How I Pack My Diaper Bag:Diaper Bag Essentials

Diaper bags. They can end up a bottomless abyss of mystery. BUT they don’t have to! Here’s the real deal scoop on what you really need to pack in your diaper bag. None of the frills, none of the fluff or fillers. Just the actual factual diaper bag essentials. So from this been there, done that, mom of two to you, here’s what’s in my diaper bag for a baby and toddler. 

First things first – let’s talk how to choose a diaper bag. I have a few criteria: it has to be cute (duh), it has to be functional, and it has to be able to weather all the craziness two kiddos can throw at it. The JJ Cole Caprice Diaper Bag is my current favorite! Why? Because it checks off all my needs (cute,functional, durable) and more. 

JJ Cole is well known in the baby and children’s industry, and for good reason. They are somehow able to combine form and function to create products perfect for today’s parent. I am always drawn to their stylish options and love that there are options for any taste. Even my husband enjoys wearing ours because its such a great gender neutral option.

My Mary Poppins tendencies have taken a much more realistic turn. Gone are the days when I overpack! The JJ Cole Caprice Diaper Bag has plenty of pockets to keep it all organized and the three carrying options allows me to change it up easily.

What to pack in your diaper bag for the kids:

There’s no question the most valuable thing in my diaper bag is, well, just that. Diapers. And wipes. Because those suckers have a million different uses. I bring three or four diapers in total which usually lasts us even an all day outing. Butt Paste and Baby Balm are two more must haves for me. Both my boys have sensitive skin, and my toddler is quite the bull in a china shop. Between the two of those, I can usually remedy just about any situation. 

What to pack in your diaper bag for baby:

Onesies are the best invention ever. It’s a complete outfit in one! Maybe it’s me being a second time mom, but I never remember to bring pants or socks with me anymore. And yet, it hasn’t seemed to make any difference. It’s usually J’s shirt that’s the recipient of whatever mess it is for the most part. A rolled up onesie takes up no room and fits into the inner pockets easily.

A Ring Sling easily condenses down to fit in one of the side pockets of my JJ Cole. I love my Ring Sling for ‘quick ups’ and it’s the perfect carrier to keep on hand for wherever we go. 

Swaddle blankets are probably the most versatile baby item ever. You name it, a swaddle can probably do it. I like to always keep at least one oversized swaddle blanket in my diaper bag at all times. 

Jude loves using his hands and teeth right now, so bringing a crinkle book that doubles as a teether is a big time multi-tasker. I will sometimes switch it up and bring one of his other teething toys, but right now this one is definitely a favorite. 

What to pack in your diaper bag for the toddler:

Right now is really easy with knowing what keeps my toddler, H, happy. It’s either something that has wheels, something reptilian that is now extinct, or random weird things he finds on the floor in our minivan. I basically keep a few trucks floating around to always have on hand and call it good. One of the best things to pack in a diaper bag for your bigger kid has got to be Pipe Cleaners. H loves molding them into shapes and characters, and coming up with the craziest stories. 

What to pack in your diaper bag for snacks:

Snacks aren’t all about the kiddos. When packing your diaper bag, remember to consider your taste buds and needs as well. You never know when the early evening hunger will set in, and it will inevitably be in rush hour traffic with no end in sight. I always make sure to pack several different types of bars I know my toddler likes, but I also pack some high-nutrient snack bars that are great for breastfeeding moms as well. 

In case of meltdowns or the need to bribe my toddler, fruit snacks and little candies always make their way into my diaper bag. We also have them stashed in all sorts of places in the car and house, just in case. 

What to pack in your diaper bag for mom:

I’m sure these are mostly going to sound silly, but you’d be surprised how many times essentials have been accidentally left out of the diaper bag. Of course, always make sure you’ve packed your wallet. I can remember a few distinct times I made it to the checkout at a store and realized I was not in possession of that necessity. Major whoops.

It seems like a given nowadays, but I always triple check I’ve brought my phone as well. Between navigating to locations, putting on H’s favorite playlist, or calling to check in with family, the phone is never far from my side. If you haven’t yet, put a power pack in your diaper bag. Now. You’ll thank me later when you’re at 3% and can recharge on the go.

My teething necklace is always either on my neck or in my bag. J loves to chomp on me and pull at me while nursing, so this little necklace gives me a lot of relief. It’s also great to use while babywearing! And just so happens to be a pretty accessory. 

As much for me as it is for them, bandaids and a melaleuca rollerball get added to the front pouch. Two more items in my pseudo first aid kit that can solve almost anything.

Add a few hair ties and bobby pins, as well as some lip balm and I call it good!

Yoga pants might be a staple in my current mom wardrobe, but the JJ Cole Caprice Diaper Bag looks just as great with leggings as it does with jeans or a wrap dress. Their diaper bags are well made and allow me to be organized on the go. I always know where everything is, and love the functionality of each feature. While I may have high expectations of what my mom gear needs to be able to handle, I am very impressed with JJ Cole.

So, what do you pack in your diaper bag? What are your diaper bag essentials?