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We finally made the switch y’all. The switch from the “I need to carry ALL THE THINGS!” Diaper Bag to a backpack. When Liam was first-born, I literally carried everything around just in case we might need it. Not even kidding I even had a change of clothes for myself in there just in case. And for the record, I did end up using them so I do recommend it with a newborn!
However, Liam is bigger now and we don’t need a ton of stuff when we go out. And quite honestly, I got sick of lugging around a giant diaper bag with us everywhere we went. We had the Skip Hop Grand Central Diaper Bag originally and it was perfect when Liam was a newborn and has a ton of pockets and separators and even insulate pockets for bottles. But trying to get it in and out of the basket under our stroller was a giant pain and I finally said enough is enough!
We went with this Scout backpack after receiving a recommendation for it but it’s not a specific diaper bag backpack. It’s really been perfect for us so far though. While it looks like it’s sweatshirt material almost, it’s actually a slick, waterproof material which is perfect for wiping off all of the wonderful bodily fluids and/or food/juice/milk that could end up on it. All you need to do is just wipe it on off!
Enough about that though, let’s get into what I think is essential for your (almost) toddler diaper bag!
The Essentials:
Diapers
Kind of a “duh” item but obviously we never leave home without diapers! We also user overnight diapers for nighttime so I usually have a few of those in there as well in case we’re going to get home late and Liam will probably fall asleep in the car. No need to wake a sleeping baby for a diaper change!
Wipes
Another no-brainer item but I have wipes everywhere. I have them in our diaper bag obviously but I also keep a spare pack in the car, in our living room, in the kitchen to clean off a messy baby after meals and trust me, they get used. We have tried our fair share of wipes brands and have been pretty consistently a Pampers family. Until now. Happy Little Campers Club recently sent me some wipes and they are so great! We originally tried out the Babyganics Wipes because they were organic and all natural but they smelled so weird. And were supposedly unscented. Riddle me that. Happy Little Campers, however, don’t smell and are super soft and gentle on baby’s skin. Liam’s booty is pretty sensitive so these are Murchison family approved! We’ve definitely been converted! Find Happy Little Campers wipes here!
Diaper Rash Cream
I won’t gross you out with all the gory details but every Mom will tell you diaper cream is a must. Liam has had a few major cases of severe diaper rash so we apply it frequently sometimes just to keep the diaper rash at bay!
Snacks
Have you ever been in a crowded restaurant with a cranky, hungry kid? Or been at the doctor’s office when it’s about time for lunch and you can’t leave just yet? Keeping snacks on hand is crucial to preventing a meltdown. We always have Puffs or Lil’ Crunchies with us for a quick snack but usually also have a pouch. And a sippy cup is a must now that he is older as well.
Boogie Wipes
You might be thinking, but you already have wipes on your list? But Boogie Wipes are so, so necessary if your little one has a runny nose. Let’s be real, kids can be snot machines sometimes and these are made with saline so they’re gentle on baby’s nose. And, being fully open with you, Tyler and I have used them in a pinch too and they’re great for adults as well. 🙂
Other honorable mentions:
Even though Liam is (almost) a toddler, we still keep some other items with us that are worth mentioning:
- Burp cloth – these are our favorite
- Bib (the above doubles as a bib!)
- TOYS – gotta keep the kid entertained!
- Blanket – just a small receiving blanket just in case but I also keep a more snugly blanket for him in the car at all times
- Changing pad – I haven’t used this for him recently because he wiggles so much but we keep it in there in case we have to change him somewhere that I don’t want him touching the surface.
What are your Diaper Bag must-haves?
All great things to carry around! I usually add a bottle or cup of water too! My little one gets thirsty! I haven’t heard of these Little Campers wipes, I’m going to have to try them!
Yeah, we have bottles with us if we’ll be out during meal time. And the wipes are awesome! We definitely will be switching over fully once we run out of the others.
So nice to read your experiences! Hope to learn something than baby will come one day! Thanks for sharing!
So nice to read your experiences! Hope to learn something than baby will come one day!
LOVE this post! Definitely something I’ll have to keep in mind when I have my own toddlers running around. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the tips! I have a new toddler and was thinking a backpack would be easier. Snacks always are definitely a good idea!
Yes, it has been life changing! Mainly because my husband wants to carry it more 🙂
This is usually very similar to what we use for the monkey backpack that my son G carries. Always gotta have the diaper stuff and he’s turning into a good water drinker (finally) so we keep a sippy cup and bottle of water to serve him a little a time.
I’ve been thinking about switching to a backpack for awhile now. Love the one you chose! So cute!
Yes, it was a game changer! So much easier when you’re chasing a little one. Plus, my husband loves to carry it 🙂
Great list..Yes, Diaper Rash Cream is a must! Can we add Wipe warmer & Wishbone Thermometer on the list ;-)Thanks for the share!
Yep I agree! All o f these are usually always in our diaper bag!
Thanks for share helpful toddler diaper bag essential checklist. This checklist helps.
Thanks Jessica!