When it comes to diaper bags, I am both a minimalist and an optimist. That means I travel really, really light. Here is all I’ve got in the bag for when I leave for less than half a day (like for errands, or a walk in the park):

- wallet, keys, cell phone
- one disposable diaper
- one cloth diaper and cover
- small baggie of wipes
- two plastic grocery bags (for wet clothes or used cloth diapers)
- spare long sleeved baby tee shirt
- spare pair of lightweight baby pants
- two cotton rags
- changing pad

Once my kid started to eat solids, we added a non-perishable 4oz container of applesauce and a baby spoon. For a bib on the run, we tuck one of the cotton rags into his shirt like a napkin.

For the first few months, I was a really severe “leaker” when breastfeeding. Back then I also included several spare breast pads, two more rags, and a spare tee shirt for myself.

Honestly- that is it! Obviously, if I didn’t exclusively breastfeed, I’d include a bottle and maybe an icepack. Regardless, in my opinion, these are the only “must-haves” in a diaper bag. What do YOU think you “must have?”

- Leigh G.