I was sitting around with a couple of twin friends the other day, when we began talking about what we had in our diaper bags. We had a good laugh when we thought about what our old work friends would think about our highly stimulating conversation. But, none-the-less, we continued our discussion and uncovered some really helpful “must have” items.

These friends had a couple of suggestions that had not occurred to me.  So, I posed the question online to my friends in Eastside Mothers of Multiples (my local twins club) and received even more helpful tips.  These are tips from twins parents that have “been there — done that”.

Many of the parents use the “plastic bag system”.  Some diaper bags are fantastic, with all sorts of special pockets — but even in those, it is helpful to further organize the contents of your diaper bag.  Clear plastic zipper bags (aka “Ziploc Bags”) of different sizes make it easy to find things and to keep up your inventory.

Diaper Bag Basics

Of course, every diaper bag needs to have a good selection of the basics. This is not intended to be an “end-all, beat-all” list of the basic stuff. I’ll list it here for the brand newbies out there. But, it doesn’t take even sleep deprived new parents of twins, triplets, or higher order multiples long to figure out this basic item list. If I’ve missed something obvious, please feel free to leave me a comment and point it out.

Outside the Diaper Bag

  1. Plastic Bags in dispenser.  This is a neat trick — buy one of those plastic bag dispensers that attach to a dog leash.  Attach them to the outside of your diaper back, and you are set for disposing of diapers or wrapping up soiled clothing.
  2. Hand Sanitizer.  Some of the travel sized hand sanitizer products come in a little neoprene case with a clip.  Attach to the outside of the diaper bag for convenience — you’ll use this a lot!
  3. Luggage Tag.  A handy luggage tag with your cell phone number — in case you lose the diaper bag.

Inside the Diaper Bag

  1. Diapering Bag.   This gallon sized plastic zipper bag has all the essentials for a diaper change.
    • diapers
    • travel pack of wipes
    • diaper creme
    • hand sanitizer – travel size (yes, one outside the main diaper bag AND one inside in the diapering ziploc.)
    • changing pad
  2. Clothing Bag.  This gallon sized plastic zipper bag contains 2 changes of clothes
  3. Pacifier Bag.  For those that use these, this small plastic zipper bag contains 2 extra pacifiers.
  4. Burp Cloth/Extra Blanket.
  5. Feeding Supplies.
    • Bottles
    • Packets of formula (premeasure your own to save money over pre-packaged serving sizes)
    • Bottled water
    • Bibs (disposable is handy)
  6. First Aid / Medical.
    • Mini First Aid Kit (with band aids, anti-bacterial ointment or spray, gauze, cleanser wipes, etc.)
    • Medications.  Ask your pharmacy for an extra label and small bottle for your child’s medications. Even if you normally administer medications at home, having a back up supply is so  helpful “just in case”.
Tip: Keep a fully stocked diaper bag in your car. Then, you can take a “mini” diaper bag along with you on short trips away from your vehicle.

Beyond the Diaper Bag Basics

  1. Leashes. I’ve gotta confess, I Love Leashes! We used the lightweight harness type with dog leashes that extend/retract. These were small enough to be able to keep in our diaper bag so we had them when we needed them. Keeping kids safe should always be a priority.
  2. Entertainment.  One or more gallon sized zipper plastic bags filled with distraction.
    • books
    • crayons or markers / paper tablet / stickers
    • duplos / legos
    • electronics (music, video, etc.)
    • small car
    • bubbles
  3. Snacks.  One or more small hard plastic containers (Tupperware) with quick snacks.
    • crackers
    • cereal or cereal bars
    • cookies
    • mini fruit cups
  4. Adult Needs.  One zipper bag with adult essentials.
    • spare keys
    • tissues
    • extra cash
Tip: Laminate a small list of your diaper bag inventory and attach with a clip inside your diaper bag. When you remove something from the diaper bag, move the clip to the outside of the bag to remind you that your diaper bag needs to be restocked. When you get home, simply check your diaper bag inventory against the list and restock as needed. Don’t forget to move the inventory list to the inside of the bag after restocking.

Now, it’s been a while since I hauled around a twin diaper bag, but I do still often bring a backpack crammed full of some of these same items. You never know when you’ll have an unexpected need when you’re out and about.   I know there are many more fantastic tricks “out there” — because there are so many creative parents “out there”.  Please leave a comment and share your special tip or trick.

Copyright 2010 Kathryn Whiteley — TwinParenthood.com