Diaper bag checklist: what to pack for a newborn, baby and toddler

Quick errand vs full day

A quick trip needs only the core. A full day needs more of what gets used up.

Counts are our estimates, scaled from the cited daily figures.

Feeding on the go

Breast milk

The CDC's storage times for pumped milk ^[9]:

• Insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs (1): the CDC says milk keeps this way for up to 24 hours when traveling ^[9].
• Bottles of pumped milk (one per feed, plus one): labeled with the date you pumped.

To plan sessions around outings, see our pumping schedule guide, or pumping at work if you're back on the job. If feeding away from home is hard, a lactation consultant can help.

Formula

The CDC says to use prepared formula within 2 hours of making it and within 1 hour of when the feeding starts, and to throw out what's left in the bottle ^[10]. So carry the powder and water separately and mix at feeding time.

• Powder in a formula dispenser (premeasured for each feed, plus one): when you mix, the CDC says to measure the water first, then add the powder ^[10].
• Clean bottles of water (one per feed): the CDC says to use water from a safe source ^[10].
• Ready-to-feed formula (1 to 2 bottles, optional): no mixing at all, and the AAP warns never to add water to it ^[11].
• Spare nipple (1, in a clean bag): for when one hits the floor.

If you mix a bottle and won't use it within 2 hours, the CDC says to put it in the fridge right away and use it within 24 hours ^[10]. If formula costs are a strain, see whether you qualify for WIC.

Weather and sun

Babies under 6 months need shade more than sunscreen. The AAP says to keep them out of direct sunlight, find shade under a tree, an umbrella or the stroller canopy, and use sunscreen on small areas such as the face only if protective clothing and shade aren't available ^[12]. The FDA says to ask a doctor before using sunscreen on a baby under 6 months ^[13].

• Sun hat (1): the AAP suggests one with an all-around 3-inch brim ^[12].
• Long, light layers (1 set): the AAP suggests cool, comfortable clothing that covers the body ^[12].
• Sunscreen, for 6 months and up (1 travel size): the AAP says broad-spectrum, SPF 15 to 50, reapplied every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating ^[12].
• Sunglasses (1 pair): the AAP says look for at least 99% UV protection ^[12].
• Extra layer for cold or air-conditioned places (1): one more layer than you'd want yourself ^[5].
• Insect repellent, in summer (1): the AAP says skip combined sunscreen-repellent products, and don't use oil of lemon eucalyptus on children under 3 ^[14].

The car kit

A backup stash in the car covers forgotten items. NHTSA suggests keeping an emergency bag in your vehicle with blankets, a phone charger, food and water ^[15].

• Blanket (1): for warmth over a buckled harness, since bulky coats and snowsuits shouldn't go under car seat straps ^[15][16].
• Backup diapers and wipes (6 to 8 diapers, 1 pack of wipes): a full refill for the bag.
• Spare outfit for each child (1 each): for the blowout you didn't pack for.
• Water and shelf-stable snacks (1 to 2 each): NHTSA lists both for a car emergency bag ^[15].
• Phone charger (1): also on NHTSA's list ^[15].
• Paper towels and trash bags (1 roll, a few bags): for spills and messy changes.

Leave unopened formula out of the car kit. The CDC says to store it in a cool, dry, indoor place, not in vehicles ^[10].

In winter, dress your child in thin layers such as fleece, buckle the harness snugly, then add a blanket or put the coat on backward over the straps ^[15][16]. The AAP's check: if you can pinch the harness strap, tighten it ^[16]. It also suggests keeping an infant seat's carrier indoors between trips so it starts at room temperature ^[16]. Choosing a seat? See infant vs convertible car seats and our infant car seat guide. And never leave a child alone in or around a car, even briefly. The AAP warns temperatures can reach deadly levels in minutes ^[17].

What not to pack

• Medicine without a dose from your pediatrician. The AAP says to call your pediatrician before giving acetaminophen to a child under 2, and to use only the dosing device that comes with the product ^[18]. The FDA doesn't recommend over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for children under 2 ^[19].
• A pacifier on a string around the neck or wrist. The AAP says never to tie a pacifier around your child's neck or hand ^[20].
• Car seat add-ons that didn't come with the seat. The AAP says not to use extra products unless they came with the seat or the seat's manufacturer specifically approves them ^[17].
• Choking-risk snacks for kids under 4. Whole grapes, popcorn, nuts and seeds, hot dogs, raw carrot sticks and chunks of cheese are on the AAP's list to hold back or cut up, and children should sit down when they eat ^[8].
• Premixed formula at room temperature. The CDC says to use prepared formula within 2 hours of making it, or refrigerate it right away ^[10].
• Expired sunscreen. The FDA says a sunscreen with no expiration date should be considered expired three years after purchase ^[13].
• Sanitizer where a toddler can reach it. The CDC says to supervise young children using hand sanitizer so they don't swallow the alcohol ^[3].

Restock routine

Restock the night before, not on the way out.

After every outing

• Replace what you used (diapers, wipes, outfit, bags): refill right away from home or the car kit.
• Wash bottles and the cooler bag (all used): throw out leftover formula ^[10] and any breast milk your baby didn't finish within 2 hours ^[9].
• Refreeze the ice packs (all): ready for next time.

Once a month

• Size check (outfits and diapers): swap out anything your baby has outgrown.
• Inspect pacifiers (all): the AAP says to replace any that have torn or changed color ^[20].
• Wash the changing pad and bag lining (1 each): follow the care label.

Every season

• Check sunscreen dates (1): toss anything expired ^[13].
• Swap weather gear and age add-ons (as needed): sun hats out, warm layers in, and a cup and snacks once your baby's ready.

If diapers are stretching your budget, our guide to free diapers lists diaper banks and other programs.