During the week all our venturing out involves just me wearing my baby in the baby bjorn, pushing my toddler in the umbrella stroller, and traveling on foot via public transportation. So when it comes to packing the diaper bag, I try to be prepared for anything in the most efficient, minimalist way possible.

Here’s what I consider our summer on the go essentials:

In-My-Diaper-Bag

Ikabag Diaper Bag: I’ve been using this for two years now and I’m still a fan. I often see other bags and wonder if they would be more perfect in some ways, but I’ve yet to make a switch!

1) Babyganics Sunscreen: By far my favorite kids’ sunscreen so far! It is easy to rub in quickly, I love the spray bottle and its non-greasiness!

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2) Babyganics Hand Sanitizer : I am in no way a germ fanatic and I don’t break this out often, but every once in a while I am so glad to have it on me!

3) Neosporin for Kids: Also something I don’t need often, but am grateful to have packed when I do!

4) Burp cloth: I always carry either a burp cloth or wash cloth as a multipurpose clean up tool. I use baby wipes for basically everything, but all too often a cloth comes in handy.

5) Applesauce Pouches: My toddler loves these. They’re a healthy-ish snack that is easy to pack. We also always carry pretzel sticks, which are a great snack for keeping him entertained and happy.

6) Kind Bar: My favorite snack. I am obsessed with the dark chocolate, cherry and cashew.

7) Minishades Sunglasses: So cute, durable, polarized.

8) Floppy Hat: Love the long brim for practicality and the adorableness!

9) Honest Co. Diapers and Wipes: We’ve gotten the diaper bundles for 2 years now. I’ve tried many other diapers and wipes and can’t help sticking with Honest Company!

10) Small Wooden Shaping Robot: Our best diaper bag toy find so far! Small but apparently endlessly fascinating. I’ve also found finger puppets, a hair brush, and toy cars to be winners!

11) Backup Romper: With a baby still in the “blow out” stage, leaving the house without a spare outfit is a mistake I don’t want to make yet again. I like packing lightweight rompers since they’re all one piece and take up less space.

12) The Monkey Mat: You just never know when you’ll need a play mat. This one is lightweight, waterproof, has weighted corners, folds back up into its little bag so easily, and straps to the strap of your bag so it doesn’t take up any space inside. I love it!

13) Thermos Foogo Water Bottle: I like the stainless steel factor, my toddler likes to click the lid open and shut, no spills, win win win!

14) Aden and Anais Bamboo Swaddle: I always carry one of these or my favorite lightweight beach wrap to tie around the baby in the baby bjorn both to block the sun and to breastfeed discreetly. It is so hot here in DC breathable fabrics like these are a necessity.

15) Toms Romper Shoes: Not packed in the diaper bag, but I couldn’t do a summer essentials list without them! I am convinced these are the perfect summer shoe for toddlers. Soft enough that he can slip them on himself, breathable, waterproof, easy to clean, I love them!

16) Patemm Changing pad: Its a little big and bulky, but I love that it has that cushioning, especially when we find ourselves in places with no changing table, which is often.

17) Baggu Shopping Bag (I carry a small and a large at all times): They take up little space and carry large amounts of stuff without ripping. I do our grocery shopping in small trips on foot, often just stopping while we’re out on other errands/ adventures, so I need to carry a reusable bag at all times (it makes shopping with a stroller much easier as it doubles as a cart!)

Any favorite on the go items in your diaper bag; snacks, toys, products? Anything you’ve found surprisingly helpful or perhaps unnecessary?