The Trenches · Gear · 3 min
The diaper bag loadout
What actually needs to be in the bag, and what you can leave in the car.
The bag should get you through one bad blowout and one long delay. Anything beyond that lives in the car.
In the bag, always
- Diapers: one per hour you’ll be out, plus two
- Wipes — a full pack, not a nearly-empty one
- Change pad
- Full spare outfit for the baby
- Spare shirt for you (trust us)
- Plastic bags for the damage
- Feeding: bottle/formula or whatever your setup is, plus a burp cloth
- Pacifier and a backup, if you use them
In the car, not the bag
- Second outfit
- Extra diapers and wipes
- Blanket
- Small first-aid kit
Dad tip: Restock the bag the moment you get home, not when you’re leaving. Future you will be grateful.
Get one of these every week.
The Dad Brief — short, useful, free.