A rite of passage as a new parent is the never-sexy diaper bag.  Granted, there are a few exceptions on the market.  With a gazillion things spilling out of every pocket and pouch, it’s easy for the diaper bag to take over your world and make you look like a bag lady.  Here is a solid list of bare necessities to keep your diaper bag in order and you prepared for most baby-oriented crises.

Diapering
1 Diaper per hour of outing  There is no such thing as too many diapers.
Wipes  And plenty of ‘em!
Changing Pad  Preferably absorbent on one side and machine washable.
Cloth Diaper (if the pad isn’t absorbent)
2 Plastic Grocery Bags
Diaper Ointment
Travel Size Hand Sanitizer

Clothing
2 Weather-Appropriate Outfits  One pieces are great space savers!
2 Storage Bags (for soiled clothing)

Feeding
Formula/Bottles or Nursing Cover/Pads
Bib
2 Clean Burp Cloths
Healthy Snack  Especially for nursing mama.

Miscellany
Fever Reducer/Pain Reliever
Other Medications
2 Pacifiers (if baby uses them)
Dustless Powder Wipes
Travel Size Lotion
Toy or Lovey
Blanket

Cumbersome Load?
Leave it in the car!  There is no reason you need to carry that monstrous bag with you to every single store in your daily round of errands.  Some moms carry diaper wallets (hold just a diaper and a few wipes) and keep the diaper bag on the floor in front of baby’s car seat.  This is fine provided there are no temperature-sensitive items.

Own it.
This bag will be your handled supply closet for at least two years.  Make sure you find one you love – or that you are willing to claim as yours.  Online tutorials and patterns at craft stores can help you if you decide to make your own bag.

You’ll live.
Many emergencies will pop up, and you will smack your hand to your forehead and ask, “Why didn’t I bring such-in-such?”  Don’t worry.  You’ll live.  As long as you and baby are safe, don’t sweat the small stuff.  In fact, make this your mantra as a parent:  Don’t sweat the small stuff.