Hellobee

Ever since Noelle turned one, I stopped carrying a diaper bag.  Instead, I would just grab my diaper pouch (that always held at least two diapers and some wipes) and throw it in my purse.  Now that I have two kiddos, I’m back to carrying a diaper bag!  Here’s a peek into my diaper bag for a 29-month old toddler and 3-month old infant.

1) Skip Hop Versa – this was my first diaper bag, and it’s still the one I use the most consistently.  It’s affordable, lightweight, and doesn’t look like a diaper bag – I’ve gotten so many compliments on it over the years.  I love how you can expand or minimize it depending on your needs – I always keep it expanded though because I think it looks better that way.

2) Babyganics Suncreen – We live in Southern California, so sunscreen is a must.  This one had great reviews on Amazon, and came in a pack of 4, so I keep some in my bag and all around the house.

3) Babyganics Hand & Face Wipes -I always keep these around for mealtimes for a quick & easy cleanup.  They’re also useful after a romp in the park… those little hands are always getting dirty in some way or another!

4) Crayons – I keep a small packet of crayons that we got from one of those kid-friendly restaurants.  Now I often whip them out when I need to entertain Noelle while we wait for our food at those not-so-kid-friendly places.

5) Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover – I don’t think I’ll ever be comfortable nursing in public without a cover, so this is a must for me!  Bebe Au Lait has so many pretty designs, and I love their structured, rigid neckline so I can see my baby while he nurses.

6) Extra outfit for Noelle – a basic tee and leggings.

7) Extra outfit for Jaren – a sleeper, onesie, pants, and socks.

8) Apple Crisps – They’re dehydrated apple chips and Noelle loves these!

9) Playtex Straw Trainer Cup – We’ve been using this cup for water since Noelle was about 7-months old, and they’ve been holding strong ever since.

10) Plum Organics Pouches – Not only is this a convenient snack, it’s a great way to sneak in veggies that my toddler doesn’t mind gulping down.

11) Mum Mums – What is it about these flavorless, airy crackers that kids love?

12) Boogie Wipes – These are presoaked with saline, so they provide a gentle solution for those runny noses.

13) Gerber Prefolds (to use as a burp cloth) – These Gerber ones are so much better than the stuff actually marketed as burp cloths.  It’s lightweight, absorbent, and folds up nicely, so it doesn’t take up much space in the diaper bag at all.

14) Aden & Anais Blanket – Very multi-functional.  I use it as a stroller cover, nursing cover (if I’m somehow without my bebe au lait), burp cloth, and blanket.

15) Kirkland Wipes – I don’t use a separate wipes case since these are so portable and it ensures that I never run out of wipes!

16) Pampers Swaddlers – I always have at least 4 for Jaren, and 2 for Noelle at all times.  Newborns seem to be much more unpredictable with their diaper explosions, so we have multiple just in case.  Noelle rarely needs a diaper change when we’re out in public anymore, but every once in a while we’ll find ourselves needing to change her out of the trunk of our car.

17) Bumkins Bib – They fold up teensy tiny, so it doesn’t take up any space at all.  I always carry one in case we’re out and about and decide to spontaneously eat somewhere.

18) California Baby Calendula Cream – Noelle has very dry skin and some eczema, so I always keep a small jar of this in my diaper bag when I see dry patches on her or if she’s itching herself.

19) Wubbanub – Though neither one of our kids are big on pacifiers, it’s still nice to have one on hand just in case.  We sometimes use it for car rides or in restaurants when we’re trying to calm a fussy Jaren.

Other small essentials I like to have on hand – Kleenex, chapstick, hand lotion, a pen, and of course… my trusty iPhone for all those picture and video-taking moments!

What are some of your diaper bag essentials?