • Dirty clothes bag. I have to have somewhere to keep all the spit covered bibs and clothes.

• Changing Pad: Most bags come with their own changing pad, I know mine did. I do have a separate changing pad clutch for when we are on the go and I don’t want to carry my whole bag. I used this exclusively when we went to Disney World because I was not about to schlep a bag in addition to a stroller and car seat. It fits enough diapers, the wipes container, and aquaphor for the whole day.
• Toys: We never go anywhere without our Sophie teething toy. Sometimes I toss in the baby teething tube and a stuffed toy depending on where we’re headed.

What’s in your bag?

Even if I don’t need the diaper bag when I leave the house with the baby, I always at least toss it in the car. My diaper bag has all of the essentials we need just in case. What are your favorite essentials for your diaper bag?