New Parent Diaper Bag Checklist: Preparing For Baby

Happy Fri-YAY, everyone!!! One of the things I have been most excited about when it comes to baby gear and baby accessories has been the diaper bag.  I’ve always wanted something really cute and really easy to work with, something that is fully functional as a diaper bag and easily accessible, but also attractive and chic as a bag so that it doesn’t look bulky or out of place. I also wanted something that could be held as a bag AND as backpack so that no matter what was easiest for my at the time, I’d be able to carry it comfortably. That was a pretty tall order – but I think I’ve found one bag that totally does it all. That’s where my Lily Jade bag comes in. SO. I’ve used the collective brain of my friends, family and YOU guys to put this checklist together (just like I did with my baby registry post) – so I feel super good about packing my diaper bag using this list. Let’s dive into this.

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New Parent Diaper Bag Checklist: Preparing For Baby

This post is sponsored by Lily-Jade Diaper Bags. All opinions are mine and mine alone.

MUST-HAVE ITEMS:

Diapers – obviously. This is a no-brainer. Pack diapers. A good rule of thumb a reader sent in was one diaper for every hour you plan on being away from the house! That makes SO much sense – so we plan on adopting that rule when baby is born.

Wipes – right along side of diapers, this is a no-brainer, too. You will be doing diaper changes on the go, so being prepared is key. A small little pouch of wipes doesn’t take up a ton of space in the diaper bag which is super nice and it’s a key product.

Burp Cloths – this is important if you plan on feeding while you are out and about! Catching spit up, wiping little baby faces, dabbing your own clothes when ultimately some of that spit up gets on you…. they are great to have. Keep one or two little ones in the bag tucked away! 

Plastic Bags – Because you don’t always have somewhere to immediately throw away a dirty diaper and you don’t want poop getting all over your diaper bag, amiright? SEVERAL of you responded to my IG story asking about diaper bag must-haves with this little gem. I honestly had never even thought of it before but it makes perfect sense. You can throw in dirty clothes, diapers, wipes, etc. until you can get to a trash can!

Pacifier – I’ve been told never to leave home without this if my baby is a pacifier kind of kid. Keep one or two backups in the diaper bag just in case one falls on the floor or gets flung out of your grocery cart without your knowledge. That way, you are covered and there will be less screaming involved for both child and parent. 😉

Hand Sanitizer – Just in case something UNsanitary manages to make its way onto your hands…or arms…or other exposed body parts. I never even thought of this but it’s SO smart!

Sunscreen – Again – if my kid is anything like my husband and I, they are going to be pale. V Caucasian. We are super prone to sunburns, so I don’t think our baby is going to be anything different. Even if it’s just a little bit on their sweet face!

Diaper Cream – Who wants to be uncomfortable with a rash on their bum? Not me, so I don’t expect my little kiddo to be either. This was a must-have item from a close friend of mine, so I fully trust her opinion. Apparently, don’t go anywhere without this. *BONUS: I’ve heard from a few people that the spray diaper cream is even better than a tube. Faster and less messy application!

Small Blanket – This is another no-brainer one. It’s great for when they need something to snuggle onto in the car, in the carseat or stroller, etc. I was a blanket kid for sure, so I can see how this would be a comfort.

Diaper Change Pad – This comes with my awesome new diaper bag, and has it’s own little changing pad automatically inside. It’s great because you never know when or where you’ll need to change them, and you can’t guarantee you’ll have somewhere sanitary to change you sweet little one.

GOOD TO HAVE ITEMS:

Back Up Outfit – Ok, so this isn’t necessarily a MUST HAVE but it is something to consider. Blow outs happen, vomit happens, spit up happens, milk spills…etc, etc, etc. It’s always a good idea I’ve heard to keep at least one spare change of clothes in the diaper bag in case the worst happens and you need a fresh outfit. *remember to change this outfit when they grow out of their clothes or they may end up in clothes too small for them! ANOTHER NOTE: A follower on instagram mentioned to make sure you pack extra socks, too, because blowouts don’t just affect their clothes. LOL.

Books or Small Toys – If you’ve got a little one who needs to be entertained, now is the time to keep some toys and books handy in case they need something to occupy their time!!

Teether – Even if your baby isn’t teething yet, it can be really great for them to have something to chew on or play with while you are out. 

Bottle of Water – This one is for you, mama! Stay hydrated! While this is important ALL the time, it can be especially important if you are nursing and can help keep your supply ready for that sweet, hungry baby.

Snacks for Mom + Baby – If baby is eating solids, snacks all the way! But regardless – at least pack a granola bar for yourself. Several of you mentioned how important it was to stay fed especially while breastfeeding.

Band Aids – Sometimes things happen and having basic first aid materials handy is another really good one to have on hand if you’ve got the space!

Stain Remover Pen – So you don’t have to constantly keep a change of clothes for yourself on hand at all times!

Gum or Mints – This one made me laugh. One of your guys messaged me and said “GUM! There were days I couldn’t remember if I had brushed my teeth or not!” and that I think it motherhood in a nutshell.

NOW….a little bit about the diaper bag of the hour:

Quality: A+

This diaper bag feels SO soft – it’s full grain leather, has metal feet so the bottom doesn’t get scratched, PLENTY of pockets for all of the above-mentioned items, and a super handy inner organizer. You can tell based on the material how well made it is, and how much care goes into creating each and every bag. The inner lining is plush and soft (unlike other rough nylon interiors). It is built to last more than just 1 child – this bag will stand the test of time. 

Size: A+

The size is honestly SO perfect. It isn’t too small, and the top is wide enough that I know I won’t be digging around forever to find what I need to inside the bag. I had when purses/diaper bags have such small top enclosures that you have to practically use a flashlight digging around to find what you need for the baby (or you). There is enough space for me to fit everything I need inside, as well as my wallet, phone and keys so I don’t have to bring an extra bag on top of my diaper bag out and about. The inner organizer is a God-send because it really helps make sure everything has an exact right spot to go in.

Looks: A+

It’s so. dang. chic. I don’t feel frumpy or “mom-ish” carrying this diaper bag around. I would use it as a regular tote bag if it wasn’t full of diapers and wipes. It’s got a great color and look to it, it’s completely on trend and stylish, and can easily transition from a tote bag into a backpack, so I’m never struggling to take it from place to place. The stitching and pockets are added for beauty and functionality. The tassel is double sided, and the jade stone is individually selected for each bag. Even the pockets inside are lined with the same leather as on the outside. 

PIN THIS FOR LATER:

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I hope that this checklist helps you make sure you NEVER forget the essentials when you are taking your kiddo out. There are so many things to worry about as a parent that forgetting something in the diaper bag just shouldn’t be one of them. Another tip I’ve heard from lots of veteran parents is to make sure that you keep a spare diaper bag full in the car because inevitably, one of you is going to forget it at one time or another and then you are going to be in a bind. Save the trouble and just keep an extra on hand!

THANK YOU for everyone who sent in the tips + tricks used to compile this blog post. It’s SO helpful to get first hand experience from other mama’s for things like this to help get me and everyone else who is about to be a first time parent prepared ahead of time. 🙂

Do you have any tips for first time parents when it comes to diaper bags?! Let me know in the comments below – I can use all the prep I can get. 🙂