Life
I remember my first walk down the baby aisle of the supermarket like it was yesterday. My eyes bulged at the sheer selection of specific products —why are there so many different pacifiers? — and the seemingly simple task of shopping for the best products for my newborn's diaper bag felt downright overwhelming. After all, becoming a mom is about more than welcoming your new baby into the world — it also means that with practice, you'll become a master packer, planner, and proponent of the mantra “Please let us have everything we need!”
Especially in those first few months of motherhood, being prepared and protected is an absolute must. As a mom of two boys myself, I totally understand how it feels to be a new parent and not yet be 100 percent confident that you've left the house with all of the right (read: necessary!) items in tow. This is exactly why a well stocked diaper bag is like a security blanket for moms, ensuring your comfort and peace of mind no matter where you are.
To help you decide what to stock your diaper bag with before you leave the house, Romper has partnered with Pampers Swaddlers to put together your ultimate (and super easy!) newborn diaper bag checklist. No need for trial and error, because this list is based on real-life experiences and has you covered! Obviously, feel free to customize for your own family's needs, but here are essentials to never leave your home without:
1
Diapers You Can Trust
Naturally, the first thing a good diaper bag needs is — you guessed it — diapers! Take the guesswork out of which brand to stock up on by trusting the same brand that hospitals do, and what that little baby bottom was bundled in from birth. Pampers Swaddlers are the number one choice of hospitals, nurses, and parents*, and for good reason: They are two times softer than the everyday-value-of-the-year brand with comforting Heart Quilts™ liner that pulls wetness and mess away from the skin. Plus, they have a handy color-change indicator that lets you know when it might be time for a change.
2
Wipes
Because poop. And drool. And sneezes. And unidentified sticky messes. Whether they’re predictable or downright surprising, there are so many reasons you need wipes on-hand, and every single one of them will make you so thankful you have them. As a two-time mom of boys with sensitive skin, I prefer having an unscented and super gentle option on hand, like Pampers Sensitive wipes.
3
Disposable Changing Pads
The very moment you need a clean, safe spot to change your little babe will be the very moment that the public restroom doesn’t have a changing station. Bringing your own portable changing pad or a stash of disposable ones will relieve the stress of not knowing where to go when your baby needs to be changed, stat.
4
Odor-Proof Bags
Trust me on the odor-proof part. This item may not sound exciting, but it’s definitely essential! Little messes can create big smells that you definitely want to get a handle on ASAP. Disposable bags are great for dirty diapers, wipes, clothes, and just about anything you’d prefer not to have floating around.
5
Spare Outfits
Speaking of clothes that need to be washed, nobody goes through more wardrobe malfunctions or outfit changes than newborns. Spills, stains, and accidents will make you feel like a full-time stylist. Keep extra outfits and spare socks with you wherever you go, because a quick change will certainly become part of your routine.
6
Hand Sanitizer
This one might feel self-explanatory, but between all that changing and odor-proofing and washing I just talked about, it might be easy to forget that you won’t always have a sink and fresh hand soap at your disposal. Keep a bottle or two of hand sanitizer handy, and you'll quickly see why it's a very helpful tool of the new-mom trade.
7
A Hat For Your Little One
Because your little bundle is new on Earth, they’re also not used to the sun or the elements — and are extremely sensitive to them. They’re too young to rock those adorable kid sunnies just yet, but a great sunhat will protect their eyes and a winter cap will shield their sensitive skin, keeping everyone much more comfortable.
8
A Cozy Blanket
Earlier, I mentioned that a well-stocked diaper bag is a like a security blanket for you, but of course you'll want to pack a literal security blanket for your baby. Even if the weather is warm, temperatures can vary based on air conditioning or wind. Protect your baby and keep them snug as a bug with a baby blanket that'll quickly become their favorite.
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*Based on hospital sales data; nurses: versus other hospital brands, among those with a preference; parents: based on retail sales.
This post is sponsored by Pampers Swaddlers.
