What’s in My Diaper Bag: The Realistic Mom Edition
Diaper bags can get out of hand fast. At one point, mine looked like I had packed for a camping trip in the wilderness—just to go to Target. Now that I’ve got my rhythm, I’ve narrowed it down to the essentials that actually matter. This post is a peek inside my diaper bag: what I carry, what I leave behind, and the items I always regret forgetting.
Whether you’re prepping your bag for the first time or need to simplify, I hope this little list helps you feel more calm and less chaos.
Diaper Essentials
These are my must-haves that never leave the bag:
Diapers (4–6): Depending on how long we’ll be out, but I make sure I have at least one for every hour. I keep them packed and rotate regularly.
Wipes: I always pack more than I think I’ll need—because life happens. You can use them for so many things!
Changing pad: Most diaper bags come with one, but a portable one is great for on-the-go changes when you don’t want to put your baby directly on the surface.
Diaper cream: I have a mini version of my favorite to keep in the bag.
Wet bag: For blowout clothes or unexpected messes, you can always use a gallon-size ziplock instead.
2 extra outfits: If the weather is consistent, I’ll pack outfits similar to what he’s currently wearing/what I’m wearing. If it’s not, I like to pack one long sleeve/pant outfit and a short sleeve/short outfit. Keep in mind I live in California so if your weather is always cold or hot, pack for that!
2 burp cloths: The unsung hero of baby gear. If your baby spits up like mine, you’ll want to bring more than one.
Feeding On-the-Go
This depends on your feeding method, but as of right now we are exclusively formula feeding and this is what I carry for my baby:
Bottle(s): I like to either pre-measure the water in them and leave the formula separate, or keep both the water and formula separate for a fresh bottle. More on that.
Water: You can either pre measure it in your bottles, bring a water bottle, or (my personal favorite because I have a picky baby) is to bring it in a portable bottle warmer so I can make a warm, fresh bottle but you do not have to be this extra!*
Travel-Friendly Formula Dispenser: I use this all the time! It has 3 separate sections inside to pre-measure formula so you don’t have to scoop later when you want a fresh bottle!
Nursing cover: If you’re nursing and prefer coverage.
2 bibs: I prefer soft cloth ones that roll up easily for on-the-go.
Snack for mom: Because hangry parenting is a thing.
Baby Comfort & Entertainment
I don’t overpack here—just enough to keep baby calm and comfy:
Pacifier(s): Plus a clip so I’m not playing fetch every 3 minutes.
Lightweight blanket: Sometimes it gets a little chilly and I can wrap him in this while holding him.
Toy(s): Bring whatever your baby is loving at the time, sometimes I have 1 teether and other times I have 10 rattles and teethers because I don’t know what he’ll want, I prefer to not have a meltdown over bringing less. Check out my favorites here.
Book: I like to bring something soft or sensory especially if we’re going to be out longer.
Socks & hat: Just in case the weather turns.
For Me
Because moms have things they need too!
Wallet + phone + keys
Lip balm
Hair tie or claw clip
AirPods Pro
Water bottle
Final Thoughts
The best diaper bag is one that works for you. It doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect—it just has to be functional and make you feel prepared (not panicked). I’ve learned over time that less really is more, and having the basics packed well gives me way more mental space when we head out the door.
What’s in your diaper bag right now? Drop a comment or share your favorite must-have item—I’m always up for finding a new mom hack.
*Currently out of stock but this looks like a very similar version!
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