What To Pack in Your Minimalist Diaper Bag: Baby
Packing a diaper bag for a baby is arguably the most difficult of our age groups covered in this blog series: Baby, Toddler & Big Kid. This age is the most demanding in requiring our every moment of attention when outside of the house. A baby has not yet developed any independence and depends on you for everything. They cannot communicate their needs outside of cries and coos, and therefore you must be prepared.
As such, it’s natural that our first instinct is to cram everything we can think of into a big diaper bag when we leave the house. The only problem is that you may find yourself digging frantically through the bag unable to find the beloved binky while your baby’s screams resound through the aisles of Target.
Taking a minimalist approach can help relieve some of these more stressful moments. The first step: get a smaller diaper bag. Obviously if you’re going to be out for an extended period of time you may need to opt for a bigger bag and pack more items to last the length of the day. However, for your day-to-day outings a minimalist diaper bag with only enough room for the essentials is all you need.
It can take time to build your confidence that you know what you need–and what you don’t–when you’re heading out with your baby. But it’s important to keep in mind 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, then you can really pare down on the amount that you’re packing!
So what are the essentials? Here’s what you need to pack into your minimalist diaper bag for a baby:
- Diapers (two)
- Wipes
- Changing pad
- Diaper rash cream
- Bottle or snack
- Burp cloth
- Hand Sanitizer
- Pacifier
- Extra onesie + small bag for soiled onesie (or your waterproof Kibou pocket)
- Keys
- Phone
- Money/Credit cards
Seems like a long list for a small bag, right? The best minimalist diaper bags will be organized in such a way to fit all of these things with ease. For example, a Kibou bag has a waterproof wipes compartment, built-in diaper changing pad, and a pocket with credit card slots. There’s also a key ring for your keys, or even a pacifier. The main pocket is just big enough to fit everything else.
Other minimalist parenting hacks: you don’t need to bring the whole container of Puffs – use something where you can stash snacks.
Also a small receiving blanket can act as a nursing cover and a burp cloth. And if you’re breastfeeding we’re all about having a couple nursing tops in your wardrobe or even a Cocoon from We Are Amma.
As your baby grows older, the list of must-haves to pack in your minimalist diaper bag will change. Read more about the essentials for a toddler, or big kid.
