Checklist: What to put in your diaper bag

Diapers are a must, and Target's Up&Up store brand are both affordable and reliably absorbent. (Of course, bring whichever brand you're comfortable with.) Pack one diaper for each hour you'll be out, plus a few extras.

You'll always want to have a pack of baby wipes nearby, not just for diaper changes but also for wiping up messes and sticky little hands. Parents love Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes, which are extra-large, thick, and fragrance-free. The only downside is that like all things from Costco, the packs are big and relatively heavy, so they don't travel well. You can always pull out a smaller number of wipes and stick them in a bag to bring with you.  

This changing pad is genius because it's an all-in-one solution: it includes zippered compartments for diapers and other essentials, a holder for wipes, and a zip-off changing pad. When you're taking your baby on a short outing, you can clip this onto your stroller and leave the bulky diaper bag behind.

It's helpful to have a reusable wet bag for soiled diapers and clothes when you're out and about. These bags are just the right size for a balled-up sweater or a couple of dirty diapers, and go right into the wash with the rest of your laundry, ready to be pressed into service again. They're useful for wet swimsuits and breast pump parts, too. Buy a pair so you always have a clean one in your bag.

There are many, many bottle options, and you'll have to research and experiment to choose the ones that work best for you and your baby. But if you're bottle-feeding on the go, this classic Evenflo bottle is nice and simple. It has just three parts to assemble, the ergonomic shape is twisted to help your baby hold on, and the bottles themselves are so inexpensive and widely available that if you leave one on a park bench, well, no big loss. They're often available in multipacks like this set of three for just this reason. 

As your baby grows, you'll find yourself packing baby-food pouches, finger foods, utensils, and sippy cups in your diaper bag. The NUK Learner Cup has a soft spout that's helpful for little ones transitioning from a bottle to a cup. We like the spill-proof top and the removable easy-grip handles, which make this cup easier to fit in a diaper bag and keep it from dripping on clean surfaces when you're out and about. 

A muslin blanket is the Swiss Army knife of baby products. You can use it to cover your baby, of course, but also as a changing pad, nursing cover, bib, shade, or burp cloth.

We love this pack of blankets that are sized just right to swaddle your baby at 46 inches square because they're soft, they roll up nice and tight to fit in your bag, they're affordable, and come in a grand total of 43 different pattern sets so you can probably find something that sends you, from old-fashioned florals to graphic black-and-white patterns. If you need pointers on technique, see our article Swaddling your baby. 

You never know when spit-up, drool, spills, or poop explosions will necessitate a change of clothing. Keep it simple and pack an extra bodysuit or sleeper, depending on the time of year. These zip-up pajamas from Burt's Bees are outrageously soft, durable, and easy to throw into a bag. Plus, they're made of comfy organic cotton and come in simply dreamy patterns. 

If your baby likes pacifiers, bring a few extras. But unless you want to dig around your bag for a grimy specimen, you'll need a place to put them, and this Itzy Ritzy case is a pleasure to carry. It's just the right size for two pacifiers, and it clips to your diaper bag or purse so you'll always be able to lay your hands on it in seconds. As for what pacifier to put inside, our favorite pacifiers article can help.

When your baby is younger than 6 months, cover them with clothing and a hat, use sunscreen only on small areas you can't cover with clothes, or keep them out of the sun altogether. But starting at 6 months, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using sunscreen all over your child's body.

To avoid the dangers carried by some sunscreens, many experts say a "physical" or "all mineral active ingredient" sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium oxide is best. We like the Baby Bum Travel-Size Sunscreen Stick, which glides on smoothly, doesn't carry the risk of leaks like a liquid sunscreen, and is the perfect size to put in your diaper bag.

Boudreaux's Butt Paste is a great all-around diaper rash cream. It's thick, yet easy to apply, and doesn't leave your hands or your baby's bottom greasy. Boudreaux's comes in several intensity levels – original, extra-strength, with aloe, and formulated for sensitive skin – so there's likely to be one that can keep diaper rash at bay or soothe irritation.

We like the maximum strength variety, with 40 percent zinc oxide, as a powerful front line against diaper rash. It's made with just six ingredients, and is free of parabens, talc, dyes, and preservatives. It comes in a tub and larger tube, but this two-ounce size is right for traveling.