As a mom of soon-to-be 2 under 2, I thought it would be helpful to share what I’m packing in my diaper bag for a toddler and a newborn.
When I was a first-time mom, I always asked friends and family what to expect, what their essential items were and what really wasn’t necessary.
With two years under my belt, I wanted to give you a checklist of items I plan to pack and what really hasn’t been essential for me.
I always tell myself “Less is More” but that really isn’t the case when it comes to packing for a newborn. If you’re out running errands, anything can happen and you always want to be prepared. But the last thing you want to do is tote around a diaper bag that weights 30 pounds.
So what do you pack when you have a newborn AND a toddler?!
Essentials for Baby
Everything you need for baby while on the go.
Feeding
These ComoTomo bottles were a favorite for Oliver, but Elliott opposed. We grabbed the Dr. Browns and they’ve been working great!
A trick I’ve also seen but never tried, this formula dispenser for on the go! How awesome is that?! To have the perfect portion for your baby at any time.
Clothing
I’m sure you can imagine, accidents happen. So whether your newborn had an explosion in his diaper, or a bottle spilled all over him, it’s easier to be prepared with an extra outfit. I’m a huge fan of Burt’s Bee’s Pajamas and they are SO soft!
Burp cloths and blankets aren’t really obvious when you’re running around the house like a crazy woman. I usually keep one blanket like these Cloud Island Muslin Swaddles, in our car and diaper bag.
Changing
Let’s just say, changing tables in your local restaurant are…. blegh. Diaper bags usually come with a changing pad, if not, this Memory Foam Changing pad is perfect!
Along with a changing pad, plenty of diapers and wipes.
We’ve had great luck with the Target brand Up&Up diapers and wipes. Pampers Swaddlers come in close seconds well!
Lastly, Boudreaux’s Butt Paste. I’m just gunna leave that right here and let it simmer. This tube works wonders on diaper rashes. My ultimate go-to.
Entertainment
If you’re lucky and your babe is sleeping through errands, my hat is off to you.
My children knew the second we would walk in to Target and shit would hit the fan. Someone was crying. Someone was pooping. And I’m just trying to remember that I walked in for toothpaste.
Easy entertainment for those little ones is the Sophie the Giraffe, a small toy and/or a rattle. Most of the time car keys work just as good, but we don’t need your name being called over speaker for a car alarm 😉
Essentials for Toddler
Let’s be real, a toddlers attention span is about 3 seconds. These are great ideas to keep in your diaper bag for those busy bodies!
Safety
I try to keep a few bandaids in our diaper bag pocket.
We also love staying outside when it’s warm temps. This Banana Boat Baby SPF is perfect to spray on super fast before they hit the ground running.
Snacks
I can’t tell you how many times I hear the word Snack before 8am.
Let’s just say, there’s a reason I have a stocked bar of Cabernet.
So the best snacks for us, these Happy Tot Organic Superfoods. So easy to throw in the diaper bag and perfect for Oliver to manage with little hands.
Oliver loves these Contigo Kids Water Bottles. I’m sure he’s more entertained with the snapping of the cap, either way, it get’s him hydrated!
Entertainment
The Be-All End-All; Amazon Fire Tablet. Remember as a first time mom…I will NEVER give my kid screen time!
I’m calling bullshit.
This baby is a lifesaver. We try to save it for errands or quiet time around the house. I specifically love the table because of the child proofing. Oliver isn’t roaming around YouTube looking and suspicious videos. He’s playing games that are educational! Win Win!
Essentials for Mama
We need a little somethin’ for ourselves!
Snacks & Hydration
Mamas. If there is anything you can remember from this entire blog post, it is this…
We cannot pour from an empty cup.
Take care of yourself. Grab a cute water bottle or tumbler like this one and chug away. Stay hydrated.
Grab your snacks. Keep them in the car, in your diaper bag, in your pocket I don’t care. Just nourish yourself. We cannot full care for other if we are running on empty!
Gear
Keys, wallet and phone. Check.
Throw a few of my favorite hair ties in the pockets and you’re good to go!
Grab the FREE printable and keep it on hand. I love having checklists to make sure I don’t forget anything, especially when #MomBrain kicks in.
One of my favorite items is this Indie & Chic pacifier clip. I can’t tell you how much of a lifesaver this will be, Oliver lost so many pacifiers and this is the perfect solution!
Also – If you haven’t already taken a look, I share my Baby Number Two Must-Haves! Being a first-time mom is trial and error. Some things may work for you and your babies that don’t necessarily work for other families and that is OK!
You can check out my previous post here, sharing my must-have items for a nursery.
Thanks for letting me share!
What’s in My Diaper Bag for Two under 2!
I’m all about learning what people have in their diaper bag. We are expecting our first, due this summer, and I am so overwhelmed with what I need to pack with me.
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