Packing the Diaper Bag – What Needs to Go In?

 

Before leaving the house with your child, it's almost essential to pack the diaper bag to be well-prepared on the go. But what should the contents of a well-organized diaper bag include?

What should be in a sustainable diaper bag? A sustainable diaper bag should include reusable cloth diapers, a small wet bag for used diapers, and washable wipes. A changing pad that can be used multiple times, and a bottle or snack boxes made from sustainable materials are also practical. This keeps the diaper bag eco-friendly and reduces waste on the go.

Here you will find out what contents should not be missing from your diaper bag, how to pack it practically, and some clever tips to make it easier to stay organized – so you and your baby are well-equipped for all situations.

Why is the right diaper bag so important?

A well-organized diaper bag is an important must-have for parents because it ensures that you have everything important at hand while on the go and are prepared for every situation. Whether on a spontaneous walk or on long excursions, the right diaper bag can make the difference to avoid stressful situations and stay relaxed. When all the essential items are well-organized and stored, you are always well-prepared and can fully focus on your baby.

When choosing a diaper bag, you should pay attention to the following details:

1. Size: The diaper bag should offer enough storage space for basics like diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes, while also being light enough to carry comfortably.
2. Interior layout: A thoughtfully designed interior layout with various compartments helps you keep tabs on, and find the most important things quickly. Frequently needed items like diapers or the changing pad can be stored accessibly, while other compartments can be used for spare clothing, snacks, or personal items. Smaller compartments for keys or a phone make a diaper bag particularly practical.
3. Insulation: Diaper bags with insulated compartments for bottles or snacks offer even more comfort as they can keep food at the right temperature.

What essentials belong in every diaper bag?

Photo by @lieselberlin

To ensure your diaper bag is perfectly packed for on the go, we have compiled a checklist of all the essentials:

• Diapers: Depending on the length of the trip, pack enough diapers to change as needed. It's useful to have an extra diaper as a backup.
• Wipes: Wipes or washcloths are practical for diaper changes on the go and can also be used quickly for sticky hands or messy surfaces.
• Changing Pad: This protects against spills during changes on the go and ensures your baby can be changed hygienically clean.
• Spare Clothes: For emergencies like leaky diapers or spilled drinks, it's always good to have a fresh set of clothing. Bodysuits and pants that take up little space are practical.
• Wet Bag: For used cloth diapers or wet clothes, a wet bag is ideal. It saves space and securely contains unpleasant odors. A small wet bag for travel is easy to store and versatile.
• Disinfectant: Especially useful on the go to quickly clean your hands after changing diapers.
• Small Trash Bags: These are practical for waste if there is no trash can nearby.

With multifunctional items like a wet bag or combinable clothing layers, you can also save space in the diaper bag. This keeps your bag light and ensures you have everything needed for you and your baby.

 

How many diapers should you pack?

The number of diapers you should pack depends on the duration of the trip and your child's age. Newborns typically need eight to ten diapers a day, which is more than older babies and toddlers, for whom five to eight diapers are often sufficient. It may be advisable to pack an extra diaper as a backup for the road.

If you are planning a longer trip with cloth diapers, check out our post “Traveling with Cloth Diapers” for guidance. Here we explain how many diapers you need on vacation and how to use them efficiently.

Wipes, changing pad, and more – the hygiene equipment

Wipes, disinfectants, and a changing pad are essential hygiene items for keeping your baby clean and safe on the go. For greater sustainability, reusable washcloths are suitable. You can transport the small washcloths in a box moist or dampen them with water on the go. They are ideal for quick cleaning of skin and hands, while disinfectants ensure that your hands are hygienically clean before and after changing diapers. A changing pad protects your baby and the environment when no suitable changing option is available.

To grab these items quickly, you should store them in easily accessible compartments. Reusable bags or a small wet bag for on the go are also useful for storing used diapers or dirty clothes until they can be washed.

What should not be missing? More useful things for the diaper bag

Besides the basic equipment, additional items in the diaper bag can be practical to be prepared for any situation – these include:

• Creams and care products: The skin of babies is naturally able to regenerate itself and does not require support. In cases of rashes, reactions to intolerances, or sore spots, a suitable protective cream can provide pain relief when on the go.
• Entertainment: A book or a small toy can help calm and distract your baby while traveling.
• Bottles and snacks: From the start of complementary feeding, having bottles of water and small snacks, can be practical to quickly satisfy hunger or thirst alongside breastfeeding, especially on longer trips. If your child receives infant formula, remember necessary utensils.

Depending on the season, additional items may be useful, such as gloves and a warm hat in winter or sunscreen and a sun hat in summer. You can find out what to consider when using cloth diapers in summer on our blog.

To have the diaper bag always at the ready, it can help to refill it immediately after each trip. This way, you have all the important things at hand quickly and save time preparing for the next trip.

Spare clothing for emergencies – what and how much?

For minor accidents, it is helpful to always pack a set of spare clothes for your baby in the diaper bag. Depending on the season, a onesie, pants, and socks are part of the basic equipment. These basics ensure that your child always has something dry to wear in case of any mishaps.

To save space, you can roll up the clothes and store them in a small cloth bag or diaper bag. Especially during long excursions with unpredictable weather, it can be helpful to have enough spare clothing on hand to be prepared for sudden temperature changes.

Extra features of the diaper bag: What makes life easier?

Additional compartments and special features make organizing your diaper bag noticeably easier. Insulated compartments are ideal for keeping baby bottles or snacks at the right temperature, while separate compartments can be used for personal items like keys, phone, or wallet.

A multifunctional diaper bag is particularly practical as it helps you have everything important within reach quickly, and you don't need additional bags. Thanks to a well-thought-out layout and versatile compartments, the bag remains organized, and your everyday life becomes noticeably more relaxed—whether you are out for just a short trip or planning a longer excursion.

Sustainable and practical for everyday use – Judes Cloth Diapers

In addition to helpful tips for everyday life with a baby, Judes also provide sustainable cloth diapers and matching accessories – easy to use and perfect for modern families. Judes is committed to making the use of cloth diapers as simple and effective as possible, so they represent a true alternative to disposable diapers.

Advantages of Judes Cloth Diapers:

• Easy to use: Judes cloth diapers are particularly easy to handle and therefore ideal for parents with little experience with cloth diapers.
• Quick to care for: The diapers are easy to clean and dry quickly – perfect for daily use.
• Leak-proof and comfortable: Thanks to their optimal fit and flexible cuffs at the legs and back, Judes cloth diapers are secure and comfortable to wear, even overnight.
• Supports early potty training: Cloth diapers promote body awareness and can thus support potty training.
• Environmentally friendly: Judes cloth diapers are a sustainable choice that avoids waste and conserves valuable resources.