Minimalist Diaper Bag: The Ultimate Checklist (2023)
There is a new trend that has taken off in recent years, and I’m here for it. We’re finally realizing that “stuff” has taken over our lives, and there is a better way to live. That better way can be summed up in one word: Minimalism.
Diaper bags are no exception. They can easily get out of control with toys, books, blankets, outfits, and other items that are touted as must-haves. Instead, a minimalist diaper bag is the best way to keep baby items reasonable and practical.
What is a Minimalist Diaper Bag?
A minimalist diaper bag will have just the necessities for keeping your baby clean, dry, fed, and happy. It’s usually much smaller than most bags on the market. And less stuff equals less weight on your shoulders.
It’s also a great way to keep organized and avoid bringing everything but the kitchen sink while out and about.
Because minimalism has started becoming so popular, there are plenty of diaper bags that are stylish and designed for efficiency, which is a major bonus in my book.
Minimalist Diaper Bag: The Basic Packing List
This basic packing list is just the essentials that should always be in your minimalist diaper bag:
1. Diapers
I feel like I’m stating the obvious here, but you’ll need to pack diapers in your minimalist diaper bag.
Babies don’t poop and pee on a schedule, so I’d pack at least two diapers. And depending on the outing, as many as four diapers.
2. Wipes
You’ll also want a small pack of wipes with you. To keep your wipes small and able to fit into your minimalist diaper bag, you can get a reusable, travel-sized wipe pouch like this.
Get in the habit of refilling your reusable wipe pouch every time you leave the house, and you’ll be set.
3. Changing Pad
A changing pad allows you to change your baby anywhere, even when a changing table isn’t available. Using a changing pad keeps your baby clean, comfortable, and safe.
It’s best if it’s included or attaches to the small diaper bag. That way, it’s harder to forget about it.
4. An Extra Outfit
One words: Blowouts. Babies are notorious for big, wet, messy poops. No one said mom life was glamorous.
In the event of a blowout, you will be in desperate need of a new outfit. Make sure to have at least one extra outfit or onesie with you at all times.
Recommended reading: 5 Shitty Things to Know About Babies
5. Reusable Wet Bag
The baby has a blowout. You’ve changed his outfit. Now, you need a place to put the soiled outfit. This reusable wet bag is your solution.
A wet bag is waterproof, washable, and versatile. Plus, it folds easily and becomes very small, so it won’t take up much space in your minimalist diaper bag. I have this, and use it all the time.
We always keep a wet bag in our diaper bag. I also bring our wet bags to the zoo, beach, splash pad, pool, and anywhere else that there is potential for wet or soiled clothes. It has saved us on several occasions.
6. Your Essentials
As a mom, it’s easy to overlook the things that we need. But you have to fit your essentials in the baby bag, too.
You probably don’t need much, but you’ll want to have an area in the minimalist diaper bag for your keys, phone, ID, cash and cards, and anything else you deem necessary.
Minimalist Diaper Bag: Add If Formula Feeding
If your baby is formula fed, you’ll need to add a couple more things to your minimalist baby bag. These are the things to add:
7. Bottle
When formula feeding, you’ll want to make sure you have a bottle, size-appropriate nipple, and cap with you.
For extra preparedness, you can pre-portion the bottle with exactly how much water you’ll need for feeding time. Just make sure to only add the formula once your baby is ready to eat.
8. Formula
Again, stating the obvious, but bring formula with you. You can pre-portion the formula, too. Keep it in a little baggie until baby is ready to eat.
Minimalist Diaper Bag: Add If 6+ Months
As your baby grows, you’ll need one more thing in your bag. Here is what to add when your baby is more than six-months-old:
9. Snacks
You’ll want to add snacks to your minimalist diaper bag, when your baby starts on solids.
Apple sauce pouches have always been a fan favorite. But you can decide what if best for you and your baby.
Minimalist Diaper Bag: Extra Considerations
These items are all extra considerations because not all babies will need them. If you have room in your minimalist diaper bag, you can add:
10. Pacifier & Clip
Contrary to popular belief, not all babies need pacifiers. But if you have a paci baby, make sure to pack it in your minimalist diaper bag.
You can also add your pacifier to a clip to your list. We like the Ryan & Rose Cute Clinks Teether Toy. It’s great for teething babies. And you can always add a pacifier to the end of the links.
11. Baby’s Special Items
My daughter was not one for pacifiers, but she was constantly with her lovey. She used it to self-soothe. And without lovey, our lives were Hell.
Like it or not, lovey was considered a necessity, and went with us everywhere. Your baby may have her own non-negotiables, too.
A blanket or stuffed animal are common must-haves for babies. Whatever it is, you’ll need to make room for it in your minimalist diaper bag.
12. Breastfeeding Special Items
Many times we think of breastfeeding as easier than formula feeding. After all, you just need boobs and a baby, right? Wrong.
Many women require extra supplies to comfortably breastfeed their babies. Examples might include nipple shields, nipple cream, or nursing pads. Make sure to have your special breastfeeding items in your bag, too.
13. Medical Items
A first-aid kit might be negligible or it might be vital. You can probably forgo the gauze wrap and bandaids. But for babies needing an epipen or another important medication, make room in the minimalist baby bag.
Best Minimalist Diaper Bags / Fanny Packs
There are dozens, maybe even hundreds, of diaper bags to choose from. I’ve narrowed that list down to three best options for the minimalist packer.
✅ Freshly Picked Convertible Mini Classic Diaper Bag Backpack
The Freshly Picked Convertible Mini Classic Diaper Bag Backpack is my favorite minimalist diaper bag.
This bag is the definition of cute and practical. With 10 pockets, a spacious main compartment, an insulated interior pouch, and an exterior zip pocket for your personal items, it’s very functional.
The exterior is vegan leather, making the easy to wipe and keep clean. It also comes equipped with a nylon changing pad. And it has metal feet on the bottom, so it never touches the ground and stays germ-free.
The bag is sleek and timeless, and it comes in a variety of neutral colors. I truly can’t say enough good things about the Freshly Picked Convertible Mini Classic Diaper Bag Backpack.
Starting at just $119, it’s the best diaper bag backpack on the market.
➡️ Get yours here: Freshly Picked Convertible Mini Classic Diaper Bag Backpack
✅ Kibou Premium Vegan Leather Fanny Pack Diaper Bag
Kibou is women-owned and made for moms. The goal is to spend “less time feeling frustrated and weighed down by stuff. And more time simply enjoying our little ones.”
The Kibou Fanny Pack Diaper Bag has one main pocket, making items easily grabbable. It comes equipped with a waterproof pocket that can hold as many as 20 wipes. And has a detachable changing pad in the front pocket.
The durable vegan leather exterior is high-quality, non-toxic, and safe for babies. It’s available in different colors and has a sturdy belt and buckle.
The Kibou Fanny Pack Diaper Bag can be worn as a fanny pack or crossbody bag. And has an expandable strap, so both men and women feel confident wearing this bag.
It starts at $98 and has top-star ratings on both Amazon and the Kibou website. The Kibou Fanny Pack Diaper Bag is definitely a fan favorite.
➡️ Get yours here: Kibou Premium Vegan Leather Fanny Pack Diaper Bag
✅ Ditty Co. Bum Bag
The Ditty Co. Bum Bag is simply amazing, and you can tell the thoughtful yet simple design of Ditty Co. Bum Bag is made by moms.
The main compartment is roomy and the front pocket has plenty of space for all your essentials. The designers were attentive, making beautiful features that set this bag apart including an exterior key ring, sturdy zippers, and nylon material.
The signature palm frond design is used on the interior of the bag and on the changing pad that comes with it. Plus, the entire bag is machine washable and easy to clean.
The Ditty Co. Bum Bag is praised among moms. One reviewer said:
“I couldn’t speak more highly of this product. It exceeded my expectations. [It’s] super well made. The material is nice, pattern is cute, pockets are big and well thought out, zippers are good quality, and diaper pad is well made.”
5-star Amazon Reviewer
There is only one minor downsides to this bag. And it’s that it doesn’t come in multiple colors. Luckily, the olive green tone is beautiful.
The Bum Bag is only available for purchase on Amazon, so you get to support a mom-owned, small business with the fast shipping of a big conglomerate. Win-win.
Ditty Co.’s small diaper bag goes for only $38 and has a 100% money-back guarantee. So even if you don’t love this bag (which is entirely unlikely), you can return it with ease.
➡️ Get yours here: Ditty Co. Bum Bag
Minimalist Diaper Bag: Q&A
These are many commonly asked questions about minimalist diaper bags. Here are the answers to all your questions:
Can you just use a regular backpack as a diaper bag?
You can use a regular backpack as a diaper bag, but I wouldn’t.
A regular backpack doesn’t compartmentalize the way a baby bag is designed to. It can easily become a blackhole of stuff. And there is nothing worse than not being able to find what you need during a quick diaper change.
Also, having an insulated pouch is a godsend. And a regular backpack lacks that. It also lacks a changing pad.
All in all, using a regular backpack just doesn’t cut it.
What is the most functional diaper bag?
My absolute favorite minimalist diaper bag is the Freshly Picked Convertible Mini Classic Diaper Bag Backpack because it’s easy to organize and is backpack style, which I prefer.
When looking for your functional diaper bag, look for these features:
- Pockets to keep things organized
- A changing pad included
- An insulated bottle pouch
- Will meet the needs of a growing family
The Freshly Picked Convertible Mini Classic Diaper Bag Backpack has 10 pockets, one of which is an insulated bottle pouch inside the bag. And it includes a matching changing pad.
Freshly Picked Convertible Mini Classic Diaper Bag Backpack is great for one kiddo, and as a family grows with two kids in diapers, we didn’t need to upgrade our bag.
How do you pack less in a diaper bag?
This is a two-part answer. Number one: Stick to the list.
It’s easy to get derailed from packing only the essentials. We get caught in the “Maybe I’ll need this” mentality. The best way to avoid overpacking is by sticking to the list.
Number two: Keep extra items in your car.
That way, when you’re out and about, you have a small bag with just the essentials. But in the event of back-to-back blowouts or a sizable spit up, you have an emergency stash of diapers, wipes, or onesies available.
Through the cold winter months of Minnesota, my kids and I often find ourselves at the biggest indoor playground of all, Mall of America. On those days, I’ve gone back out to my car for more diapers and onesies on many occasions.
How many outfits should you pack in a diaper bag?
When packing your minimalist diaper bag, I would have no less than one extra outfit on hand.
This also goes back to the above question and answer: Consider having a couple extra items organized in a diaper caddy in your car. I always have a back ups of everything I could need neatly placed in between the bucket seats of my back seat.
What’s the difference between a fanny pack and crossbody bag?
You might be wondering what the difference is between a fanny pack and crossbody bag. It’s like a square and a rectangle situation: All squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares.
Same thing with fanny packs and crossbody bags. All fanny packs can be worn as crossbody bags, but not all crossbody bags can be worn around the hips like a fanny pack.
Fanny packs and a crossbody bags are generally small, so they’re a great option for keeping your diaper bags minimal.
The Wrap Up: Minimalist Diaper Bag
A minimalist diaper bag is a small, organized pack that has just enough space for the essentials. You can find the right minimalist diaper bag for your family by accounting for you and your baby’s needs, and sticking to that packing list.
Remember, if you need anything extra, assemble a diaper caddy and keep it stocked in your car. That way, while you’re out and about, you only need you minimalist diaper bag. Good luck, mama!
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