Diaper bags can be a new mom’s best friend or her worst enemy. Whether you like carrying around a bag or not, it’s going to be a necessity once you have a child. After all, how else are you going to change your little one’s diapers, keep them clean, and wipe their hands when you’re on the go? Luckily, JujuBe diaper bags are designed to be incredibly convenient and easy to use. You can even go completely hands-free by hanging your favorite bag from our stroller straps!
There’s no getting around carrying a diaper bag, but the problem is they are notorious for becoming a catch-all for everything - baby-related or not. Even the most organized of moms may find herself digging around desperately in the bottom of the bag, looking for a favorite pacifier, the bibs she could have sworn she packed, or the set of keys she threw in.
Thankfully, it’s simple to learn how to pack a diaper bag in a way that will make your life infinitely easier, and we’ve compiled this guide of our top tips at JuJuBe to start you on your way. Once you learn how to properly pack a baby diaper bag, then it’s easy as 1-2-3 to keep it well organized and stocked!
Choose a Great Bag
Obviously, learning how to pick a diaper bag is an essential first step. However, every mom has her own unique preferences, which means there’s not a single option that is best for all moms. Do you prefer the diaper bag backpack or the traditional tote diaper bag? Once you decide on your preferences, you can then find a bag that is best built for the organization you need.
Backpacks are extremely popular because you can carry them hands-free. Many come with pockets and zip compartments that are perfect for storing everything you need. If you tend to pack on the heavier side, try looking for a bag that has both inside and outside compartments.
Get Organized
Once you’ve got a great bag, it’s time to get organized. Great organization will be key for every situation, from what to pack in a diaper bag for the hospital to determining what goes in your everyday bag. As an overall rule of thumb, remember that less is best. However, at the same time, you don’t want to go so minimalist that you find yourself stuck without an extra set of clothes or pack of baby wipes after your child has had a little accident.
Try using plastic Tupperware or a product like ta pacifier case to keep things like pacifiers and small toys together. Having a couple of extra plastic bags and a marker on hand is never a bad idea either. If there are big compartments sectioned off, try using one side for your child and the other side for you. Keep car keys, wallets, baby wipes, and pacifiers in easy to reach places so you aren’t digging through your bag to find what you need.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to designate certain areas for specific purposes. That way, you know that the pocket designated for snacks won’t contain nail clippers, or the pocket designated for your wallet won’t contain diaper rash cream instead. The more you stick to the “everything has a place” rule, the better organized you’ll be.
What to Pack
If your trip doesn’t require you to get out of the car much, you won’t have to worry about your bag’s weight. However, if you’re on the move and carrying your diaper bag around all day, you don’t want to load it up with a bunch of unnecessary stuff as you will then feel weighed down. Think light! Include the essentials and go from there.
Basic diaper bag essentials:
- Diapers, baby wipes, and a change of clothes
- Changing pad or burp clothes
- Baby food/snacks
- Travel-size necessities:
- Hand sanitizer
- Baby lotion
- Bibs
- Diaper rash cream
- Baby powder
When shopping for baby supplies, we suggest buying in pairs. That way, you can have your at-home products, as well as a diaper bag set. It’s much less stressful to have duplicates of items so you won’t have to worry about missing anything and also won’t have to transfer items back and forth from bag to house.
Finally, consider making seasonal grab bags you keep in your house. You can make a summer kit with sunscreen and bug spray and then a winter kit with a beanie and extra socks. Then you can swap the bags out whenever the seasons change!
Just remember, there’s no perfect science to packing a diaper bag. Use a bit of creativity in your organization and do what makes the most sense to you and feels right. Packing a diaper bag with a focus on staying organized can eliminate a lot of unnecessary headaches later on down the road!
