Diaper Bag Essentials- From a Mom of 2 Under 2

The list of diaper bag essentials you will actually use.

It can be pretty daunting trying to figure out what to put in your diaper bag. This list of diaper bag essentials will help you understand what you will actually use and what is better left behind.

When I became pregnant with my first, I was so excited to start getting everything ready for him. The only problem was, I had no idea what I would actually use in the diaper bag. There were so many lists from people who don’t even have kids, I was lost!

So like most first time moms, I bought way too much stuff. That bag was stuffed full and the baby wasn’t even here yet. By the time he arrived, the diaper bag was so full I couldn’t add the stuff I actually needed.

Finally, two years and two babies later, I know exactly what I need in the bag. I also know what’s better left at home.

I now know how to pack a diaper bag for two under two. Both babies in diapers means a very full diaper bag. These items are pretty basic because I don’t want extra weight in my bag when I’m chasing a toddler and carrying a baby.

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This is the list of diaper bag essentials I actually have in my bag:

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Diapers

Of course you are going to need diapers in your diaper bag!

I pack 2-3 diapers for my toddler since he doesn’t need changed very often, and 4-5 diapers for my baby.

I prefer to have enough diapers to be out for a few hours and not have to worry about running out. As you get to know your baby, you’ll learn how many he/she needs for the time period you’re planning to be out.

Strangely enough, I have two different recommendations for diapers. Hang with me.

For the newborn stage to size 2. I highly recommend Huggies Little Snugglers. These worked wonderfully for both of my boys when they were tiny. These diapers didn’t irritate their skin and they were very leak proof. My second had so many blow outs when we used pampers in this stage.

For size 3 and up we’ve had great success with our local grocery store HEB brand diapers and Pampers.

**For nighttime diapers, we love Pampers Swaddlers Overnights Diapers. These never leak and my oldest has been sleeping about 12 hours every night since he was 9 months old. I don’t usually have these in the diaper bag, but I thought I would include it since it took us lots of trial and error to find the right ones.

Wipes

The second thing I always have in my diaper bag are wipes.

Our favorite wipes are these Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes. I like these best because they stay moist no matter how long we have them. They work great on sensitive baby skin and don’t cause irritation.

Not only are wipes useful for diaper changes, they also are perfect for wiping hands and faces and cleaning up other messes.

Diaper Rash Cream

Diaper rash cream is something I always use for my babies when they are little to prevent and treat painful diaper rashes.

I keep a smaller tube in the diaper bag so that I have it when we are out and about too.

When my first child was a newborn, he got a super painful, blistery diaper rash. We tried so many different creams and pastes for it, but they all seemed to make it worse. Finally, a friend recommended Boudreauxs and it was a game changer. It not only healed the existing diaper rash, but with continued use it prevented him from getting a diaper rash again.

I always recommend Boudreauxs to my friends after our great experience with it.

Burp Cloths

I like to keep 2-3 burp cloths in my diaper bag at all times. My baby is a huge spit upper and I can never have enough extra burp cloths on hand.

Muslin burp cloths are my go to. These ones from Yoofoss are 100% cotton and are some of my favorites.

Once my baby grows out of spitting up, I will no longer keep these in the bag.

Extra Clothes

I keep a change of clothes for each boy in my diaper bag.

It seems like whenever we’re out, something crazy happens and they need an entire outfit change.

Travel Changing Pad

In this list of diaper bag essentials, the travel changing pad is so important. I put it down on any surface I am going to change my baby on to keep him away from all the dirt and germs.

Especially in public restrooms, I couldn’t do without the travel changing pad to keep my little ones safe from whatever is lurking on the surfaces.

I use this basic one, but there are others that have storage space and compartments if you need that too.

Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is always in my diaper bag because I don’t always know if I will have access to soap and water. Especially if we are travelling or hiking.

I just stick some hand sanitizer in the side pocket of my bag and it’s right there anytime someone needs it.

This is convenient when someone wants to hold my baby, I just ask them to use some hand sanitizer first and they’re ready for baby cuddles.

Doodle Pad

I don’t keep many “extra” items in my bag, but one thing I do have is a doodle pad. It’s light, and skinny so I hardly know it’s there.

This is a super easy thing to bring out to keep my toddler entertained wherever we end up.

Here is the one I bought.

Snacks

My toddler loves snacks more than anything. Whenever we are out I like to have snacks on hand in case he gets hungry.

His favorite snacks are go go squeeze packs and peanut butter cereal dots.

Snacks are always top priority on my list of diaper bag essentials, especially if I am going out with just my toddler.

Nursing Cover

I am currently nursing my baby, so I like to have a nursing cover in case he gets hungry when we are in public.

The nursing cover not only gives me privacy, but it helps him not get distracted by all the new sights and sounds in public.

This is the one I use most often. It’s lightweight and breathable for those hot days. Also, it’s super affordable (less than $10).

The Diaper Bag

In case you were wondering…

This is the diaper bag I have, and I love it! It has a changing table that unfolds from the back of the bag, insulated pockets in the front for bottles, and plenty of space inside.

I ordered it in black so that my husband would like to carry it too.

I chose a backpack so I could easily maneuver both babies and carry the diaper bag. It even works when I have my baby in the front carrier.

Helpful Tips

-Use ziplock bags to divide the diapers and clothes for each kid. Then you can just grab the bag for the child you are changing without digging through the whole bag to find what you need.

-Bring extra plastic bags for dirty diapers and dirty clothes

-In the summer I carry swim diapers in case we end up somewhere with water

What are your go-to diaper bag essentials? Let me know!