I always say about diaper bags and baby carriers that it’s the MOM’s accessory, not the baby’s. So I avoid “baby prints” and pastels, which have never been my thing. Why would I want to carry a diaper bag that says “It’s a boy!” with blue teddy bears and balloons on it?
My current big purse/diaper bag is a a “day tripper” bag in a print I personally enjoy. I have a smaller bag that’s a brown super-soft-leather purse, but it also works great as a short-trip diaper bag when I need it to.
Besides looks, here are some things I want in a diaper bag:
- Lots of pockets, but EXTERNAL ones more than internal ones. My day tripper bag has a large internal compartment (which I use for actual diapers/training pants, my changing pad, etc.), but it also has two easily accessed side pockets that can hold a lot. I typically use one for Anneliese’s snacks and the other for myself — my water cup, sunglasses, whatever. It has one front pocket that I use for my phone and wallet — things I need to access frequently and/or quickly.
- A strap length that is comfortable for me to throw over my shoulder. A lot of people prefer messenger-bag styling, but with the amount of babywearing I do, that never seems as useful or as comfortable to me.
- A D-ring on the outside of the bag. I have my keys on a carabiner and always clip them onto the outside of the bag immediately upon taking them out of the ignition, so that I don’t lose them. I spent SO MUCH TIME digging through my big bags looking for my keys before I developed this habit. This is definitely a must-have diaper bag feature for me.
But I see so many people with different types of diaper bags that work great for them. So I’m curious — what’s YOUR ideal diaper bag? What seals the deal and what’s a deal-breaker? Do you consider the bag to be your accessory or your baby’s? Have you developed any little habits or tricks (like my key-carabiner trick) you’d like to share
Check out the Huggies Mommy Answers Facebook app!
Find more posts from bloggers sharing their experiences of motherhood on the Huggies page on BlogHer.com!
6 Comments
I like the Twinneroo. I have twins and a toddler though. Its huge and of great quality. Its also a neutral khaki. http://twinneroo.com
My diaper bag is by Matt & Nat and I LOVE it. I had wanted a bag by Matt & Nat for a few years but could never justify spending over $100 (which is stupid, for something that lasts for years – Carry it every day for a year and it’s less than a dollar per day). Fast-forward and I saw a bunch of bags on a flash sale site while I was pregnant. I had settled on a bag and was looking over the details when I noticed that it included a changing pad… It was only then that I realized I had unknowingly chosen a diaper bag! I considered it fate and placed my order. It is a solid teal color and is chic enough that if I carry it around without my kid in tow, it wouldn’t stand out as being a diaper bag. I agree, diaper bags with kid stuff all over them make no sense – It’s not the baby who carries it! – and I’m glad to see those are becoming a lot less common. Petunia Picklebottom (sp) bags and similar styles really seem to be the new trend.
Queen Bee Creations from Portland, Oregon! Versatile, sturdy, big enough, great changing pad, adjustable strap, waterproof, and cute neutral designs. http://chickpeababy.queenbee-creations.com/items?category_id=52
We were given a basic black diaper bag (rerun) that has worked out extremely well. It’s not very large, but fits everything we need easily (for a baby – have some time before I discover what I need for a toddler diaper bag). One large interior space with a few interior side pockets (which I like for keeping things organized) and that compartment zips up (necessary for me). It also has a ring which I automatically clip my keys to. It also has two outside pockets that don’t zip but hold stuff fairly well which I like because I can slide my phone and wallet into the bag but still have easy access.
I have a friend that makes custom bags/diaper bags, and once upon a time we lived right around the corner from her. I did some babysitting for her, and in exchange she made me an amazing bag. It has everything I needed – a large outside pouch on the back for my notebook/calendar, pockets on either side (outside) for sippy cup/water bottle, and inside there are actually 6 pockets, 2 long ones on front and back each, and then one shorter one on either end (opposite the outside ones) for other things. the front is embroidered with a pattern of fabric I loved in an S (the fabric was the same as the inside fabric) and the outside is a very sturdy canvas/duck fabric. The straps fit perfectly on my shoulder. I LOVE it! I’ve used it now for 3 children, and it’s still going strong. I love that when I spill something in it, I can throw it in the washing machine. She now sells the same bags on Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/heatherdanielorr and specializes in making Military bags. Love it!! Sorry, long comment about my favorite bag! And it’s very un child looking. 🙂
I have a Vera Bradley diaper bag and I love it because it just looks like an awesome huge purse. It has the perfect pockets for me to use both inside and outside. I also love that it has a clip for me to attach my keys so I don’t lose them (which I am known for).
I am also getting a Maxwell Design Cosmetic case which can also be used as a small purse, but I am going to put anything that is MINE (lip gloss, money, cards, my lunette cup when I need it again, ect.) so I can access it easily in my diaper bag.