Diaper bag essentials for baby on the go

A diaper bag is key to carry diapers, wipes, breastmilk or formula, changing clothes and more. This pages gives you an overview over the essentials and other useful things for baby on the go.

Diaper bag

A diaper bag should have sufficient space to fit all the items you’ll need on the go and be easy to carry. This backpack-style diaper bag also has 2 insulated compartments for breastmilk bottles.

Portable changing pad

Most diaper bags come with a small changing pad. We suggest buying one that is wider so that babies arms don’t touch dirty stuff on changing tables. This one also has a little pocket for diapers and wipes.

Diapers

Diapers are a must have of course. These ones from Pampers in size Newborn have a cutout for the umbilical cord. Don’t overbuy though since you’ll soon need a bigger size.

Wipes

Wipes are necessary to wipe baby’s butt after a poop. Many wipes contain chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin, causing a diaper rash. Consider natural wipes that have no chemicals.

Diaper rash cream

Zinc oxide cream acts as a physical barrier between your baby’s skin and the wet diaper. The amount of zinc oxide varies from 10% to 40%. We recommend one with 40% zinc oxide like this one.

Healing ointment

In contrast to zinc oxide cream, a petrolatum healing ointment nourishes baby’s skin to help it heal, but doesn’t create a physical barrier for a diaper rash. It’ll be very useful to treat baby’s dry or chapped skin.

Nursing cover

If you’re breastfeeding, a nursing cover can provide you privacy while feeding. It can also be used to throw over your car seat or stroller to protect baby from the sun or bright lights.

Bottles for pumped breastmilk or formula

If you’re feeding your little one pumped breastmilk or baby formula, you’ll need to a place to store the bottles with breastmilk or formula.

Baby formula

If you’re feeding formula, it is easiest to have ready to feed formula. Otherwise, you’ll need to have the supplies to mix powder formula and water, which can be trick while you’re out and about.

Burp cloths

You’ll need a few burp clothes – not just for burping your baby but for wiping drool and cleaning spit ups. You’ll want at least 2-3 burp clothes to ensure you always have a clean one.

Bibs

Bibs are great to catch any breastmilk or formula that runs down baby’s mouth, or to catch drool when baby gets a little bit older. Some are round shaped, others mimic a bandana like this one.

Set of changing clothes

In case of a diaper blow out or other mess, it is best to have at least one extra set of changing clothes of what baby is wearing. Depending on the weather that can be just a onesie, or much more.

Pacifier

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends offering a pacifier to baby at naptime and bedtime once breastfeeding is established. If you’re using a pacifier with your baby, keep one in your diaper bag.

Pacifier case

If you’re bringing a pacifier in your diaper bag, we highly recommend storing it in a pacifier case that is easy to sanitize so it is clean when you give it to your baby.

Pacifier clip

A pacifier clip helps keep pacifiers and teethers from falling on the ground. The strap is made of polyester fabric, washable, and BPA free. It attaches to the small hole in pacifiers or teethers.

Sun hat

A sun hat is must have during the summer to keep baby’s head protected from the sun when walking outside. This one has UPF 50+, and protects the neck with an extra long fabric piece.

Sunscreen

The CDC recommends keeping babies out of midday sun until 6 months of age. After that, make sure to apply an SPF 50 mineral sunscreen before baby goes into the sun, and reapply at least every two hours.

Blanket

A blanket can help you provide extra shade for your baby, or add extra warmth when the weather suddenly changes. This one is great during the summer months.

Front carrier

When you carry baby for longer than a few minutes, a baby front carrier is very useful and frees up your hands. For babies, we recommend one that is specifically designed for newborns like this one.

Sling

A baby sling is allows you more positions for baby than a front carrier, but take some practice since you need to tie it around your body yourself. This one from Baby K’tan is relatively easy to use.

First aid kit

If you don’t already have one, consider buying a first aid kit that has everything you need. You can also make a kit yourself – the Red Cross lists items that should be part of a First Aid Kit here.

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