Diaper Bag Checklist: What to Pack in a Diaper Bag

If you’ve ever wondered what exactly goes into packing a diaper bag for a trip, here are some things you might want to consider adding to your list.

1. A changing pad. This way you won’t have to change your baby while sitting on the floor or on a dirty car seat.
2. Changing mat. You don’t want to sit on anything less than a clean surface.
3. Diapers. Of course.
4. Wipes. For cleaning up spills, wiping down surfaces, and cleaning yourself up after a messy accident.
5. Towels. To wipe off the changing table, the floor, and even your hands.
6. First aid kit. Just like you’d pack for a day out, think about what sort of injuries could happen during travel.

Know what you can carry on

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced changes to its rules regarding carry-on bags.

Specifically, the agency wants travelers to know what items cannot be brought onboard airplanes.

These restrictions apply to passengers flying domestically and internationally.

Items such as liquids, gels, aerosols, and creams; electronic devices larger than a cell phone; knives; sharp objects; firearms; ammunition; explosives; incendiary substances; corrosive substances; radioactive materials; and medical supplies are prohibited.

Carry-on requirements

The TSA says it doesn’t know how many people are checking their luggage every day, but we’ve seen some pretty big numbers.

In fact, according to one report, there are about 10 million travelers passing through American airports each month.

And out of those millions, it seems like a lot of folks are bringing along extra baggage.

According to the Transportation Security Administration, most passengers bring three pieces of carry-on luggage per person.

Personal item

Under the new rule, personal items must meet certain dimensions. They cannot be larger than 18 x 14 x 8 in., nor can they weigh more than 50 lbs. (23 kg).

Items that do not comply with the new regulations will be subject to additional fees.

Passengers who fail to adhere to the new rules could face fines up to $3,300, according to USA Today.

What to Consider When Buying a Backpack Diaper Bag for Traveling with Kids?

When it comes to choosing a backpack diaper bag for traveling, there are many factors to take into consideration.

Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect backpack diaper bag for travel.

• Weight & Size – How much weight do you want to carry around with you? Do you have kids under age 3? If so, look for a lighter pack. You don’t want to lug around a heavy pack while trying to hold onto your child. Also, make sure the size of the pack fits well on your body. A larger pack might be too big for you.
• Features – Are you looking for a pack that has multiple compartments for storing diapers, wipes, bottles, snacks, toys, etc.? Does it come with a changing mat? Should it include a car seat strap? These are just some of the questions you’ll want to ask yourself.
• Price – This is probably the most important thing to think about when purchasing a backpack diaper bag for travel because you want to spend money wisely. Make sure you’re getting a quality product for the price you pay.

Type of Diaper Bag

There are a few different types on the market – shoulder straps, backpack style or multifuctional.

• Shoulder bags are great because they’re easy to carry around and don’t weigh much. But, if you have any form of backearness or get back pain easily it might not be the best option.
• Backpack diaper bags are great because they distribute the weight evenly over your back and shoulders, but they can be cumbersome to carry around.
• Multifunctional diaper bags are the easiest to use and just about every brand offers a version of this type. You’ll find them with changing tables, storage pockets, separate compartments for diapers/nappies and wipes, plus lots of room for everything else.

Number of Pockets

The best diaper bags for travel are ones with lots of pockets to hold all those essentials.

Look for something with insulated, wet, zip, or elasticized pockets so you have something for everything. Some moms even use diaper bags with mesh compartments to separate different types of products.

Material

Internal Material

If you’re planning to take along baby essentials like bottles, nappies, wipes, creams, powders, toiletries, toys, blankets, change mats, bibs, burp cloths, etc., then it’s essential that the interior of the bag is waterproofed.

Look for a bag that features a waterproof lining. This helps prevent leaking and spills from ruining everything inside.

Check that there is enough room inside the bag for all the items you plan to bring along.

Why You Should Choose a Lightweight Bag?

If you are looking for something easy to carry around and doesn’t weigh too much, then you might want to look into buying a lightweight diaper bag backpack rather than a heavy one.

These types of bags usually come in different sizes, shapes, and colors.

Some people prefer to use a smaller bag because it is easier to carry around, while others like to use a bigger bag because it holds more stuff inside.

Essential items for your diaper bag when flying

Traveling with a newborn can be stressful enough without having to worry about what you’ll need to pack in your diaper bag.

If you’re packing up for a long trip, there are certain essentials you’ll want to include to ensure everyone arrives safely and comfortably.

Here are some tips for packing your diaper bag for travel.

Best Travel Diaper Bag Backpacks

The world of traveling with children is full of choices. You want something sturdy enough to carry around multiple kids and things without breaking. You want it to fit everything you might need while out and about. And you want it to look good too. We’ve done the research for you, and here are our picks for the best backpack diaper bags.

Itzy Ritzy Diaper Bag Backpack

• This bag has 17 compartments including 2 insulated pockets, a valuables pocket, and a felt lined interior.
• There is also a signature rubber bottom that allows this bag to remain upright no matter how full it gets.
• With a capacity of up to 15 diapers, bottles, wipes, snacks, toys, and clothes, this diaper bag backpack is perfect for long trips where you don’t know what you’ll need ahead of time.
• You can use this bag as a regular diaper bag too!

Upsimples Backpack Baby Diaper Bag

• This backpack diaper bag is compact enough to fit into most overhead bins, and it holds everything you’d want to keep close at hand while traveling with your little one.
• There’s room for diapers, bottles, snacks, wipes, and much more.
• But what makes this bag truly unique is the fact that it opens from either end.

Mancro Large Backpack Diaper Bag

• The Mancro Large BackPack Diaper Bag ($59.99; amazon.com) is designed to keep you organized during every stage of motherhood.
• Its spacious interior can easily fit everything you need while keeping it clean and tidy.
• The large zippers make it easy to find items inside even when you are rushing out of the house.
• And thanks to the insulated bottle pocket, you won’t have to worry about cold drinks freezing up.

Columbia Summit Rush Backpack Diaper Bag

• This spacious Columbia backpack diaper bag is perfect for parents on the go.
• With multiple compartments, it holds everything you’ll need for baby while keeping the rest of your belongings safe.
• From diapers and wipes to snacks and toys, there’s plenty of room inside this bag for everything.
• The bag itself is designed with comfort in mind, featuring soft, durable fabric and adjustable shoulder straps to make carrying around heavy loads easy.
• There’s even a handy changing pad included to keep things clean and organized.

Frequently Asked Questions or Q&A

Does a diaper bag count as a carry-on?

• When you are traveling with a child, it is important to know what items count as carry-ons and what don’t.
• A diaper bag does not count. Neither does a stroller nor a car seat.
• If you are traveling with an older child, there are some additional rules about how much luggage you can bring with you.
  
• But even if you are traveling with a toddler, you still need to make sure that the items you pack into your suitcase do not exceed the size limits set by airlines.

What to pack for your baby in a carry-on bag

• When you travel by air, you’ll want to know about certain restrictions regarding your carry-on luggage.
• You won’t be able to bring liquid containers larger than 3.4 ounces onto planes, and you’ll have to clear those items through TSA checkpoints.
• But there are some exceptions to those rules, including formula and breast milk, diapers, wipes, bottles and food products. And yes, you can bring your stroller and car seat on board, too.
• If you’re traveling by car, however, things are much less restrictive.
• In fact, you don’t even need to worry about carrying anything on board; you can just load up your trunk.

Here’s everything you need to know about traveling with your little one.