Parenting comes with plenty of unpredictable moments, and being prepared wherever you go is key to dealing with spontaneous diaper blowouts, spit-up and baby’s witching hour. That’s why stocking your diaper bag with the essentials is so crucial. Add these products to your registry now, so you can leave the house with confidence from day one.

1. A roomy carryall

Of course, you need the right diaper bag to hold your gear. Dagne Dover’s cult-favorite Indi backpack has a roomy 17-liter interior, and it’s made from stretchy neoprene in case you need a little extra space. Several interior pockets help you keep organized, plus the bag is water resistant and insulated to help protect whatever you’re toting.

Buy it: Dagne Dover Indi diaper backpack, $165, DagneDover.com

2. Pediatrician-picked diapers*

Diapers are a must-have when you leave the house, and Pampers Swaddlers are the #1 choice of pediatricians* across the country. They’re soft and highly absorbent to protect baby’s skin and have a handy wetness indicator to let you know when it’s time for a change. Another nice perk? Pampers Swaddlers now feature a Blowout Barrier at the back waist to help prevent up to 100 percent of leaks—even blowouts! As a mom of four, I started using these with my oldest child a decade ago, and still use them with my youngest.

*Based on a 2022 survey of US and Canadian pediatricians.

Buy it: Pampers Swaddlers, $70 for 210 diapers, Pampers.com

3. Extra binkies, always

The Philips Avent Soothie is commonly used in hospital nurseries and sent home with parents. This four-pack is designed for babies up to 3 months, and adheres to the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that pacifiers be made of one piece. The Soothies are made from hospital-grade, BPA-free silicone, making them durable enough to survive even the toughest of teething phases, and they’re dishwasher safe for quick and easy cleaning. Given how easily binkies wind up on the ground, it’s always a good idea to pack a few.

Buy it: Philips Avent Soothie pacifier, $12, Walmart.com

4. A compact changing mat

Herschel’s Sprout changing mat is deceptively genius. It has two folding side flaps with mesh pockets for wipes and diapers, along with a roomy changing mat in the center with a sweet saying: “The future is yours.” The whole thing folds up easily after changes and is simple to tote to and from the bathroom thanks to a built-in handle. Mine has been used with three kids and still looks like new.

Buy it: Herschel Supply Co. Sprout change mat, $40, Amazon.com

5. A trusty stash of diapers

Technically, this isn’t something you can toss in your bag—but it’s definitely an essential that will complement your other registry. Pampers Diaper Stash is an online diaper fund loved ones can contribute to for Pampers diapers and wipes, so your diaper stockpile never has to run out. Parents often wind up with only a few months’ worth of diapers from their baby showers and too many diapers of the wrong size, so this is the perfect solution for your village to make sure their gift will fit. Just create your Stash, share it with friends and family and watch it grow. You can shop directly from Target and Walmart, or get reimbursed when you buy Pampers products from other retailers.

Start your Stash: Pampers.com

6. A quick costume change

Blowouts and spit-up are a natural part of baby life, so you never know when you’ll need to perform a quick change on the road. This three-pack of bodysuits is crafted from organic cotton, with strong snaps at the gusset for easy diaper changes. Toss a few in your bag and you’ll never be caught off-guard. (Bonus tip: if you’re planning a full-day outing, pack an extra shirt for yourself too.)

Buy it: Carter’s organic cotton bodysuits, $16, Carters.com

7. A handy wipe dispenser

Toting an entire pack of wipes for one outing can hog precious diaper bag space. This Oxo Tot dispenser holds what you need, with a slim silhouette that can be easily tucked into a diaper bag pocket. Plus, it opens one-handed and only dispenses one wipe at a time, so your other hand is free to steady a wriggling baby. It even has a strap you can secure to your stroller handle. Just fill it with your favorite wipes, like Pampers Sensitive Wipes, and go.

Buy it: Oxo Tot On-The-Go wipes dispenser, $8, Amazon.com

8. A portable sound machine

It’s next to impossible to be home for each and every nap time. If baby needs to snooze on the go, try the Yogasleep Portable Sound Machine to block out surrounding noises and lull them to sleep with three soothing sounds: bright white noise, deep white noise and gentle surf. Plus, it’s lightweight and can be easily hooked to your stroller handle, diaper bag, front pack and more.

Buy it: Yogasleep portable sound machine, $26, Amazon.com

9. A cordless bottle warmer

Feed baby on the go with this all-in-one portable warmer. The battery-powered device features a ceramic heating plate for quick and even warming, while simple plus and minus buttons allow you to choose from several temperature settings. There are even included lid adapters to ensure the warmer will fit your bottle of choice.

Buy it: BabyBond portable bottle warmer, $56, Amazon.com

10. A beloved toy and teether

Sophie The Giraffe has been a baby favorite for decades thanks to her easy-to-grip frame and multiple chewing spots. My oldest was obsessed with his Sophie, so much so that I’ve bought a new one for each of his siblings. Made of soft, natural rubber, Sophie can be tossed in your bag and whipped out whenever baby needs a buddy or something to gnaw on.

Buy it: Vulli Sophie the Giraffe, $25, Amazon.com

11. A breezy multipurpose swaddle

Aden + Anais muslin blankets have built up a loyal following for their versatility, durability and adorable designs. And they withstand the test of time—I have several of these blankets that still look as new with my fourth child as they did when I bought them for my first. Use them as a spit-up cloth, swaddle, nursing cover, blanket or even as a stroller cover.

Buy it: Aden + Anais Essentials silky soft swaddle baby blanket, $27, Amazon.com