Organize a Diaper Bag

As a new parent, an organized diaper bag can be a lifesaver. When you’re on the go with your little one and they need a diaper change, you don’t have time to rifle through the entire diaper bag to find diapers or the changing pad. Once you have gathered the necessary supplies, place them in the bag in a well organized way. Make sure you also restock the bag as needed so you are always prepared for the next diaper change.

Steps

Putting the Supplies in the Diaper Bag

1. Put the diapers in first. Start by placing the diapers in the bag, stacked side by side. Have the middle of the diaper facing up so they are easy to pull out and open when you need them.
   • Put the diapers in one side of the diaper bag. Depending on how big your diaper bag is, you may only be able to fit four to five diapers. This is fine if you are only planning to be out for three to four hours.
2. Place the diaper wipes and diaper cream in the side pockets. Most diaper bags will have small zip pockets inside or outside of the bag. These are great spots for wipes and cream, as you can pull the items out easily when you need them.
   • If your diaper bag does not have side pockets, use a smaller plastic bag to keep the wipes and cream. Place the plastic bag next to the diapers in the diaper bag.
3. Roll up the baby clothes and put them next to the diapers. Rolling up the baby clothes will make them compact and easy to pull out. Tuck the rolled up baby clothes next to the stack of diapers in the bag.
4. Slide the changing pad against one side of the bag. Fold up the changing pad and slide it against one side of the diaper bag. It should be flush against the inside of the bag. This will make it easy to find and ensure it does not get lost at the bottom of the diaper bag.
5. Put the blankets against the other side. Fold up the blankets so they are flat and smooth. Then, place them against the other side of the diaper bag. This will make them easy to find and pull out for a diaper change.
   • Alternatively, you can roll up the blankets so they are compact and place them next to the baby clothing. This may be ideal if your diaper bag is small.
6. Place the toys, snacks, and plastic bags in last. Check that the snacks are sealed in bags or packaging. Place the snacks, toys, books, and plastic garbage bags in the diaper bag by the baby clothing.
   • If there are small pockets in the diaper bag, you may be able to store snacks and plastic garbage bags in these pockets.
7. Keep your personal items in a separate area. Personal items like your wallet, your keys, and your cellphone should be kept in a small zip bag in the diaper bag. Store the small zip bag on top of everything so it is easy to find.
   • You can also store personal items separately in a purse if you’d prefer. However, keeping them in the diaper bag will ensure you don't forget them and that you only have to carry one bag.

Gathering the Supplies for the Diaper Bag

1. Get diapers for the bag. Have the same diapers that you use at home on your baby. Pack a diaper for every one to two hours you expect to be out. For example, if you are going to be out for six hours, you would pack three to four diapers in the bag.
   • If you want to be on the safe side, you can pack eight to ten diapers at a time to ensure you have enough for the day. However, you may be limited in space if you have a smaller diaper bag.
2. Add diaper wipes and diaper cream. You can pack a small container of diaper wipes or put ten to twelve wipes in a plastic bag for the day. It’s always better to have more wipes than you need in the event of an emergency.
   • A small tube of diaper cream will also be handy for when you change your baby.
3. Make sure you have a changing pad. A changing pad is a must in your diaper bag, as it will make it easier for you to change your baby when you are out and about. Look for a changing pad that is slim and padded. It should fold in half or in sections so it can be stored easily.
4. Get several clean blankets. Clean baby blankets are good for when you are changing your baby. You can place blankets on the changing pad and over your baby while you pull out a fresh diaper. Make sure the blankets are clean.
   • If you are still nursing your baby, you can also use a clean baby blanket as a nursing cover when you feed your baby in public.
   • You can also use the blanket as a burp cloth for after the baby has eaten.
5. Bring a change of baby clothes. When you change your baby, you may need to also change their clothing. Pack a clean onesie or a shirt and pants for your baby. You can also pack socks or baby shoes, if you’d like.
6. Have a plastic bag for garbage. You can use a sealable Ziploc bag or a spare plastic bag that you can tie up. You can put used diaper wipes and other trash in the plastic bag.
7. Make sure you have toys or books for the baby. Babies tend to get fussy when you change their diaper, especially in public. Pack your baby’s favorite toy or book so they can look at it while you change them.
8. Pack snacks and a sippy cup. Bring nonperishable snacks like Cheerios or nuts in a plastic bag. You can also cut up fruit and veggies to put in bags. A sippy cup with a spill proof lid may also come in handy. Fill the sippy cup with water or juice for the day.

Restocking the Diaper Bag

1. Change out the diapers and wipes as needed. At the end of the day, replace any diapers that you use during the day with new ones so the bag is always stocked. Put in a new packet of diaper wipes if you are running low. Try to get into the habit of replacing any items in the diaper bag that you use throughout the day.
2. Add seasonal items to the bag. For hot summer days, add seasonal items like sunscreen and a hat for the baby. For chillier fall days, have an extra sweater or blanket in the bag for the baby. Add items to the diaper bag that you might need based on the weather.
3. Update the bag as your baby grows. As your baby gets older, they may need different items. For example, older babies may need different clothing or different toys. Toddlers still in diapers may need a different type of diaper or different snacks. Update the bag as needed to keep up with the needs of your child.

Things You’ll Need

• Diapers
• Diaper wipes
• Diaper cream
• Changing pad
• Clean baby clothes
• Baby blankets
• Children’s toys and books
• Snacks
• Sippy cup

Sources and Citations

See also

• Choose an Insect Repellent for Kids
• Choose Summer Childcare
• Stop Thumbsucking
• Take Care of Naughty Kids
• Calm Hyperactive Children
• Increase Weight in Children
• Develop a Child Care Philosophy
• Start a Home Daycare Center
• Stop Living Through Your Child
• Unspoil a Child