Diaper Bag Must-Haves: What You Should Always Carry
- The Real Mom Diaries
- Mar 25
- 8 min read
Everything You Need for Stress-Free Outings with Baby
Be Ready for Anything!
Leaving the house with a baby feels like packing for a weekend getaway—except you’re just going to Target. 😅 Every mom knows that a well-stocked diaper bag is the key to avoiding messy disasters, unexpected blowouts, and hangry meltdowns.
After trial and error (and a few oh no, I forgot wipes! moments), I’ve put together the ultimate list of diaper bag essentials that will keep you prepared for anything!
1. A Stylish & Functional Diaper Bag
💡 Why you need it: A spacious, organized bag keeps everything in place.
A good diaper bag should be comfortable, roomy, and easy to clean. Look for one with:
✅ Plenty of pockets for organization
✅ Insulated bottle holders
✅ A lightweight, durable design
Mom Pick: Backpack-style diaper bags are a game-changer—hands-free convenience is everything! I have used and trusted the Qualyphant Extra Large Diaper Bag for almost 4 years strong (and counting)! You really can't go wrong with this one.
💡 Mom Tip: Choose one that dads will also be willing to carry (or get them their own "dad bag"!).
2. Diapers (Because, Obviously!)
💡 Why you need them: No explanation necessary!
A good rule of thumb: Pack at least one diaper for every two hours you’ll be out. If your baby is a newborn, maybe pack a few extra—because blowouts happen.
I'll be honest, I've tried just about every brand and type of diaper when I had my first. I learned very quickly which ones hold the most amount of liquid (and solids), which ones were most comfortable for my little babies to move around in, and which ones quite literally fell apart altogether during wear. The Huggies Little Snugglers brand has been the most reliable diaper I'll ever trust for my newborn. As they grow and get more mobile, the Huggies Little Movers is a wonderful graduation. It keeps the same leak protection, while ensure your baby's comfort the whole way through.
💡 Mom Tip: Store them in a zippered wet bag to keep them neat and protected.
3. Wipes (For Everything, Not Just Diapers!)
💡 Why you need them: Essential for diaper changes, messy hands, and sticky faces.
Baby wipes aren’t just for diaper changes—they clean spit-up, dirty hands, high chairs, shopping carts, and pretty much everything else.
Huggies Natural Care Sensitive Baby Wipes are my absolute go-to fir wipes that serve every purpose. I love these wipes because they're unscented, hypoallergenic, and 99% purified water - so I don't have to worry about any unnecessary ingredients like fragrances or chemicals being absorbed into my baby's delicate skin. With sensitive skin in mind, these wipes are accepted by the National Eczema Association, they're plant-based, and they're infused with Aloe and Vitaimin-E. They don't fall apart, and they're amazing for even the messiest diaper loads!
💡 Mom Tip: Keep a small pack in your car, purse, and stroller too—just in case!
4. Portable Changing Pad
💡 Why you need it: Turns any surface into a clean, comfy changing space.
Not all bathrooms have changing tables, and sometimes you’re stuck changing a diaper in the backseat. A waterproof, wipeable changing pad makes diaper duty easier anywhere.
The Pillani Portable Changing Pad is a massive favorite of mine. I used this handy little item on a number of cross-country trips (flying and driving), and it has been a huge lifesaver when you're in a pinch!
This compact and foldable diaper changing mat provides a clean and comfortable surface anywhere you go. One thing I loved the most was that this changing pad has a rapid-open buckle that allows you to effortlessly fold/unfold the changing mat single-handedly while holding your baby.
Another really cool perk is the 2 inner mesh pockets, front storage bag (key holder and outer pocket), and easy-access wipes holder. You can take just about anything you need on the go!
💡 Mom Tip: Look for one with a built-in wipes and diaper pocket for quick access!
5. Extra Outfit (or Two! Because Accidents Happen)
💡 Why you need it: Spit-ups, blowouts, and food spills are inevitable.
Always pack a backup outfit (or two!) for baby. If your little one is prone to messes, consider also bringing an extra shirt for yourself (trust me on this one).
The Peanutshell Baby Layette Set is a great option of packable clothing for you to add to your Diaper Bag Must-Haves.
Each piece is made from ultra-soft, 100% cotton. The sizes for this set range from Newborn to 9-Months. They are gentle on delicate skin. This design is not only made for comfort, it's got a gender neutral safari theme, so whether you have a little dude, or a cute princess, they're sure to look fitting on any baby and keep your little one cozy in fall, winter, spring, and summer.
💡 Mom Tip: Store spare clothes in a zippered wet bag to keep dirty clothes separate.
6. Bottles & Formula (or Breastfeeding Essentials)
💡 Why you need them: Babies get hangry fast.
🔗 Stackable Formula Containers: https://amzn.to/4hI9pHw
🔗 Milk Snob Nursing Cover: https://amzn.to/4iB1Aoj
🔗 Hakaa Manual Breast Pump: https://amzn.to/4l1yfVC
🔗 Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads: https://amzn.to/41YQFxC
If you’re formula-feeding, pack pre-measured formula in a dispenser and an extra bottle of water. The Accmor Formula Dispenser is made up of food grade premium PP material. It has a 5 layer design, so you can put quantity of baby formula on each layer, which makes it a very practical formula container for on the go.
It also can be used as snack cups and baby food containers, which makes it perfect for storing oatmeal, cornflour, nuts, candy, fruit and more food! It's a win, win!
If you’re breastfeeding, don’t forget:
✔️ A nursing cover (if you prefer privacy) Get the Original Milk Snob Cover: As seen on ABC’s Shark Tank, it's the original 5-in-1 cover
Get 360-degree Coverage While Breastfeeding in Public: Our unique design is thoughtfully created to give you and your baby a cozy, breathable and private space while feeding.
What I LOVE about the Milk Snob brand is whether you’re shopping for a baby girl, baby boy, or looking for gender neutral baby products, they have a colorful collection of cute, high-quality designs you can choose from!
✔️ A manual breast pump (for emergencies) The Haakaa Manual Breast Pump was one of my absolute favorites in the breastfeeding department. I honestly never found use for an automated breast pump because of this nifty little gadget!
The Haakaa hand breast pump accommodates different breast sizes. It's compact for easy storage and fits into most bags for home, work, and travel. You can quietly express breastmilk or catch letdown while nursing anytime, anywhere.
✔️ Breast pads (to avoid leaks!) Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads are by far one of the most absorbent brands I've ever used!
These pads feature a quilted honeycomb lining that enhances comfort, making the breastfeeding journey more pleasant. It also has an InvisiLock core to instantly capture and disperse moisture, keeping your skin and clothing dry, and providing peace of mind and confidence. This allows you to focus on your baby without worry. I used these during my ENTIRE breastfeeding journey with zero regrets.
💡 Mom Tip: If your baby takes pumped milk, bring a small insulated bag with an ice pack.
7. Pacifiers & Teething Toys
💡 Why you need them: Keeps baby soothed and entertained.
Pacifiers and teething toys can be lifesavers when baby gets fussy. Attach a pacifier clip to prevent it from constantly falling on the floor.
I gave my two little munchkins the Nanobebe Baby Pacifiers. Although my son wasn't a huge pacifier guy, the few times he did take it, he only preferred these. They're 100% silicone, so they provide that mom-like softness. The ergonomic shape curves comfortably around your baby’s face, nose and chin. What I love most is that the Nanobebe is recommended by pediatricians. It also adheres to the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for safe pacifiers, so you have that peace of mind, and it' BPA and Phthalate-free. One less thing to worry about as a mom!
💡 Mom Tip: Bring extra pacifiers, because they always get lost.
8. Snacks for Baby & You
💡 Why you need them: Hunger = instant meltdowns.
🔗 Once Upon a Farm Organic Baby Fruit & Veggie Puffs https://amzn.to/4hIoRU2
🔗 Once Upon a Farm Coconut Melts https://amzn.to/4hHIgnY
🔗 Elk and Friends Stainless Steel Cups https://amzn.to/4hKLDuv
If your baby is eating solids, pack easy, mess-free snacks like:
✔️ Puffs or teething crackers
✔️ A spill-proof snack cup
✔️ A sippy cup with water
As moms, we are ALWAYS worried about what's inside the food we give to our children. We worry about the ingredients, sugars, food dyes, and (of course) heavy metals. I did A TON of searching around before I finally found a brand that my toddlers LOVE, and I feel confident that they are getting the absolute best nutrition without the rest of the "unwanted's".
Enter the Once Upon a Farm Organic Baby Fruit & Veggie Puffs. These puffs have a very simple and clean ingredient list. They're made with avocado oil, yum! They're organic sorghum-based fruit & veggie puffs that come in a variety of delicious flavors. No rice, corn, or cassava here!
Then there's the Once Upon a Farm Organic Coconut Melts. My son LOVES these! They're made by the same company, so I can be confident in the quality, taste, and comfort in food that my children are consuming. It has NO added sugars, and they also include probiotics. What an awesome added bonus!
I also love these two snacks because they're SO easy to take with you on the go. The packaging is perfectly designed to throw into your take-along bag, or even a small purse! I like to fill my kids snack cups with these, and let them munch on them in the backseat during our car rides. They're not saucy, slimy, or meltable snacks, so cleanup is a complete breeze when my little ones drop one or two... or the whole cup!
Speaking of cups, what's better than a sippy cups that can double as a snack cup?!
These Elk and Friends Stainless Steel Cups are a huge win in my little family!
The Elk and Friends cups are made from premium stainless steel 304. I love that these cups are not only super easy to clean, but lots of fun with the bright/neutral colors. The extra bonus the lids are interchangeable for whether you want to fill it with a drink or a snack for your little one. All of the cups have straws with stoppers, which means no more toddlers pulling out their straws from our tumbler cups! I would highly suggest grabbing this set if you're looking for a quick 2-in-1 cup for your kiddos!
And don’t forget a snack for yourself—because a hungry mom is a cranky mom.
💡 Mom Tip: A bib and silicone placemat are handy for mealtime on the go!
9. Hand Sanitizer & Disinfecting Wipes
💡 Why you need them: Because public places = germs.
You’ll be touching everything—from public changing tables to sticky playground slides. Keep hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes in your bag for quick cleanups.
The Boogie Antibacterial Hand Wipes are definitely a must-have for your diaper bag!
I find these wipes effective at cleaning little hands pretty quickly, and I appreciate their travel-friendly size that fits in handbags and pockets. They are nice and soft, and they're gentle on sensitive skin, with added aloe keeping hands moisturized without drying them out. I also like the pleasant scent, so I would certainly consider them worth the price. Plus, having that extra peace of mind that we're lowering our risk of getting sick is a huge bonus!
💡 Mom Tip: Use disinfecting wipes for restaurant high chairs and grocery cart handles!
10. A First Aid Kit (Because Life is Unpredictable)
💡 Why you need it: Be ready for minor scrapes, cuts, or fevers.
A small first aid kit with band-aids, baby Tylenol, nail clippers, and a thermometer can be a lifesaver.
The KeepGoing Home First Aid Kit for Kids is a great option to keep in your Diaper Bag. It comes in two different sizes, so you could even get a larger one to keep in your car if you want!
This first aid kit has 270 pieces of essential first aid supplies for every ouchie. From burn relief to bandages, you’ll be ready for anything.
💡 Mom Tip: Toss in some sunscreen and bug spray if you’ll be outdoors.
Final Thoughts: Pack Smart & Stay Prepared
A well-packed diaper bag = fewer stressful moments and more fun, worry-free outings with your little one. With these must-haves, you’ll be ready for anything—whether it’s a quick grocery run or a full-day adventure.
💬 What’s your #1 diaper bag essential? Drop your must-have item in the comments!
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