How to Pack a Diaper Bag for a Toddler

Be Prepared with a Toddler Diaper Bag

Whether your toddler is potty trained, it is still necessary to pack a diaper bag for trips away from home. Toddlers are likely to have bathroom accidents or food and drink spills, which means you need an extra stash of clean, dry clothing and clean diapers or underwear. Toddlers also need snacks, drinks and toys when traveling away from home--for short and long trips. Anticipating your trip by adequately packing a diaper bag can make the difference between a successful outing and a disaster with a young toddler.

Things You'll Need

• Diaper bag
• Diapers or underwear
• Baby wipes
• Pants
• Shirts
• Socks
• Spill-proof drink
• Snacks
• Toys
• Books
• Hand sanitizer
• Plastic bag

Instructions

Packing Toddler Essentials

1. Pack diapers, clean underwear and baby wipes. Toddlers typically won't need as many diaper changes as infants, but they will still need a few clean diapers, depending on the length of the outing. Even youngsters that are potty trained are likely to have wet pants when they are away from their home bathroom, so pack extra underwear just in case.

2. Include at least one complete change of clothes in a toddler diaper bag. A pair of pants, a shirt and clean socks will come in handy should the toddler have a diaper leak, a food spill or decide to jump in puddles.

3. Pack toys and books. Toddlers are likely to get bored when running errands, waiting in line or waiting for food to be served in a restaurant. Favorite toys and books will provide a good distraction. Some choices are toy cars, tactile books with different textures and crayons and paper.

4. Don't forget to pack snacks and drinks. Most toddlers can't go for more than a couple of hours without something to eat and something to drink. Fill a leak-proof cup with water and pack fresh fruit or crackers.

5. Include everything you need to clean up a messy toddler and his belongings. Baby wipes are a must for cleaning sticky hands. Hand sanitizer is helpful to get rid of germs on a toddler's hands before he eats. A plastic bag is useful for storing wet, dirty clothing and diapers.

Tips & Warnings

• Ditch the baby diaper bag and look for a more stylish alternative. A large hand bag makes a fashionable toddler diaper bag.

• Never move away from a toddler on a baby changing table in a rest room.

References

• Packing Checklist for Traveling with a Toddler