Packing in general gives me heart palpitations. So, when talk of baby bags came up in conversation, I was…stressed out. I’m an overpacker, so the fact that I would have to pack an everyday bag for an infant…forget it.

Going off the notion that I wanted to be #instafamous, I decided to play off of those beautiful mothers that everyone sees with their hair curled and their designer baby bags. When I was given a super generous birthday present from my husband, I quickly decided my Louis Vuitton Neverfull would be filled with baby essentials…I just had to figure out how I would control my urge to overpack.

Long story short, the Louis didn’t cut it. I packed up my essentials with an insert I got off Amazon for about $15.00 and works wonders. Don’t get the ToteSavvy unless you have loads of money, because those puppies will run you over $50. Anywho, my bag was ALWAYS full, regardless of the famous name, “Neverfull” and was so heavy that I just ended up winging it on outings and leaving the diaper bag in the car…and hoping for the best.

I soon realized that I still wanted to be stylish and practical, so I switched to a nylon Longchamp and put my insert in there. It has been such a life changer. Below you’ll find my short list of must haves:

1. 4-6 diapers. I use the Pamper’s Swaddlers…but a free diaper is just that, so take what you get and make sure to pay attention to when you are getting low…because seriously, no one likes a baby with no diapers. It’s really messy.
2. Wipes. Again, this is a given, but it’s still on the list.
3. Boudreaux’s Butt Paste. It’s a mommy go-to, but use what you want. This just helps out with diaper rash.
4. Burp Cloths. I am obsessed with Aden and Anais. I know they are kind of expensive, but the material is really absorbent and come in adorable patterns. I like the burpy bibs.
5. Cotton Recieving Blanket: I got mine from Babies R Us, and they came in a pack. I use it to cover up public bathroom changing tables or for him to lay on if I have to change him in the car, etc. **You can also use a cloth diaper.
6. Change of Clothes. Pack an outfit or two, but I just pack a couple onesies, extra cotton hat, a pair of socks, and a pair of stretchy pants. Keep it simple, because they are just going to spit up on it.
7. Pacifier and pacifier wipes. I like the orthodontic ones from Nuk, but you’ll figure out what your baby will like. I usually don’t use the wipes, but if you want to look like a good mom in front of people, you can use one…even though I just use my mouth/run it under water. Oops, sorry about it.
8. Diaper plastic bags. My friend gave me this for a shower present, and it’s something you wouldn’t think of. If you are a mom, but your friends still are too drunk to find their phone…they may not want the smell of a dirty diaper in their bathroom trash. It’s basically a plastic bag that is made by Arm and Hammer that cloaks the scent of anything undesirable.
9. Camera. This is just me being a new mom, but it’s nice to have a camera around so you can capture some moments that you’ll later show his first prom date.