Diaper Bag Essentials for Infants 0-12 months

If you’re a mom-to-be, you may not realize yet how important a diaper bag is. But, it literally will become your best friend. Once your baby comes, there is nowhere you can go without that diaper bag. It will become your new purse. You’re new baby requires constant care and you always want to be prepared. Keep reading for diaper bag essentials for infants.

Diaper Bag Essentials

A quick tip on packing a diaper bag is to pack it every night, so that if you need to dash out the door for any reason, you’re already prepared. This helps so much, because it seems like with a new baby running 30 minutes late is common. By always having this bag packed you can shave 10 minutes off that time!

1. Diapers

Pack 5-7 diapers for each day trip. This number of diapers lasts for up to 10 hours. Each baby is different, so you may or may not need this number of diapers. I’ve never run out of diapers on a day trip.

If you’re traveling a far distance from your home or will be gone for an extended period of time pack more diapers. I recommend putting several extra diapers in your car or bag. That way if you have an emergency or traffic jam, you’re still covered.

These Ditto diapers are so wonderful! I’ve tested about 10-12 diaper brands and this by far is the softest by far. They are also true to size. Diapers are sized by pounds. Often, my son sized out of diapers way before he reached the maximum size. These diapers fit the size stated!

2. Baby Wipes

Bring a pack of baby wipes along so that no matter what mess you have, clean up is easy. You don’t have to worry if you have enough wipes throughout the day. This is just a precaution. I’ve never used more than ten baby wipes while out on a day trip, however, with babies anything can happen. From diaper blow outs to spit up. If you don’t have room for a full pack of wipes in your diaper bag, use a small ziploc to hold about 25 wipes for travel. As long as you reseal, your wipes will not dry out. I recommend using them within two weeks.

These herbal wipes are my favorite. They are gentle and smell great.

3. Diaper Rash Ointment

Bring diaper rash ointment or cream, so you can apply after changing your baby’s diaper. Applying this will help prevent diaper rash by sealing out moisture and reducing friction. While A&D Ointment & Desitin Max Strength are my favorite, I recommend diaper rash spray for travel, because it’s easy to use and mess free!

4. Reusable Changing Pad

A changing pad is a must have, especially for infants. Those mustard-like diapers can be difficult to change and you don’t want that getting all over the place. Pack a changing pad to avoid any mess. It also helps to quickly make most surfaces into a clean and comfortable place to change your baby. You can’t imagine the amount of places that become a baby changing station when you’re away from home.

This is an oversized changing pad by J.L. Childress. I personally use this one because I like the bigger size, especially as your baby starts to move around more. This is a popular standard size pad Changing Mat by Ubbi.

5. Bib

During the first year baby’s spit up a lot and also eat very frequently. These help to catch some of the mess and keep your baby’s clothes dry and clean.

6. Burp Cloth

Just like the bib, this will help catch and clean up baby mess. A good burp cloth is soft and adsorbent.

7. Light Blanket

 It’s always good to have a blanket on hand. They aren’t just for chilly days. You may need it to cover your baby, block the sun or shield when breastfeeding. When your child gets older, they are also great crumb catchers. These blankets are so versatile! Disney muslin blankets  & Hip Hop Muslin Blankets are great choices!

8. Change of Clothes

A change of clothes is so important! As I mentioned above, diaper blow outs, leaks, spit-up and spills are very common. Without a spear outfit your baby may be left clothes-less in the case of one of these. Sometimes the mess is far too much to just wipe away. These neutral Carters sleep and plays make quick and easy emergency outfits. If you don’t use sleep and plays, make sure to also pack a spare pair of socks.

9. Bottles/Food

If you pump or feed your baby formula, make sure you pack enough for your trip. Calculate the time you expect to be gone with the amount of bottles. I recommending always bring an additional food, just in case. Sometimes we don’t predict correctly or take longer than expected to return home.

This can be prepared bottles or water and formula that you mix on the go. I always made my bottles at home. I carried a separate bag of only formula with freezer packs to make sure the bottles did not spill or spoil.

Don’t forget this portable bottle warmer by Tommee Tippee. I used this for several months and it was a life saver! It will stay hot for several hours if you use boiling water. It’s great on the go when you won’t have a way to warm your baby’s bottle.

10. Pacifier

If your baby uses a pacifier, this is a must for soothing your baby. I always clipped one on my son and packed a clean spare in this diaper bag, that way if something happened to it, I would still have it.

11. Baby Safety Kit

This kit by safety first is great to carry along in your diaper bag. It has all you need for your baby. It includes nasal aspirator, thermometer, nail clippers and hair grooming essentials.

12. Hand Sanitizer Wipes

Keep you’re baby germ free. Use these hand sanitizer wipes for your baby who wants to touch everything and then put their fingers in their mouth. Also remember to use them before handling your precious baby.

Optional Considerations

Pacifier Wipes by Dr. Talbots | Rattle by Mary Meyer | Soothers by Fisher Price

Nursing Cover by San Francisco Baby | Nursing Pads by Medela

Baby Sunscreen by Babyganics | Baby Bug Spray by Babyganics | Baby Sunhat with 50 UPF by Jan & Jul

Whatever you choose to pack in your baby’s diaper bag, just be mindful of their needs! In this case, less is not more. It is better to pack extra than to miss something you may need. I hope this article helped you in some way.

If you know any other useful items to carry in your diaper bag, please share with other readers in the comment section below.

Please click here to learn tips on doing your baby’s laundry.

Thanks for reading!