Don't Leave Home Without It: The Top 10 Must-Have Items for Your Diaper Bag

As a mom myself, I know that going out with a baby can be a daunting task. Sometimes just thinking about all the things you need to bring can make going out impossible - and you just stay home instead. But you need to get out, so let's build a diaper bag that stays at the door and is ready to go. 

Whether it's a quick trip to the store or a day-long excursion, there's always so much to pack and prepare for. That's why having a well-stocked diaper bag is an absolute must-have.

Citi Journey Diaper Bag in Vintage Tan - Stylish and Functional Organizer for Busy Moms!

If you feel like you need to bring EVERYTHING, try packing two bags. Your main diaper bag with a few essentials in this list, and then another bag or tote with the extra's that you leave in your vehicle. I used to keep my change of clothes, a few extra snacks, a third outfit, extra pair of shoes, and super spare diapers in a bin in the car that I could go back too if I ran out of diaper bag supplies or found out my diaper bag was lacking.

In this post, I'll be sharing my top 10 must-have items for every diaper bag, along with some tips for choosing the best products for your needs. So, let's dive in and make sure you're fully prepared for your next adventure with your baby!

1. Diapers and Wipes - The number one reason for a diaper bag is to carry diapers... but don't forget the wipes!
   
   Plan to bring one diaper for every two hours you'll be out, and at least one pack of wipes. This is true if you're planning on using cloth diapers or disposable diapers.
   
   

   Some diaper bags like this one from Citi Collective feature separate compartments that can be great for storing items you need easy access to. You'll be doing a lot of diaper changes when out and about.	The Itzy Ritzy Take & Travel Wipes Pouch is a great way to break down a bigger box of wipes into something accessible for on the go parenting.

2. Changing Pad - A portable changing pad is crucial for on-the-go diaper changes. Many of our favourite Diaper Bags include a change pad, but if your diaper bag didn't we love the Kinder Change Mat because it's part absorbency, part stay dry, and easy to roll up.
   
   

   The perfect on-the-go diaper change mat. These generously sized machine washable mats from Kinder Cloth Diapers Co measure 18.5 by 27 inches — ideal for keeping baby clean while out in public.	Many diaper bags will have a standard change mat included like the Citi Collective Collection. Full size Itzy Ritzy Diaper bags also include change mats with the bags.

   
   
   
3. Wet Bag - known by cloth diaper parents for storing dirty diapers, wet bags are a must-have for any diaper bag pack list because they are great for holding anything and everything that's just yucky. Use it to keep your baby clothes dry, and the dirty clothes wet. Look for a wet bag with multiple pockets if you want to sort things.
   
   
4. Hand Sanitizer - Hand sanitizer is an important item for keeping your hands and your baby's hands clean when there's no soap and water available - this is especially important with the never ending series of viruses and bugs.
   
   
5. Muslin Blanket or Receiving Blanket  - Versatile, a lightweight blanket can be used to clean up spills and messes, can be used to wrap a baby if it's cold, or can be used to create shade, or a place to sit. Muslin blankets have unlimited possibilities when out. 
   
   
6. Extra Baby Clothes - Having extra baby clothes on hand is important in case of spills or accidents. Choose clothing that's easy to pack and change, such as onesies or leggings.  If you have packing cubes on hand, they can be a great way to organize your diaper bag. 
   
   

   An organized bag makes life on the go that much easier. These Itzy Ritzy packing cubes are great, but you can also use wet bags, or repurpose any cotton bag you receive from gifts or products. It doesn't have to be fancy.

   
   
   And a pair for you! This is extra relevant if you're a nursing mom, because you never know when you'll leak, accidentally spray your entire shirt, or cause other wet chaos. You might also consider an extra pair of nursing pads. We love these Kinder Cloth Diaper Co Nursing Pads because they come with a wet bag for easy storage on the go. 
   
   
7. Pacifiers and Teethers  - We sell a lot of pacifiers to people who forgot or lost them while visiting Pine Centre Mall at Prince George, BC. Be sure to grab a pacifier clip or a pacifier pouch to keep track of these precious and important tools!
   
   Pacifiers and teethers can help soothe your baby when they're fussy or teething.
   
   

   The Everything Pouch can comfortably hold two pacifiers, making it a must-have for parents on the go.

8. Snacks and Water Bottle - and formula for baby! Snacks and a water bottle are important for keeping you and your baby nourished and hydrated when you're out and about. 
   
   

   Carry the Bottle Bag by the quick-grab handle, or snap it onto your diaper bag or stroller. Features a interior pocket for an ice pack too!

9. Toys and Books - we love Itzy Ritzy's hanging toys and linking rings! So many of our customers love picking up a new toy when visiting us as a fun and easy way to entertain babies during outings. Board books are another fantastic choice and different sensory books can provide some easy entertainment. Sometimes we even carry stroller books which attach to the stroller. 
   

A well-stocked diaper bag is an essential item for any parent on the go. By including these top 10 must-have items, you'll be prepared for anything that comes your way.

And if you're in need of a new diaper bag, be sure to check out Nest & Sprout's selection of high-quality and stylish options. Two brands that we carry are Citi Collective and Itzy Ritzy, both of which offer functional and fashionable diaper bags to make your outings with baby even easier.

Head over to Nest & Sprout to check out our Diaper Bag selection, and don't forget to share your own tips and must-have items in the comments section!