Diaper Bag Essentials for Toddlers

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I’d rather be over prepared than under prepared when packing the diaper bag. Here is what I pack in my 22-month-old’s diaper bag.

Diaper bag – This is the diaper bag that I registered for two years ago, and it has been great for us. First, it has side pockets that are easily accessible. I put a cup of ice water in one of the side pockets to keep it upright and to prevent it from leaking inside the main pocket. In the other side pocket, I keep my car keys for quick access in the parking lot. There are two pockets on the inside that I use for diapers. It comes with a simple changing pad, which adds convenience when out and about, a mesh bag, and another bag. All fit perfectly in the large, outside pocket in the picture above. The other side also has a large pocket where I keep coupons and receipts. It has a zipper at the top. I recently washed it in the washing machine and let it air dry, and it came out looking brand new! Yay!

Diapers – I try to keep the diaper bag stocked with 4-6 diapers at all times. We use Pampers Swaddlers… That’s what they used at the hospital when she was born, and we’ve stuck with them. The line on the outside changes colors when wet, which is helpful.

Baby wipes – After trying a couple of different brands, we ended up sticking with Huggies Natural Care Baby Wipes. I set out to find wipes that had the least amount of ingredients and came across Huggies Natural Care… They are 99 percent water with aloe and vitamin E. I came across the Huggies Clutch N Clean Carrying Case on a coupon that offered it for free with a purchase, and I love it! It’s perfect for the diaper bag… The wipes don’t dry out in it, and it’s compact and convenient.

Diaper cream – I always have a tube of Desitin in the diaper bag – just in case. My daughter’s pediatrician recommended Desitin Maximum Strength out of all the diaper creams out there, so that’s what we’ve always used.

Changing pad – The diaper bag we use came with a changing pad that fits nicely in the outside pocket.

Extra outfit – For diaper blowouts, drink spills, playing in puddles, etc…

Bug Spray – For the times we’re going to be outside for an extended period of time, I like to have bug spray in the bag. We use California Baby Natural Bug Blend.

Sunscreen – Same reason as the bug spray… Never know when we might be outside for an extended period of time, so I keep sunscreen in the bag.

Extra bow/hairbands – My daughter went through a long phase when she refused to wear a bow… She didn’t like anything in her hair. Now, she’ll wear a bow, but occasionally, she’ll take it off. I keep at least 1-2 extra in the bag.

Cup of ice water – I like to have a cup of ice water in the side pocket of the bag when leaving the house. She usually asks for it at some point during errands. For car rides, I’ve found that the Playtex Lil’ Gripper Straw Cups leak the least, so that’s what I usually pack for the car.

Snack – We love the Munchkin Snack Catchers and usually fill them with Honey Nut Cheerios or Goldfish. They are easy for her to access her snacks and prevent a mess.

Toys/Books – These days her favorites are her puppies, baby dolls, and books. We got her the Corolle Calin Baby Doll for Christmas, and she loves it. Her favorite books for the car usually involve some sound or animals, so I’ll pack the Brave Little Camper or any other books that I can find.