Becoming a mom for the first time is an adventure filled with excitement, anticipation, and a whooooole lot of preparation. I remember as I approached the end of my pregnancy I started to panic over what essentials I needed in my diaper bag (and was fearful I’d forget something vital!). If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed about this too, I’ve made this blog just for you. I’m here to share my tried-and-true list of must-have items that aren’t just taking up space in the diaper bag. So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if that’s your thing), sit back, and let’s dive into the world of diaper bag essentials!

First and foremost, let’s start with picking the right diaper bag. When searching for the ideal bag to fit my lifestyle, I prioritized functionality and style. I knew I wanted plenty of compartments to neatly store all the things so that I could easily access everything when I needed it. Durability was a key factor too, as I wanted a bag that could withstand daily wear and tear. And of course, I wanted a diaper bag that reflects my personal style but also wasn’t going to make my husband, Lars, feel odd holding it. You know?

I opted for the Kinney Backpack (Vegan) by Mina Baie, and let me tell you, it’s one of my favorite purchases. This stylish and functional backpack is designed specifically with moms in mind. Its vegan leather construction not only looks chic but also holds up well against spills and messes. With plenty of pockets and compartments, it keeps all of my essentials organized and easily accessible. Plus, I love that I can wear it as a backpack or use the strap to sling it over one shoulder like a normal bag.

The second runner-up for me was the Indi Neoprene Diaper Backback from Dagne Dover in the color Dune and the medium size. If you are on a budget, I’ve heard great things about this diaper bag that is a Dagne Dover dupe for only $69 which is a fraction of the $300 price tag for the name brand. It has glowing reviews and a few color options to choose from!

Now, before we get into all the individual items I keep inside my diaper bag, I thought I’d share how I organize all of it. I’ve found that using pouches to categorize and pack the items in your diaper bag (and also using the built-in pockets that your diaper bag comes with) makes life a whole lot easier.

Picture this: you’re out and about, and your little one starts fussing. You know s/he is moments away from a full-on meltdown and you need to find that pacifier FAST. The last thing you want is to be rummaging through your bag in a panic while judgemental eyes stare at you. And this is why I swear by pouches. With everything neatly tucked into its designated spot, finding what you need becomes a whole lot easier and more efficient.

Now let’s dive into the essentials, shall we?

01. The Diaper Pouch

The diaper pouch is undoubtedly the cornerstone of any well-prepared diaper bag. It’s where I keep all the essentials for those inevitable diaper changes on the go. At the heart of this pouch are my go-to diapers from Coterie – they’re not only ultra-absorbent but also eco-friendly and free of harmful chemicals, making them a top choice for my little one. Paired with Coterie’s travel wipes for quick clean-ups, I’ve found myself equipped to handle any mess with ease. (Use my code CHLOE for 20% off your first order!) While I’ve been lucky to avoid diaper rash thus far, I always keep this incredible diaper rash spray that is a no-rub application option. A changing pad ensures a clean and comfortable surface for diaper changes wherever I may be. And to contain any messes, I stash disposable diaper baggies for discreet disposal of dirty diapers. With the diaper pouch stocked and ready to go, I find that sometimes, I can leave the whole diaper bag and stroller with my husband, and just grab my daughter and this one pouch to head to the bathroom for a quick change.

Shoppable Links:

• Diaper Bag Pouch (I love this set of two from Amazon… so cheap but great quality!)
• Coterie Diapers (The absolute best diapers on the market. Use CHLOE at checkout for 20% off your first order!)
• Coterie Diapers Travel Wipes Pack (I love that they make these travel packs that are so small and convenient for the diaper bag!)
• Diaper Rash Spray (yay to no diaper rash cream mess!)
• Changing Pad (My diaper bag came with this one which I love because it’s simple, easy to open with one hand, and isn’t bulky. This is a similar option from Amazon that looks like another great option. Just think, you have one hand… you want to be able to open that mat easily!)
• Disposable Diaper Dispenser & Bags (or if you have a dog, you can totally use doggy poop bags haha)

02. A Wet Bag

The Wet Bag, aptly named for its ability to handle all things messy, is a lifesaver in my diaper bag arsenal. I picked up this handy accessory specifically for those moments when things get a little… well, wet. Whether it’s a onesie that’s fallen victim to a diaper blowout or a burp cloth soaked with spit-up, the Wet Bag provides a convenient spot to stash anything that needs containing. Inside this trusty pouch, I keep a set of fresh clothes, socks, and a weather-appropriate hat – whether it’s a sun hat for those sunny days or a cozy beanie for chillier weather. This way, no matter the outfit malfunction, I’m armed and ready with a backup plan which is why this is a diaper bag essential in my opinion!

Shoppable Links:

• Wet Bags
• The Best Onesies
• Socks (I loved these and found that they were the only slipper that would stay on Ruby’s foot!)
• Sunhat (for the warmer months)
• Beanie (for the colder months)

03. Feeding Supplies

Now, let’s dive into the feeding supplies, crucial for nourishing your little one while on the move. From nursing covers to snacks for mom, the Mina Baie’s ample internal pockets keep everything organized and accessible. For breastfeeding moms like myself, a versatile nursing cover doubles as a blanket for added comfort if needed, while a couple of burp cloths are essential for those inevitable spit-up moments. And let’s not forget about mom – a snack, like my favorite little trail mix packets, ensures I stay fueled during our outings.

In cases where my husband took Ruby out without me for feeding time, the diaper bag essentials looked a little different. We relied on the Cereschill to keep breastmilk cold and fresh, paired with a bottle and a nifty portable bottle warmer for convenience.

As someone who exclusively breastfed, it’s important to note that this list reflects my personal experience. For formula-fed babies, consider items such as pre-measured formula packets, bottles, and a portable formula dispenser to meet your little one’s needs on the go.

Shoppable Links:

• Nursing Cover for less than $20 (fun fact: I bought the fancy We Are Amma nursing cover and never use it because I like this cheaper one from Amazon SOOO much better! It’s light and breathable which is so much nicer for baby, and also has a cool opening at the top for you to be able to see baby without needing to use a hand to pull the cover away to peek down.)
• Burp cloths
• Bottles (we like the glass bottles from Dr Browns)
• Cereschill (Breastmilk chiller that keeps milk safe for 20+ hours! This is also great for if you are going to be away from baby and you need to pump using your portable pump – like an Elvie – and store your milk in a safe way until you can go back home. Definitely recommend this! It’s also a great way to travel with milk since you can bring this on the plane!)
• Portable Bottle Warmer – just be sure to get the adapter that fits to the bottle you use!
• Mom’s Snacks for On-the-Go (my fav are little trail mix packs that I get from Costco or chomp sticks)

04. Essentials & Comforts

Now, let’s cover the items that are necessary for both mom and baby while on the move. In this pouch, you’ll find everything from soothing pacifiers and teething toys to spare nursing pads for mom’s comfort. Hand sanitizer is a must-have for maintaining hygiene on the go, while the Oogie boogie come to the rescue during those inevitable runny nose moments. Pacifier wipes ensure that pacifiers stay clean and germ-free, while a mini fan provides a refreshing breeze on warmer days. And let’s not forget the portable sound machine, perfect for creating a calming atmosphere during naps or bedtime on the go. With these diaper bag essentials close at hand, both baby and mom can navigate outings with ease and peace of mind.

Shoppable Links:

• Pacifier
• Pacifier Holder
• Teething Toy
• Nursing Pads for Mom (if you are breastfeeding)
• Hand Sanitizer
• Oogie Boogie
• Pacifier Wipes
• Mini Fan
• Portable Sound Machine

BONUS: The Next Level (6 Months+)

As Ruby reached the milestone of six months and started exploring the world of solids, I found myself updating our diaper bag with a whole new set of essentials. The addition of baby food became a game-changer, with serenity food pouches, Amara yogurt melts, and serenity puffs becoming our go-to snacks on the go. To make feeding easier, I invested in a pouch holder that allowed Ruby to handle her snacks independently without the risk of squeezing and wasting them. Safety remained a top priority, which is why I added the LifeVac to our bag – providing peace of mind in case of emergencies. Alongside the food items, I made sure to pack essentials like a baby bib, disposable placemats (opting for biodegradable ones for environmental sustainability), and a baby num num spoon, perfect for mashing soft foods like avocado or banana. A sippy cup was also added to keep Ruby hydrated during our outings. And of course, with the sun shining brighter, sunscreen became a must, with Baby Sun Bum being our trusted brand. To keep Ruby entertained, a couple of small toys were added, ensuring she stays happy and engaged wherever our adventures take us.

Shoppable Links:

• Snacks (we love these Serenity Food Pouches, Amara Yogurt Melts, and Serenity Puffs for our on-the-go food.)
• Squeeze-Proof Food Pouch Holder
• I also love this reusable Ziploc snack bag to put these snacks into so that I don’t need to use up so much space storing the whole bag/jar.
• LifeVac – portable airway assist device
• Bib that ACTUALLY prevents food from getting everywhere
• Biodegradable Disposable Table Mats – great for when you’re at restaurants
• Num Num Spoon
• Sippy Cup – love that it’s spillproof!
• Sunscreen Stick
• Exciting small toys for when you need a good distraction (love these pretend keys!)

I hope you’ve found these recommendations helpful as you prepare for your own adventures in motherhood. Remember, every mom and baby duo is unique, so feel free to tailor your diaper bag essentials to suit your individual needs.

If there’s anything you’ve discovered along the way that has been a game-changer for you and your little one, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment below and let’s continue sharing our tips and tricks for navigating motherhood together.

PS. If you are just getting started on this journey, check out some of my other blogs related to motherhood. Would be honored to go on the adventure with you!