What do you REALLY need in your diaper bag?

I have been asked by a few new moms what I carry in my diaper bag.  With five kids in tow, sometimes it’s hard to know what you really need in a diaper bag without carrying the contents of my whole house!

After almost 16 years of parenting, getting places without what we need, or carrying way too much stuff around that isn’t needed, I’ve finally perfected the contents of my diaper bag so I can seriously take ONE bag that suits the needs of me, my hubby and every single one of my kiddos!  The first several years of parenting, I might have had one or two (dozen) times that I got out running errands or going to appointments and didn’t have a spare outfit to change a kid after a blowout, or didn’t have enough diapers, or had a whining kid who just needed a snack to make it to the next stop.  (Sorry kids, you get your hangriness from your mother!)

The first part of being organized and able to suit the needs of so many kids of varying ages is the bag.  My kids are 15, 13, 6, 3, and 16 months and I also help with my nieces who range in age from 18 months to 5 years old.  So when we are out and about between stores, school pickups, dance, church or wherever, I like to know that in a pinch, we have what everyone needs!  I found this bag on Amazon and it is super cute, versatile, and holds soooo much stuff, yall!

I have experienced diaper blowouts, spilled food, “Aunt Flo” coming unexpectedly, breast milk leaks, scraped knees, bug bites, and so much more, so hopefully this list will help you to be prepared for what comes your way with your little ones!

I use zipper bags to hold contents for each kid.  This is multi purposed. This helps with organizing the bag so everything doesn’t wind up in a wadded ball in the bottom of the bag, but also, the bag serves as a way to contain the dirty item without soiling the rest of the bag.  Win, win!

My littles each have a weather appropriate outfit or sleeper, an extra pair of socks, and potty trained kids have an extra pair of undies/panties.

I also keep a zipper bag with an adult tshirt, pair of socks, and a pair of panties.  This is pretty versatile because the shirt and socks will fit me, my husband, or my older two kids in a pinch, and the panties will help if me or my daughter are in need.

I carry a light baby blanket and burp cloth as well.  Both of these items have been used in many ways for our family!  The blanket has been used as an extra cover for the baby when needed, but it has also served as a clean place to change a diaper, a sunshade over a carseat, a clean barrier to sit on after a diaper blowout in a car seat, and even a towel when we have had a spill!  The burp cloth has not only been used for its original purpose, but has also been perfect for a runny nose, a small spill, or even for a baby to snuggle if we accidentally left a lovey at home.

My baby is 16 months old, so we no longer carry bottles, but there is still room if you do need bottles!

In the various pockets, I keep a small bag with first aid supplies and toiletries, an extra pacifier, diaper rash cream, an empty grocery bag, an extra gallon sized zipper bag, a bottle of water, and snacks for the kids.  I will attach a detailed list below!

I hope this helps when you’re packing your diaper bag!  Are there any must-have items that you carry that I have forgotten?  Please share your ideas with me!

Diaper Bag List….(yes, this all fits with room to spare!):

• Light blanket
• Burp Cloth
• Adult T-shirt
• Adult socks and underwear/panties
• Each child’s bag – seasonal outfit, socks, undies/panties
• Baby wipes
• 6 diapers 
• 1 pull up
• Clorox wipes
• Hair ties
• Feminine products
• Pain reliever 
• Allergy Medicine
• Antacid
• Dental floss
• Cough medicine
• Cough drops
• Hydro cortisone cream
• Antibacterial cream
• Alcohol pads
• Gauze/band-aids
• Deodorant
• Flash light
• Ink Pens
• Hand Sanitizer
• Power Bank for phone
• Grocery bag for soiled items
• Napkins
• Snacks for all ages