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When you have small children, it feels like an entire chore just to get out of the house. Sometimes it’s like packing for a short vacation or out-of-town trip. But do you really need everything you’ve been packing, and is there anything you're missing? Of course, necessities like diapers and wipes are a given, but what else should you pack? It sounds like a diaper bag checklist might be just what you need.
What to pack in your diaper bag: The basics
Anytime you step out of the house, there are a few things you know you’ll always bring with you. So when it comes to what to pack in your diaper bag, we’ll start with the basics.
Diapers and wipes
Of course, extra diapers and wipes will be the first things on your list when you take your little one out and about. Depending on how long you plan the playdate to run, your baby will go through at least one diaper change. And we all know that it's whenever you’re far away from a bathtub that your baby is most likely to make a mess.
Outfits
In addition to the extra diapers and wipes, carrying a change of clothes (or two) will always be in your best interest. Not only could your baby have an explosive bowel movement, but they might also spill their drink or be chilly and need an extra layer.
Changing mat
Depending on where the playdate is hosted, there might not be a dedicated space to change their diaper or clothes. Consider adding a changing mat to your diaper bag checklist, so no matter where you’re meeting up, you’re prepared.
Pacifiers
Hell hath no fury like a baby without a pacifier. Truly, it’s Murphy’s law. Even if you leave home with a pacifier, your baby will lose it, drop it, or throw it somewhere you can't get it back. Pack an extra one, or maybe even two, to make sure you don’t have to leave the playdate early with your child screaming in the back seat all the way home.
Diaper bag essentials: Stress less about playdates
Now that we know what should be included in your diaper bag basics, let’s talk about a few other items that are diaper bag essentials.
Snacks and drinks
If your playdate falls anywhere between breakfast and dinner, it’s a good idea to have extra snacks. Brigid L, mom of two, shared her snack-packing tips. “If I'm going somewhere for a long period, I pack a bottle with formula and a separate water bottle to mix in when it's time for a feeding,” she told Mom.com.
Blanket (to snuggle or sit on)
What little one doesn’t have a favorite blanket? Whether it’s to snuggle with on the way to and from the playdate or to make a clean space to play on, add it to your list.
Hand sanitizer
Regardless of where your playdate is being hosted, babies have a habit of finding any dirt, dust, or other funky things you don’t want to get in their mouth. If soap and water aren’t available, clean their hands with sanitizer before they start snacking on anything. (Make sure any sanitizer residue is off their hands before they put them in their mouth!)
Bag to store dirty items
There is nothing worse than putting dirty, soiled clothing, blankets, or bibs back into your diaper bag when they’re still grimy. Pack an empty reusable bag or ziplock in your bag to keep the mess to a minimum.
The best types of diaper bags
When you’re considering the best diaper bag for you, what are you looking for? Regardless if it’s a backpack bag, a messenger bag, or a more traditional style, here are a few features the best diaper bags will have.
Easy to clean
No matter how clean you try to keep it, your diaper bag is bound to need a good clean now and again. Try to get it in an easy-to-clean material like polyester, nylon, or even leather.
Pockets and storage compartments
With all the different items on your diaper bag checklist, you’ll need plenty of storage space. Side pockets and dividers in the bag will make it easy to stay organized and give you easy access to all your items.
Diaper pad included
A foldout diaper pad will ensure you always have something clean to change your baby on.
Comfortable
Since you’re going to be carrying your bag everywhere you go, make sure it's comfortable for you to lug around. When you pack too much, it could weigh you down. “Although it's tempting to bring every possible baby care item with you in your diaper bag backpack, less is more,” pediatrician Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, told VeryWell Family.
