February 28, 2017

What's in My Diaper Bag

When I was pregnant for the first time, I went out and splurged on an expensive diaper bag that I just "had to have". I told myself, if I was going to be trucking along a diaper bag for the next few years or so, I wanted it to look pretty as well as be functional. That bag served it's purpose, but now that I have a few years of parenting experience under my belt and am the mom to a toddler and a newborn, I've learned a few things along the way when it comes to diaper bags and what to pack in them.

This time around, I've ditched the traditional style diaper bag as lugging around a heavy diaper bag on my shoulder isn't fun, no matter how pretty the bag is. And while it can seem daunting, especially for first time moms, to leave the house after baby is born, I've also learned that I don't need to bring the entire nursery along with me. Three years of parenthood under my belt and I like to think I have streamlined the process of packing a diaper bag! 

So here's a look at what I deem to be diaper bag essentials:

packing a streamlined diaper bag - the must haves

1. Back Pack: This time around, I ditched the shoulder style diaper bag for a backpack. This classic pack that Fjällräven sent me is the perfect size, is comfortable to carry around and saves my shoulders. I also love that it's multi-purpose (it would make a great over night bag or carry-on bag on the plane) and it's something my husband can use too without feeling silly. 

2. Reusable Snack Bags: Snacks for the toddler are one of the most important things I can pack in my bag.  I never dare leave the house without them. These ones from Bumkins are eco-friendly, waterproof, and machine/dishwasher safe. And snacks out of cute bags just makes even the most boring of snacks that much more fun. 

3. Water Bottle: I love my S'well water bottle because it keeps my water cold all day long (I can't stand warm water). And nothing annoys me more than having to purchase a bottle of water when out running errands.

4. Lip Chap: Given the climate I live in, lip chap is a must. This one from Burt's Bees is my current fav. Loaded with vitamin E and coconut oil, it keeps my lips soft and I love the cooling effect the peppermint extract provides. 

5. Granola Bars: I've been the victim of hanger one too many times so I know better than to not have snacks on hand for me. While I don't like to rely on protein or granola bars every time I go out, having one on hand is a much better option than hitting up the drive-thru. Knowing what a huge fan I am of chocolate mint, Ange gifted me a box of these Dark Chocolate Almond Mint KIND bars, and they are my absolute favourite now. 

6. Baby Wipes: Not just for babies! Sure, now that I have a baby requiring multiple diapers changes in a day, wipes are a must, but I think having wipes on hand is awesome even when you don't have children with you. I use them from everything from diaper changes, to cleaning off public tables, washing hands and faces, cleaning up spilt coffee, etc. I like to buy my wipes in bulk and then put some in one of these cute little portable wipes clutches from Huggies. 
what's in my diaper bag
7. Hand Cream: Again, dry climate demands hand cream even at the best of times. In the winter months, I'm especially prone to really dry, chapped hands, so I'm always on the lookout for a good, non-greasy one. I love this one from Skinfix, and while pricey, a little goes a long way. 

8. Swaddle Blankets: A large swaddle blanket is a must now that I have a newborn again. I consider it a multi-purpose item as I can use it as a blanket, a burp cloth, or a change pad. Rolled up tight, they take up very little room in my bag so I always have one or two with me. 

9. Shopping Cart Hammock: For these early months with a small baby, I love my hammock from Binxy Baby. It gives me more room in the cart and keeps my baby safe. While I don't like trucking around extra baby gear, this rolls up nice and tight so it fits in my back pack easily. 

10. Books: I always have a book or two on hand to entertain my toddler while waiting for appointments. We're both big fans of these mini Robert Munsch ones as you can bring along several without sacrificing space or adding additional weight in your diaper bag.

11. Car Seat/Nursing Cover: Every mom needs one of these multipurpose covers. It makes a stylish car seat cover while also providing shelter from all types of weather. And it's the easiest nursing cover I've ever used. It folds up into practically nothing, fitting easily into even the smallest of diaper bags. I love them so much, I own two! 

And it probably goes without saying, as I didn't include it in my list, but obviously a few diapers and an extra sleeper for baby make it into my bag as well. 

So, that's what's taking up real estate in my diaper bag!


What are some must have items in your diaper bag?

No diaper bag? Tell me something you have in your purse!


*This post was sponsored by Fjällräven Canada, but as always, all opinions and reviews expressed are my own. 
Thank you for supporting the companies that continue to make this hobby of mine possible! 
Affiliate links have not been used.

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