Over the past three months since becoming a parent, I’ve learned what products are worth while, what ones are a waste of money and what are absolute necessities – like that extra outfit that LIVES in your diaper bag. Guaranteed the time you need it is going to be the time it’s not there. Some of that “worth while stuff” is really just nice to have and not necessarily a necessity. So I decided to share my favorite, must have items that are constantly in my diaper bag.
I have the Skip Hop Versa Diaper Bag and it’s a great size for us, as well as stylish. It has a number of pockets and a front zipper to make it expandable.
We keep an extra onesie or two in there – I love these from old navy in case baby’s outfit gets messy from an explosion which has happened once or twice. I also keep this hat from the Gap (ours is actually navy striped but has the same strap as this terry cloth one), and a stick of Babyganics sunscreen for days in the sun (not that we go out in the sun much but you never know). He does have a pair of baby shades also, but they don’t always live in our diaper bag (even if they should) – he looks kind of baller when he wears them.
For me, I keep Method Hand sanitizer ($2 at Target for the travel size!), and some Yes To Cucumber Facial Wipes in there. I use them at bedtime, after the gym and after a walk with my mama pals before going for coffee. I also keep Munchkin Pacifier Wipes
in my bag because baby drops his binky and who knows where it will land. I also love Burts Bees chapstick – I got it for freesies from Whole Foods at the Mothers Day event they did which was amazing. Who doesn’t love free mini-facials?
I won this Hobo Zara clutch at a JLA fundraiser raffle in February and it’s amazing. It’s easy to transfer and when I go out on my own for happy hour I throw my phone in there and just go. No worries about making sure I have my wallet with me!
I always make sure to keep a binky with me – so far baby only likes the Avent pacifiers so I make sure to have one in our bag at all times – not like yesterday at our coffee date when I walked in and realized I was binky-less and lo, about an hour later he had a meltdown that even a nursing session couldn’t fix. That seemed to the be the theme of today.
We love the Aden & Anais swaddle blankets and burpy bibs
so I always make sure to keep at least one of each in my bag. They’re great make shift nursing covers, burp cloths, play mats and car seat covers in a pinch. I mentioned in my 3 month favorites that we love Honest diapers (many thanks to Jaclyn for getting me hooked with her rave reviews!) so I keep their diapers and wipes in my bag.
Finally, since baby is starting to grip things (like my hair. and my necklace which I’ll eventually stop wearing temporarily I’m sure), I’ve been keeping a couple small toys in our diaper bag to entertain him with (they usually sit with him in the carseat) – current favorite is Sophie (or this Sophie Teether)
. We also love this Bright Starts Elephant Teether
– Ethan loves the crinkly texture, and this Bright Starts Rattle
is a new favorite also (and is super popular in our playgroup!).
Not pictured: I always keep a notebook and pen in my bag for random shopping lists and blogging inspiration. Also, often I’ll keep my current reading material in my bag in case I get to read (usually if I’m going out with Adam).
What’s in YOUR diaper bag mamas??
Disclosure: some links here are amazon affiliate links meaning if you click & buy I get a tiny pay day! Also if you’re interested in trying out Honest products please feel free to use my referral link!