Packing a small diaper bag for a baby is arguably the most difficult of our age groups covered in this blog series: Baby, Toddler & Big Kid.

Infants need so much attention. A baby has not yet developed independence and depends on you for pretty much everything. They cannot communicate their needs outside of cries and coos; therefore, it's on you to be prepared (or as prepared as possible).

That's where a small diaper bag and taking less can help.

Embrace Carrying Less

Babies, indeed, have many needs. But that doesn't have to equate to carrying a lot of stuff.

In fact, for short errands out of the house, oftentimes you need very little (diapers, wipes, an extra onesie, phone, keys, and cash). Carrying less helps you worry less because there are fewer items to keep track of.

For example, sometimes, our first instinct is to cram everything we can think of into a big diaper bag when we leave the house. (Because we don't know what we'll need, right?) But the problem is you'll find yourself digging frantically through the bag, unable to find the beloved binky, while your baby’s screams resound through the aisles of Target. No doubt, this could be a parent's worst nightmare.

Getting in the mindset of feeling more comfortable with less is half the battle.

Choose a Small Diaper Bag

Taking a minimalist approach can help relieve some of these more stressful moments. The first step is to choose a small diaper bag. This seems obvious, but it's true. Do all you can to resist the temptation of a big diaper bag as your default baby bag.

Obviously, if you’re going to be out for an extended period of time, you may need to opt for a bigger bag that you can also throw your smaller diaper bag in (a parenting game-changer). However, for your day-to-day outings, a minimalist diaper bag with only enough room for the essentials should have you covered.

It can take time to build your confidence and know what you need (and don’t need) when heading out with your baby. But it’s important to remember that for a shorter trip out of the house, let’s say less than 3 hours, you won’t need multiples of most things. And if you’re heading out between naps and they’ve already been fed, it's even better cause to go "mini diaper bag" style with five items or less.

What to Pack in Your Minimalist Diaper Bag

Here's a great checklist to carry only what you need for you and your baby.

Minimalist Diaper Bag Checklist

• Diapers (two)

• Wipes 

• Changing pad (The Kibou includes a detachable one!)

• Diaper rash cream (optional)

• Bottle or snack

• Burp cloth

• Hand Sanitizer

• Pacifier

• Extra onesie + small bag for soiled onesie (or your waterproof Kibou pocket)

• Keys (Kibou has a key ring, so say goodbye to digging through your bag to find them!)

• Phone

• Cash and/or credit cards

It seems like a long list for a small diaper bag, right? But the best minimalist diaper bags will be organized in such a way as to fit all of these things with ease.

Stylish Mini Diaper Bags for the Win

Of course, we may be biased, but both moms and dads agree the Kibou is a mini diaper bag big on having exactly what you need when you need it. And with all the neutral color options available, both dads and moms embrace wearing it for runs to the grocery and even outings without kids.

Great sized bag

I really love this bag, already using it prior to baby arriving. Perfect size for carrying all essentials. Quality is lovely. - Brittany

I’m a first time dad and I like to be on the move with minimal “stuff” for my baby boy. This bag fits perfectly with that idea. I like walking around and knowing it can just be my boy, me and my kibou! Highly recommend for any parent out there “on the go”. - Angelo

View our collection of Kibou minimal diaper bags and join our newsletter to get $10 off your first purchase + free shipping over $50!

Originally written by Janice Yucel in January 2022 and updated by Allison Ditmer on November 13, 2023.