A few months ago, I published a post called A Perfectly Packed Diaper Bag. It's my most popular post to date. I dumped out all of my diaper bag essentials, photographed them, and created a free printiable checklist to keep you and your newborn organizedany time you head out the door.
Well, Emma isn't a baby anymore. She is about to turn 1 1/2. (What?!!) So I decided that it was time to update my diaper bag list for toddlers!
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Except. . . I don't use my diaper bag that often anymore. I take it with me for day trips, but if I'm just taking Emma out for a few hours- like to church, or to a restaurant, I usually just throw a few things in my purse and off we go.
So I broke my list down into 3 categories- things to add to your purse for a short trip, extras to include when you take a longer trip, and essentials for you. (Note: This list contains affiliate links. Check out my full disclosure statement here.)
HERE'S WHAT I INCLUDE IN MY PURSE FOR SHORT TRIPS:
1. Wet/dry bag: This bag has a waterproof (wet) zippered pouch, and a mesh (dry) one. I keep diaper changing essentials in the dry part and put dirty diapers in the wet part. When we get home I toss it in the laundry. I actually
2. Diapers: Only if your toddler is still wearing diapers, obviously. Emma is. We use these cloth diapers
. (I love cloth diapers and have written a lot about them on the blog already.)
. (I love cloth diapers and have written a lot about them on the blog already.)
3. Changing mat: Sometimes I don't even bring this. I've used my wet/dry bag as a changing mat many times. ;)
4. Wipes: Even though I use cloth wipes
with a spray bottle of water at home, I often bring disposables when we go out. Mostly because I can keep Emma quiet for 5-10 minutes by giving her one to play with. Also because they make hand/face clean up so easy after we eat.
with a spray bottle of water at home, I often bring disposables when we go out. Mostly because I can keep Emma quiet for 5-10 minutes by giving her one to play with. Also because they make hand/face clean up so easy after we eat. 
because it smells like a strawberry margarita. ;)
6. Sippy cup
7. Snacks
8. Books/toys: My favorite restaurant toys are Play Doh, our family photo book, paper with crayons, tiny board books (which Emma is obsessed with) and stickers- especially foam stickers. These all seem to keep her occupied longer than the average toy, and they're relatively small. Also, none of them make noises. (So important!) By the way, if you're looking for a list of fantastic toddler books, I just so happen to have written one. Check it out!
9. Pacifier (if you use one.)
Pack it all in and you're ready to go. There's even enough room left to pack your own essentials.
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HERE ARE THE ADDITIONAL ITEMS I INCLUDE FOR LONGER OUTINGS (when I'm actually bringing the whole diaper bag with me.)
When I will be gone for the day, I still do pack up the whole diaper bag. (By the way, this is the diaper bag I use
. . . and I love it!) In these cases, I bring along a few extra things that aren't on the list above.
. . . and I love it!) In these cases, I bring along a few extra things that aren't on the list above. 
10. Seasonal items: Sunscreen, a jacket, hat, sunglasses
11. A change of clothes: We haven't been brave enough to start potty training yet, but when we do I'll definetely include extra underwear.
12. Medicine: I usually carry a thermometer and Vaseline, diaper cream, nail clippers, Benadryl, and Tylenol. (The teething pills that are in this picture have been recalled.)
It all fits in perfectly:
AND, OF COURSE, YOU CAN'T FORGET ABOUT YOURSELF. No matter what size bag I'm packing, I always include:
13. My wallet
14. Keys: Mine are attached to my wallet
15. Phone
16. Water bottle
17. A snack for me! Because I get hungry all. the. time.
Once more, here are all the things that go into my purse:
And all the items I pack when I bring the entire diaper bag:
And, of course, I have a printable checklist for you so that you can remember all of these things yourself.
Click here (or on the picture below) to download and print your own list. Keep it by your diaper bag so you can quickly scan it to make sure you're not forgetting anything before you head out the door.
So, what do you think? These are all the things I include in the toddler version of my perfectly packed diaper bag. Did I forget anything? Let me know in the comments.
And be sure to check out my article about how to convert a baby nursery into a big kid bedroom.
And be sure to check out my article about how to convert a baby nursery into a big kid bedroom.
