Dads are awesome at many things, but one of the things that doesn’t seem to come naturally is packing the baby’s diaper bag. It makes sense, though. Think about it: they don’t spend their lives toting around purses and constantly switching them out depending on their outfits. Packing a diaper bag comes naturally to moms because we’ve already mastered the art of fitting the kitchen sink in a shoulder bag! For dad, though, no matter how organized you are, that pesky diaper bag just seems to be trouble for some reason. Help is here with a dad’s guide to packing a diaper bag.
Related: 5 Most Stylish & Functional Diaper Bags Under $100
Dad’s Guide to Packing a Diaper Bag
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When you have a baby, there are a million things going around in your head. The easiest way to remember what needs to be in the diaper bag and what doesn’t is to make a list and keep it handy. Look at it briefly each time you leave the house so you don’t forget something important.
Related: Preparing for Birth: Hospital Bag Checklist
What to check for each time you leave the house:
First, you want to get rid of any dirty smelly diapers you may have left in the bag from last time! Then, be sure that you have the following in the bag ready to go:
- 4-6 diapers
- baby wipes
- Ziploc bags for wet or dirty diapers
- 2-3 pacifiers
- 2-3 teething rings
- bottle of milk or formula premade
- bib
- 2-3 changes of clean clothes
- 2 blankets
- 2 burp cloths.
You may also want to have a these additional items on hand in the bag, just in case they are needed: diaper rash cream, sunblock and tissues.
However, dad, before you load up the bag with things you need, understand there is a process to doing so. If the baby has a doctor’s appointment in three hours, you probably think you have plenty of time to get the kid and yourself ready and head out the door. So, you shower, get dressed, feed the baby, burp the baby, change the baby’s diaper and then all of a sudden, the baby is not happy and lets you know with some loud wails.
So, you repeat the feeding, burping and changing process again and realize that you have 10 minutes to get to the other side of town for the appointment. So, you grab the baby and the diaper bag, grab your keys, phone and wallet and you are out the door. You get to the appointment with a minute to spare. The doctor needs to weigh the baby without their diaper on and you suddenly realize that there are no diapers in the bag.
How can you avoid this? When you come home from your appointment, take the time to ensure the bag is ready to go for next time in case you are pressed for time again.That’s it! Plan ahead by stocking up when you’re home, not when you’re on your way out the door! That’s how we moms do it! We hope this dad’s guide to packing a diaper bag helps you!
You’ve given some great suggestions and they’re pretty comprehensive. When my boys were small I always had one semi-ready, and I don’t believe my husband ever tried to pack one even once.
Having extras is so important. It’s always better to have one too many than one too few.
We are expecting our first, so great tip on what to pack in the bag! Thanks!
Oh my! This needs to be printed out and given to all new dads! Great list! Especially with all the cool dad diaper bags available now.
I remember doing this a LOT. I had to keep a list handy so I could see what I was forgetting!
Great guide dad! I am impressed :)
Getting that diaper ready for the next trip is perhaps the best advise for a Dad who is diaper bag clueless!! Guaranteed he will get the hang of it eventually.
That’s good advice for everyone, not just dads :)
That is a great list of items to bring. I would always pack the bag for my husband the day before.
Great guide for dads. I always packed my husband’s for him, though
Making sure it’s always ready for the next use is smart advice!
The best tip for dads? Bring an extra for the extra. Hehe. This is an awesome list, it will save a lot of dads!
Great guide, honestly. :) I don’t remember a time my husband prep our diaper bag. But he was very helpful with taking care of our baby.