Infant Diaper Bag Supplies

Page Updated on July 28, 2007

Note: You don't have to carry around everything all the time. If I'm just going to the grocery store, I keep my fully stocked diaper bag in my vehicle and only bring the essentials, such as a bottle, pacifier, burp cloth, and blanket, into the store. If I need to use any other items, I can just leave my grocery cart with a clerk for a moment and run out to my vehicle to take care of whatever needs to be done. (It's too difficult and impractical to try to change a diaper or feed my child solid foods while I'm shopping anyhow.) Just make sure that you have access to your fully stocked diaper bag if you need it. It's especially important to have everything available in your vehicle because you never know if you car might break down or you'll be stuck in traffic for hours because of a freak accident. Those are the moments you must be prepared for.

The Bag

You'll need a sturdy bag that has lots of pockets and is comfortable to carry. I recommend using a hiking backpack. They have room for everything that baby needs plus everything that you need and are incredibly comfortable. Plus, since it's a backpack, it lets you keep your hands free to take care of baby and won't strain your back like shoulder bags do if worn properly. They are also rugged, so they can last a long time and can be used for other purposes, such as hiking or school books, when you no longer need to carry around a diaper bag.

Optional items are marked with an asterisk (*).

Healthcare / Grooming Items

• Doctor's phone number
• Medical insurance info.
• Acetaminophen (Infant Tylenol)
• Teething gel (Baby Orajel®) if baby is teething
• Antihistamine (Children's Benadryl®)
• Anti-gas drops (Mylicon®)
• Anti-itch lotion/cream *
• Special medications
• Adhesive bandages
• Antiseptic wipes *
• Sunscreen
• Tissues *
• Suction bulb
• Lip balm *
• Nail clippers *
• Sanitizing lotion/gel (to clean hands)
• Brush/comb

Diapering Items

• Disposable diapers
• Cloth diapers with covers * (not recommended for travel)
• Diaper pins *
• Diaper wipes
• Large plastic resealable bags (to hold dirty diapers and clothes)
• Changing cushion/pad *
• Diaper rash ointment

Feeding Items

• Bottles with nipples / cup
• Bottled water
• Beverages (for parents and baby)
• Snacks (for parents and baby)
• Formula * (necessary if baby is formula fed but a small amount is recommended as backup in case of an emergency for breastfed babies)
• Baby food (if baby is eating solid food) *
• Bib (if baby is eating solid food)
• Food dish (if baby is eating solid food) *
• Eating utensils (if baby is eating solid food) *
• Spit-up towels (cloth diapers work best)
• Extra breast pads * (if breastfeeding)

Entertainment Items

• Book *
• Toy
• Teething toy * (necessary if baby is teething)

Comfort Items

• 2 Light blankets
• 1 change of clothes
• Jacket * (necessary in cool weather)
• Hat (to keep sun off baby's head)
• Hat (to keep baby's head warm)
• 1 pair of extra socks
• Pacifiers (2) * (necessary if baby uses a pacifier)

Misc.

• Disposable camera or re-useable camera with extra film or digital camera with memory cards or blank media *