Diaper Bags: All You Need to Know

I have spent several solid years lugging a diaper bag with me where ever I go. Thankfully diaper bags have evolved from the ugly vinyl numbers of years past. Now we have options; backpacks, slings, pretty quilted confections, hobo bags, messenger bags and more. The non-baby style bags are a good investment since even though children may grow out of diapers, there are always things to lug around when you have children! Quickly go from formula, to juice boxes, to water bottles and sports drinks.

Styles of Diaper Bags

Traditional Diaper Bag
These bags are carried over your shoulder like a large purse. A large waterproof purse with lots of pockets. They often close with zippers or flaps of fabric. These typically scream diaper bag and do not carry over to the soccer mom crowd.

Backpacks
Ingenious choice for the active mom. These are arguably the most back friendly and free up both hands. Men don't mind helping out and taking over the diaper bag when it is a backpack style diaper bag. One complaint, they can be a bit bulkier and don't slide onto a stroller quite as easily as other styles.

Messenger Bag
The messenger bag resembles a laptop case. They generally have long adjustable straps allowing you to wear it as a purse or slung across your chest, or hung on the back of a stroller. Not as many pockets as a traditional bag or a backpack, which can be good for those who are always forgetting what pocket that chapstick was stashed in. Closed with a flap, the possibility of dumping all the contents is an annoyance, but all in all these are easy to manage.

Slings
Much like a messenger bag, a sling is smaller and normally has a zipper closure. These are great emergency bags to keep stashed in the car, or to grab for very short trips.

Aside from the style, there are several more choices; color, patterns, fabric and price. Simply look for one in your budget thatyou like and is at the very least spot-washable, if not waterproof or machine washable.

Another good tip is to look for one with a light colored interior. Personally this never occurred to me until I saw my girlfriends bag compared to my black hole. Her off white interior gave just enough contrast and light to see what she packed. Speaking of what she packed...read on for a list of diaper bag essentials.

Ultimate Diaper Bag Packing Guide

Below you will find the ultimate list that will cover you in almost any situation. Not everything may be necessary for your child, feel free to remove items at will.

Diapering and Clothing

6-8 diapers. The rule of thumb is one diaper for every two hours that you will be out.
Travel-sized wipes
Changing pad
Diaper rash ointment
Small receiving blanket
Seasonal change of clothing, something simple, a onesie, sweatsuit or jammies
Extra pair of socks
Plastic bags for soiled clothing and diaper disposal.
Hat appropriate for the shade or warmth

Feeding

Bottles, baby food and plastic spoons
Bib
Burp cloth
Bottle of water, for you, for emergency cleanups, for baby....
Small can of formula
Emergency snacks for you, like a few granola bars

Toys

2 pacifiers
Teether
Small toy, rotate every so often

Safety and Emergencies

Small, portable first aid kit. 3-5 band aids, gauze, antibiotic ointment
2-3 safety pins
Nasal aspirator
Travel hand sanitizer
Tissues
Small tube of sun block
Chap stick
Infant/toddler fever, pain reducer
Change and a stashed twenty dollar bill

Emergency Bag

Having a little diaper bag stashed in the trunk of your car is a lifesaver on that inevitable day you find yourself out and about without supplies.

Three diapers
Travel wipes
Pacifier
Extra outfit, simple to put on like a onesie, sweatsuit or jammies
Single serving formula pack
Clean baby bottle
Bottle of water