As your baby grows into a toddler, they have learned how to express their needs and are likely trying to do a lot more things by themself. While they still need a lot of your help, are still subject to public meltdowns, and are much more mobile (all the more reason to keep your hands free with a fanny pack diaper bag), your child is becoming more independent.

That means the list of what to pack in your diaper bag starts to become shorter and will continue to shrink as your child grows.

When it comes to packing the essentials for a minimalist diaper bag when you have a toddler, you’re still going to want to cover only the basics: keeping your child fed, keeping your child clean, having all of your essentials (keys, money, phone).

You’ll notice some of the items from the Baby list have come off of the list, but some remain the same.

1. Pull-Ups or diaper (1-2)
2. Wipes
3. Changing pad
4. Sippy cup
5. Snacks
6. Hand Sanitizer
7. First aid
8. Keys
9. Money
10. Phone
11. Optional: small toy
12. Optional: extra pair of shorts/pants if potty training in underwear

Your child’s ability to drink and eat by themselves relieves a huge load from mom and dad – and your diaper bag. Transitioning from bottle/breastfeeding to using a sippy cup will alone free up a lot of room. 

As your child figures out the whole potty situation, your small diaper bag should still be able to hold the diapering essentials – even if they have graduated to Pull-Ups. A Kibou will have you covered with its waterproof wipes compartment and built-in changing pad. That being said, if you are potty training a toddler and in undies instead of a Pull-Up, you probably want to pack an extra pair of shorts or pants in case of accidents.

Otherwise – freed up space allows for you to accommodate a small toy if your child needs entertainment, or even more room for your own stuff (sunglasses, lip gloss, etc.). And the Kibou Bou-Boo Bag also has first aid essentials in a small and easy-to-find pouch that can replace your changing pad or go right into the main pocket. 

Once your child becomes a big kid and has even more independence, your diaper bag is no longer a “diaper” bag and becomes a useful parent bag. What you need to pack will change once again as your child grows – read more about packing your bag for a big kid.

Wondering about packing for your littler ones? Read here for our Baby packing list