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Diaper Bag Essentials for the Natural Mama
Remember when you could just grab your purse, run out of the house in a hurry and NOT feel like you just forgot everything you needed?! Me too, Mama, me too.
I also vaguely remember the days when I didn’t feel so overwhelmed every time I left the house – feeling like I was forgetting something we might need! These days I just remember what God tells us in Psalm142:3 that “When I am overwhelmed, You alone know the way I should turn.” (NLT) He’s got me (and my boys), so there’s no reason I need to be feeling like that – even in the smallest of ‘panic-mode’ moments – like leaving the house feeling like I’ve forgotten something we will need!
As a Mama who likes to plan and be prepared, I was all about knowing exactly what I needed to pack in our diaper bag for our first little guy. I looked at list after list and was finally able to settle on what I thought I would need.
Fast forward 20 months and the “essentials” have changed a bit for us. We now have a toddler (cue the tears because it happened so fast!) and another sweet little man to love on. I’m still a planner and prepper though, so I decided to help you out with a list of our non-toxic diaper bag essentials for a toddler and newborn.
Do I Really Need a Diaper Bag?
Short answer, yes Mama, a good diaper bag can be a lifesaver for many of us! As Joshua Bartlett, natural dad of 3, puts it “Modern diaper bags are designed to have a specific place for all baby-related stuff that you need to pack with you as well as personal items such as wallets, phones, and keys.”
Even for you, the most minimalist Mama, diaper bags can be a convenient piece of attire for you for the first couple of years of your sweet baby’s life. I know I don’t ever leave the house without it!
Diaper Bag Packing Tips
- Get a bag with an attached changing pad (you’ll thank me later when you’re in a store that doesn’t have a table *yikes*)
- Always use wet bags for dirty clothes / shoes / diapers /etc.
- Print out a checklist to review quickly before leaving the house
- Stock up on items like pacifier/wipes/diapers/diaper rash cream/etc. that can stay in the diaper bag at all times. This one is a lifesaver for me, Mama!
- Adjust your diaper bag needs for you and your baby. You’ll know what’s best for you and your littles after a few trips out!
- Find out how you like the bag organized and keep it that way so things are easy to find – don’t keep changing the pockets and the way you organize the bag.
Non-Toxic Diaper Bag Essentials
Diapering
BLOWOUT! Yep, they happen all the time. Welcome to motherhood, sister. Here are our favorite non-toxic diapering and changing items to keep in our bag at all times:
- Diapers (4-6 per child)
- Wipes (1 full pack)
- Changing Pad (our bag has one, so we don’t actually pack this)
- Diaper Rash Cream
- Change of clothes (2 outfits for each child)
- Wet Bag
Feeding
There is nothing like hearing the scream of a hungry child – no matter what age! Here are the feeding essentials for our bag:
- Burp Cloth
- Bottle & Formula (if using) *I used to prefill bottle with water before leaving the house, so I knew it was clean.*
- Sippy Cup
- Snacks for toddler
- Pacifier & Clip
Best Overall
Misc. Items
Whether it’s a hot summer day, or cold rainy night we want to be prepared for whatever! Right, Mama? Here are a few extra’s we like to keep in our bag:
- Thieves Hand Sanitizer
- Toys (car seat toys, small books, busy boards, rattles, etc.)
- Swaddling Blanket
- Rain Jackets (pretty much year round)
- Sunscreen / Sun hat (during spring/summer/fall)
Best for New Moms
For Mama
- Water / Drink
- Snack (Lactation Cookies ..yummy)
- Extra Shirt (if nursing)
- Nipple Cream (if nursing)
- Nursing Cover (if nursing) **I use our Milksnob Car Seat Cover that doubles as a nursing cover, so I don’t have to pack it in the bag**
- Nursing Pads (if nursing)
- Regular Pads (for those first few postpartum weeks)
- Sling or Carrier (I actually keep sling at home to use around the house and keep the carrier in the car for any outings – just on the list because it’s an essential for us!)
- Essential Oils (check out this post to see a few of my favorites for postpartum health)
- Wallet /Keys / Phone
Our Favorite Diaper Bags
- Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack
- Tactical Baby Gear
- Skip Hop Duo Signature
- Skip Hop Forma Travel Carry All
- Petunia Pickle Bottom Work & Play Backpack
Final Thoughts
There you have it, Mama! Your diaper bag essentials. It may seem like a lot at first, but after you pack it up a couple of times it won’t seem so overwhelming. And you’ll always feel more prepared for what may come during your day!
Between both of my boys (now 20 and 3 months), there hasn’t been a time I went out and didn’t use at least a handful of those items!
Praying this list helps take the guess work out of it for you and can prevent any panic mode moments while you’re out and about with your littles. <3
