You’re about to take your newborn baby out for the first time. Packing the diaper bag for this event is a bit different than packing for the trip home from the hospital. If you’re a new mom, you may have no clue what you need in that bag, other than diapers and wipes. And that’s okay. It’s what this list is for.

What to Pack in a Diaper Bag for an Outing

1. Diapers:

This would seem to be a given, but how many will you need?
How often has baby been wetting the diaper? Figure out how many hours you’ll be out, and add a diaper for each increment of time the baby has been wetting (or pooping) times those hours. That’s how many it would be safe to take. Maybe add a diaper or two over that, just in case.

2. Wipes:

Take a pack.

3. Whatever baby is eating.

You won’t need formula and bottles and water if you’re nursing. If you’re using formula, take a can of formula, bottled water, and a bottle or two. If your baby is a bit older and eating jarred food and/or oatmeal, take that along, as well as a spoon.

4. If you’re nursing,

take extra nursing pads and a blanket to cover yourself with while nursing in public.

Note: Ladies, not everyone wants to see your boobies. Please cover when nursing in public. Yes, it’s natural. Not everyone wants to watch. Just because you’re comfortable doesn’t mean the strangers around you are. Modesty is the best policy.

5. Changes of Clothing:

Take at least two. And a bib, and a burp cloth.

6. Appropriate Outerwear:

If it’s cooler weather, take along a blanket and/or coat. If it’s cold, take along the winter snowsuit and a blanket and a hat. The snowsuits usually have closed hands, so gloves aren’t necessary unless it’s a regular coat sleeve. Take a hat that will shade baby’s tender face and eyes if it’s hot.

7. Toys:

Take along a toy or two that entertain your baby. You may need this if you’re stuck in line or baby gets bored.

8. Pacifiers:

Take along two if your baby is using one. This way, if you drop one and can’t clean it right away, you can swap it out.

9. Medicine:

If your child is anywhere near teething age, I highly recommend keeping both Infant Tylenol and Infant Orajel in your diaper bag. Plus a teething ring. This way, if baby suffers from a mild fever or toothache while you’re out, you can relieve the pain.

10. Your patience.

When an infant starts screeching in the middle of your shopping spree, it can be taxing.

First, you are afraid of what others are thinking. Most of us have been there and done that. We get it.

Second, you want to pacify your child and at the same time, you want to finish your shopping. Baby comes first. Shopping will still be there when you’re finished.

Third, it can take twice as long to shop with kids as it would if you were alone.

If you can, consider leaving baby with Grandma or a responsible sitter so you can have a few moments alone to run errands. Otherwise, be prepared for the extra time spent taking the car seat in and out of the car, stopping to care for your child while they are pitching a fit or getting hungry or need a diaper change, and whatever else comes with caring for your child.

And remember, take them into the store with you. Do NOT leave them alone in the car, locked or not. Cold or not. Hot or not. Be responsible.

Moms, what do you recommend packing in the diaper bag for a day trip? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!