What to pack in a changing bag? The complete checklist so you don't forget a thing
The changing bag is the parent's Swiss army knife when out and about. Too light, and you find yourself without a clean nappy at the worst possible moment. Too heavy, and you're carrying the equivalent of a weekend of camping for an hour at the park. The good news: there is an ideal list to know what to put in a changing bag, tailored to baby's age and the type of outing. Here it is, complete and ready to use. 🎒
📋 The ultimate change bag checklist
🍼 Feeding
- Bottles ready (pre-measured formula or breast milk in an insulated pouch)
- Cordless portable bottle warmer (for long outings)
- Bibs (minimum 2-3)
- Replacement teat + dummy clip
- Teething feeder (from 4-6 months, for teething)
- Small jars or pouches of purée (from weaning)
- Silicone spoon
👶 Change
- Nappies (allow 1 nappy per hour out + 2 spare)
- Unscented wipes
- Portable changing mat
- Anti-irritation cream
- Plastic bags for dirty nappies
- Hand sanitiser
👕 Clothing
- 1 to 2 complete changes of clothes (1 top, 5 bottoms + trousers + socks)
- A light Sleeping bag or a blanket, depending on the season
- Hat (sun hat or beanie depending on the weather)
🧸 Comfort and development
- Comfort toy (always, mandatory)
- 1 small developmental toy or rattle
- Replacement dummy
Healthcare and care
- Forehead thermometer
- Nasal aspirator
- Sun cream (from the first sunny days)
🍼 Focus on weaning nutrition
For bottle-fed babies
For long runs, a cordless portable bottle warmer completely changes the game — no need to look for a microwave or order a glass of hot water at the cafe.
→ See the PetitMaxou cordless bottle warmer
The feeder dummy, a teething ally
The food feeder pacifier is an ideal teething accessory: baby can slip a piece of cold fruit inside to soothe their gums.
→ See the PetitMaxou teething dummy
Bibs: always plan for more than you think
The golden rule: always double the number of bibs you think you will need.
→ View the bavoirs silicone PetitMaxou
→ View the PetitMaxou animal-print cloth bibs
👶 Spotlight on changing on the go
How many nappies to pack?
The rule of thumb: 1 nappy per hour of planned outing + 2 spare nappies. A newborn may require up to 10–12 nappy changes a day; a 6-month-old, 6–8.
🧸 The comfort toy: never leave home without
The comfort toy always travels with your baby once they’ve become attached to it. Ideally, keep a spare in the nappy bag at all times.
→ View all doudous and PetitMaxous
🩺 The little first-aid kit
- Forehead thermometer compact, fast, contactless.
- Nasal aspirator for babies with colds who cannot yet blow their noses themselves.
- Sun cream suitable for babies (SPF 50+) as soon as you go out in the sun.
→ See the PetitMaxou forehead thermometer
→ See the PetitMaxou nasal aspirator
📅 Adapting the changing bag according to age
Baby changing bag for 0 to 3 months
This is the time when the bag is at its fullest. Be generous with nappies, bibs, spare outfits and breastfeeding or bottle-feeding gear.
Baby changing bag for 6 to 12 months
Weaning introduces meal items. Baby is starting to take an interest in their surroundings — a fabric book or a small Montessori toy in the bag is always welcome.
Changing bag for 12 to 24 months
We’re gradually lightening the load. The comfort toy remains essential. We’re adding a small snack and a bottle of water with a spout.
💡 Our top tips for a well-organised changing bag
- Recharge the bag as soon as you get home — not to do it «tomorrow».
- Use zipped pouches to group the items by category.
- Keep an emergency kit in the car : 2 nappies, wipes, a bodysuit.
- Photograph the contents of your bag to find out what is missing.
❓ FAQ — The changing bag
How many nappies should I put in the changing bag?
The rule of thumb: 1 nappy per hour of planned outing + 2 spare. Better to bring some back home than to run out.
Which changing bag should I choose?
Opt for a bag with multiple compartments, an integrated changing mat or a dedicated pocket, sturdy handles and pram attachment straps.
How many change of clothes should I pack?
At least one complete outfit for short outings. Two outfits for long days or if baby is going through a heavy spit-up phase.
🛍️ Stock up your nappy bag at PetitMaxou
All the accessories mentioned in this article are available from PetitMaxou: bibs, teething dummies, portable bottle warmers, forehead thermometers, nasal aspirators, doudous… Free delivery throughout the European Union, returns within 14 days.
→ View the entire PetitMaxou shop
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