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Your diaper bag packing will change over time. With different ages come different needs. Not to mention it will be different once you have multiple children.
For now, we are focusing on a newborn to about 4 months or right before solids are introduced. This is what to pack for a baby that is on a formula or breast milk diet.
I’ve got to be honest I’m a breastfeeding momma, so I’m not an expert on what to pack for a formula-fed baby. I’ll break up the feeding portion into both methods for feeding your baby.
Let’s get in to what you need to pack in the diaper bag for a newborn!
The Basics to Pack
These are what you absolutely must-have. It goes without saying that you need to have your baby clothed. Babies, like all humans, need to use the restroom. And finally, your baby must eat. You need the basics to handle these situations.
Extra Clothing!!!
In the beginning blowouts and major spit-ups happen. They just do. Depending on how long you plan to be away from home you should pack one to two extra outfits. There were some days I packed three outfits if we were just having that kind of week.
Pro-Tip: Pack rompers or one-piece outfits.
Diapers
In the beginning, I would say about one diaper per hour you plan to be out. Sometimes right once you get that fresh diaper on a baby they immediately go again. As your baby gets older you typically need fewer diapers.
Wipes
My system for wipes is to use a travel pack of say about 50 wipes at home at first, then once it is half empty I put it in the diaper bag. This is because wipes can be heavy. However, you can buy smaller packages. Look at the price; typically they are not the greatest value based on price per wipe.
Bottles
I was a breastfeeding momma so I didn’t carry any of the below items, but if you are bottle feeding you must be prepared.
If it works for you I would suggest filling the bottle with water to the number of ounces you need before leaving home. This way you just have to add your scoops of formula.
If you are at a restaurant and need to feed your baby don’t be afraid to ask them for a half-filled glass of hot water. You can set the bottle in the glass to warm it up.
Water
I would suggest keeping an extra bottle of water in your diaper bag especially for long outings. You never know when you might not have water available. You may need it for yourself or to make a bottle. If this sounds like too much weight for you to lug around, maybe keep it in the trunk of your car as a back-up option.
Formula
If you buy a massive formula container use a smaller container for your diaper bag. There are plenty of types of formula containers. There are various bottles with a specific spot for formula too.
You want premeasured portions available to make bottles on the go. Also, make sure your container will not open! Can you imagine formula powder all over everything? Nobody has time for that.
Additions
Receiving Blanket
Receiving blankets are great for burping your baby. They are large enough to catch the mess.
They can also serve other purposes. They can be a floor blanket. They can be a surface to change a diaper on. In a pinch, they can be a small nursing cover. They can also be a small blanket to tuck your baby into the car seat.
If you are going through a particularly spitty phase I recommend packing two, otherwise one will do the job.
Swaddle Blanket
Swaddle blankets are just the bigger version of receiving blankets. They work for floor time, diaper changes, keeping baby warm, and as a nursing cover if needed.
Typically I kept one in the diaper bag. I never actually used these to swaddle my baby.
Pacifier
If your baby is a pacifier baby you will of course need to have pacifiers packed for an outing. I suggest having one that is their favorite for nap times on the go.
We also kept pacifiers for random situations where one might get lost or damaged that were not special to H. For example, if we went on a hike (and forgot a pacifier clip) we would use the random pacifier that we wouldn’t miss if it got lost.
Pacifier Clip
Clips are great for preventing falls onto dirty floors. We never used these at home. They primarily lived in the diaper bag for on the go.
Hand sanitizer
Because germs.
Nursing Cover
Just a personal preference.
If you are a nursing mamma that is more comfortable with a cover then make sure you’ve got it packed.
Small Trash Bags
Keep small plastic grocery store bags in one pocket. Two or three is a good number to have. These will come in handy for storing soiled clothes.
They can also be used to hold a dirty diaper if you don’t have an immediate place to dispose of it. If your baby has a stinky one you can bag it before trashing it too. For example, if you at a friend’s home.
That’s All Folks
This is a basic list. Of course, there will be things you want to add. But try not to go too crazy. Your diaper bag can get both heavy and messy quickly.
Also, some items may be seasonal. For the summer add a small bottle of sunscreen and a sun hat. For winter add a hat to keep your baby warm.
Over time you learn what you need and what you don’t. Look through your diaper bag periodically and take out items that never seem to be used. You don’t need to carry around that extra weight.
As your baby enters new phases you will also need to add more items, like toys. Look for an upcoming post on my What to Pack in Your Diaper Bag for Your Growing Baby.
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