Now that we have two small kids, it feels like every time we leave to go somewhere it can feel like we pack up half of our house to bring with us. But what do we really need to bring and what are extras? Here are examples of what we bring with us on our different adventures!
Tidbit: When you come home from somewhere unload and repack your diaper bag right away. That way if you need to leave in a hurry you’re all ready to go without stressing and rushing to get everything ready.
*Diaper bag reviews to come in a future post so keep an eye out*
Diaper Bag Essentials for Everyday:
*Affiliate links attached*
All ages:
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Changing pad: My favorite is the Snoofybee, it’s genius! https://amzn.to/2MyJ4Sm
- Change of clothes: I usually make a complete outfit and then roll it together.
- Plastic bags for dirty diapers or dirty clothes to go in.
- Baby sun hat or winter hat depending on the season/weather.
- Blanket: Aden and Anais are our go-to. Lightweight, durable and a good size for many uses. https://amzn.to/2PbhrM
Kids over 4 months old:
- A book: Industructables are lightweight, colorful, machine washable, durable and cost efficient. https://amzn.to/2Nu3OHz
- A finger puppet or two. https://amzn.to/2BWbUHm (I’d check Target first though because the set of just the puppets are only $4.99 there if they are in stock).
- Snacks: pouches, dried fruit, puffs in a twistable/tall snack container. This can be shoved into the side drink pocket of a diaper bag. https://amzn.to/2PddtT0
- Extra socks
- Water for baby: Our fav is the Klean Kanteen with two spouts: a sippy cup one and the regular spout one. Super durable (we have a “thrower” so this is super important that we don’t buy things that break easily.) https://amzn.to/2PKPnQE
- A special toy that’s only for going out: this will SAVE you in many situations. Distraction is key! We have used bubbles, a new car toy, a ball, or rattle.
For Mama’s Using formula:
- Water bottle of baby’s water: whatever you used. We just used sink water that was filtered through our PUR filter. https://amzn.to/2PbCyxG
- Enough formula for how long you’ll be gone plus an extra (you never know when that next growth spurt will happen!)
- An extra nipple for the bottle: in case one gets dirty/lost/has a hole/etc.
- Travel size baby dish soap: again, you never know when you’ll need this. Put this one in a plastic ziplock!
For Nursing Mama’s:
- Extra nursing pads
- Nursing cover: Personally I like one that goes completely around my torso, less chance of tummy/back peeking out if I am not wearing a nursing tank. https://amzn.to/2NtCjxt
Mama’s stuff:
- Wallet
- Keys
- Phone
- Chapstick
- Mascara
- Snack: Cliff bars are my fav. https://amzn.to/2P9LaF9
- Hair tie/bobby pubs/headband
- Water for Mama https://amzn.to/2BQ1ngZ
Things we leave in the car in a bin:
- Extra diapers and wipes
- Extra set of clothes for baby
- Sweatshirt or jacket for baby
- Sweater or jacket for Mom (I’m always cold)
- Extra snack (one that can stand the heat/cold well and won’t go bad).
- Picnic blanket
- Winter blanket (cold weather)
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Umbrella: this one is clear and you can tuck yourself and the Littles under it easily. https://amzn.to/2wr5DgZ
- A few books and toys
- Baby sunglasses: OMG I love these! https://amzn.to/2BWew88
- Baby headphone protection: Our middle baby slept through a wedding reception with these at 3 months old. https://amzn.to/2BRbqCm
- Ergo/carrier for each little kid: Lillebaby: https://amzn.to/2BSqZKf Ergo: https://amzn.to/2BV0AeF
Occasionally you’ll need more items depending on where you’re going. Here are some things we’ve used for random adventures that require extra stuff:
- Pack and play
- Pop up baby tent: https://amzn.to/2PKclHy
- Pop up baby high chair: https://amzn.to/2PeHy4z
Overall you have to decide what things you can’t live without. Also figure out if you want the extra stuff to be prepared or if you’re okay with not having every baby convenience luxury at your fingertips. I lean towards the ‘less is more’ theory most of the time, but do like to be prepared. So we usually bring a few ‘extras’ that we might need, but not them all.
Happy packing, have fun on your adventures and don’t forget your coffee…even if it’s cold!
Cold Coffee with Kids 