Whether you’re a new mom or a seasoned mom, there will be plenty of times that you realize you forgot to pack something, and now you’re in tow with a naked little newborn or using wet paper towels to clean your babe’s bottom.
In order to prepare for those high-maintenance babes, I created a list of some of the must-have newborn diaper bag essentials.
Diapers: Plan to pack a minimum of 1 diaper per hour that you plan to be out plus a few extras!
Wipes: Always make sure you have a pack of wipes. If you plan to use a smaller wipes travel case, always make sure it’s restocked before heading out. And then leave a pack of wipes in the car, because you can never have enough!
Changing pad: Literally transforms any surface into a changing table!
Change of clothes (to include socks!): Babies are unpredictable and you are almost guaranteed that your babe will have a blow-out at the most inconvenient time. I once took my son into my OB appointment wearing nothing but a diaper because I was already there and failed to have an extra change of clothes on hand. Oops.
Extra shirt for mom: You know, in case you leak through your shirt or your babe vomits on you. Oh and there’s always the possibility of having a blowout while you’re holding him/her. Save yourself.
Hand Sanitizer: You won’t always have access to a bathroom to change your babe’s diaper. So having some hand sanitizer on hand, is great for cleaning your hands afterward.
Disinfecting Wipes: Let’s face it, those changing tables in bathrooms are super duper gross, so I always wipe them down first. Then I lay my babe down to change on our reusable changing pad.
Wet Dry Bags (or plastic bags): Always have this on hand for those yucky blow-out clothing or the stuff that’s been vomited on.
Pacifier: If your babe is into pacifiers, always have at least 2 on hand!
Blanket: To act as a nursing cover, a burp cloth, or simply a spare for the one that got soiled already.
If you’re nursing, pack in some extra breast pads in case you leak through. You’ll also want to have a cover on hand for those public feedings. And nothing against you if you choose not to cover in public!
For formula-fed babies, have a few clean bottles and nipples. And DO NOT FORGET to pack the formula!
Here’s to hoping that you’re prepared for your outings with that new babe of yours!