This post is sponsored by Kotex®, but all opinions are my own.

Being a mom of two, I like to think that I’m a pro at packing only the essentials in my diaper bag. Trust me, mamas, I know the gut feeling of forgetting something that I desperately needed while running errands with my kids. There’s nothing worse than not knowing what you actually need in your diaper bag! Having these four years with Aimery under my belt has really helped put me at ease with getting everything together for Adlavie and myself when running out the door. Keep reading for my top diaper bag essentials!

FIND THE PERFECT BAG
There are literally thousands of diaper bag options out there, and if you follow me on Instagram then you’ll know which one is my favorite! It’s important to find a bag designed by moms, so you know that it’s a must-have! Be on the lookout for one that has a 100% spill resistant interior and exterior. For all those baby messes, having a wipeable diaper bag is a must. And don’t forget about having lots of storage pockets.

BABY MUST-HAVES

The first thing to always check for when running out the door is the baby must-haves: diapers, wipes, and a changing pad. If you use rash cream or oils regularly, toss that in as well. While these are definitely obvious for diaper changes, it’s important to include them in this list of essentials so you don’t forget to pack them! I’ve forgotten an extra diaper more times than I’d like to admit. I recommend carrying as many diapers as will comfortably fit inside a pocket in your bag because blowouts do happen and you never know when your baby is going to need a change. Along with diapers, I bring a travel-sized pack of wipes (even just tossing some in a large ziplock bag will work) with me because those big packs just take up too much space. Oh, and two pacifiers as well (in case one gets dropped!).

TODDLER MUST-HAVES

If you are a mom of two like me, then you’ll also have a few small things to add to this list for your toddler or preschooler. Toddler must-haves include: sippy cup, snacks, and a small toy to keep them busy while out and about. If your toddler is still in pull-ups, toss a few of those in as well.

MAMA MUST-HAVES

Don’t forget about yourself, mama! This bag isn’t just for your babies, it’s for you too. Pack hand sanitizer, wallet, keys, and yourphone. Don’t forget a snack like a protein bar and a water bottle for the road.

CHANGE OF CLOTHES

Pack a change of clothes for everyone! You will not believe the number of times that I’ve had to grab a shirt quickly at Walmart or a pack of underwear for Aimery while I was out because I forgot to pack a change of clothes. A good rule of thumb is to pack an extra shirt for mom, pants, and underwear for a toddler, and two outfits for baby. I put all our extra clothes in a gallon-size plastic bag so I can place soiled clothes inside without getting the rest of my diaper bag wet. Another thing to consider is to pack yourself an extra pair of underwear and leggings as well, especially if you haven’t gotten your first period yet after having your baby. Both times I got mine was unexpected while out running errands - ahh! Speaking of postpartum periods…

TAMPONS

They always say that you don’t need to worry about getting your period until after you are done breastfeeding, but some women like me get it right away after giving birth. This time around, I got my period at 4 weeks postpartum. I wasn’t prepared at all because just a week prior is when I stopped experiencing postpartum bleeding! Now that I’m three months postpartum, I have gotten into a better routine of knowing when “Aunt Flo” is about to arrive, and I can prepare by tossing my favorite tampons in my bag when I’m running out the door. I used U by Kotex® Security® Tampons before becoming pregnant with Adlavie, and now that I’m getting back into my period routine, I was able to give their Click® Tampons a try! U by Kotex have recently discontinued their Security Tampons line and are leaving Walmart soon, so they are being replaced by Click Tampons! Click Tampons are more comfortable than the leading brands being the #1 compact tampon and up to 100% leak-free. You can pick up these tampons both in-store and via Walmart Online Pickup & Delivery services, which you all know I love!

What are your diaper bag essentials? Let me know in the comments below!