When you start packing a diaper bag for the first time, you might be tempted to throw in anything and everything in case of an emergency, but that bag gets heavy real fast. We're all about few, better things here at Briar, and that same mentality applies to your diaper bag! So the next time you're prepping for an outing or are just anticipating babe's arrival, keep these things in mind!
The Bag
- A backpack-style bag is your best friend. When you're juggling a carseat, a wiggly newborn and so much more, the last thing you want to do is deal with straps slipping down. Backpacks are easy to throw on and go, and there are tons of cute ones to match your personal style.
- Get a bag with lots of pockets and compartments, otherwise it's just digging into a black abyss trying to find what you need.
- Exterior water bottle/baby bottle pockets are a game-changer!
- Keep in mind you'll use this bag until your babe is out of diapers (around 2.5 years or longer), so opt for a neutral style that you won't be sick of in six months.
What's Inside
- Diapers and wipes (this is an obvious one!)
- Diaper cream
- Changing mat (we love Gathre Micro mats!)
- Wet bags
- Burp cloths
- A change of clothes
- A bonnet for winter or summer depending on the time of year.
- Swaddle
- Band-aids
- Comfort items (pacifier, lovey, etc.)
- Sunscreen
- Bottles/Snacks
- An extra shirt for you!
- Power bank to charge your phone.
Nice-To-Have but not Necessary
- Nursing cover
- Boogie wipes
- White noise machine
- Toys
- Bibs
Tips for staying organized:
Organize by category. If your diaper bag has pockets and compartments, decide what you will put where and always have these items in their regular spots. If the bag you’re using doesn’t have many compartments, use small bags, like clear re-sealable plastic bags, to pack different categories of items together. For example, pacifiers and bottle nipples in one bag, diaper changing items in another.
Reset your diaper bag after every outing. To maintain a clean and organized diaper bag, take out snack wrappers and dirty clothes after every outing. Replenish items like wipes, and replace dirty clothes with clean clothes.
Keep spare items in the car. That way if you do run out of something while you’re not at home, you’re not in a bind. Use a car caddy to store diapers, wipes and a set of clothes because you never know when the need might arise.
Update seasonally. Babies grow quickly, so make sure your spare clothing and diapers are the right size. This also applies to your baby bonnets!