Diaper Bag Essentials for Going Out with Baby

Leaving home with a baby can feel like you’re bringing the whole house with you. Let’s face it; it’s probably darn near close. To help you best stay prepared for an outing with your baby, we’ve compiled a diaper bag checklist for newborns and toddlers. This blog will focus on the diaper bag essentials and products that will best keep you prepared for a more seamless outing—without having to bring everything you own.

Diaper Bag Checklist

Are diaper bags necessary? Do I need a diaper bag?
Diaper bag checklist for newborn
Diaper bag for breastfeeding moms
Diaper bag for bottle-feeding moms
Diaper bag checklist for newborn and toddler
Diaper bag organization
Best minimal diaper bag organization: packing the bare minimum
Diaper bag extras for the extra prepared mom & dad

Are diaper bags necessary? Do I need a diaper bag?

Diaper bags are unquestionably an item every parent will want to have in some form for leaving the house with a baby or toddler. Diaper bags can come in various forms and sizes that can be ideal for different ages and outings with your little one. For a practical and stylish diaper bag, order the Totebaby: it comes with an organizer, divider pocket, and a fold-up changing pad. The Totebaby features and accessories are also removable, so you can always pack exactly what you need. Even if you don’t plan to take a lot along with you, there are usually at least a few diaper bag essentials you’ll need to have. We’ll talk more about packing all the essentials and how to just bring the bare minimum.

Diaper bag checklist for newborn

Diaper bag contents for a newborn may look a little different for mothers who are breastfeeding versus mothers who are bottle-feeding. Here’s a diaper bag checklist for newborns and what might be different for breastfed vs bottle-fed:

Diapers: Newborns will need more diapers, so pack along enough to change every 1-2 hours. It never hurts to keep some extras in the car!
Wipes: From wiping tushies to wiping hands, you won’t want to go without the wipes.
Changing Pad: Because you never know when and where you will need to change a diaper. Tushbaby’s foldable changing pad gives you no excuse to leave home without a changing pad, since this one can fit in your back pocket.
Pacifier: Pacifiers are a lifesaver. But, storing them in your diaper bag can make them hard to locate and leave them dirty. Tushbaby’s Paci Pod is a safe storage pouch that can hang on your Totebaby, Tushbaby, stroller or any other place that makes your baby’s pacifiers easily accessible.

Diaper bag for breastfeeding moms

For breastfeeding moms, a diaper bag may include tools to make breastfeeding in public a more enjoyable experience. This can include a nursing blanket and your Tushbaby carrier to use as nursing support.

Read our blog on ‘How to Nurse a Baby in Public’ to become a pro at nursing when you’re on the go.

Diaper bag for bottle-feeding moms

Prepping and packing a diaper bag for your bottle-fed baby will just take a bit of extra thought and preparation. How much formula to bring along should be calculated before you go based on the length of time you plan to be gone. This can be done by pre-measuring into bottles or bringing a few empty bottles and the formula container along.

Formula prepping tips:

Once a bottle is prepared, it’s recommended that it’s safe to consume within two hours. If you’re just taking a quick trip, you may be able to prep your bottle fully ahead of time.

It’s never a bad idea to bring your own water along. Especially if you are unsure what water sources will be available, it never hurts to bring along your own fresh water bottle.

Diaper bag checklist for newborn and toddler

As we have reviewed the diaper bag essentials for newborns above, you may be wondering what changes when you have a toddler. Aside from the usual diapers, wipes, and extra clothes, here are some things you may want to consider bringing along for your toddler-aged little one:

Toys: Taking your toddler to a wedding? Be sure to pack their favorite (and quiet) toys along to keep them entertained and occupied!
Snacks: Your tot is likely starting to snack on solid foods. Bring along their favorite snacks to help ensure a full stomach and lots of energy for all the adventures to be had.
Carrier: While it may not fit in your diaper bag, you should consider bringing along a carrier. A hip seat carrier can be the perfect option as your baby grows. Carriers help keep your baby close and content while protecting your body. And wouldn’t you know it, one of the best-selling carriers on the market is Tushbaby’s hip seat carrier.

Diaper bag organization

Keeping organized will help ensure that you’re always stocked with your necessities and will save you the struggles of digging through diaper bags. Trust us when we say it, you don’t want to have to dig for something you need when your kid is getting fussy, or worse, having a tantrum. Here’s where having the Totebaby by your side will be key:

Bag Organizer: The Totebaby comes fully equipped to help you stay organized. Its removable organizer, super slim fold-up changing pad, and divider pocket are the keys to keeping your diaper bag essentials organized.
Paci Pod: Storing your Paci in its own chic container will help keep your baby’s paci clean and ready for use.
Changing Pad: Tushbaby’s Changing Pad is included with your Totebaby. Its small and compact design allows it to be folded up into your pocket, stored in your Tushbaby carrier, or stowed in your diaper bag.

Best minimal diaper bag organization: packing the bare minimum

If your outing requires you to pack light or you’re looking to carry the bare minimum, you’ll need to know how to pack light. Some great diaper bag options for keeping it light include the Tushbaby hip seat carrier and The Pack. The Tushbaby carrier is a great two-for-one option for the trips you know you’ll be holding your baby a lot.

The Pack is a great option that can be worn across your chest, back, or around your waist. With these two great minimal diaper bag options, the multiple pockets can help you stay organized while packing just the necessities. Pack along your diapers and wipes, keeping it light and keeping it comfortable.

Diaper bag extras for the extra prepared mom & dad

Aside from the necessities, having some extras can help you feel even more prepared and ready to enjoy some time out of the house with your family.

Pack along a carrier: If you have a baby that likes to be held a lot, your arms and back may start to feel strain throughout the day. By packing along your Tushbaby carrier, you can be ready for any clingy moments with your baby, and make them even more special by relieving the weight from your arms and back. With your Tushbaby carrier, no outing will need to be cut short due to the discomfort of arm and back pain from carrying your baby. Best of all, the Tushbaby fits right inside your Totebaby diaper bag!

Paci Pod: It’s time to stop searching the diaper bag for your baby’s pacifier. Keep your pacifier handy and clean in this chic-looking pacifier pouch.

Portable Diaper Changing Pad: Tushbaby’s vegan leather portable diaper Changing Pad is the most convenient way to ensure you’re ready when sh*t gets real, no matter the accommodations.

With lots to explore with your baby, being prepared will help ensure a more positive and seamless experience for you both!

Shop diaper bag essential today at Tushbaby!