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Transitioning to a Toddler Diaper Bag

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Find out what you need to include in a diaper bag as you transition out of the baby stage and into the toddler stage!  Plus, how shopping for Huggies Diapers at Costco helps save you money!

Transitioning to a Toddler Diaper Bag 2

I’ll be honest, packing around a diaper bag for a baby was sometimes a bit daunting (especially while packing around the baby as well!).  So by the time we started transitioning into toddlerhood, I was tempted to just ditch the diaper bag altogether.  However, since diapers were (and still are) a part of our life, it just wasn’t a feasible idea to do away with it altogether.

With 3 kids, I’ve found that the diaper bag has simply morphed, and become something different that fits our lifestyle and the stages we are in now.  So I thought it might be helpful to share how we’ve transitioned to a toddler diaper bag, for the other moms struggling.

The first thing I did was ditch the actual diaper bag.  Those things are monstrous!  I went for a much smaller canvas tote instead.  And now, most of the time I keep the toddler diaper bag in my car and don’t pack it into every place with me.

Toddler Diaper Bag

All of these are items that have been really helpful for me to keep on hand.  My kids tend to decide to jump in water or wear their food, so extra clothes are a huge help. I keep a pair of pajamas for the nights when we end up out too late, and I know my daughter will fall asleep in the car.  I change her before loading her up, so she’s ready to put to bed when we get home.

My kids are definitely related to me and my “hangry” tendencies, so snacks stay on hand to keep our blood sugar going well.  I try to pick snacks that can last well for a while, such as granola bars, dried fruit, and freeze-dried yogurt.

What you need in a toddler diaper bag

Small toys have been invaluable to have on hand when an appointment or errand takes longer than I thought it would. 

I love using plastic bags to keep items contained better, which is why I put the clothes and other items into a gallon sized bag.  This may not be what you like, but I personally feel like bags keep it much more organized.  I made our simple first aid kit using a sandwich bag covered in duct tape in order to help it hold up better.  It has been at least 2 years since I made it, and it gets a lot of use, and it’s still holding up pretty well.

Simple First Aid Kit Tutorial

Making your own simple first aid kit takes less than 5 minutes, and no crafting skills at all.  It’s really easy. 

You’ll need a snack or sandwich bag, duct tape of any color or design, and scissors.  My first simple first aid kit was made with a sandwich bag, but I feel like a snack bag is really big enough for what I usually put in it, so that’s what I’m using to show you.  I also used cute duct tape for my first one, but I’m using black to show you since that’s what I have on hand at the moment.

How to Make a Simple First Aid Kit

You’ll want to start at the bottom of the bag, with a strip of duct tape a little longer than the bag.  Place it so half of it is on one side of the bag, and fold it over onto the other side of the bag.  This helps reinforce the bottom, to make the bag last longer.

After the bottom, you’ll go to the top of the bag, and place a strip of duct tap along the top edge.  Make sure you don’t go over the lip of the bag at all, or your bag will end up stuck shut.

Fill in the missing center, overlapping the duct tape.  Don’t worry if your strips aren’t the same length, as you’ll be cutting them at the end.

Turn the bag over and repeat for the second side.  Using scissors, cut the edges of the duct tape straight, making sure not to cut the bag.  I left about a 1/4″ extra duct tape on the sides to be safe.

Fill the basic first aid kit with bandages, antibiotic ointment, a comb and hair ties, or whatever your family needs.  If there’s a medication you need to keep on hand for your child or yourself, this is a great place to put it.

You can find almost everything I put in this toddler diaper bag at Costco.  Costco is my favorite place to shop.  I love the snacks while we shop, the natural lighting, and the prices.  And I have definitely made my membership worthwhile by buying diapers there. 

Huggies at Coscto

Huggies diapers have been the best diapers for my family.  They are the most absorbent diaper, and I’ve never had problems with leaking, like I have with other brands of diapers.  Plus, when buying them at Costco with a discount, I can get Huggies Little Movers Plus diapers for less per diaper than I would pay at another store for generic brand!

The Huggies Little Movers Plus diapers (available only at Costco) are $42.99 for a huge box.  And right now (valid 9/1 –to 9/25) there’s a $6 discount and Free shipping, making them just $36.99 for sizes 3, 4, 5, & 6.

Transitioning to a Toddler Diaper Bag 3

If your baby is still in smaller sizes, Huggies Little Snugglers Plus is available in sizes 1 & 2 for $37.49 (and the same $6 coupon and free shipping are available), and in size Newborn for $29.99 (in select warehouses and online at Costco.com).

Head into the store to enjoy some snacks while you pick up your child’s Huggies Little Movers Plus diapers, or steer clear of the crowds and buy them online.  With free shipping and a $6 discount, you can’t lose!

Meet Jamie

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Jennifer S.

Wednesday 24th of August 2016

This is such a great list! I'm going to have to pass this post on to my sister! My Sis is at this transition stage with my niece, her first child, and we were actually talking about something along these lines the other day.

Jamie H

Friday 9th of September 2016

So glad it can be helpful for her! It's a fun transition!

Lisa @Bitesforbabies

Tuesday 23rd of August 2016

Your list is almost like the one I had!! I received a Coach diaper bag for my shower for my first child (over 5 years ago) and I STILL use it!! I also use it as a travel bag. A great diaper bag is a good investment!

Jamie H

Friday 9th of September 2016

That is definitely true! Though I was glad to go to a smaller bag.

Echo (The Mad Mommy)

Tuesday 23rd of August 2016

I was so happy when I got to ditch the diaper bag! I keep a similar kit in my car. Snacks, wipes, first aid, extra clothes. These are all super important. Even with older kids like mine. I wonder if they will ever grow out of it sometimes, lol.

Jamie H

Friday 9th of September 2016

Haha! Sometimes I know that I'm grateful for the snacks, wipes, and bandages, so who knows :)

Kristy

Tuesday 23rd of August 2016

I love not having to carry around a diaper bag anymore! Talk about freedom! I do, however, still keep wipes and a first aid kit in my vehicle. With kids you just never know what to expect!

Jamie H

Friday 9th of September 2016

I so look forward to the day when I'm able to just carry my small purse again. But I will always keep a first aid kit in the car, like you do!

Censie 'Mumby' Sawyer

Monday 22nd of August 2016

What a great idea. I never really thougth of this. My purse kind of became our toddler diaper bag. I should have done this instead! I will be sharing this idea with friends with toddlers.

Jamie H

Friday 9th of September 2016

Thanks! I'm glad to be able to help others!