What to Pack in Your Toddler Diaper Bag

Leaving the house with a baby or toddler is a lot like taking short trip, in that you have to actually pack! These little people require a lot of stuff. As a parent, you learn to be prepared for any and all situations, too. So while you may just be running to the store, you pack as though you’ll be gone for two nights. If you’ve got a baby who’s entering toddlerhood, you may be thinking, “Hey! I’m almost done with all this stuff!” Well, not quite. Believe it or not, your diaper bag load doesn’t get lighter in the toddler years. Quite the opposite, actually. If you’re wondering what to pack in your toddler diaper bag, we’ve got you covered.

When you pack a diaper bag for a baby, you really just need the basics: diapers, wipes, an extra onesie, paci, and bottle. There are definitely some must-have basics to include in your toddler diaper bag, too.

If your toddler is in diapers or currently potty training, you need supplies. Extra diapers or pull-ups, wipes, and a good changing pad. A good rule of thumb is to pack at least one diaper for every hour you’ll be away from the house. Make sure to pack a full-size pack of wipes! Yes, they’re for little bums, but they’re also for big toddler messes.

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In addition to the potty supplies, you want to make sure to pack an extra change of clothes (or two). You have to anticipate diaper blowouts or potty training accidents. But also, those toddler messes! You don’t want to be out and about without a change of clothes when your toddler decides to run through a fountain or spills their entire glass of chocolate milk down their shirt.

Also, don’t forget the reusable plastic storage bags! They’re great for containing soiled clothes, dirty diapers, and of course, holding all the treasures your toddler finds.

The basics are just one element of what to pack in your toddler diaper bag. Snacks, one or two sippy cups, and some toddler-friendly cutlery are also must-haves.

Make sure to pack a variety of snacks! Sure, your little one might be obsessed with gold fish crackers at home, but on the road is a different ballgame altogether. Keeping a stash of a few different snacks in your toddler diaper bag is always a good idea.

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Your toddler probably has a favorite sippy cup, so make sure to keep a spare in your diaper bag in case it gets lost. Also, you might want to keep a set of toddler-friendly cutlery in your bag, for those times you go out to eat and they don’t have smaller forks or spoons available.

When you’re thinking about what to pack in your toddler diaper bag, you cannot forget “their” stuff. Toys, their lovey, and a couple of little surprises.

Make sure to include a couple of small toys to entertain or distract them when the need arises. If your toddler has a lovey, it might be a good idea to buy an extra one and keep it in the diaper bag in case of emergencies. There’s nothing sadder than a lost lovey!

And here’s a pro-tip for you: pack a few little things that your toddler has never seen or played with. A new little toy, treat, or snack can stave off an impending meltdown in no time.

Finally, when you’re thinking about what to pack in your toddler diaper bag, don’t forget about safety and first aid.

Put together a little “diaper bag emergency kit”, and just keep it in there at all times. It should have sunscreen, hand sanitizer, band-aids, antiseptic or antibiotic ointment, and maybe a small bottle of children’s Tylenol or Motrin. Remember, packing your toddler’s bag is packing for any and every situation! These are just-in-case items that you may never actually use, but will be glad you have on-hand.

Packing your toddler diaper bag really is packing for any and all possible scenarios. But a prepared parents are happy parents!

(Image: iStock / slearmonth2)