Diaper bag essentials

Wondering how to fit everything into your diaper bag? SheKnows what you need to bring — and what to leave at home. Check out these diaper bag essentials.

Gone are the days where you could grab your keys and purse and then you're out the door! Once you have a child, any time you venture outside the house it becomes a big event. It requires preparation, planning and a well-packed diaper bag. Here’s what you need to achieve just that:

This is one you can’t leave home without! No parent should forget the diapers when packing a “diaper” bag. The question is how many? The number can vary depending on the events of the day and the age of your child, but five diapers is a safe number. Five might leave you with some extras, but in case of an emergency, you’re all covered.

Carry a small container of wipes, and you’ll always be prepared to handle any messes. They’re perfect for cleaning bottoms and they can also be used to wipe your little one's hands and face when they get into a sticky situation! They’re also easily accessible when you need to clean up a random stain or spill.

Always have with you a bag that you can dispose dirty diapers and wipes into. You never know how close a trashcan will be after an emergency changing, so a waste bag can contain soiled items until you get an opportunity to throw them out. Ziploc bags are a good choice. You can close them up to keep odors locked in.

Pacifiers are a diaper bag essential because they soothe and comfort babies. Take three with you because one is bound to end up on the ground. Binkies are light and take up little space, so carrying three won’t add any weight to your diaper bag.

You’re constantly thinking about your little one while packing a diaper bag, but don’t forget to think about yourself too. Throughout the day there are going to be a few messes and your outfit may end up in the line of fire. Pack a change of clothes so that you won’t have to spend the rest of the day modeling your child’s little “accident!“

More on diaper bags

Trendy diaper bags for moms
5 Fabulous bags for moms of toddlers
Organizing and cleaning out your diaper bag