Is that you Mary Poppins?

Well Hello, Mommy!

It seems like moms always have absolutely anything you might need. Their diaper bags, purses, and wallets seem to be an endless pit of their family’s necessities.

I love reading blog posts and watching YouTube videos on what is in other people’s diaper bags. I’ve read/seen dozens of them. There’s something nosy about me that is always so curious about what other moms are carrying around as their must-haves when out and about. Similarly, I read/watched a bajillion ‘what’s in my hospital bag’ posts when I was pregnant. I have a problem.

Since Malia is still so small, I typically take the entire diaper bag everywhere. Maybe that’s first time mom foolishness, but it makes me feel more secure knowing I’m prepared for almost anything. On occasion, I will just grab an extra diaper and some wipes and stick them in a smaller purse when I go into the store. The full diaper bag is always in the car though.

My Bag

Technically, this isn’t a ‘diaper bag’. It’s just a bag from Target that I really liked and decided to use as my diaper bag. I didn’t want anything too baby-ish. After all, I’m the one carrying it, and I wanted it to feel like a bag I would carry.

It has a large center area, which is where most of our things are stored. It has a snap closure, but doesn’t zip closed. We’ve never had an issue with anything falling out, but I know some people would prefer something that will close all the way. There are two small pockets (about the size of a cell phone) and a small inner zip pocket.

There are two very large zip pockets on either side of the main opening. These are great for storing anything you might worry about falling out of the main opening. Lastly, there is a small zip pocket on the front.

The bag has two regular straps, as well as a detachable shoulder strap that is adjustable. I typically carry it by the shoulder strap, because it’s easier to manage it plus a wiggly baby on my hip that way.

I will add that I am currently in the market for a new bag though… this one is already starting to show some wear. I’m thinking of going for a cute, feminine backpack style bag next!

What’s Inside

*Note- I have provided links where you can find each of these items, or something similar. NONE of these links are affiliate links. I will always let you know if/when I have affiliate links

The main pocket is where we keep most of our stuff. It has super easy access. Currently inside the main pocket:

• Changing pad

  This. Is. A. Must. If you are already a mom, you know. If you are reading this as a mom-to-be… I’m telling you. Get one. Many diaper bags come with one. Its so perfect for on the go changes in the car, the grass, anywhere. I also lay this over the changing tables in public places. They never have the changing table liners, and they honestly gross me out. So I always lay this one down.

  Find it here

• Burp cloth

  Always a must. For spit up, snot, and anything else you can think of. This cute one is one of several my mom made (she’s the bomb)

• Aden & Anais swaddle blanket

  These are incredibly popular for good reason. Lightweight, soft, and oh so cute! I didn’t pay full retail price for these though. I found a 4-pack at TJ Maxx before Malia was born.

  They don’t carry the specific style we have on their website anymore, but you can find all their current styles here

• MilkSnob nursing cover

  I can’t tell you how many compliments I have gotten on this nursing cover!! It’s so pretty and so functional. It’s so much prettier to nurse with than the apron-looking covers. I also likethat it gives me coverage on my back and tummy if I have to lift up my shirt to access the goods for Malia.

  

  This cover also doubles as a carseat cover. We don’t use it for that purpose as much anymore since Malia is getting bigger and sitting in shopping carts and high chairs, but when she was in her carseat everywhere, it was so nice. I love that it keeps strangers’ hands out!! You can find it here. Ours is in the style French Floral.

• Extra onesie and pants

  I keep those in a bag that a crib sheet came in. It’s a small, easy, and cute way to keep the extra clothes together so I’m not digging through everything to find an item. This is especially true in the colder months when I also keep a pair of socks… Because Lord knows baby socks loooove to hide from one another.

  Another tip- whatever extra outfit you pack, make sure it is not one of your favorites… because it’s likely you won’t ever see it on your baby. I like to pack a onesie that’s just a little bit too big so that I don’t end up with something too small after a blowout.

• Extra pacifier & paci clip in a little plastic case

  I love this little case. Malia is not huge on pacis, but sometimes they are a life-saver. I love that this case keeps it from getting grubby in the bottom of her bag. It also makes it much easier to find when baby is screaming, and you are digging through your bag as quickly as possible.

  Every baby is different, but Malia likes the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Brand. Find them here

  The pacifier clip was on clearance at Cracker Barrel a few months ago, but you can find something similar here

  Find the pacifier case here

• Toys

  I try to rotate toys so she doesn’t get too bored with what we carry.Currently, we have a kitty rattle from IKEA and Sophie la Girafe (one of Malia’s absolute favorites)

  Find the rattle here and Sophie here

• Boogie Wipes

  I don’t usually keep these in here, but baby girl has had a super snotty nose as of late, so these have been in here. I like that they are saline and don’t irritate her already raw nose like regular baby wipes can.

  Find it here

• Sippy Cup

  We use the MAM Easy Transition Bottle to Cup Trainer. Malia has just recently started using a sippy cup occasionally. I really like this sippy cup, because it comes with two soft nipples. The first for babies just learning to use a cup (much slower flow) and a second that is shaped more like a traditional sippy cup that allows for a higher flow.

  Sometimes it just has water in it, and other times I mix a TINY amount of organic apple juice with mostly water (enough to add a little taste for her). I know all the sugar in juice is not good for her, so like I said, we mix like 1 part juice to probably 6 or 7 parts water. She also barely drinks any at any one time, so I don’t worry too much.

  Find it here

In the little zip pocket on the inside, I keep lots of Purell hand sanitizing wipes. These are perfect for mom and dad at restaurants. (I don’t like using these on Malia’s hands yet because of the alcohol in them) They are also great for wiping down high chairs and shopping carts. The ones I carry are from Chick-Fil-A. They are the only place I have seen these types of wipes, so I always grab a few extra when we are there!

On to the large zippered pockets!

On the zipper to the back pocket, I keep a travel sized hand sanitizer. Quick and easy access. Currently I am using “Stress Relief Eucalyptus Tea” from Bath and Body Works. Josh loooooves the smell of this, and always thinks I’ve put on perfume when I wear it.

Inside the back pocket I have…

• Extra diapers (again in a bag that a crib sheet came in)
• Wipes
• Travel size diaper cream

In the front pocket I have…

• My wallet
• Two travel hand lotions (Why two? Who knows…)
• Two ink pens (Because you never know)

The very front pocket is where I always stick my phone and keys when we are out. It’s the perfect size, with easy access (that’s what she said)

This whole list, of course, can change depending on the outing/season/day.

That’s it! I hope you enjoyed taking a peek inside our diaper bag! Is there anything I didn’t mention that is a must-have for you and your baby? Please leave me a comment and let me know!