Sooner or later, all moms and dads have to go through it: changing diapers away from home. In public restrooms, on park benches, or in the trunk—just to name a few typical changing spots outside the comfort of home. If you want to finish the diaper change as quickly as a Formula 1 tire change, good preparation is essential. And a perfectly packed diaper bag is basically the foundation for success.

In this article, we’ll tell you which basics belong in every diaper bag and which items you can add as needed. Because one thing is certain: there’s no one-size-fits-all checklist. Instead, every diaper bag is as unique as you and your baby.

Stylish or practical?

Handbag or backpack? Individuality starts with the bag itself: Many moms want a diaper bag that not only has enough space, but also looks great. Many baby brands have recognized this, too. The number of fashionable diaper bags is growing, so you no longer have to choose between practicality and appearance. You’ll quickly find out how much space you really need—but keep in mind that too much space can tempt you to pack unnecessary items. ;)

When making your purchase decision, consider one more thing: If your baby’s dad should also feel comfortable carrying the diaper bag, it can make sense to choose a simpler model or even a diaper backpack. That way, he’ll enjoy carrying it in public, too.

Whether you choose a clutch, shoulder bag, or backpack, we recommend a model you can continue to use even after the diaper days are over. It would be a shame if your diaper bag only gathered dust in the corner once your little explorer is out of diapers.

Both the diaper and the changing bag in the cover image are from – the label for stylish is the insider tip from our LILLYDOO midwife Sissi Rasche.

The content, Part 1: The Basics

Let’s move on to the contents of the diaper bag. We’ll start our list with six must-haves. With these in your bag, not much can go wrong. By the way, you can often store them conveniently in a separate diaper pouch, like the one you see in our cover image.

• Diapers – of course, diapers are an essential part of a diaper bag. The right amount varies depending on the length of the outing and how often your baby needs changing. Usually, 3–4 diapers are sufficient.

• Wet wipes – because they’re not only the easiest way to a clean baby bottom at home, but also on the go. Small travel-size packs are ideal so you don’t unnecessarily weigh down the diaper bag.

• Hygiene Spray – Use this to clean the surface you’ll be changing on and, if necessary, to disinfect your hands. Even if you don’t want your baby to grow up in a disinfected world, cleanliness during diaper changes is important!

• Changing pad for on the go – here you can either choose soft disposable documents like the ones we offer at LILLYDOO, or opt for a washable version.

• Bag for used diapers – The convenient option is a plastic bag with a zipper closure. A more environmentally friendly choice is a washable diaper bag that’s plastic-free and reusable.

• Spit cloth – When you breastfeed or feed your baby on the go, a burp cloth is always handy for the burp afterward. If you’d like to sew a pretty diaper bag for these essentials yourself, check out our DIY YouTube video "Diaper Bag" Yes.

The content, Part 2: Nice-To-Haves

To be prepared for any eventualities, you can also expand your personalized diaper bag. Your everyday experience with your baby will show you what you really need.

• Changing clothes for the baby – A mess during meals or a leaky diaper—things like this can happen when you’re out and about. It’s good to have spare items ready, such as a bodysuit, pants, a sweater/shirt, and tights.

• Additional Bag for dirty laundry – To avoid storing dirty clothes next to clean diapers, a separate bag is recommended.

• For sore bottom (1): Wundcreme – so your baby’s skin can heal optimally, you should also carry a tube of your preferred wound cream with you when you’re on the go.

• For sore bottom (2): Thermos flask with warm Water and Cotton pads or Wipes with 99 % water – because irritated skin on a red baby bottom should be cleaned as gently and naturally as possible.

• Toy – provides the right distraction. And you’ll probably use it most often during diaper changes on the go!

• For non-breastfeeding moms or weaned babies: Flaschen, Babynahrung und mehr. – after all, hunger always strikes when it’s least convenient. If you want to be prepared for feeding on the go, don’t forget the spoon and the bib.

• If applicable Replacement- Pacifier – best transported in a separate pacifier box. This keeps it nice and clean.

• Change top for Mom/Dad – often enough, the burp doesn’t land on the spit cloth, but on mom’s or dad’s top.

• Medications – if your little explorer needs medication, the diaper bag is usually the right place for it.

This list probably feels very long, so test which items are actually useful in your everyday routine. With a diaper bag, it’s not necessarily “the more, the better”! Otherwise, it quickly becomes heavy and cluttered. In particular, experienced moms often stick to the essentials and rely on their improvisation skills when in doubt.

Our baby care expert Sissi supports families in everyday life as a midwife and often advises on diaper bags, too. In our YouTube video, she shows you what her perfectly packed diaper bag looks like:

One final tip: Regularly check whether you still have enough diapers, wet wipes, and other essentials in your diaper bag. Nothing is more frustrating than realizing, once you’re out and about, that you’ve run out. But you’ll quickly get into the habit of refilling. And if diapers, wet wipes, and the like run out faster than expected, you can simply move up the delivery date of your next monthly box with the flexible .

We wish you lots of fun packing and using your very own personalized diaper bag!