Packing a Diaper Bag: A Checklist to Follow

What should you pack in a diaper bag? A checklist to work through, organized by age and type of outing, with packing tips for diaper backpacks and diaper bags.

By the LIINI editorial teamUpdated 4 October 20268 min read3 sources

Contents

In short

Your diaper bag should include diapers, wet wipes, a changing pad, diaper rash cream, a change of clothes, a wet bag, and something for your baby to eat or drink. What else you pack depends on your child’s age and the length of the outing. Pack by section: Keep essentials within easy reach at the top, put the diaper set in the main compartment, and place dirty items in the wet compartment. Restock the bag after every outing so it’s always ready to go.

Packing a diaper bag sounds easy—until you’re sitting in a café, the diaper is full, and the wet wipes are back at home. With a set checklist, you won’t forget anything—and you still won’t end up carrying too much. Here you’ll find the essentials, what to pack in your diaper bag by age, lists for walks, outings, and trips, and tips on how to pack your diaper bag smartly.

Packing the diaper bag: the essentials

These items should always be included, no matter how old your baby is. Print out the list or check them off directly on your phone.

Diapers for the planned duration, plus two as a backup
Wipes, preferably unscented and alcohol-free
Changing pad for when you’re out and about
Diaper rash cream
Diaper bag for dirty diapers
Waterproof bags for wet or soiled clothes
Change of clothes: onesie, pants, or romper, socks
Burp cloth or bib
Food and drinks for the baby (see table by age)
Pacifier, if your baby uses one
Hat or sun hat, depending on the weather
Wipes or hand sanitizer for you
For you: Water bottle, snack, cell phone, wallet, keys

The number of diapers you need depends on the baby’s age. According to the British National Health Service (NHS), young babies need up to 10 or 12 fresh diapers a day, while older babies need about 6 to 8. So, if you’re spending half a day with a newborn, it’s best to pack one extra diaper. When it comes to wet wipes, the NHS recommends fragrance-free and alcohol-free options, along with a cream that protects the skin in the diaper area.

Good to Know

When you’re out and about, the safest way to change your baby’s diaper is on a changing pad or a blanket on the floor, according to the NHS. On a raised changing table, you can always keep an eye on your baby, don’t rely on straps, and never turn your back on them.

What to Pack in a Diaper Bag by Age

What goes in the bag changes with each passing month. At first, it’s all about milk and diapers; later, it’s about snacks and activities.

What	0–6 months	6–12 months	Toddler
Diapers	plenty, plus a spare	a little fewer	depending on the stage; otherwise, spare underwear
Food	Breastfeeding: nursing cover, nursing pads; Bottle-feeding: powdered formula in individual portions	Baby food, spoon, bib	Snack container, fruit, bread
Drinks	Breast milk or bottle, boiled water in a thermos	plus water in a cup	Water bottle
Clothing	1–2 change of onesies	Complete change of clothes	Complete set with socks
Toys	Rattle, teether	Teething ring, cloth book	Picture book, small toy
Comfort	Cuddly toy, pacifier	Cuddly toy, pacifier	Stuffed animal
Sun and weather	Shade, sun hat, light, long-sleeved clothing	Sun hat, light, long-sleeved clothing	Sun Hat, Sunscreen for Kids
Extras	Burp cloths	Spare bibs	Band-Aids, tissues

0–6 months: If you’re bottle-feeding your baby, pack the water and formula separately. The website kindergesundheit-info.de recommends bringing boiled water in a thermos and the correct amount of formula in a sterilized bottle separately. Mix the formula just before feeding. For tips on how to warm milk on the go, see the guide “Warming Milk on the Go.” A portable bottle warmer can heat the bottle even without a power outlet.

6–12 months: Now it’s time to introduce baby food and a spoon. You’ll find hygiene guidelines and four ways to warm it up in the guide “Warming Up Baby Food on the Go.”

Toddler: Your bag will be lighter when it comes to diapers, but fuller with snacks and toys. If your child is potty training, pack a complete set of a change of clothes, including socks and shoes, in case of accidents.

Caution

According to the Swiss Cancer League, babies under one year of age should not be exposed to direct sunlight. If possible, plan to spend the midday hours indoors or in the shade, and be sure to pack a sun hat and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing.

For walks, outings, and trips

The longer you’re on the go, the more supplies you’ll need. The three lists build on one another.

Short walk

Two diapers, wet wipes, changing pad
A change of onesie
Pacifier and soother
Milk or a snack for a meal
Beanie or sun hat

Field Trip Day

Diapers for the whole day, plus a spare
Two complete sets of a change of clothes
Meals and drinks for the day; formula measured out for the bottle and boiled water in a thermos
Charged bottle warmer or baby food warmer
Sunscreen or a warm layer, rain gear
Wet bag and diaper bag
Baby carrier or sling for when you can’t use a stroller
Power bank and charging cable

A trip lasting several days

Everything for the day trip
Your baby’s ID card or passport, insurance card, vaccination record
A thermometer and any medications as advised by your pediatrician
A change of clothes for your baby and a shirt for you in your carry-on
Baby’s favorite blanket or stuffed animal for the night

You can find a detailed packing list for vacations and flights in the guide “Traveling with a Baby: Packing List and Air Travel.”

How to Pack Your Diaper Bag: Compartments and Packing Tips

A diaper bag is only practical if you can find everything at a glance. Give each item a designated spot, and you’ll be able to pack almost without looking.

Keep the most frequently used items—pacifiers, wet wipes, and a blanket—within easy reach. They belong in the top compartment or in a small outside pocket.
Pack the diaper changing set together. Place the changing pad, two diapers, wet wipes, and cream together in the main compartment, with the pad on top. That way, you only need to take the set with you to the restroom.
Rollup a change ofclothes and put them in a smallcloth bag. That way, nothing will fly around loose.
Drinks in the side compartments: Bottles and thermoses stand upright in the side compartments. Insulated compartments keep the temperature steady longer.
Putdirty items in the wet compartment. Wet clothes and used bibs go in the wet bag or the waterproof wet compartment, separate from the rest.
Valuables close to your back: Your cell phone, wallet, and ID should go in a compartment on your back. There, they’re protected and easily accessible.
Heavy items at the bottom and close to your back: Pack the thermos and bottle warmer at the bottom and close to your back—this makes the backpack more comfortable to carry.
Restock after every outing: Restock on diapers, wet wipes, and a change of clothes as soon as you get home. That way, the bag will be ready to go next time.

Tip

Keep a small spare set of a diaper, onesie, and wet wipes in the stroller or car. If you ever forget the diaper bag, it’ll save the day.

The LIINI® diaper backpack is designed for this system. It has a capacity of 29 liters and features 4 exterior and 5 interior compartments, including 2 thermally insulated bottle compartments, a compartment for the LIINI® bottle warmer, a separate laptop compartment, and a dedicated pacifier compartment. It also features a waterproof compartment for wet and dirty clothes, a USB-C port, and metal hooks for attaching to a stroller. The straps are adjustable for heights ranging from 140 to 200 cm, so both parents can carry it. The outer material is rPET, a polyester made from recycled PET bottles. You can find a matching changing pad for on the go and other accessories under Changing Accessories.

From LIINI

LIINI® Changing backpack beige polyester made from recycled PETincl. VATView product

LIINI® Changing backpack olive polyester made from recycled PETincl. VATView product

LIINI® Changing Pad, Beige, rPET, Waterproofincl. VATView product

Diaper backpack or diaper bag?

Both have their merits. What matters is how you’re traveling.

Criterion	Changing Backpack	Over-the-shoulder diaper bag
Carry	on both shoulders, hands free	on one shoulder or attached to a stroller
Works well with a baby carrier	Good—weight distributed evenly front and back	Slips easily and puts pressure on one side
Access	Set it down or use the side pockets	quickly from the top
Storage	usually more volume	rather compact
Ideal for	day trips, hiking, travel	City, short distances, car

If you often carry your baby in a carrier or sling, a backpack is usually more comfortable because the weight on your back balances out the weight of the baby in front. If you attach the bag to the stroller, be sure to check the stroller’s manual for guidelines on the weight limit for the handlebar.

A woman wears the LIINI diaper backpack on an outing in the park — Out and about with the diaper backpack: everything within easy reach

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you pack in a diaper bag for a newborn?

Diapers with a spare, unscented and alcohol-free wipes, a changing pad, diaper rash cream, one or two spare onesies, a blanket, and a diaper bag. You’ll also need a nursing cover or a bottle, formula, and boiled water in a thermos. In cool weather, include a hat; in sunny weather, a sun hat.

How many diapers should I pack in the diaper bag?

Estimate the daily amount needed for the time you’ll be out and about, and add two diapers as a backup. According to the NHS, young babies need up to 10 or 12 diapers a day, while older babies need about 6 to 8. For a short walk, two are usually enough.

How do I take the bottle with me when I’m on the go?

Bring boiled water in a thermos and the measured amount of formula separately in a clean bottle or a scoop. Mix it just before feeding, as recommended by kindergesundheit-info.de. Discard any leftovers after the feeding.

Diaper backpack or diaper bag: Which is more practical?

A diaper backpack distributes the weight across both shoulders and leaves your hands free. This is especially handy when you’re carrying your baby in a baby carrier. A crossbody bag is quicker to open and works well for short trips around town.

How big should a diaper bag be?

For a day out with diapers, a change of clothes, and bottles, you’ll need more space than you would for a walk. Well-organized compartments are more important than sheer volume. The LIINI® diaper backpack has a capacity of 29 liters and features 4 exterior and 5 interior compartments.

Do I need my own changing pad when I’m out and about?

Yes, it’s worth it. Public changing tables aren’t always clean, and sometimes you’ll have to change your baby on a bench or on the floor. According to the NHS, the safest way to change a baby is on a changing mat or a cloth on the floor.

How do I keep my diaper bag organized?

Assign a specific compartment to each item and pack related items into small bags. Put dirty items in the wet compartment, and keep valuables close to your back. Restock your bag right after every outing.

Sources

How to Change Your Baby’s Diaper, NHS
Hygiene When Bottle-Feeding, kindergesundheit-info.de, Federal Institute for Public Health
Sun Protection for Children Aged 0 to 6, Swiss Cancer League

Bottle warmers with battery

Bottle warmers 230V

Baby food warmers

Night Station

Baby bottles

Bottle teats

Breast pump

Baby water

Baby cradles

Premium pacifiers

Baby carriers

Diaper backpacks

Cloth diapers

Gift ideas

Accessories & spare parts

User manuals

Where is my parcel?

Open a ticket