What is in My Diaper Bag – Toddler vs Newborn

You may think you need to now carry two diaper bags now that you have two children. Wrong. That may allow you bring a whole lot more around, but that just becomes excessive. Minimalizing what you are lugging with you will not only be less additional weight, it will also reel you in from overpacking and not actually using everything.

I was a notorious over packer. Truthfully, I still kind of am. But I am working on myself when it comes to this factor. There will always be the what-ifs and the just in case situations, but I have learned that by having the standard items packed and ready to go at all times, versus running around like a madwoman upon time to depart, will make things so much easier. It makes it less likely to forget something or to have an uh-oh moment.

When our daughter was born, I knew I didn’t want to be dragging around two diaper bags with two children. After the use of one diaper bag for her hospital bag, I sat down and went through everything I had in our son’s diaper bag to narrow down the essentials into one. I am embarrassed to say I threw things out, had forgotten what was in there and even came across things I wish I knew I had all along.

Now, I feel way more prepared to pick up and go. I used to have to grab a pack of wipes, or a change of clothes, or even refill our diapers. No longer the case! While I will never be that mom who only carries along a single diaper and travel sized wipes, I am not stuffed to the brim, unable to close the bag.

Here is what I have in my diaper bag for both my toddler and newborn.

• Full sized pack of wipes – travel sized just won’t cut it.
• Diapers for both kids – 3-4 per child.
• Change of clothes for each child. I try to leave them in there, so I went for items I won’t be in search of for a daily outfit.
• Dirty clothes bag. I use an old canvas bag I had lying around.
• A travel change pad. I am not laying my children down on a public change pad without any coverage, but that’s just me!
• Cleaning wipes – for shopping carts, restaurant tables and highchairs, and other public surfaces my kids might be touching. Just being on the side of caution.
• Mini diaper rash cream or Vaseline – for emergency diaper rash situations.
• Bandaids – just a couple.
• Scrunchies or hair ties – again, just a couple.
• Spit-up cloth – speaks for itself.
• Hand sanitizer – also speaks for itself.
• Breast-feeding cover – for discretion.
• Travel toys – toys my kids only see when we are out to keep them new and exciting.
• Tissues – they are always handy.

Things I pack right as we are about to leave would be snacks, water bottles, milk bottles and anything specific such as sunblock, hats or certain items for certain activities. Another important trick I try to maintain is whenever we get home from being out, I unpack the diaper bag immediately and replenish anything that needs to remain stocked. This makes it a no-brainer to grab and go upon our next outing. Other items to consider would be extra socks, sweaters, soothers, and medications, especially for those with allergies. Whatever will make your life easier when the chaos of getting everyone ready to go ensues.

Juggling two kids, or more, is a lot. And leaving the comfort and ease of your own home and routine can bring on major anxieties. If you are nervous about forgetting something, make a list the night before. Do whatever it takes to put yourself at ease. It is important to get out there and show your children a new environment, as daunting as it may seem. The memories will be worth it.

Melanie xoxox