The 4 Personalities of a Diaper Bag

Have you ever come to the realization that diaper bags are expected to fulfill multiple purposes?  It's a heavy load to bear, quite literally.  And, do you remember, as a new parent, wondering just what all you really needed to pack in the diaper bag?  The following observation might help clarify just what those pursposes are, and what you should pack in the diaper bag according to those purposes.  It is a practical guide that you can feel free to share with new or expectant parents.

1. The Heavy Duty Diaper Bag

This diaper bag is completely comprehensive.  It contains all necessary items for baby's survival.  It is the size and weight of a suitcase.  Should be used for daycare and car trips only, or you might injure yourself.

Must contain:

• Diapers, obviously (24 hours worth, just to be safe)
• Wipes
• Blankets
• Pacifier
• Bottle (with all the necessary fixings for 3-6 bottles) and/or Sippy Cup
• Burp Cloths
• Finger Food
• Baby Food
• Bowls and Spoons
• Bibs
• Changes of Clothes
• Small Toys and/or Rattles
• Books
• Thermometer
• Medicines
• Diaper Rash Ointment
• Stinky Diaper Disposal/Storage Bags
• Changing Mat

Example: Any large, quite possibly ugly tote bag, duffle bag, or backpack that hurts your shoulders.  Above: The do-it-all, carry-it-all tote belonging to my 12 month old babysitting charge.

2. The Out-and-About Bag

This is the standard diaper bag.  Use it everyday and throw your wallet, phone, sunglasses, lip balm, and keys in it, too.

Typically contains:

• Diapers, (2+)
• Wipes
• Blanket
• Pacifier
• Bottle (with fixings for 2-3 bottles) and/or Sippy Cup
• Burp Cloth
• Snacks
• Change of Clothes
• Small Toy and/or Rattle

Example: Any standard, and even potentially stylish, diaper bag will do, such as the rugged Skip Hop Duo Deluxe.   These are the fun ones that the pregnant-for-the-first-time women dream about carrying. 

3. The Drop ‘Em Off for an Hour Bag

This is for when you are leaving a bag with your child at the church nursery, gym day-care, neighbor's house, Grandma's, etc. and you don't want to leave the bag with all your personal stuff in it.  It's just enough to help them survive for a short time without you.

Contains:

• Diapers (1 or 2)
• Wipes
• Blanket or Lovey/Snuggly
• Pacifier
• Bottle and/or Sippy Cup
• Snacks

Example: The cute or not-so-cute tote that someone made for you that you figure you better get some use out of.  Above: My versatile totebag hanging on a chair.

4. The Minimalist Bag

Also known as… your purse.  Risky.  Your child will most likely have a blowout when this is all you are carrying.   Use it for short errands close to home and older toddlers, only.

Might contain:

• Diaper (1)
• Wipes

Note: They can share you water bottle with you or just tough it out if they get thirsty.  And you can tough out their whining.

Example: Just about any purse will do, like a cute purse from Anthropologie.

I prefer to simplify.  We have one, non-girly (so my husband will carry it, too) Skip Hop Duo diaper bag that we use as our Out-and-About Bag.  That's pretty much it.  Although sometimes we are out all day long (since my daughter goes to work with me), I try to streamline and fit everything in there.  I pack our lunch together in a separate bag.  When I leave the diaper bag with her in the church nursery, I leave my personal stuff at home.  I am glad that the bag is not any bigger, because it forces me to stick to the essentials.  If it were any bigger, I'd tend to put too much in and it would be way too heavy!

I have noticed that parents tend to move along the spectrum from The Heavy Duty Diaper Bag to The Minimalist Bag not only as their children get older (that is pretty self explanatory), but sometimes also as they have more children in the family (which doesn't always make sense).  You would think more kids = more stuff, but in reality it is sometimes more kids = more laid back.  I guess that is a good thing.

So, new moms to master moms, what kind of actual diaper bag so you swear by? Is bigger really better?  Please say no.  I don't think my shoulders could take it.  Feel free to give specific recommendations (brands, styles, etc.) to help out all of us that are suffering from diaper bag delusion…

Emily is a part-time working wife to her husband and mom to her 17 month old daughter.  She loves to cook, read, write, and play.  Visit her over at her blog, Little Home, where she resides while trying to find and share the good and simple things in life…

Related items

• Organizing School Photos
• The Role of Make Believe in Healthy Child Development
• What To Do With Leftover Halloween Candy
• Halloween Safety Tips from the US FDA
• Family Halloween Traditions