Checklist: Packing Your Diaper Bag

Putting together a diaper bag for a baby may feel like packing for a weeklong vacation! Use this checklist to make sure that you're fully stocked for your outing with baby.

___ Diapers: Take more than you think you'll need, as many as one for every hour of your outing. Better safe than sorry!

___ Small box or travel pack of wipes: These aren't just for baby, but for your hands, too.

___ A tube of barrier cream or diaper-rash cream

___ Several cloth diapers or other cloths for burping, spit-up, and other messes

___ An extra shirt, pants, and pair of socks for baby

___ An extra shirt for you

___ Baby sunblock

___ Baby's bottle, if she uses one -- to keep things sanitary, you might put the nipple in a plastic bag

___ At least one toy

___ A favorite comfort object

___ If baby is on solids, a container of baby food and a baby spoon, or else a container of snacks, such as cereal or crackers

___ A bib

___ Two extra pacifiers (if baby uses them) stored in a clean plastic bag

___ A cell phone for emergencies

___ An index card with your name, address, and phone number, should the bag get lost

___ An index card with the pediatrician's number, a neighbor's number, and a number where your spouse or one of baby's grandparents can be reached

___ A changing pad -- many diaper bags come with one

___ A few large plastic bags for sealing and tossing dirty diapers, or taking home soiled clothes

___ Water and a snack for you

And yes, it all fits inside!

The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.