How to Downsize to a Smaller Diaper Bag

Every new parent needs a diaper bag, but no new parent needs one that weighs more than their baby. Sure you want to be prepared for any diaper emergency that may come up, but there’s no reason why you can’t downsize to a smaller diaper bag and still carry everything you need to change, feed and comfort your baby.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Small diaper bag
• Three diapers
• Travel sized container of wipes
• Travel sized container of diaper cream
• Breast pads if breastfeeding
• Bottle, bottled water and formula if formula feeding
• Receiving blanket (optional)
• Bodysuit
• Diaper sack dispenser
• Burp cloth
• Pacifier
• Small toy

1. Empty out the diaper bag you are currently using and sort the items into three piles: Keep, Toss and Put Away. Only place items in the Keep pile that will be going into your smaller diaper bag. Throw away any empty tubes of diaper cream, loose wipes or other garbage. Place the items in your Put Away pile—things like extra diapers, blankets, toys and clothes—wherever they belong in the baby’s nursery.
2. Take inventory of your Keep pile then gather up any other items from the list.
3. Place the diapers, wipes, receiving blanket, bodysuit and burp cloth in the main compartment of the smaller diaper bag.
4. Place the pacifier, toy, diaper cream, breast pads (if you are breastfeeding) bottle, bottled water and formula (if you are formula feeding) into the smaller compartments of the diaper bag.
5. Attach the diaper sack dispenser to the diaper bag strap.

Tips & Warnings

• Use travel sized items as often as possible to save space.
• Get into the habit of reviewing the contents of your diaper bag before you leave the house. It only takes a moment to add a few diapers, refill the diaper sack dispenser, remove dirty clothes or switch toys.
• Save your larger diaper bag for long day trips or overnight stays.