I love seeing what other people carry in their diaper bags. It’s a little glimpse into how they organize their lives, and lots of times, others have brilliant ideas that I would have never thought of. As mom to two kids (still feels strange to say that!), my diaper bag needs have changed dramatically.Before Baby Oats was born, I was down to the bare minimum of diaper bag stocking (snacks, a diaper, tons of wipes, and maybe a toy or two). Now, my bag is packed to the brim again – and I’m sure there are things I’m missing! Here’s what the diaper bag for a 2 year old and a newborn looks like for us:

Diaper-Bag-for-Newborn-and-Toddler

1) Skip Hop Forma Backpack: I knew I needed a backpack-style diaper bag this time around, for ease of carrying (and babywearing!). The new Skip Hop Forma is cute, roomy, and comes with tons of storage options. So far, I really like it (but had to buy a new changing pad – didn’t love the one it came with).

2) Burp cloths: A newborn who spits up all the time and a toddler who is always getting into messes means that having absorbent, easily washable cloths is a must. I bought a big pack of flannel ‘receiving’ blankets from Babies R Us, though I’ve heard that cloth diaper prefolds are also great to have.

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3. Diapers and Wipes: For Baby Oats, we’re sticking with Swaddlers for now until he sizes up. I love the yellow/blue line that changes when he’s wet, making it super easy to keep track of wet diapers for the first few weeks. Little Oats wears Costco’s Kirkland brand diapers – we love them, and they’re a great deal! We also use the Kirkland brand wipes; gentle, unscented, and an amazing price.

4. Change of clothes: With a messy toddler and a spitty newborn, I keep extra outfits for both kids in the diaper bag. We love Carters, Old Navy and Baby Gap as far as fit goes.

5. Pacifiers: Baby Oats takes a pacifier, which Little Oats never did. So we’re sure to keep at least two back up pacifiers in the diaper bag at all times. He isn’t picky yet, but I love the Wubbanub lovey pacifiers.

6. Bottom Balm: This all-purpose balm from Earth Mama Angel Baby is amazing. It works for diaper rash, chapped lips, raw skin and breastfeeding nipples; I keep a jar in the diaper bag and another on my nightstand.

7. Gripe Water: Baby Oats is super gassy, and gripe water works wonders. I carry a bottle all the time – it calms him almost instantly.

8. Water bottle: Between a thirsty nursing mama, and a toddler who is always on the go, water is a must. When I try to pack a sippy cup or separate bottle for Little Oats, she drinks out of mine anyhow, so now we just share. I love Contigo and Camelbak for being totally water-tight. 

9. Snacks: Little Oats is a snacker, and I occasionally have to resort to bribes to ensure her cooperation. So I keep a bag full of granola bars, Cheerios, and the ultimate bargaining tool, Welch’s Fruit Snacks.

10. iPhone: While this isn’t a baby-specific item, I’m a little lost without my phone. I track feedings and diaper changes for Baby Oats, I snap photos of my kids loving life, and it serves as emergency entertainment for our ‘spirited’ Little Oats when nothing else will work.