Life with toddlers is an exciting journey, so be sure to pack these diaper bag essentials for your next adventure!
You can never be too prepared.
I remember, when Leo was first born, I would try to fit everything into my diaper bag – and then some. As we transitioned into the toddler years, I learned exactly what our family’s diaper bag essentials were; helping me from overpacking and, most importantly, avoiding any, “Oh-we-should-have-brought-those!” moments.
I would like to think that my diaper bag checklist has been refined in over the last two years, so I wanted to share what we take along with us when we’re on-the-go. Of course, packing for a toddler is much simpler than getting ready with a newborn. Diaper bag checklists have to adjust according to the baby’s age and their primary needs.
Before I list out our diaper bag essentials, I think the best concept for being diaper-bag-ready is following the “grab and go” rule. The items I keep in our diaper bag are solely for the diaper bag, so plan accordingly. I highly recommend purchasing that extra hat, shirt, bottle/sippy cup, etc. to avoid taking things in and out of it. The only things I refill are diapers and take out any food items (ie.: bottles and sippy cups) if they need cleaning.
Curious to know what’s in my diaper bag? The list isn’t too sophisticated, but these items are the essentials that ensure we are ready for all of our adventures:
Our Family’s Diaper Bag Essentials
Hat or Toque
Depending on the season, we will choose to leave either a baseball cap or a winter hat in our bag, even if my little guy is already wearing one. This should be one of the items you have “extra” of, that’s dedicated solely for your diaper bag.
Extra Change of Clothes
Speaking of that spare hat, we also always pack a t-shirt and bottoms because, you know… toddlers are toddlers! Of course, if you end up using the spare clothing items, be sure to replace them in your diaper bag as soon as you get home.
Sippy Cup or Bottle
Staying hydrated is key for anybody – no matter how old you are! We always have a bottle or sippy cup on-hand. This also makes it easy when we dine out as a family and the restaurant doesn’t provide kid-friendly cups.
Our UPPAbaby Changing Backpack comes with an insulated bottle case that’s easy to clean. We just slip our bottle right in, which makes it so much easier to find in the bag!
Diaper Duty
Whether your toddler is potty trained or not, diapers/training pants are vital to have in your bag. I use a separate case for wipes and our trusty backpack by UPPAbaby comes with its own changing pad. Be sure to double check if diapers or wipes need refilling so that you’re always ready to go!
Snacks
Some notable snacks include: raisins, granola bars and cheese crackers. Just like diapers and wipes, be sure to always check if snacks need refilling/replacing (ie.: whether they’ve passed their best before date, packaging is ripped, etc.)
Hand Sanitizer
Alrighty, so this one is meant more for me. Messes happen and, while I rely on wipes to get the little one clean, sometimes hand sanitizer is a must if I’m dealing with things that are plagued with germs. (Poop explosion, anyone?)
Your Toddler’s Toy of the “Moment”
I try not to overload our diaper bag with too many of them, but a good toy or two can help every once in a while. Just as I rotate activities at home, I also tend to rotate the small toys I put into our changing backpack.
Sunscreen
It’s always better to be safe! I pack a kid-friendly sunscreen for my little one and a regular one for the rest of the fam.
It’s All in the Bag!
Of course, the type of diaper bag you pack is at the core of it all! I’m a huge sucker for accessories so I’ve run into a few diaper bags in my years as a new mom.
To date, I’ve been most impressed with my UPPAbaby Changing Backpack. It’s lightweight and never feels overfilled. Plus, its multiple compartments help me stay organized. I know exactly where everything is – which is key when you’re in a rush and need something right away.
The material used to make the UPPAbaby Changing Backpack is water-resistant. I’m in awe of its durability and ease of use. I can also clean it with a simple wipe. The bag comes with stroller straps, so I can just clip it onto my UPPAbaby MINU stroller, allowing me to save room in its already spacious basket.
I hope my diaper bag essentials will inspire you to approach packing for a toddler with some minimalism. To sum it all up:
Things to Pack in Your Diaper Bag
• Extra hat
• Extra change of clothes
• Sippy cup or bottle
• Diapers and wipes
• Changing pad
• Snacks
• Hand sanitizer
• 1 or 2 small toys
• Hand sanitizer
• Sunscreen for the whole family
What are the items you can’t leave home without?
Amber Myers says
You have a great list here! My kids are older, but I remember having these when they were small. I always had to have their sippy cup!
Sarah Bailey says
These sound like some great must haves for you let toddler nappy bag! I wouldn’t have an idea where to start so this is great to know if I’m spending time with friends and need to lend a helping hand.
Tasheena says
Though I don’t have smaller children. I have to keep this list in mind for my nieces and nephews.
Marcie Wahrer says
Great suggestions! I always made sure to carry an extra change of clothes for the kids in my diaper bag – and then kept a spare outfit in the car for myself. You just never know!
Shelly Dixon says
With toddlers, it’s definitely better to be overprepared than not prepared! I always stock my bag with an extra change of clothes, even with my 5 yr old as accidents happen.
Paula Schuck says
That is an adorable diaper backpack. Mine was years ago but it was so ugly by comparison. I could definitely see this being useful.
Denay DeGuzman says
What a stylish diaper bag! I love all of these great essentials for on the go with little ones.
Ruth I says
Yes to all these! The bag should always be checked before leaving the house. I remember my sister forgot to bring some diapers so we had to stop on a store to buy.
Kathy says
These are certainly some great essentials. I remember packing a lot when my kids were little. You never want to forget anything when it comes to little ones.
Kelli A says
When my kids were babies I never could find the perfect bag, I always ended up using a large purse I had lol These diaper bag, backpacks are genius!
Rena says
My grandkids just turned five years old last week and I still pack a bag whenever we go anywhere.
Brandy says
OH yes so many diaper bag essentials that moms of toddlers need to have. I remember those days, I wasn’t always prepared well with the toddlers back in the day, now I’m doing the 1 preteen and 2 teen days, which are “kinda” like toddler days. Glad you shared a resource with what parents need to have in their diaper bags.
Fatima Torres says
This is a pretty handy diaper bag to travel with. I like that it’s got a neutral color.
Marysa says
All about being prepared! The baby and toddler days were tough. I always had so much STUFF with me! From snacks to toys and supplies for cleanups. Great list, it brings me back to when my kids were little!
Melanie says
You definitely learn quickly as a parent! This list sounds like a great list to make sure you’re prepared without being weighed down. One thing I picked up was having a few extra supplies in the car too. The secondary stash has saved me on occasion.
Swathi says
This is really cool diaper bag. When my kids are younger I have huge ones. That everybody knows that it is diaper bag.
Hannah says
Sky flakes is a MUST for us!