This post is sponsored by Huggies Clutch ‘n’ Clean* Wipes.
As we’ve gone from 1, to 2, and now 7 children, our diaper bag has gotten a little lighter each time around. Over the past 11 years, we’ve learned what the necessities are (at least for our family) when it comes to leaving the house with a baby (or babies) in tow.
With our first baby we were prepared for any situation under the sun. As our family has grown, we have learned what we can do without, and what we absolutely must have in our diaper bag.
Here are the top 10 things I must have when leaving the house with my littles –
Diapers
This is obvious. They don’t call it a diaper bag for nothin’. Just be sure to replenish your supply after your outings. I’ve made the mistake of NOT doing that and have been stranded at a restaurant with no diapers. I had to scout the restaurant for someone that had a baby similar in age to mine and then sheepishly ask if they had a diaper to spare.
Wipes
Diapers and wipes go hand-in-hand, so it only makes sense that wipes would be next on my list. I’ve been a Huggies wipes fan from the beginning, so I was pretty delighted to see their new stylish baby wipes, Huggies Clutch ānā Clean* Wipes.
These new portable wipes come in 3 stylish designs, allow for easy refill, and have a handy strap that you can attach to your diaper bag, stroller, purse, or car seat. You can purchase the new Huggies Clutch ānā Clean* Wipes at retailers nationwide (suggested retail price – $3.99).
Change of Clothes
Pack a change of clothes (or 2) for your diaper-wearing child – for obvious reasons. It never fails – the blow-outs always happen when you are away from home.
Hand Sanitizer
We take hand sanitizer and hand sanitizing wipes when we are out and about for use after diaper changes or before meals/snacks.
Sippy Cup
We always take a sippy cup filled with water. If we go out to eat, we can always get a refill, or fill it with juice or milk.
Snacks
When going anywhere with kids you need to take snacks. Hunger often leads to crankiness, and you want to avoid that at all costs when you are out in public. Snacks also come in handy as a form of distraction or bribery.
Disposable Bibs & Placemats
I like to have these on hand in case we need to stop to grab a bite to eat. I like the convenience of the disposable bibs and the placemats provide a clean place for baby/toddler to eat.
Nursing Cover
When I nurse in public I like to be covered up – for my own comfort, as well as for those around me. So this is a must in my diaper bag.
Blanket
You never know when or how a blanket might come in handy, so I always carry one in the diaper bag.
Entertainment
We take along a toy and/or book in case we need some form of entertainment. I try to take something that can easily be clipped to the car seat or stroller.
What is a must-have in your diaper bag?
What do you NOT leave home without?
Thank you to Huggies for sponsoring todayās post. All opinions are my own.
Oh another Mummy with a large family! (I have 6.) How exciting!
I can definitely relate to those inclusions in the nappy bag. I too have culled many items over the years from mine.
I do like to carry a favourite toy and some lip balm too for me as well. š
I found I only needed to carry wipes on me. I would wet a face washer and keep it in a plastic container in my handbag. Then I would keep a change of clothes, nappies and a blanket in the car. I found it was generally just as easy to run out myself, or take the child with me. This saved me having to carry so much, and meant I could use a nice handbag.
My must-have is my nursing cover, for sure. With nursing twins, I can not afford to be out without it.
Thanks for this great list. I’m just about to have my first baby and really appreciate a list of what to put in the diaper bag. I think I’ll need to go get myself some portable wipes.
With my first child, I packed everything but the kitchen sink in my diaper (and my bag was h-u-g-e). Now, I pack the necessities and I keep an organizer in the back of my SUV with extra items that I may end up needing to cut down on the diaper bag chaos. It’s funny how things change. š
I have some very small trash bags I carry with me so if I am at a friend’s house, church or even a store where the trash is inside the bathroom I can dispose of any “smelly” diapers without stinking the whole place up! However, I always ask friends/family if there is an outdoor garbage can I can use. I think it is just common courtesy:)
Yes! That’s a good one! I throw some in there when I remember (which isn’t often).
We still never leave home without snacks! Thanks for sharing at the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop!
We pack all of the above. We also carry an extra bottle or two of water as a back up for drinking, washing, etc!
We have 6 children ranging in age from 2 years to 11 years. We tried carrying a bag for just the 2 year old, but discovered how quickly that failed us.
In addition to those items, we keep the following:
Small first aid kit, primarily filled with bandaids and antibacterial ointment
Purse-pack size tissues
A few empty zip-top baggies
Travel-size stain stick/laundry detergent pen
A small bottle of bubbles (This entertains so many kids, especially when waiting in line)
A deck of cards (This is mostly for the older girls, but even toddlers have fun dropping, sorting, stacking, etc.)
Pens, crayons, and a notepad