The Only Things You'll Need
Mary Poppins would never be caught without a diaper. The original Super Nanny had a carpet bag that produced everything from a coat rack to a ficus tree. Though you may not have magical powers, you can still stock your diaper bag so cleverly that you're always prepared. Real moms told us their diaper bag must-haves and we narrowed it down to the top 12.
Baby Wipes
Not just for cleaning bottoms, wipes take care of sticky faces, dirty fingers and that nasty glob of spit-up you just realized was on your shirt.
"Wipes, wipes and more wipes."
- Christina Fiedler
Extra Clothes
There are so many reasons—diaper blowouts, chief among them—to carry extra clothes for everyone:
"A change of baby clothes is an absolute must. If your kid throws up or spills, you'll be glad you had the extra outfit."
- Christina Simon
"Extra shirt for Mommy, in case Baby spits up on you. Nothing worse than smelling like spit-up all day."
– Jennifer Parsons
"Socks for every indoor play place, music and gym class."
- Robynn Molino
Muslin Blankets
The Swiss army knife of baby gear, these lightweight, breathable blankets are on many moms' list of essentials:
"I love muslin blankets for cuddling, covering Baby from sun, or to keep Baby warm."
- Melody Melvin
"We have about 12 of them. I've even used one as a towel."
- Jessica Copenhaver
Changing Pad
Not enough public restrooms are equipped with changing tables, so a mom needs a clean, soft place to lay baby down for diaper changes, even on the floor:
"A Patemm changing pad is a must-have. You can fill the pockets with diapers, wipes, plastic bag to put dirty diapers in, hand sanitizer. It unfolds into a large circle, so your baby isn't touching any part of a dirty changing table. It makes any bag a diaper bag!"
Hand Sanitizer
Almost every mom we surveyed stocks this item to keep fingers clean:
"I always pack hand sanitizer because there's not always soap and water nearby when I'm eating with my toddler who touches everything!"
– Michelle Oles
Snacks and Drinks
Unless you're exclusively breastfeeding a young baby, food and drink are high on the must-carry list:
"Our 19-month-old has an appetite like none I have ever seen before! Can't be away for more than an hour without a few standby munchies or meltdowns will be a given."
"I'd also say try to bring enough for another kid too since there is usually another mom who forgot something in her bag or her kid just wants what yours has."
– Christina Simon
"Ready-mix formula and an empty bottle."
- Nancy Shin
"Extra straws and utensils. It's amazing how many times we've eaten somewhere with the kids and there aren't utensils available to, say, cut up the hot dog they ordered."
Entertainment
For those times when a distraction can avert a meltdown, be ready to bring the fun:
"Bubbles! Can't tell you how many times they have gotten a fussy baby happy, and kids are just drawn to them. I've used them at the play areas and all the kids rush to me. Also, a light- up spinning toy from the drug store. The lights and vibrations are like baby crack."
"A board book."
- Christina Gaspar
"Lollipops for a last resort bribe."
- Melissa Madrid
Pacifiers
If your little one relies on a binkie to self soothe or sleep, you'd better pack one (or several) in the diaper bag:
"My son can't live without his pacifier. If I forget to pack it I end up walking around with my finger stuck in his mouth!"
- Lynette Howell
"Gotta have a pacifier for those public freakouts."
– Carly Jennings
Plastic Bags
Weightless and compact, a spare plastic bag can be a lifesaver:
"I carry a gallon Ziploc baggie for anything that gets messy or smelly on the go."
"The best way to wrap up used diapers and wipes is with a poop bag—courtesy of the family dog."
First Aid
Be ready for boo-boos with a box of Band-aids and any other first-aid gear you rely on keep little ones safe:
"Benadryl cream because you never know when an ant or mosquito might bite. Fever medicine because you never know when they might feel sick all of a sudden. And a SPF 70 sunscreen stick."
"Hyland's Bumps 'n' Bruises Stick gets used more than any other toiletry item in my bag. Totally magical for bruises."
Self- Care
While most items in your diaper bag are for taking care of little ones, don't forget the things you need to make it through the day. "Whiskey minis, Hershey's kisses and Chapstick," jokes Mary Kay Holmes. But several moms echoed the sentiment, suggesting gum, mints, sunglasses, bottled water and grown-up snacks:
"Food for yourself. I can't tell you how many times in the beginning we were out and I was starving all the time. Lara bars were my go-to because they didn't melt like other granola bars."
