What to Pack in a Diaper Bag — From a Parent Who’s Been Pooped On in Line
- Stafford H. Burns III
- Jul 2
- 2 min read
You don’t need to bring the whole nursery — just the right stuff.
Diaper bags are like mini survival kits. Pack too little, and you're doomed. Pack too much, and suddenly you're lugging around 30 lbs of regret. As someone who has survived public poo blowouts, leaky bottles, and tantrums at checkout, we’re here to help you strike the right balance.
Here’s what new parents actually need in a diaper bag — plus a few things that’ll make you feel like a genius.
The Absolute Essentials:
Diapers (3–5): Obvious? Yes. Forgettable? Also yes. Always have at least 3, and if your baby’s a frequent flyer, toss in a few more.
Wipes: Get the big travel pack. You’ll use them for butts, sticky hands, snotty noses, and occasionally… your own face.
Changing Pad: Nobody wants to use a bare public bathroom changing station. Trust us.
One Spare Outfit (for Baby and Maybe You): Include a plastic bag for the original disaster. Bonus points if it’s labeled “biohazard.”
Bottles, Formula or Milk: Whatever your feeding method — make it mobile. Pro tip: pre-measure formula in a dispenser.
Pacifier or Teething Toy: For calming the beast. Tether it so you don’t lose it between the cereal aisle and the checkout lane.
Snacks for You: You’re a person too. Granola bar, trail mix, chocolate — just bring something, or you’ll end up rage-eating puffs.
Smart Extras: Small Toy or Book. Distraction is the name of the game.
Mini First Aid Kit: A couple of bandaids, baby Tylenol, nail clippers. Tiny problems feel huge at the store.
Milestone Sticker (Hear Us Out): When the chaos settles and you made it through? Celebrate it. For this occaision that's why you need to order your CheersToYouBaby Milestone Book Today! (Enter THANKS10 at checkout for 10% off!) Snap a photo, slap a Cheers to You, Baby sticker on your coffee cup, and remember: you’re doing great!
The Bottom Line:
You don’t need a military-grade — just a thoughtfully packed diaper bag that covers the real-life chaos. And if you forget something? Welcome to parenting! CHEERS!
Comments