Connie C., RN Registered Nurse

July 06, 2010

Your diaper bag is your one-stop-shop for on-the-go baby needs. Every family’s diaper bag contents will be different and will vary by the age of your baby. Here are some suggestions for items you shouldn’t leave home without in the first 6 months:

Diaper Essentials

• 4-6 diapers, depending on how long you plan to be out. You’ll want one diaper for about every hour, plus a couple extra. (If you use cloth, also add wraps or pins/covers)
• Air-tight travel container of wipes
• Changing pad
• Diaper rash ointment
• Ziploc bags for soiled clothing, bibs and diaper disposal

Feeding

• Burp cloths
• Bibs
• Breast pads

Clothing

• At least one clean outfit for your baby
• Extra socks
• Baby jacket or sweater
• Hat for shade or warmth
• Blanket(s) (keeping in mind the weather)

Toys and Comfort Items

• Small toys 
• Teething rings

Medication/For Emergencies

• First-aid kit
• Teething gel
• Baby pain medication/fever reducer
• Any prescription for your baby
• Medicine dropper and nasal syringe
• Card with emergency contacts
• Travel pack of tissues
• Sun block (for you and your baby if over 6 months old)

For You

• Hand sanitizer
• Hair tie or clip
• Pain reliever
• A change of shirt for you and Dad
• Cash, phone, keys, credit cards – maybe in a little clutch so you don’t have to carry a second bag
• Camera 

Try to keep your diaper bag as organized as possible; de-clutter the bag often as you learn what you need and what you don’t. Also, restocking your diaper bag as soon as you get home will keep you ready to go and not frantically searching at the last minute the next time you want to go out.