The Ultimate Diaper Bag Must Have List

Every mom has probably left the house sometime or another without something they needed, or been out and thought "I wish I had brought that with me.." Well, this is the ULTIMATE diaper bag must have list. There are 2 lists, one for younger babies (newborn - about 6 months) and older babies (6 months - about 18 months).

Must Haves:

• Change of Clothes: you never know when your baby will spit up, throw up, or leak through their diaper.
• Jacket: especially during the transitions from warm to cold weather, just in case it get colder when your out.
• Hat: especially for newborns and in colder weather.
• Socks or Shoes
• Diapers 
• Wipes
• Changing Pad: this will come with most diaper bags, this is a must for changing a baby anywhere outside or the house, and you would be surprised the places that don't have changing tables!
• Blanket: very useful for younger babies, I always covered them up in the car during cold weather.
• Swaddle Blanket or Car Seat Cover: if your baby likes to be swaddled, this is a must, but it can also be used a car seat cover for the carry out car seats, a must when its windy or rainy and it helps baby to sleep when you go out. 
• Breast Milk or Formula Bottle: you might even need more than one!
• Bib
• Burp Cloth
• Pacifier
• Pacifier Wipes
• Pacifier Case
• Pacifier Clip
• Mom's Wallet or Clutch: this is a must if you don't carry a purse, that when you can pull out your items and leave the babies with them when you have to leave them for work or any other reason.
• Pen: need to sign a receipt or mark something down? Make sure you bring a pen, it will come in handy one day.
• Child's Insurance Card: ALWAYS leave this with the child, that way whoever is watching the baby will have their insurance information.
• Camera: you never know when they will do the cutest things!
• Emergency Formula Packets: this is a must for newborn babies! They sell 2 oz pre-made bottles (they gave me some with disposable nipples in the hospital) and a 4 oz pack of formula. I packed these as emergency packets, you may be out longer than expected or the baby will eat more than you thought, be prepared. The pre-made bottles can be used right after opening and all you will need is a bottle of water to make the packets. Trust me, this saved me so many times!
• Q-tips: one of those you never know when you are going to need items.
• Gas Drops: especially for younger babies who get gas a lot, keep your little one comfortable!
• Teething Medicine: whether it be teething pills, gum ointment, or the gum finger brush. Teething babies will get very fussy! Some people carry wash cloths and keep it cold and wet for the baby to chew on. 
• Diaper Rash Cream: keep baby comfy, diaper rashes will come up at any moment. You can even buy smaller travel size containers or carry a sample for a small "just in case item".
• Hand Sanitizer: a definite during cold and flu season!
• Diaper Bags: when baby has diarrhea or a horrible smelling diaper, put the diaper or clothes in these bags and keep the smell locked up and your bag clean! You could also use these for when baby spits or throws up, or for dirty bibs.
• Tissues
• Teething Toys: some even come in carrying cases to keep them clean.
• A Variety of Age Appropriate Toys: for this age try the car seat toys, toys they can hold, teething toys and things with mirrors on them!

Must Haves:

• Change of Clothes: you never know when your baby will spit up, throw up, or leak through their diaper.
• Jacket: especially during the transitions from warm to cold weather, just in case it get colder when your out.
• Shoes
• Diapers 
• Wipes
• Changing Pad: this will come with most diaper bags, this is a must for changing a baby anywhere outside or the house, and you would be surprised the places that don't have changing tables!
• Breast Milk or Formula Bottle: you might even need more than one!
• Sippy Cup with Juice or Water
• Baby Food: Now they make these awesome packets that make it easy to feed a baby when your out!
• Snacks: this is a must for me! My baby loves the Gerber Puffs, Lil' Crunchies, and Yogurt Bites. Perfect for snack time.  
• Non-slip Rubber Tray for Tables: this is so helpful when baby begins to pick up food or snacks, so when you go out you can lay the tray down for them to eat their food off of.
• Spoon
• Plate: a necessity for when you began to give your baby some table food. They make slip mats that attach to plates so they baby can't move the plate and throw their food! 
• Food Catcher Bib: love these! They wash off so easily! 
• Pacifier
• Pacifier Wipes
• Pacifier Case
• Pacifier Clip
• Mom's Wallet or Clutch: this is a must if you don't carry a purse, that when you can pull out your items and leave the babies with them when you have to leave them for work or any other reason.
• Pen: need to sign a receipt or mark something down? Make sure you bring a pen, it will come in handy one day.
• Child's Insurance Card: ALWAYS leave this with the child, that way whoever is watching the baby will have their insurance information.
• Camera: you never know when they will do the cutest things!
• Emergency Formula Packets: this is a must for newborn babies! They sell 2 oz pre-made bottles (they gave me some with disposable nipples in the hospital) and a 4 oz pack of formula. I packed these as emergency packets, you may be out longer than expected or the baby will eat more than you thought, be prepared. The premade bottles can be used right after opening and all you will need is a bottle of water to make the packets. Trust me, this saved me so many times!
• Q-tips: one of those you never know when you are going to need items.
• Gas Drops: especially for younger babies who get gas a lot, keep your little one comfortable!
• Diaper Rash Cream: keep baby comfy, diaper rashes will come up at any moment. You can even buy smaller travel size containers or carry a sample for a small "just in case item".
• Hand Sanitizer: a definite during cold and flu season!
• Diaper Bags: when baby has diarrhea or a horrible smelling diaper, put the diaper or clothes in these bags and keep the smell locked up and your bag clean! You could also use these for when baby spits or throws up, or for dirty bibs.
• Tissues
• A Variety of Age Appropriate Toys: for this age try books, toys that play music or lights up, stuffed animals, and other small interactive toys.

Hope this helps!