20 Diaper Bag Hacks Every Mom Should Know

It's easy to get swept up in baby registry madness, but that giant diaper bag won't be nearly as cute when it's knocking against the car seat while trying to bring both inside. And trying to smush it under the stroller? Annoying. A backpack designed with baby in mind frees up the hands, plus dad won't mind holding it. 

Axis Backpack, ($139, Petunia Pickle Bottom)

Having tissues in the diaper bag is Momming101. But having tissues hanging from the outside of the diaper bag to grab the second an epic snot bubble shoots out of a child's nose is Advanced Momming. Stop scrambling through the bag in a panic trying to find that tiny pack and level up. 

Go Anywhere Tissues, ($2, Target)

Spit up and diaper explosions can happen anywhere and at any time. Plan for the worst by keeping a full outfit -- onesie pants and socks (yes, socks too -- trust us) rolled together in a plastic bag. Keeping the outfit bundled makes it easier to find everything while trying to change baby on the go, and the plastic bag can be used to hold the soiled outfit. 

Don't toss leftover breastmilk bags (or those single samples that come with maternity clothes purchases). Their study seals and long shape make them great for diaper bag storage. Use them to hold dry snacks such as crackers or puffs, or for keeping baby spoons sanitary while in the diaper bag. 

Breastmilk Storage Bags, ($11 for 100, Amazon)

Crayons are clutch for keeping kids occupied while waiting at a restaurant or during a long car ride. But with so much rolling around in the bag, it's easy from them to get broken, and we all know how toddlers feel about snapped crayons. Repurpose an empty prescription bottle as a crayon holder to prevent a "the blue is broken!" meltdown. 

Those single-serving formula packages are useful on the go but can be expensive and hard to find. A formula dispenser, such as this one that holds enough for three separate nine-ounce bottles, makes it easier to feed baby on the go without having to worry about keeping premade bottles cold. Just pack a bottle of water and mix as needed. 

Travel Formula Dispenser ($6, Amazon)

With so much stuff inside, it's easy for car keys to go missing inside a diaper bag. No one wants to be digging through the bag looking for them, especially when it's past nap time. Use a colorful carabiner to secure keys to an inside tag or loop so they're always in the same spot and easy to snag. 

Carabiner, ($7 for 5, Amazon)

Tuck diaper changing essentials -- wipes, diaper cream, fresh diapers, and a travel changing pad, into a large plastic bag inside the main diaper bag. When a diaper disaster strikes, everything's all together and easy to grab. It's also simple to hand the kit off dad or anyone else stepping up for diaper duty. 

Keep a teething baby from getting fussy while out and about by bringing chilled teething toys in the diaper bag. Fill a wide-mouthed water bottle with ice and a little water. Leave space to tuck a couple teething toys on top, and pop the bottle in the diaper bag. Mom gets to stay hydrated, and the baby has something soothing to gum when needed. 

Insulated Wide Mouthed Water Bottle, ($40, Amazon)

It's the moment every mom dreads -- the baby's beloved pacifier hits the disgusting floor at a place where there's no sink in sight, and there's no backup in the bag. Oh no! Popping the paci in our own mouth and declaring it clean is one option (no judgment!) but for germ emergencies like these, having pacifier wipes in the diaper bag is pretty great. 

Pacifier Wipes, ($5, Amazon)

Food establishments everywhere are cracking down on the use of single-use plastics, such as straws. That's great news for the environment. But for those of us with small children who are still working on the motor skills needed to sip from an open cup, having a few straws on backup in the diaper bag can be a huge help when out and about. A simple travel toothbrush holder keeps them straight and clean. 

Travel Toothbrush Holder, ($3 for 6, Amazon)

Everyone knows to keep a spare change of clothes for the baby in the diaper bag, but only experienced parents know that mom and dad would benefit from having a backup shirt on standby as well. Roll up a unisex T-shirt and tuck it into the bottom of the bag for an "in case of emergency spit up" option.

The coordinating changing pad that came with the diaper bag is super adorable and fun to use -- until the first time the baby has a massive poop butt and there's nowhere to clean it. Keep a couple of disposable changing bags in the diaper bag for those "ermygawd" diapers, and save the reusable pad for the "number one only" occasions. 

Disposable changing pads, ($6 for 10, Amazon)

Let's be honest, with all the opening and closing and reaching in to grab things, the lining of a diaper bag isn't the most sterile environment. Toss a couple of plastic condiment containers in sidewall pocket to hold protect pacifiers from germs. Not only will it keep them cleaner, but having a dedicated spot to hold pacifiers makes it easier to find one when the baby's getting cranky. 

Condiment Holder, ($8 for 100, Amazon)

Baby powder may seem like something a grandma would suggest having in the diaper bag, but trust me on this one. A travel size bottle of talc-free baby powder is good for so much more than changing diapers. Rub some on hands and feet to easily dust off playground sand before heading back in the car.

Cloud Island Baby Powder, ($5, Target)

We hope no mom ever has to perform an emergency diaper switcheroo on the side of the road or on a park bench where there's no bathroom to be found. But also, we know that life throws us curveballs sometimes, which is why having hand sanitizer in the diaper bag is always a smart move. This spray version dries fast and smells like the ocean. Ahhh.

Honest Hand Sanitizer Spray, ($3, Target)

Got a spare travel wipebox lying around? Use them to make play kits perfect for tossing in the diaper bag. Some small legos for older kids, paper scraps and some crayons for toddlers, or even a simple puzzle. Swap them out to keep the kids newly entertained each time they're out on the town. 

Anchor Wipebox, ($6, BuyBuy Baby)

Use a toy tether on the diaper bag to sure the baby's favorite toy or stuffed friend doesn't accidentally get left behind while running errands. Bonus: It keeps toys from hitting the grimy floor. Secure one end to the bag strap and one to the lovey of choice (just make sure to keep an eye on little ones while playing). 

Toy Tether, ($10, BuyBuy Baby)

Sometimes babies need a bath when they're miles from home. A surprise stomach bug, a diaper disaster or maybe they just got a little too into the pasta with red sauce during dinner. Sometimes we need a way to clean them up when there's no tub around. Stash some of this no-rinse baby wash in the diaper bag for an instantly clean child, anywhere and any time.

No Rinse Baby Wash, ($15, Mustela)

When flying on an airplane with a child, the flight attendants always remind us to secure our own oxygen masks first in the event of an emergency. We can't take care of our kids if we're not in good shape ourselves. When packing the diaper bag with snacks and toys for the kids, be sure to include snacks for the adults too. Low blood sugar isn't a good look on anyone. 

Cherry Pie LaraBar, ($ 5 for 5, Amazon)

Psst: If you choose to purchase an item on this list, CafeMom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.

To make a day out with baby a little less stressful, save these genius diaper bag hacks to your Pinterest boards as an idea how to do and have a little more fun!