My Diaper Bag Essentials as Fourth-Time Mom

I can’t believe it’s been a few years since I’ve had to pack a diaper bag. It’s been almost 8 years, time flies when you’re in the whirlwind of motherhood that’s for sure! But here I am again, packing a diaper bag and preparing for our newest little addition, and let me tell you, it always feels like the first time, no matter how many kids you have. This time around, I wanted to pack less but still have everything I may need while we are out and about. I also know that it depends on where you’re going and how long you will be out for that day but on average, I wanted to pack just essentials with as few unnecessary extras as possible to also make things easier to find and to make my diaper bag less heavy. I also use it to store some of my things at times, so I don’t always have to carry a purse AND diaper bag with me when we are out.

I’ve updated my diaper bag essentials to suit the needs of Baby G, and I wanted to share what’s inside in case another mom needed some diaper bag packing inspo, lol. Please keep in mind that these are the things I’m packing in my diaper bag for my baby that I feel are needed for us. Everyone is different so if you have things I don’t in your bag, or you don’t want to add certain things I do that’s ok because everyone is different. This is strictly just what I pack for my family and our needs. So, with that said let’s dive into my diaper bag must-haves of 2024.

First things first, let’s talk about the diaper bag itself. This time, I’ve opted for a more sleek and functional design – the KiddyCare backpack diaper bag by KiddyCare on Amazon. With my last baby, I used a tote bag style diaper bag, so it had shoulder straps. You can see that post here. But Kiddycare reached out and sent me this one a few years ago and I never got to try it out until now. I chose the dark grey color because I like neutral colors and it’s also easier to keep clean and stain-free. It’s a cute, spacious backpack style that has so many pockets and opens at the top doctor bag style which I love making it easier to pack and to find things when you need them. It’s also the perfect unisex diaper bag for moms and dads to carry all their baby essentials without compromising style. Now, on to what I’m packing in Gianna’s diaper bag:

• 2 Burp cloths because spit-ups happen
• A warm blanket
• A nursing cover that can also be used as a car seat cover.
• 2 onesies because accidents happen, and backup outfits are a lifesaver.
• A change of clothes for mom (I pack a pair of leggings, a nursing top, and socks) in case of spit-up, spills, or leaks
• 2 bibs to help keep clothing clean longer
• 6 diapers or enough to last through a day out (usually about 1 for every hour you will be gone) – you can never have too many!
• Wipes and Diaper rash cream are absolute necessities for cleanups & irritation flare-ups on the fly.
• 2 bottles, which can be pre-filled with formula or breast milk for feeding times & 2 pacifiers for fussy moments.
• Haakaa, portable breast pump, nipple butter & nipple shields
• Baby Carrier. I’ve used Infantino baby carriers for all of my kids. They always last long and are comfortable for me and my husband to wear.
• Travel First Aid Kit with basic medical essentials for any unexpected bumps or bruises.
• A changing pad, this one has everything for on-the-go changes anywhere and when you can’t get to a clean space for changing.
• A grooming kit that has: Nail clippers, a comb/hairbrush, and baby-safe grooming tools.
• Thermometer or disposable thermometer strips for monitoring baby’s temperature during outings.
• Nose suction because stuffy noses happen, especially during the cold season.
• Breast pads, disposable underwear, and period pads are essential for mom’s comfort and preparedness.
• Bodyarmor and snacks for mom/dad
• Water bottle for mom
• Extras: Headbands, bag hook, socks, and hand mittens

To keep everything organized, I got these cute organizer zipper pouches from Amazon. Sorting items into these pouches helps minimize mess and makes it easy to find what I need in a hurry. I also love the fact that they are labeled for easy refilling.

While I’ve tailored Gianna’s diaper bag for our everyday outings, I know the hospital will provide everything we need during our stay which is why I didn’t add anything for that because I am packing her hospital bag essentials in my hospital bag so we don’t have so many bags we need to bring home. So, this setup is designed for our adventures beyond the hospital walls. I will have a separate blog post with my hospital bag essentials and everything I am bringing for myself, the hubby, and Baby G so keep an eye out for that one. 

I hope sharing my updated everyday newborn diaper bag essentials helps all you moms out there who might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the packing process. And hey, if I’ve left anything out that you have in your diaper bag that you can’t live without, please feel free to share in the comments! Remember, no matter how chaotic motherhood gets, always remind yourself: You’re beautiful, you’re doing an amazing job, and you’ve got this!

Always Remember You’re Beautiful!

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