What You Really Need in Your Baby Bag: The First Year

Hi friends! This weekend was crazy busy, and we had to go out of town for some family matters. It seems like we are always on the go. Packing has become second-nature since all of our family is out of town, but I pretty much have packing Colin’s baby bag down to a science. I also haul my things and Charlotte’s things in our bag, so I thought sharing what I pack would be helpful.

Baby Bag Essentials

The first thing you need is a great diaper bag. When you’re a mom of two, the big luggage type baby bag is a no-go. You need to have your hands free to wrangle your toddler(s) and to hold the baby or baby carrier. A backpack is the only way to go. My favorite is my black backpack from Fawn Design (c/o). I get so many compliments on this thing, and it even doubles as a super cute purse when you’re without your kids.

It has tons of space and a huge zip-top opening.

Want to see what I keep inside of this bad boy? These are the things I can’t leave home without.

Months 0-3

• DIAPERS (duh). I have left home without them before, because sometimes I just don’t have it all together. When that has happened, it was a disaster. Never leave home without them. I always carry at least 4 because sometimes I don’t know how long I’m going to be out, and sometimes you get peed on by your kid when you’re changing him or her. Always have a backup!
• WIPES. Wipes are for everything when you become a mom. Need to clean a mess? Grab a wipe. Need to change your baby? Grab a wipe. Need to wipe up spit-up? Grab a wipe.
• CHANGING PAD & DIAPER ORGANIZER (c/0). In my diaper organizer, a changing pad is included. You’ll definitely need one of these. If you ever need to change baby bags or totes, just take the organizer out to make a quick switch.
• CHANGE OF CLOTHES (like this Softsie Onesie c/o). Because sometimes your baby will have a blowout or spit up an awful lot. Be prepared for accidents!
• FEEDING NECESSITIES. I breastfeed my babies, but when we’re out and about, I give a bottle, either of breastmilk or formula. If you nurse, you might want to pack a nursing cover if that’s your thing.
• BURP CLOTHS. You really can’t have enough of these. Burp clothes are so necessary when you have little babes. Homemade ones are my favorite.
• SOLLY BABY WRAP & SWADDLE (c/o). If you’re going somewhere like the grocery store, the Solly Baby wrap is amazing. It is the softest material, and such a cozy way for your baby to be carried. If your baby is going to be toted around in his/her baby carrier, I always keep a light blanket on hand. This also doubles as a nursing cover, too. The Solly Baby swaddle is my absolute favorite!
• ANTIBACTERIAL WIPES. The Wet Ones Travel Packs are my favorite to pack in my bag. I like using these for myself.

4 – 6 months

• All of the above.
• TEETHER. Our favorite is Vulli Sophie the Giraffe.

6 – 12 months

• You’ll still need all of the above. Just add these things.
• BABY FOOD. I like traveling with organic baby food pouches. So convenient. Do you make your own baby food? These reusable pouches are great to take with you when you’re on-the-go.
• BABY SPOONS. Once your baby starts eating solids, you’ll need to carry around a baby spoon or these spoons for the baby pouches.
• WATERPROOF BIB. Cloth bibs are cute, but waterproof bibs are where it’s at. Roll these up, and pack in the baby bag.
• BABY MUM MUMS. If you’re baby is needing a light snack or entertainment, these are my go-to.
• SEAT COVER. I used this seat cover with Charlotte, and now I have one for Colin. He just used this for the first time this weekend, and now I won’t leave home without it. These are a must when going to the restaurant or the grocery store. Keep the germs away with these things!
• DISPOSABLE PLACEMAT. When going to a restaurant, I love having these disposable placemats.

FOR YOUR TODDLER/PRESCHOOLER

• BOOGIE WIPES. My child always seems to have a runny nose during the school year. These are a must.
• iPAD. It’s our last resort, but we like to carry it around just in case. We also like to have these handy headphones too.
• BANDAIDS. Because you never know.
• SNACKS. Don’t leave home without them! Whether it be cheese crackers, fruit snacks, fruit chews, or whatever it is that is your child’s favorite of the day, don’t forget it. Your life depends on it. Ha!
• CONTIGO WATER BOTTLE. This is the only water bottle/sippy cup that is absolutely leak proof. And your child will most definitely be thirsty wherever you go, because children are the antithesis of camels.

FOR YOURSELF

• CELL PHONE. 
• WALLET. 
• PORTABLE CHARGER. If we’re gone for a long time, I like to carry around a charger just in case. This one is a great price, small, and does the job.
• CHAPSTICK OR GLOSS. 

And that’s everything but the kitchen sink! What is one thing you can’t leave home without?