When you’re a new mom, building your baby registry can feel overwhelming. You have no idea what you will actually need versus what you think you might need, and everyone seems to have a different opinion.
That same uncertainty shows up when packing your diaper bag. What do you really need for a baby or toddler, and what can stay home? Here are practical tips to help you pack smarter so you are not carrying more than necessary.
Key Takeaways
- Overpacking your diaper bag can make outings more stressful
- Focus on essentials based on how long you will be out
- Babies and toddlers have different packing needs
- Organization and planning help reduce clutter
How to Pack a Diaper Bag Without Overpacking
We’ve curated a list of tips to avoid overpacking your diaper bag, because nothing is worse than trying to lug a newborn or toddler along with 60 pounds of items. There’s no need to feel like a pack mule, mama.
If you are looking for a full checklist of what to pack in your diaper bag, you can find it here.
Packing Formula Efficiently
One important factor in what you pack in your baby’s diaper bag depends on how you feed your baby. If you are formula-feeding, feed newborns and young babies whenever they seem hungry.1 Most healthy formula-fed newborns feed about every two to three hours during the first few days. As they grow, they often eat every 3 to 4 hours.1
On average, a newborn drinks about 1.5 to 3 ounces per feeding. At two months, that increases to four to five ounces; at four months, from four to six ounces; and at six months, up to six to eight ounces. Based on that information, you can calculate how much formula, water, and bottles you’ll need for your trip. Pack your formula and feeding tools in a container that fits easily into your diaper bag.
I recommend using the PopYum bottles. They will save space in your diaper bag and make it easy to prepare formula bottles while on the go.
Packing for Breastfeeding Moms
If you’re breastfeeding, You may need up to three changes of clothes, depending on how long you will be gone: a nursing cover (if you want one, it can also double as a burp cloth), wet wipes, and diapers. You’ll need to change your baby’s diaper every two to three hours.2 This is to prevent diaper rash and build-up from dangerous bacteria like E. coli from poop. So, plan the number of diapers you’ll need based on how long you’ll be away from home.
However, babies pee about 20 times a day during the first few months.2 It would be costly and exhausting to change your baby every time they pee. You want to change them every two to three hours, but don’t need to wake them to change a wet diaper.
Using Cloth Diapers? Bring a Wet Bag
If you’re using cloth diapers, the same rules apply for how often you change the baby and how many diapers you need. But you’ll also need a wet bag for soiled diapers so you can pop them in the washing machine when you get back. A wet bag is a good idea in general for those blowouts. You don’t want poopy clothes hanging out in your diaper bag.
Related: The Pros and Cons of Cloth Diapers
How Many Toys Do You Really Need?
For me, the hardest part was figuring out how many toys and activities to bring in the diaper bag. My son wasn’t the best sleeper and was always alert and curious. I did not need five toys, books, or a lovey. He was happy to be looking out the car window. If he got fussy, I gave him his stuffed caterpillar and pacifier. Sometimes, a couple of teething toys worked well when he was teething, but babies are pretty stoked just checking out their surroundings and looking at you. However, entertaining your kid gets a little harder once they hit the toddler stage.
Related: Must-Have, Kid-Approved Diaper Bag Toys
How to Avoid Overpacking a Toddler Diaper Bag
Packing diapers, a wet bag, and extra clothes for accidents is helpful until they are potty trained. However, ages 12-18 months need five to six per day, 18-24 months need four to five per day, and 24-36 months need two to three per day.3 Thankfully, that’s less space than diapers in your diaper bag. But you will replace them with snacks, and plenty of them.
According to the CDC, toddlers need to eat or drink about every 2 to 3 hours, or about 5 or 6 times a day.4 Depending on how long you’ll be gone, pack accordingly. Sometimes, snacks work better for keeping your toddler occupied than toys if you’re going on a long car ride. Pop out a delicious new snack when they start to fuss; I bet they’ll be happy in no time. Consider a reusable snack container and water bottle.
Related: What to Pack In Your Toddler Bag
Pack an Activity or Two
If snacks aren’t working, my son always enjoyed a book where he could turn the pages and feel the textures and crinkle toys. As he got older, he also enjoyed window clings, Crayola no-mess markers, books, and coloring books. I kept all these things in the car for him to do while we were driving. When we were out of the car, I would bring a book or two for him to look through or for me to read to him in a waiting room.
And, of course, pack some extra pairs of pants and shirts for accidents.
Now that you know what to pack in your diaper bag, there are ways to ensure you grab what you need more efficiently so you don’t feel bogged down.
Tips to Not Over-Pack Your Diaper Bag
- Make a checklist before heading out
- Choose a diaper bag with good organization
- Reorganize your bag once a week
- Use gallon-size bags to compress clothing
- Pack two diapers per hour you will be gone
- Keep a separate set of diaper bag essentials
- Use travel-size items when possible
- Pack based on the weather
- Store bulky items in the car instead of your bag
What you pack will always depend on your child and your plans for the day. But focusing on the essentials and leaving the “just in case” items behind can make outings much easier.
If you have everything you need for feeding, changing, and a little entertainment, your baby or toddler will be just fine. And for those rarely used items, keeping them in your car instead of your diaper bag can help lighten the load.
