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What to pack in a diaper bag for a newborn? Save this handy checklist of diaper bag essentials for your newborn here.
I am sure you have asked yourself this several times in your mind. Whether it is an outing with your newborn or a trip to the pediatrician, you want to be well-prepared for any situation you might face. Keeping your diaper bag well stocked with all the necessities can prevent oops-ie moments and freakouts that would ruin your day.
Packing a diaper bag may be challenging especially if it is your first time. Do not belittle this inconspicuous bag as you will find yourself reaching out for it more than you can imagine.
Who Am I?
Hello! I’m En Jia, a mom of one.
After my daughter was born, I realized that I needed a bag that was big enough to fit all her baby items. I chose a backpack as my diaper bag as it gives me the convenience to free up my hands. It has a large space and there are many compartments for me to store the essentials while I am out and about.
I have recommended one product for each section based on the items my mommy friends and I personally used. These products have worked best for us and our babies. Of course, every baby has different needs but you can use my list as a guide on what to pack in your diaper bag.
What Is in My Diaper Bag?
First things first, the must-haves in your newborn diaper bag should be based on where you’re going and the situations you may encounter on your trip. This list will include all the basic essentials I have in my diaper bag and you can consider including any other special items your baby needs and amend the list from there.
Diapers: Rascal + Friends premium diapers
Rascal + Friends 236pcs Size 1
Rascal + Friends 240pcs Newborn Size
Rascal + Friends 240pcs Newborn Size
Pack one diaper for every two to three hours you will be out. Do pack a few extras in case of a poonami!
Rascal + Friends has been the go-to diapers for my daughter as they do not include any harsh chemicals and are gentle on her skin. Although the price is slightly steeper than other brands, she no longer has diaper rash and there have been no leaks so far (fingers-crossed!).
Baby wet wipes: Oldam baby wet wipes
Oldam 16 x 70pcs Baby Wet Wipes
Oldam 16 x 70pcs Baby Wet Wipes
Bring out a mini or travel size pack to save space in your diaper bag. If I were to pick the most important item, it would be the wet wipes. You simply cannot miss out on this item as there are so many uses for it – cleaning your newborn’s bum, wiping your hands and any dirty surface.
Oldam wet wipes are suitable for all babies and even babies with sensitive skin. They only use natural ingredients and are FDA approved. Every piece is thick, moist and embossed, thus reducing the number of wipes needed every diaper change.
Wet bags: Alvababy wet/dry bag
Alvababy 2pcs Wet Dry Bags
Wet bags are useful for containing soiled diapers and clothings. These can be used to segregate clean items from the used ones to prevent contamination.
Alvababy wet bags have stylish designs that are made from waterproof 100% polyester. There are two zip compartments where you can store wet and dry items separately. They are leak proof and super easy to wash.
Diaper cream: Buds Organics nappy time change cream
Buds Organic 75ml Nappy Time Change Cream
Buds Organic 2 x 75ml Nappy Time Change Cream
Produced to help protect baby’s bottom between each nappy change, this protective barrier cream of Shea Butter, Jojoba and Sunflower oil is combined with calming Bisabolol and antioxidant rich Vitamin E to soothe and protect.
Buds Organic 75ml Nappy Time Change Cream
A diaper cream is essential in protecting your baby’s bum between every diaper change. It can serve as a protective barrier and soothe the skin from the friction.
Buds Organics Nappy Time Change Cream is mild and suitable to be used daily at every diaper change. It cleared my daughter’s diaper rash almost immediately after a few uses. A tiny amount is sufficient to cover her entire bum.
Disposable changing pads: Munchkin arm & hammer disposable changing pads
Munchkin 3 x 10pcs Arm & Hammer Disposable Changing Pad
Munchkin 10pcs Arm & Hammer Disposable Changing Pad
A changing pad serves as a changing table when you are outdoors with your baby. It is important to change your baby’s diapers on a clean surface to keep bacteria from coming into contact with his or her bum.
I recommend disposable changing pads instead of reusable ones as you can throw them away after every diaper change. It is more hygienic and no clean ups are required. Munchkin’s Disposable Changing Pads have a three-layer design and leak-proof liners for extra comfort and protection. Each pad also contains baking soda that can neutralize odor.
Breastmilk storage: Ceres Chill breastmilk chiller system
Ceres Chill Breast Milk Chiller Reusable Storage Container
Ceres Chill Breast Milk Cooler & Storage
Optimally, breast milk should be properly stored within 4 hours after expression. Expressed breast milk can be kept in a breast milk chiller for up to a day and will guarantee the quality of milk when you are outdoors with your baby.
It is difficult to access fridges when you are outdoors and most cooler bags are big and bulky. Ceres Chill Breastmilk Chiller can keep milk cool and fresh for the duration you are out with your baby. Other than using it to cool milk, you can pump directly into the bottle, use it as a warmer and even feed your baby with the accessories that come together with the breastmilk system.
Extra set of clothes: Little Me 3-pack bodysuits
Little Me Unisex 3-Pack Bodysuits
Little Me Baby Kimono Bodysuit Short Sleeves
It is always good to keep an extra set of clothes in your diaper bag in case of any accidents such as spit ups or leakage from the diaper. Bodysuits are recommended as you can easily change your baby out of it with the snap buttons at the bottom.
Little Me’s bodysuits are made from soft cotton that are gentle to the skin. The lap shoulder neckline allows maximum stretch and is designed for easy dressing. The sizing is just nice for my daughter as she has chunky thighs but may run big for smaller sized babies. Choose the size according to your little one’s measurements!
Burp cloths: Hudson Baby flannel burp cloth
Hudson Baby Unisex Baby Cotton Flannel Burp Cloths
Pack at least two to three burp cloths to clean your baby’s spit ups or drools. Don’t hesitate to bring a few more, it won’t take up alot of space!
Hudson Baby Flannel Burp Cloths are made from 100% cotton which is great for absorbing spit ups and drools. The flannels are soft and bigger than the standard burp cloth. They are durable and will withstand repeated washing.
Toys: Mombella mimi mushroom soothing teether
Mombella Mushroom Teether
Mombella Mushroom Teether
Mombella Mushroom Baby Teether
As it is difficult to prevent babies from putting everything into their mouths, a soothing teether can be used to keep them entertained while you’re out. It will act as a pacifier and teether for the baby.
Mombella Mimi Mushroom Soothing Teether is suitable for babies from 0 to 8 months. This teether is designed so that your baby cannot put the entire thing in their mouth and potentially choke. It is easy to hold and will not fall off easily. There is a free clip accessory included when you purchase the teether.
Swaddle blankets: Angel Dear bamboo swaddle
Angel Dear 45” x 45” Swaddle Blanket
Swaddle Blankets are good to have in your diaper bag as they are very versatile. You can use it as a blanket when the weather is cold or swaddle your baby for naps.
I love using Angel Dear’s Bamboo Swaddles as they are incredibly soft. It works as a great swaddle blanket for my daughter and keeps her warm. I have used other swaddles but they are my favorite so far. There are so many adorable designs you will be spoilt for choice.
Hand sanitizer: Cloversoft antibacterial organic hand sanitizer
Cloversoft 3 x 60ml Hand Sanitiser
Cloversoft 500ml Hand Sanitiser
A hand sanitizer comes in handy when you are out and have no access to soap and water to wash your hands before a feed or after a diaper change. Hand sanitizers are effective in killing up to 99% of germs.
Cloversoft is a plant-based gel sanitizer that does not contain parabens, sulfates, dyes, phthalates or fragrance. There is a 60ml travel size option you may opt to purchase.
Diaper Bag Extras
Here are some extra items you may consider packing into your diaper bag.
- Extra shirt for yourself: A good to have in case your baby spit-ups during burping or breast milk leaks.
- Reusable nursing pads: These are mostly made from cotton which is more gentle on your sore nipples especially in the first few weeks after giving birth.
- Portable charger: It might just be your lifesaver when you are out with your newborn alone and have no access to electricity.
- White noise machine: Some babies fall asleep better with the help of white noise machines as they create a comfortable, womb-like environment.
Organizing Tips for a Diaper Bag
It is important to keep the diaper bag organized to find what you need easily. It makes a difference when you have your hands full.
- Keep small items in a pouch: You can easily retrieve the item you are looking for without digging into your diaper bag and risk messing it up.
- Unpack and restock the essentials once you get home: Make it a habit to clean up your diaper bag and remove all used items. You will not want to find soiled diapers or used clothing inside the diaper bag the next time you head out. Restock all essential items such as diapers and clean clothing immediately so that you will not miss anything out.
- Double-check for the diapers: You won’t want to put yourself in a situation whereby you are about to change your baby’s diapers and realize that there is none left. Always double-check and ensure that diapers are restocked.
- Pack according to categories in respective compartments: Keep things in the right spot so that you will know where to find them. Use the compartments in the diaper bag to segregate items of different categories. Pack clothing and burp cloths in one compartment, diaper changing items such as diapers and diaper cream in another.
How to Master Going out?
Heading out on your own the first time with your newborn may seem daunting but a well-prepared diaper bag will make your life a lot easier. With everything organized, there will be less fuss and you can find the things you need quickly.
This handy checklist will ensure that your diaper bag has all the necessities and give you the confidence to go out with your baby!
