What Should a New Dad Pack in His Diaper Bag? A Checklist From Llama Momma's Founder
By Adiyah Bell, founder of Llama Momma Company · Updated October 2026
A new dad's diaper bag should hold diapers (one for every two hours out, plus two), a full pack of wipes, a changing pad, a complete change of baby clothes, two burp cloths, feeding supplies, a bag for dirty clothes, hand sanitizer, and his own phone, charger, wallet and a snack. Restock it every night so it's always ready.
You know the moment. Baby needs a change, he reaches into the bag, and pulls out a receipt and one lonely wipe. It's not that he doesn't care. Nobody ever handed him a list.
So here's the one I send my friends' husbands.
What goes in a dad's everyday diaper bag?
This is for regular outings: the coffee run, the pediatrician, brunch at his mother's.
| Item | How much | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Diapers | 1 per 2 hours, plus 2 | Outings always run long |
| Wipes | A full pack | Travel packs run out mid-blowout |
| Changing pad | 1 | Public changing tables are a no |
| Baby outfit | 1 full change | Onesie, pants and socks |
| Burp cloths or muslin | 2 | Spit-up has terrible aim |
| Feeding supplies | Enough for the outing | Bottles, formula or a cover |
| Wet bag | 1 | Keeps the mess off everything clean |
| His essentials | Phone, charger, wallet, keys, snack | A hungry dad is not a patient dad |
What small things do dads forget?
These take almost no room, and they're the ones that save the day.
- A spare shirt for him
- A pacifier in a clean case
- Diaper cream
- A light blanket for a cold restaurant
- The pediatrician's number and the insurance card
How do you keep a diaper bag from turning into a junk drawer?
Restock it at night, not when you're running out the door. Trash out, diapers and wipes in, clean clothes back in. Two minutes.
And give everything a home. When the diapers always live in the same pocket, anyone can grab the bag and go, including his mother.
Is there a diaper bag that comes already packed for dad?
Yes. That's exactly why I made the Llama Momma DAD Backpack. Get it packed with what he needs to support you through labor, plus a few things to keep him going, or get the bag on its own and let him pack it. Either way, it becomes his diaper bag and, later, his work bag.
It's vegan leather with DAD embossed on the front and gold-tone hardware, in black with a cognac base or cognac with a black base. It's a numbered edition of just 100 across both colorways. The DAD Backpack is $225 on its own, or $325 packed. Pre-orders are open now through November 21, 2026, and backpacks ship in January.
And if your own hospital bag isn't sorted yet, the MAMA Weekender comes on its own ($299) or packed for labor and recovery (from $525).
Quick answers
How many diapers should be in a diaper bag?
Pack one diaper for every two hours you'll be out, plus two extra. For a full day out, that's usually six to eight.
What should be in a dad diaper bag for a newborn?
Diapers, wipes, a changing pad, a full change of clothes, burp cloths, feeding supplies, a wet bag, hand sanitizer, and his own phone, charger and snack.
How much is the Llama Momma DAD Backpack?
The DAD Backpack is $225 on its own, or $325 packed. Pre-orders are open now through November 21, 2026, and it ships in January.
About the author
Adiyah Bell founded Llama Momma Company in Atlanta in 2019. Since then, more than 2,900 families in all 50 states have carried a Llama Momma bag out of the hospital, and the brand has been featured in BuzzFeed and British Vogue. Outside of Llama Momma, she's a senior benefits analyst who works on health benefits programs for Fortune 100 companies.
Questions? Email her at adiyahbell@llamamamacompany.com. She reads every one herself.