Diaper bag suggestions, please!

Ariadne

I cannot make up my mind about a diaper bag! So, I'm just looking for general input. What have you seen and liked, or, even better, used and liked? Comfort and ergonomics are pretty important, and I don't want something gigantic. Sophistication is key!

16 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from Christie

judy

Veteran

Hi Brianna...I saw one of these in a cool store in Portland a few years ago and was tempted to use it for a regular bag. http://shop.petunia.com/boxy-backpacks/
But it was clearly for diapering! They have many pretty things on their site.

Happy new mom time. How are you surviving? It's such a sweet but challenging time.

16 years ago

danielleCT

Active Member

This is a funny coincidence... I'm not expecting or anything, but I did notice the Storksak bags just today while browsing some fashion site or another. Not something I normally pay attention to, but these really caught my eye.

Nordstrom's got them:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/SR?K.....wordSearch

16 years ago

cciele

Veteran

What's your budget? There are some awesome leather ones, but they are $$$

16 years ago

marianne

Active Member

I think it's really a matter of lifestyle and needs, which change, too. Can you think of a regular bag that would meet your needs? I just used whatever bag was appropriate for the occasion. I had one diaper bag I got as a gift and it's been collecting dust in the basement for 4+ years. Right now I carry a little pack in a regular messenger bag. I am not really a bag person so this may not be of value, but my point is you don't have to limit yourself to a *diaper* bag.
I do like those Storksak ones that Danielle posted.

16 years ago

Ariadne

Veteran

I like the Storksak ones too but they are pretty $$$$! I'm still considering just duplicating my Nine West Flying High large hobo in black (I already have it in cream and it's working fine for the summer for baby stuff so far). Most diaper bags just do not appeal to me. They look so.... diaper-y. I don't know. Why do they all have to be laminated vinyl and stuff? I love the leather OiOi hobos but those are over $300.

16 years ago

cciele

Veteran

One handbag that several moms like to use as a baby bag is the Rafe Kate hobo.
http://mommy-mentor.blogspot.c.....ndbag.html

It's got great pockets on the side, an adjustable shoulder strap, is roomy without being too big. Is $, but you can find them used. And you can use it as a normal purse!

You might want to look into some LeSportSac styles. They are lightweight and have fun prints. I'm fond of Tokidoki bags, but not sure if they are your style.

I think the Lexie Barnes Darling is cute. It is a diaper bag, but not too diapery. http://www.letsgostrolling.com.....erbag.html

Another thing you could do is get a mini diapering kit thingy and pop it into your normal bag. Something like the Fleurville Escape Pod:
http://fleurville.com/product/escape-pod

or the JuJuBe Be Quick:
http://www.ju-ju-be.com/our_pr.....id=bequick

Many of these items can be found on sale, or on mom's diaper bag swap groups.

Hope that helps!

and stick that in your normal purse.

16 years ago

inkstainedwriter

Active Member

I have a one year old and I'm learned a few things about diaper bags:

The best diaper bags usually aren't. I learned I don't like to carry a real baby bag, but instead use a diaper wallet that I can pop into my purse (or tote) at any point. The wallets hold diapers, wipes, and a changing pad. I can also put w/e else I need in my purse (a bottle, change of clothes, rag, etc) or not, depending on where we're going. I find it way more flexible and not nearly as heavy as a diaper bag.

The wallet I've found best is the munchkin diaper change travel kit. Just google that - I've found them at Walmart and Target (Target has a lot more options if you want something more bright). It's about 12 dollars and it's awesome!

16 years ago

Ariadne

Veteran

Thanks so much for the suggestions, everyone! I made up my mind and actually got 3 things for different needs:

The Lug Hatchback mini backpack, in black, for long walks when I'm wearing the Chickadee:
http://www.lugtravel.com/produ.....kpack.html

A duplicate of my Nine West Flying High Large Hobo, in black, for the winter (it's my main bag right now in the summer)--I LOVE this bag, and the fact that it's not real leather is a bonus:
http://www.ninewest.ca/store/p.....uctid=3556

A secondhand (read: cheap!) Kecci Shanghai Mommy Bag in red silk brocade that converts into a backpack, just for fun and to try out a "real" diaper bag:
http://images.craigslist.org/3.....4914e3.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/3.....a01c1c.jpg

Yes, two of them are black, but I love black :P, my winter coat is red, and almost all my baby carriers (wraps and mei tais) are colored and/or patterned, so it made sense to go with black.

I'm going to seek out that munchkin wallet--maybe more than one of them, to keep in each bag and in the car. It looks like Wal Mart should have them, and we have a gift card for there.

16 years ago

inkstainedwriter

Active Member

Another idea for anyone who might read this later:

I'd recommend the Orla Kiely bags for a diaper bag. It's made of laminated canvas, which sounds a thousand times worse than it is. They're very stylish and modern and would be completely wipeable.

16 years ago

Melody

Active Member

I have a 3yo son and 5yo daughter and *still* use bags/totes to schlep all their stuff around to church and to their grandparents who keep them during the day while we work. I've gone through many, many bags ... it doesn't matter how much you pay, they all get rough looking in the end. I prefer to spend less and replace more often. My favorite bags have been a Gap kid size messenger bag that I used instead of a diaper bag and a Target red pleather tote with pockets on either side (so when sippies/bottles leak/spill, they don't get everything inside wet). Beachy bags are good too.

16 years ago

Ariadne

Veteran

Update update update! I found this gorgeous OiOi bag on Craigslist for $40 and am picking it up tonight:
http://www.oioi.com.au/index.p.....;p=Dots,24

I'm going to return the black Nine West hobo (I have a smaller black leather Lucky hobo that can stand in for it) and put the extra $50 towards MORE BOOTS. Hee hee.

Seriously though, isn't it a pretty bag? I heart it.

16 years ago

Christie

Active Member

Your new bag is really fun!

I loved my small diaper pack like the jujube. I didn't check all the links but it sounds like the munchkin one does the same thing.

16 years ago

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