What’s in My Diaper Bag as a New Mom

A few sweet moms-to-be have mentioned how helpful my new mom posts have been, so I thought I would share what is in my diaper bag. These are the things I try to keep in our diaper bag at all times so I’m always prepared to leave the house. The items do change based on how long we will be out or where we are going. Things on my list that have a * are my top recommendations that have saved my life on occasion. Please enjoy learning What’s in My Diaper Bag as a New Mom.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you decide to purchase any of these resources, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

The Basics

Diapers

My favorite brand is Honest, though when Ronia was in the hospital for her kidney infection we used Pampers and they were great as well. I try and pack 5 or more diapers if I know I will be out for a long time that day, because with babies you just never know.

Wipes

Again, Honest brand is my go-to. I also try and switch out the wipes pack when its about half empty, because I like a full pack of wipes in our bag. Then I use the half-pack in the nursery.

Alcohol wipes

Honest has these wonderful alcohol wipes that I like to pack to sterilize toys as needed, wipe down the diaper changing pad or stroller, etc. I keep them separate from the wipes so we don’t accidentally confuse the packs.

Extra outfit (or 3)

I say “or 3,” because there have been days when Ronia actually needed multiple outfit changes. It’s always goos to have a couple extra onesies in your bag.

Car seat cover*

The car seat cover can double as a nursing cover, insert for a cart at the store or even cover a high chair when you eat out. It’s so multi-purpose and definitely an essential.

Burp Cloth / Swaddle

I use swaddles as our burp cloths, but depending on the age of your baby you might need both! Pack multiple if you can, just in case.

For Mom

Sunglasses

I have prescription sunglasses, so I make sure to keep them packed in our diaper bag in case we go on a long walk, stop at the zoo or I need them in the car.

Wallet

Self explanatory, but I keep a small wallet with just my main cards in the diaper bag. Nothing too fancy.

Pens 

I am always finding myself in a situation in which I need a pen and do not have one. Hence, I pack multiple pens in the bag.

Quarters*

Quarters are handy to have for many reasons. Tire air pumps usually require quarters, but they are also nice for zoo trips. Machines for fish food or to feed barnyard animals need quarters as well as vending machines. You just never know!

Keys

Again, self-explanatory. I need my keys to drive and lock my house.

Water Bottle*

Every time I forget to fill and pack my own water bottle I regret it. Breastfeeding Ronia has me thirsty constantly and I’m trying to cut pack on all one use plastic. Water is a necessity.

Snacks

Breastfeeding also keeps me hungry, and by hungry I mean hangry on occasion. I’ve learned to keep a few granola bars in the diaper bag just for emergency purposes. When mom is hungry no one is having a good time…

Extra Things

Hand sanitizer

Always. And I keep multiple tiny bottles in my bag, because ever since I became a mother during a pandemic I am hyper aware of how filthy the world is.

Doggie bags*

You might be surprised by this addition, but doggie bags are my secret weapon. I keep them hooked to the outside of our bag. Doggie page are perfect for spit-up clothes or stinky diapers when you don’t have access to a trashcan. Seriously a life saver.

Stroller fan

Ronia decided she likes the stroller, and because Kansas gets pretty hot in the summer we keep a rechargeable stroller fan in our bag or car. That way we can go on a walk, but she will still be comfortable.

The Diaper Bag Itself*

This might seem obvious considering the title of this blog post, but remember to pick a good diaper bag. We were gifted one that extends into a changing station and I LOVE it. Highly recommend.

For Baby

Toys

Keeping Ronia distracted in the car is important for any length of trip. She gets pretty cranky if we drive more than 20 minutes, so I make sure to have a few toys on hand to entertain her.

Books

Books are good to keep in the diaper bag if you are going to a doctor appointment or oil change. You can read a book to baby while you wait.

Sun Hat

Sun hats are essential in the summer to protect her cute little head. They also come in handy in stores like Walmart where the lights are so bright or just looking cute.

Baby Sunglasses

So far Ronia does not like her sunglasses, but I am holding on to hope that someday she will wear them!

Sunscreen

I keep a bottle of sun screen lotion as well as the sun screen stick in our diaper bag. The stick sun screen is excellent for face application, because no baby likes to put on sunscreen.

More For Mom

Hair ties

These last few items are more things for me, because let’s face it. My diaper bag doubles as my purse. Hair ties are important to protect yourself from grabby baby hands.

Bobby pins

Bobby pins help when you need to try and make yourself more presentable right before you walk into the grocery store.

Bra pads

Again, nursing mama here. Leaks happen, so I keep a couple extra pads for the inside of my bra for those oops moments.

Nail file

I don’t know what it is, but my nails have been so brittle lately. Nothing is worse than a broken nail. And then worrying you will snag your baby’s precious soft skin with it.

Pads

I’m breastfeeding, so I’m not sure when my period will arrive again, but I will not be caught unprepared when it does. Pads are also essential if you are a freshly postpartum mama. I love the HoneyPot brand.

Thank you for reading What’s in My Diaper Bag as a New Mom. I hope I was able to bring you a little help and encouragement. For more about hygge living with baby check out these posts below:

Practical Advice I Would Give a First Time Mom
6 Things I Learned in 6 Months as a New Mom
What Helped Me Prepare to be a First Time Mom
5 Helpful Scriptures for the New Mom

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Love always,