There are hosts of checklists out there for what to pack in your diaper bag. Most of these lists are so elaborate that we’d honestly like to see the bag that is supposed to hold it all (not to mention we definitely wouldn’t want to be the ones who had to heft that bag. Yet we all could use a few good hints, so here’s a well-pruned checklist for packing the perfect diaper bag based on our real-life mom experience.

We’ve broken our perfect diaper bag contents down into three main categories: For the Bottom, For the Kid, For the Mom. Next we divided items between the essentials and a few optional extras that you may need only some of the time.

For the Bottom

Even though it is for the bottom, this goes at the top of our list because diapers are really what this bag is all about, right? Now this may seem like a lot of things, but being ready to handle whatever your baby’s bottom throws your way will put you at ease when you’re out and about.

We recommend packing all the items in this section into a pouch like Lillaboo’s Bag-A-Diaper to keep everything neatly together, which will make switching diaper bags easy. Since lots of Dad’s resist carrying anything that resembles a purse, this is the perfect way to make sure you don’t always get stuck with diaper duty when you’re out — just hand him the pouch and baby then he can take his turn.

Essentials:

• 3-4 Diapers - With years of combined experience, our mamas all agreed that this was the ideal amount of diapers to have on hand. If you’re going on a long trip you will obviously want to pack more diapers in a separate bag, but 3-4 is all you should need in your diaper bag.
• Travel Wipes Container with Wipes - We love containers that are see-through so you can visually make sure you’ve got wipes. Nothing is worse then having a big juicy one and opening up an empty wipes container.
• Diaper Baggies - For holding dirty diapers when a trash isn’t handy or for when you have a trash but want to politely contain the odor. Also great for toting home dirty clothes after mishaps. We love these bags on a roll because they’re so tidy and compact.

Extras:

• Travel-size Antibacterial Gel - You could ditch this and just use a wipe to clean up your hands afterwards, but a travel-size container takes up so little room and comes in handy so often that we think it’s a keeper.
• Diaper Rash Ointment - If your little one is prone to diaper rashes then it will be worth toting along.
• Changing Pad - Not all moms agree that this is an essential, but we say get a diaper clutch that comes with a pad and you’re set.

For the Kid

The essentials here really depend on your little one, like if your babe takes a pacifier then obviously you wouldn’t want to leave home without one.

Essentials:

• Pacifier - Check out this new Pacifier Pocket from SkipHop to help keep your child’s binky handy and clean. The Pocket’s strap unsnaps to hang around your diaper bag or stroller handle.
• Bottles and Formula - Depending on your baby’s age and diet you may want a couple bottles filled partway with water and formula packed in one of these handy divided containers.
• Sippy Cup & Snacks - In place of bottles and formula stash a sippy cup and some snacks to appease toddlers. You might even hide a sweet treat in case you need a quick bribe.
• Toys - Keep little fingers busy with a favorite book or a few little toys.

Extras:

• Burp Cloth - Besides cleaning up spit up, these rags can save the day in lots of ways. But once your child’s a little older you may be able to just use wipes for the occasional mishap and ditch the burp cloths.
• Bib - If you know you’ll be eating while your out you might want to throw in a bib. We love the Kiipis clips which make it easy to whip up a bib out of thin air.
• Spare Clothes - We’ve never thought much of keeping an entire change of clothes in a diaper bag, but you might want to pack a spare onesie for newborns whose diapers don’t quite fit yet and have poo that is still so runny. Then when you’re dealing with a potty trainee you’ll want to bring along a spare set of undies and pants.
• Pajamas - If you know you’re going to be out late, it’s nice to have pjs to change your little one into before heading home — since kids are renowned for nodding off in the car.
• Medicine - If your child needs meds this will be a must, but then there are also those moms who don’t leave home without Baby Tylenol — it’s up to you.

For the Mom

Essentials:

• Wallet/Planner - Since diapers aren’t an accepted form of currency, you won’t want to forget your wallet.
• Water Bottle - Don’t forget to take care of you! Drinking plenty of water is a good habit and essential when breastfeeding.

Extras:

• Cell Phone - If you have one this would probably be on your essential’s list.
• Digital Camera - The sleek digital cameras available now are so tiny they can easily go with you everywhere. We love this Canon Elph which shoots photos and video with sound.
• Tissues - For when you’ve got the sniffles, need to spit out your gum, wipe up after you know who, etc.