I was never a fan of the traditional baby bag because I have a tendency to over pack anything resembling a purse or satchel. Then, unfortunately, I have to carry said over-packed bag on one shoulder which just ends up causing my shoulder to hurt. So when I found out that my trusted brand Ergobaby made backpacks, I was so ready to make the switch. I love traveling and moving around with a backpack because I can keep the load on my back while still having free range of motion for my arms and hands. In this post, I want to share how I make 1 baby bag work for two babies.

Twice the Supplies?

Not quite. My son is 19 months older than my daughter and therefore doesn’t need things like bottles, formula, baby water or even as many diapers. I think this was a large reason why I decided to have one baby bag for two little ones. I’m also a mom for the second time so I have a much better idea of what I do and do not need in my baby bag this time around.

This is the exact bag that I use and I chose it because of all of the compartments and two insulated spots for two bottles. In the large part, I carry spare clothes, diapers (two separate areas for diapers – perfect!), wipes, a changing pad (which is a MUST for a traveling family. I will not change my baby without something between them and whatever surface I have to use), formula and snacks as well as a book or small toy. In the second zipper, I have spray hand sanitizer, spare utensils for eating out, and a straw sometimes. The last zipper has tissue, Aquaphor, hand wipes, hand lotion, baby rash ointment, and these wipes meant to wipe off pacifiers, utensils, etc. that fall on the ground.

This is everything I need for a day out of the house. I don’t carry their toiletries cube in their backpack unless we’re traveling because it’s too big. For a day-to-day outing, I don’t need it.

What’s Not in My Baby Bag for Two?

Remember I said I’m not new to this, I’m true to this? (I’m sorry. I’ll stop) I used to bring everything for my son. If there was even a chance he could use it at home, it came with us when we left the house. Not anymore. I was working harder, not smarter, and that’s one of my cardinal rules. Actually, I was working from a place of fear that I was going to massively screw up. I’m glad those days are behind me.

I do not carry an entire pharmacy in my backpack anymore. Honestly, if my child has a cough or fever and I still have to take them somewhere, I give them a dose before we leave and ensure that we’re home before they need another one. I also don’t worry about bringing any special plates, sippy cups, etc. because my son is pretty easy as long as he has plastic fork or spoon and a straw. He’s even still happy to let us feed him which works for me too. In my baby bag for two, I do not necessarily have two of everything because my kids don’t need the same things at this stage. My daughter still needs bottles and formula and my son doesn’t. My son needs snacks and toys and my daughter doesn’t.

I am very realistic in an effort to stay minimal with my baby bag. I could easily go overboard and stuff that thing but then I wouldn’t want to carry it! You should do the same.

My Must-Have Baby Bag Items

I mentioned earlier what is in my baby bag but here are the items that I really believe are must haves (see my complete list for traveling with a baby here). Besides diapers, wipes and the just-in-case change of clothes, I also have to have tissue for runny noses, face wipes (because other wipes can be a little harsh on the face), Aquaphor for dry skin, and hand sanitizer. I can’t stress the need for hand sanitizer enough. Just do it. Have two or three if you need to. You’ll never regret having it.

As I mentioned, my daughter still takes a bottle and more often than not, I pack two bottles just in case one isn’t enough or we’re out longer than I anticipated.

So that’s it! That’s what’s in my baby bag for two. What do you have in your baby bag for more than one little one?