Baby: Diaper Bag Essentials

I’ve done endless research and lived it twice. This is the ultimate list of the best things for your bag.

I am in the camp of less is more when it comes to your diaper bag. Narrowing down on the essentials and spreading the bulkier and heavier items to other places is key. First things first, finding your bag. I spent a ton of time researching all the best bags for mom, trying to decide if a backpack was most convenient (hello two hands!), if utility was key (who cares what it looks like) or if I wanted to conceal the fact I was toting around baby stuff. In the end, I decided I wanted to feel like myself, and not like the equipment manager for my family.

I also wanted to make a bit of an investment, but I wanted it to last beyond the relatively brief period of baby. So, in the end, the best decision for me was the ToteSavvy insert, which can go into any tote bag you choose, I chose the Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM.

Now that we got the bag/insert figured out it is time to fight past the fluff and solve the question, “what do I actually need?” and how do I keep this bag from getting too heavy? That’s what I’m here to work through for you. Find the items you absolutely love and will use. You don’t need to be prepared for anything, you just need to be able to keep baby comfortable and get back home.

Now for your packing list. Here’s what you need.

Diapers, of course. Coterie diapers are supreme. Make sure you have enough and then an extra to get you through your trip, I always try to keep 4 diapers in my bag. I also maintain a trunk changing station (see that post here); it’s one of my top suggestions for new moms. You’re also going to need dirty diaper bags, I like the Ubbi bags that are kept in a convenient dispenser (ditch the rubber strap), and fits perfectly in the insert’s small pocket. The bag organizer has a built in changing mat, which is great. For wipes, I love this hard holder and these wipes for cleanup as well as a pack of Coterie’s travel pack wipes for diaper changes. In my house, we use Water Wipes on the face and hands (with food) and Coterie wipes for diaper changes. I love how convenient their travel packs are to grab and go. Lastly, for changing gear, a good hand sanitizer, this Paume one is so lux and doesn’t rip your hands up, we have it at every changing station.

For the essentials, I’ll run you through the products I don't leave the house without. These live together in one of the large pockets in the organizer. The GOAT of any diaper bag is Miss Mouth’s stain spray, this stuff is actual magic. For the newborn stage, I always carry a travel size Baby Aqaphor and bum applicator. As well as a travel lotion (especially in winter) and sunscreen, I love SuperGoop’s Sunnyscreen. I also love this picker.

Other gadgets that I like to carry include the Hatch Rest Go which clips perfectly on to the little key hook on the organizer. This fan, which also fits perfectly in one of the small pockets and, if you need to feed on the go, this is the greatest mini bottle warmer.

Last but not least, things to keep baby comfy. All of this squeezes into the large outer pocket, if you’re using the tote organizer. This bundle is a must, it’s the perfect set to keep with you and so soft. It covers a change of clothes, a hat/mittens, and the softest blanket/swaddle. (Fun fact, both of my babies almost exclusively wore Lou Lou & Company for their first 6 months of life). Throw in a burp cloth (loved these), a multi-use cover, and a wet bag, trust me. Then, baby gets a toy, this I changed out at different phases - something soft and sweet, a rattle, something to chew, cute links, the classic, and the ultimate distractor.

Last, but not least, we need a pacifier. There’s one more small pocket left that fits this holder. BIBS were the best pacis for my girls, lightweight and easy to keep in baby’s mouth. And these pacifier wipes will save you at the most stressful times, be sure to get them.

When baby turns to toddler, the large pocket changes from this set of comfy stuff, to the best foldable potty seat.

Travel: Traveling with Kids

Traveling with kids can be daunting. I’m here to walk you through it and to promise you… it is so worth it. All you need is to make sure you have a couple key things to keep your littles comfortable. Let me explain.

Don’t overthink the flights. You know your kid, you know what will help keep them occupied. Expect some moments and know you’ll get through them. Load up on your favorite snacks and shows - this is the time to loosen up on those parameters.

The most important thing to focus on is transportation when you get to your destination. This is the category that can have the biggest impact on the luggage, literally what you are lugging around, and peace of mind. I looked at all of the options out there and poured over the details, here is where I landed for my toddler. We bought two travel car seats for our last trip, where we spent half the time in a big city, relying on taxi or Ubers and the other half in the country with a car rental.

For the city the RideSafer Travel Vest was perfect, most of the strapping in happens before you get into the car, so you can quickly hop into a cab or Uber and move on to the next place. The vest can fold up super small and fit under a stroller, even the smaller travel strollers. I drew the line at using this on the highways, or longer trips like from the airport to city center. In those cases we opted for a car service that had a full car seat option and used the vest for shorter trips around the city. If you are planning to rent a car opt for the WAYB Pico Car Seat, this is the best for a lightweight, foldable, but still fully secure seat. The bonus is that this is the perfect backup carseat for someone who might occasionally need something safe to transport the kids around back home after your travels. If you are traveling with a baby, there is no better choice than the Doona it has on-the-go carseat and stroller all wrapped up in one easy to use option.

Speaking of strollers, if you’re past the Doona phase but still need something to help your little one roll around, I can’t recommend Bugaboo’s travel strollers more. We have the Ant which is discontinued, but I only wish the Bugaboo Dragonfly was available when we first bought. These strollers fold down easily and quickly, they are light, you can carry it with a shoulder strap, and best of all they can both roll down an airplane aisle and fit in the overhead. Don’t forget to ask for early boarding!

For the hotel, it’s all about sleeping arrangements. If your little is still using a crib, most hotels will have a crib you can request, which allows you to leave the pack-n-play at home. If that is not an option and you don’t want to lug a pack-n-play, there are equipment rental services like BabyQuip that are great (especially if you use a SNOO at home - we’ve rented through them for shorter trips). If you’re looking for an option between pack-n-play and a full size bed - go for the Cloudsleeper by JetKids. This folds up nice and small, is lightweight, and is very easy to blow up. My daughter has loved having her own little special bed, and it’s a very convenient option for sharing a smaller hotel room - you can easily flip it up or deflate it to move around the room easier in the day. Don’t forget to pack your own sheets, whatever option you choose!