Diaper Bag Essentials for Babies & Toddlers

Last Updated on August 14, 2026 by Jordyn Koveleski Gorman

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Choosing the best diaper bag is hard enough. Trust me, I tried a lot of them and even wrote a post about it! But now you have to think through how to pack it?! 

As a mom of three little ones, I’ve had plenty of practice packing a diaper bag for all kinds of outings. Over time, I’ve figured out a system for diaper bag essentials that keeps me prepared without overpacking—and rarely leaves me stranded.

How To Pack a Diaper Bag

Packing the diaper bag can look different for everyone. It depends on the ages of your littles, where you’re going, and how long you’ll be out. If you’re out running errands for an hour or two, packing light is fine. But if you’re out the whole day or traveling, the packing strategy looks different. And don’t forget to check the weather – that can also alter how you pack! 

We’re breaking down all of our tips on how to pack a diaper bag below.

Diaper Bag Essentials for Babies

Diaper Changing Supplies

Always have a couple diapers, wipes, and a portable changing pad in the diaper bag! I also love to pack Primally Pure’s Baby Balm for diaper rash or any other dry spots.

Every few weeks I check supplies and make sure I replenish the essentials. You never want to be without a diaper and wipes when a blowout comes. 

Plastic Bags

You know the ones you have from the grocery store and keep forgetting to recycle? Keep 2-3 of them in your diaper bag at all times. Use them to throw out dirty diapers in a trash receptacle or keep soiled clothes separated from clean items. 

Baby Bottles and Feeding Supplies

If you are taking milk or formula on the go, don’t forget the bottle to put it in! Always make sure you have every part of the bottle. Don’t be like me with my first baby and pack everything but the nipple! 

Burp Cloth

We all know burp cloths save clothes. Whether you’re dealing with burps, spit up, or a heavy drooler, a clean burp cloth comes in handy.

Bib

If your baby has started solids and you’re going out to eat somewhere, don’t forget a bib! I really like OXO Tot’s silicone bib that rolls up for easy storage. 

Pacifiers

If you have a baby who is soothed by the pacifier, don’t forget this! I like to keep 1-2 in the diaper bag at all times so you always have one if you need it. If you’re wondering which one’s are feeding specialist approved, we have that for you here!

Teethers

Babies love mouthing things! And teething typically starts around 10-12 weeks of age. I like to keep a couple teethers in the diaper bag to entertain my little ones and encourage that oral motor development.

Blanket

A small, cotton blanket can save the day! Think: a chilly air conditioned room, or when you need a clean place to let your baby stretch and get floor time. You can even get creative and use it as a nursing cover. 

Diaper Bag Essentials for Toddlers 

Diaper Changing Supplies

Depending on your toddler’s age, you always want to have a couple diapers and wipes in your bag. A portable changing pad can be helpful, too. I also love Primally Pure’s Baby Balm for diaper rash or any other dry spots.

Even if your toddler is through potty training, I like to pack a Pull-Up, an extra pair of underwear, and back up pants. You never know when an accident might happen, and extras like these are light and compact. If you need them, you’re so relieved you have them!

Every few weeks I check supplies and make sure I replenish the essentials if needed. 

Plastic Bags

This was on the baby list above and is still a must-have in the toddler years! Keep 2-3 of them in your diaper bag at all times. Use them to throw out dirty diapers in a trash receptacle or keep soiled clothes separated from clean items.

Change of Clothes

Accidents and spills happen! Always have a simple change of clothes for your toddler in your bag. Just a simple shirt and pair of pants will do! Swap it out as the seasons change to make sure you always have something weather-appropriate on hand.

Wet Bag

Toddlers can be messy! Wet bags are great when spills happen and you have wet clothing you need to store away. 

Travel Potty Seat

If your little one is learning how to use the potty, I highly recommend this travel potty seat that suctions onto the toilet. It folds up compact and comes in its own hygienic travel bag. It’s served us well for years and helps littles feel more comfortable on bigger public toilets. Sanitize with wipes or give it a deep clean at home! 

Water Bottle

Keep your toddler hydrated while out and about! We love the Thermos Funtainer for a spill-proof, insulated option that lasts. 

Snacks

I like to have a couple travel-friendly snacks in our diaper bag at all times to avoid hangry toddlers. Sometimes things take longer than you think and it’s good to have a snack to get to mealtime. Some of our favorite nutrient-dense snacks include Skout Bars, Amara Organic Smoothie Melts, and organic pouches. 

Bib

I tuck a smock bib in the diaper bag for when we’re out to eat and want to avoid bigger messes. Toddlers get food everywhere, so I like that a smock bib keeps them completely covered.

Toddler Utensils

I keep a Stasher bag with toddler utensils in it. This way, we always have familiar utensils for our toddlers. It helps make eating out a little less stressful. Also, it takes up such minimal space and it’s come in handy a ton!

Travel Toys

It’s great to have 1-2 travel toys in your diaper bag. You never know when you might need them! Whether you’re in the car, sitting in a waiting room, or waiting for your food at a restaurant, travel toys provide helpful distractions. They keep hands busy and little minds engaged.   

Diaper Bag Essentials for Caregivers

You’re always busy packing for what your little ones need, but you still can’t forget about yourself! I make sure I never leave the house without these essentials for myself. 

Water Bottle

Does it need an explanation? It’s so important to stay hydrated! It keeps me feeling so much better throughout the day when I’m drinking water regularly. I’ve tried them all, and this is the one I come back to time and time again!

Snacks

I pack snacks for my littles, and I pack a snack or two for myself. We don’t want hungry toddlers, and we don’t want hungry mamas (or dads)! I reach for things like Chomps meat sticks, That’s It Bars, and Skout Bars. 

Lip Balm

Chapped lips on the go is always a no for me. I personally love Primally Pure’s Lip Balm and Lip Oil, but you can pack your favorite. 

Wallet

Depending where I’m going, I make sure to have some cash, a credit card, and my ID just in case! My diaper bag has a clip inside so I attach my wallet to limit digging around.

How to Pack a Diaper Bag for Travel

If you’re looking to pack diaper bag essentials for full days out (8+ hours), or for travel, here are some additional items we would recommend packing. 

Pro Tip: The longer you’re out, the more diaper changing supplies and snacks you’ll need! You may also want to pack a few additional teethers or travel toys to keep your little(s) occupied for longer stretches of time. 

Portable Sound Machine

When you’re out for longer stretches, you’ll probably want your child to catch a nap on the go. We love our portable sound machine and always pack it when we’re gone for long days or overnight.

Change of Clothes & Layers

Since you’ll be out for longer, pack another outfit just in case. I would also recommend packing an additional layer if the temperature changes a lot from morning to evening. 

Toddler Utensils & Feeding Supplies

I’ve said this previously, but having some familiar toddler utensils for meals away from home is so helpful. Don’t forget a bib, too!

Wet Bag

These are always nice to have in case of spills or accidents. Throw the entire thing in the washer when you get home and you’re golden.

Ceres Chill Breastmilk Storage

For all the pumping moms out there, this breastmilk storage system keeps pumped milk cold for 20+ hours.

Sunscreen

Sun protection is so important! I like to pack a mineral sunscreen lotion and a sunscreen stick for easier reapplication. If you have a little one who will tolerate it, pack a hat for some shade!

Looking for more?

We wrote an entire post about how to travel with kids that shares all the essentials we swear by, tips, and advice.

Still on the hunt for the best diaper bag? Read our detailed breakdown of the bags we tried along with their pros and cons.