What’s In My Diaper Bag(s)

Fun fact: my kids are 3 and 5 now and both fully potty trained — so technically I don’t really carry a diaper bag anymore.

But also… I absolutely still do. Because even though we’re past the diaper stage, leaving the house with kids still requires a shocking amount of supplies. Wipes. Snacks. A change of clothes. Hand sanitizer. Random tiny toys. And about a dozen things you never expect to need until suddenly you really need them.

So while the diapers may be gone, the “mom bag” phase is alive and well.

Which raises an important question: What do we call the bag once diapers are no longer involved?

• The No-Diapers Diaper Bag

• The Toddler Bag

• The Big Kid Bag

• The “Just In Case” Emergency Bag

Whatever we call it, the reality is this: mom life still requires a bag strategy.

If you’ve ever wondered what (or how) to pack in a diaper bag for toddlers or big kids, here’s the breakdown of what works well for us: the multi-bag solution.

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The Multi-Bag Solution

Instead of trying to shove everything into one massive diaper bag, I divide things into separate bags (yes bags, not pouches) depending on the situation. I'm sure you're thinking "well that's probably expensive to have more than one bag fully stocked at all time", but truthfully I already had most of these items (usually already purchased in bulk) and as a lover of bags, I essentially had those already in bulk too ha!)

I've found that this system has been a total game changer for me — It keeps things organized, reduces the chance of forgetting something important, and makes it way easier to leave the house quickly (is there anything more overstimulating then trying to pack a bag when you're already running late and your son is screaming at you because he doesn't want to put his pants on?!)

Realistically, when kids are involved, efficiency (and sanity) matters. So let me introduce you to the Multi-Bag Solution.

1st - The “Mom” Bag

I almost always carry my own purse separately for two reasons:

1) I have all of these beautiful handbags in my closet that are dying for some love and affection. It'd be a shame to keep them cooped up on their shelves!

2) But most importantly, keeping my items separate from my kids is just much more functional for me - there is nothing worse than having to dig to the very bottom of your diaper bag just to find your keys or gloss for a quick touchup!

I usually default to something smaller and hands-free so I can wrangle the kids and typically only keep it stocked with the bare necessities:

• Keys

• Wallet

• Lip products

• Sunglasses

• My small but mighty pouch of everyday goodies

• A few snacks for me 

• Battery backup (I love this one from Amazon)

• Airpods

Lately I’ve been finding myself reaching for my Chanel Business Affinity Backpack or my Hermes Evelyn MM. Both are small but mighty, large enough to fit all the essentials without the bulk or weight.

2nd - The Kid Bag(s)

Separate from my purse, I always have another bag dedicated to kid-specific items. However this is where it gets somewhat unconventional — instead of a single diaper bag, I keep separate bags packed for different activities. This way I can just grab the appropriate bag and head out the door - no last-minute scrambling required. 

The Car Bag

This bag lives in my car at all times and it’s stocked with the essentials for those moments when plans are made unexpectedly.

Inside I keep:

• Change of clothes

• Wipes

• Hand sanitizer & alcohol wipes

• Disposable diaper bags & dispenser (still incredibly useful even post-diaper era)

• Aquaphor

• Snacks (pantry-stable snacks like applesauce pouches, raisin packs, animal cookies, chomp sticks, and granola bars) 

• Small first aid kit

• Sunscreen

• Small toys for entertainment

• Beach Towel

• Sunglasses

I typically use an old backpack or something I don’t normally reach for since it'll live in the car and be somewhat out of sight out of mind.

The Beach / Pool Bag

Living in Florida means beach and pool days happen a lot, so having a dedicated bag ready to go is a must.

This bag stays stocked with:

• Sunscreen (spray, lotion and a stick!)

• Pool toys

• Goggles

• Floaties

• Sunglasses

Right before we leave I’ll usually toss in:

• Towels

• Water bottles

• Snacks - usually fresher foods like sandwiches, fresh-cut fruit, and yogurt

My current favorite bag for this is the Sande Kids Mesh Backpack, which is perfect for keeping everything organized and easy to carry.

Other moms I know swear by the Bogg Bag (which is on my list to try!) or the LL Bean Boat & Tote.

The Soccer Bag (x2)

Now that my kids are getting into activities, we also have a dedicated soccer bag. This one is stocked very similarly to the car bag, but with a few extras specific to outdoor sports.

Inside I keep:

• Change of clothes

• Wipes

• Hand sanitizer & alcohol wipes

• Disposable diaper bags & dispenser (still incredibly useful even post-diaper era)

• Aquaphor

• Snacks (pantry-stable snacks like applesauce pouches, raisin packs, animal cookies, chomp sticks, and granola bars) 

• Small first aid kit

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray

• Sunglasses 

All I have to do before we leave is throw in the kids’ water bottles, and we’re ready to go.

For this bag, I actually still use my Burberry diaper bag from when we were in the true diaper phase — and I still love it. The multiple compartments make it perfect for keeping everything organized. However any type of duffle 

Soccer Bag x2

Maybe you were wondering "why is she calling it a soccer bag when there's no....soccer gear?". Well my son insists on carrying his own backpack to and from the field, so that's where "Soccer Bag (x2) comes into the picture - here where we keep any of the actual soccer gear he'll be using like cleats, shin guards, balls, etc. Next year this will be even more beneficial when my youngest starts soccer and we'll have two boys playing at two different fields. With this setup, each kid gets ownership of their own gear (and even one less thing for us to carry!).

One Last Tip

The key to making this system work is keeping the bags stocked at all times.

When something gets used, I replace it when we get home (or I set a reminder because sometimes things are a “tomorrow” problem). Because nothing derails a mom faster than realizing you forgot wipes when you really need them. Trust me on that one.

Also, it's fine if you think I'm a crazy bag lady. I own it!