What I Keep In Our Diaper Bag
What I keep in our diaper bag as a mom of 4 ranging from 5 years old to newborn! This list ebs and flows over time, as the kids hit different stages and different needs like less diapers or more snacks!
There’s something tenderly maternal about the humble diaper bag, isn’t there? It’s not just a tote full of odds and ends — it’s a moving piece of home, a soft place to land when we’re out and about in the wild and wonderful world of motherhood.
Whether I’m packing up for daily errands, Sunday Mass, or a spontaneous picnic stop, my diaper bag is always full of tiny things that serve a big purpose: helping our day go a little more smoothly, and keeping love, comfort, and calm close at hand.
Here’s what I keep tucked inside — the practical, the comforting, and the “just in case.”
1. Wholesome Snacks for All
As a toddler mom… you get it. Snacks are non-negotiable! I always pack a mix of things for the little ones and a few nourishing bits for me too.
Some of our favorites:
- Beef sticks (we love Paleo Valley or Chomps)
- BEAR fruit rolls — no added junk, just fruit!
- Unsweetened applesauce pouches
- Simple bars (like LaraBars, or homemade oat bars)
- Trail mix or nut/seed packs
- Crackers It’s not glamorous, but a good quick and easy
- I’ll sometimes back before go fresh produce, cheese, those more perishable items!
- Don’t forget to have a filled water bottle on hand too!
2. Extra Underwear for the Older Kiddos
Accidents happen, even to the best potty-trained preschoolers. A small zip pouch with underwear for the big kids is such a peace-of-mind item. I rotate them out seasonally too (because nothing says “summer emergency” like fleece-lined Paw Patrol briefs at the splash pad).
3. Diapers + Wipes
The classics. I keep 2–3 diapers depending on how long we’ll be out (the general rule of thumb is one for every hour you’ll be out and about), and a travel-size pack of fragrance-free wipes that pull double duty — cleaning hands, faces, picnic tables, you name it.
4. Our Gathre Mat
One of my all-time favorite baby registry items. This mat folds up tiny, wipes clean, and is perfect for diaper changes on the go — no matter where we are. Park bench, back of the van, church cry room… we’ve seen it all.
5. A Soft Burp Rag + Nursing cover
Spit-up doesn’t care if you’re wearing white linen. I keep a simple cotton burp cloth rolled up in one of the side pockets. It also makes a good makeshift napkin, washcloth, or even lovey in a pinch. Nurse cover to throw over with ease for those times baby needs to nurse and what I feel more comfortable with nursing in public and my infants haven’t ever had a problem with hating a cover over them and what I personally prefer for my privacy but also being able to nurse my babe anywhere!
6. Easy-to-Clean Bib
Our go-to is a silicone roll-up bib — because it’s wipeable, catches crumbs, and doesn’t get crusty in the bottom of the bag. It’s one of those “never thought I’d love it this much” items.
7. Diaper Rash Cream
We alternate between two gentle, non-toxic favorites:
- Active Skin Repair Baby Spray (especially easy on the go)
- Primally Pure’s Baby Balm — so soothing and clean. Having either on hand means I’m not caught off guard by a sudden rash or skin irritation after a long day out.
- Rowe Casa Organics especially their baby + kids items is line is also a staple from their boo boo slave, bottom spray and so much more for health and body! you can use code SARAHMERCK20 to save on your first online order too!
8. A Couple Small Books
Tiny board books or soft cloth books are my secret weapon for long lines, restaurant waits, or car seat, etc. We rotate them often as I remember, haha!
9. Change of Clothes for Baby
Because blowouts happen at the most inconvenient times. I keep a one-piece footie outfit in a zip bag (which doubles as a wet bag for any messes). Pro tip: Always rotate seasonally — I’ve learned this the hard way in January with a sleeveless romper.
10. Spare Pacifier & Clip
A clean back-up pacifier and a little clip help save the day when one is missing or I forget to grab one before heading out!
11. Lip balm + hair tie
For those times I need a quick freshen-up. I’m a gal that hattteeesss having chapped lips so a must!
Bonus Essentials I Also Keep Tucked In:
These little extras have become diaper bag staples over the years — each one added after a very specific “oh I wish I had that” moment:
- Mini First Aid Kit – Band-aids, a single dose of Tylenol, a tiny thermometer, and a few alcohol wipes. This is usually just in the car not the diaper bag!
- Travel-size hand sanitizer – Because sticky fingers happen. I like Primarily pure hand sanitizer!
- Foldable reusable bag – In case we make an unplanned grocery stop or need to stash wet clothes. Again this is usually stored just in the car!
- A rosary – A comforting reminder of peace and presence, especially on stressful days. A good distraction for littles and its never having one of the ultimate spiritual weapons on hand!
- Phone charger – for those just in case times!
- Tiny sensory toy or teether – Something squishy, rattly, or chewy keeps little hands happy when they’re a bit older and out of the newborn stage!
Do you have a diaper bag essential I’ve missed? Tell me your lifesavers!
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