Figuring out what you should pack in your diaper bag is always a challenge. For so many parents, the diaper bag is the only bag they carry when their kids are little. You have to make sure you have everything you could possibly need, but it can feel like there's always something you forgot to pack. Here are some things you may not have thought about packing, but are worth remembering in your diaper bag.
More from Mom.com: Packing the Ultimate Diaper Bag
A change of clothes for mom
Packing a change of clothes for the baby is almost a given when you’re packing a diaper bag. You never want to be left unprepared if your baby has a blowout or some other unfortunate mishap. But what about mom? If you get thrown up on or peed on, do you have a change of clothes? Probably not. Pack an easy-to-fold shirt and pants to keep tucked into the bag. And don’t forget an extra pair of socks for you and baby.
A first-aid kit
You never know when a fall or a scrape might happen, so best be prepared. There are so many bag-sized first-aid kits that you can buy now. But if you wanted to make your own, you need a variety of bandages, some sort of ointment, and peroxide or alcohol wipes.
Snacks
Whenever you leave the house, you should make sure you have snacks. You never know what might happen once you’re out, and there are few things that can’t be solved with a snack. Pack baggies of crackers, granola bars, fruit snacks, nuts, etc. — things that are quick and easy to grab and won’t make too much of a mess in your diaper bag.
An unmedicated ointment
Having diaper rash cream is pretty common for a diaper bag. But you should also keep unmedicated ointment in your bag, too. Ointment can be good for chapped lips, dry skin, or minor scrapes and burns.
A couple of small toys
Picture it: You’re running an errand that is taking forever and baby is getting antsy. Nothing is worse than being stuck without something to occupy baby that isn’t your phone. That’s why you always need to have some small toys tucked into your diaper bag to pull out and keep baby occupied. A key ring or a little puzzle are great options — something your kiddo wouldn’t miss if it got lost.
A portable phone charger
When you have a baby, you want to be sure your phone is charged in case of an emergency. But how many times have you thought you have more battery power than you did and you’re trying to navigate somewhere with a 15% charge? An external battery is great for situations like this. Nowadays there are so many options that are easy to tuck into your diaper bag, so you’ll never have to worry about your phone dying.
