I sold my diaper bag nine months after A was born. It wasn’t serving my needs anymore, and it felt too big and bulky. It also wasn’t great for travel which was a huge disappointment.

When I had my second baby, I did not buy a new bag or backpack. I found a travel backpack that I loved that was sitting with all our luggage in our basement, and decided to use that as our designated “baby bag”. Last month, I was able to condense things and now I use this cute market bag (that we also had in our house) to carry around everything I need when I’m out and about with my baby.

I have Clare V’s Poche bag which is where I carry my car key, coin purse, and phone. And below is everything I bring in my Mom Bag.

Herschel Diaper Changing Mat

This diaper changing mat is one of my favorite baby products. I tell all new parents to get this before the baby arrives. It is heavy duty and much better than a flimsy pad. It has pockets for the diapers and the wipes, so everything you need is within arms reach. This is very handy if you’re changing a diaper on an airplane, at the trailhead, on the beach, or in the back of your car.

Easy-To-Clean Toys

When leaving the house, I try to only bring toys that are easy to wipe down. If they can’t be disinfected easily, they don’t get to leave the house. The bag I store the toys in is part of a Calpak luggage packing cube set I have. (similar) We also have these that I love!

Carseat Cover & Sound Machine

The carseat cover was gifted to me after G was born. I will cover her entire carseat with this and use the sound machine if I need her to sleep while we’re out and about. It doubles as a blanket too now that it’s getting warmer and we aren’t really using the carseat wrap.

Hand Sanitizer & Chapstick

Not much to say on these other than get a hand sanitizer that has a mellow scent and isn’t going to make the entire playground or grocery store isle smell like peaches (we’ve done that before!).

Snacks & Tissues

I always have snacks in my bag. Usually it’s for me (nursing mom… always hungry!) and occasionally for my 3 year old.

…and that’s it! Easy, not bulky, and everything you need for a successful outing. No need to over complicate the concept of a diaper bag.