Babys First Year Blog
My fruitless search for the perfect diaper bag
I am downright confounded by my inability to find a truly great diaper bag. I just can’t seem to find one that really works for me, and as trivial as that sounds, it’s truly a hassle to try to stay organized as a busy working mom with a 4 month old baby (yes, I now accept that G is 4 months old, not 5 months old), as well as a 3 year old who is still sorta, kinda in diapers (we’ve made huge progress lately, but we’re still not there 100%) when I don’t have a diaper bag that really meets my needs.
I bought the bag I am using currently at Target, but it’s turned out to be yet another in a procession of diaper bags that don’t really work for me. I don’t think what I’m looking for should be that hard to find, and yet….
Maybe if I share my diaper bag wishlist, some of y’all can tell me of a bag that really fits the bill. So here goes:
- my dream diaper bag needs to sit up without falling over. I am tired of bags (like the one I have currently) that fall over when placed on the floor, meaning that things spill out, and I lose them.
- It needs to be stylish enough for me to carry anywhere and not look like an idiot. I want something hip, attractive, modern and maybe a little offbeat. Nothing cutesy that screams “baby.” No cartoon characters or diaper pins as part of the fabric design. Definitely no ugly pastels or crayon-ey primary colors.
- The fabric needs to repel moisture and wipe clean relatively easily – inside and out.
- It needs to be big enough but not too big. I want a bag that easily accommodates a change or two of baby clothes, a few cloth diapers (extra bulk) and has a LARGE attached wetbag inside that will bring those same cloth diapers back home after they have been worn. The wetbag needs to be attached so it doesn’t get separated from the bag and lost.
- I’d love for it to have two insulated (!!) pockets to hold bottles.
- It should have a couple of different interior compartments and at least one easily accessed interior pocket with a zipper for finding keys and cell phone quickly.
- The top of the bag should close in such a way that it’s actually closed – meaning it needs to zipper shut or have a flap-over closure. I am tired of diaper bags with a single snap that is supposed to hold the whole bag shut (meaning things fall out the top or are exposed to the world).
- The straps should be wide enough to be comfortable. Bonus points for having shoulder carry and hand carry strap options.
- The changing pad that comes with the bag should fold up easily and compactly enough that you can actually get it back into the bag the same way each time. It should be comfortable for the baby to lie on while being changed.
So there you have it – my diaper bag wishlist. Am I just dreaming? Does such a superbag exist?
Tell me what you love and hate about your own diaper bags in the comments below, and if you have any recommendations for a brand I should check out, let me know about it.
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39 Comments
Robin commented on Nov 11 10 at 10:09 amThe bag I used meets most of your requirements (except the attached wetbag.) I loved it. Bonus that it came with stroller clips, which made it a cinch to hook on places. I got it at Babies R Us, but I have seen it in many other places, including this one: http://www.supercoolbaby.com/archives/2007/02/jj_cole_system_diaper_bag.php
Good luck!
sarzini commented on Nov 11 10 at 10:21 amFleuville Tote perhaps? Nice prints, carries two bottles and diapers/wipes etc. Admittedly it is pricey BUT there are bargain site sales which sell them off.
Katy E commented on Nov 11 10 at 10:37 amI use an oioi diaperbag and really love it. I too use cloth but no diaper bag manufacturer seems to consider that anymore so to make room, I just pulled out the changing pad and that seems to give me plenty of room. I found some small wet bags on amazon and I just keep them in there. Oioi is a little pricey but not as pricey as some and I’ve used mine every day for over a year so I’ve definitely gotten my money’s worth. You can sometimes find them on amazon and overstock. Good luck!
ali commented on Nov 11 10 at 10:38 amI got my diaper bag at Babies R Us, but I know they also have it at Target. So perhaps you have seen it and it’s not what you are looking for, but it seems like it (almost) fits the bill pretty well. It is the JJ Cole Mode diaper bag in “Cocoa Tree”. It has/does everything on your list except the wet bag. (I don’t know if you would be able to find that anywhere?? Unless you have seen it before, but it doesn’t seem likely to me.) I just put my wetbag in one of the side poeckes and its fine/ doesn’t get lost. The other thing is that it has places for bottles, but I don’t think they are insulated. I really like it!
Monika commented on Nov 11 10 at 10:49 amWell, if you drop the requirement for an attached wetbag, I think you could find something that suits…
My favourite was the “emily” by Storksak. Their diaper bags look like chic bags and purses, and so are great if you don’t want to look like you are hauling a diaperbag. I use mine as a purse now that we are all over diapers.
We had zippered wetbags for used cloth diapers which we just kept in the diaperbag, and never had a problem. Also, didn’t use bottles so didn’t go for insulated bottle pockets.
We had them though in our Hopop, which we found to be a lifesaver. Here in Europe, restaurants rarely have high chairs, and the Hopop serves as a booster seat which you can belt on an ordinary chair. It is hardsided though, so it may not be what you are looking for.
Skiphop makes great diaper bags (with almost everything you are looking for including insulated pockets)… check out “It’s now or leather”, “Accidents will happen”, “For a Change”, and “Just the Messenger”.
Good luck!
Lee commented on Nov 11 10 at 10:55 amhttp://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/62134?feat=sr&freeText=diaper bag This is the bag I used through 2 kids and it got LOTS of use and was still good looking enough to sell via craigslist when we finally didn’t need it any more. It does not tip over and it was capacious enough that during a period when I had 2 in diapers (cloth) it held all we needed easily.
Susannah commented on Nov 11 10 at 11:06 amWe used the Land’s End Do-It-All bag, and while it’s pretty nondescript, it may just meet all your superbag requirements; it’s just under $40, too — not bad at all. http://www.landsend.com/pp/DoitallDiaperBag~213834_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::CLN&CM_MERCH=IDX_00018__0000002451&origin=index
Angela commented on Nov 11 10 at 11:49 amCheck out SkipHop – http://www.skiphop.com. They have several different diaper bag choices and reasonable prices. I love that the bags have a lot of different pockets. I have a 3year old and 6 month old and it has been working out great.
Sue commented on Nov 11 10 at 11:58 amI’ve seen some great handmade bags on Etsy — I was in the market recently for both a purse for my daughter and a gym bag, and found some really neat ones there which the makers (what do you call them … sewists? craftspeople?) were able to customize to our liking. Plus I like the idea of supporting a WAH venture as much as possible
Chrissy commented on Nov 11 10 at 11:59 amI had like 2 dozen. Ended up using my hiking backpack, and old North Face. Room for bottles, clothes, toys, plus my stuff.
Clisby commented on Nov 11 10 at 12:08 pmI never used a diaper bag with my two. I also never carry a purse. A small canvas backpack that I sling over one shoulder covered all those needs.
jen commented on Nov 11 10 at 1:22 pmdoesn’t have a wetbag or the insulated pockets but it works otherwise and will (I hope) survive to be a work bag when I no longer need a diaper bag in, oh, 2 years, let’s say. Pricey, but cute and sort-of green.
http://www.queenbee-creations.com/categories/52/items
PlumbLucky commented on Nov 11 10 at 1:31 pmHeh, I attached a small wetbag made by Monkey Doodlez to the inside of my diaper bag. Its a Dad-Gear one…it will hold: Said wetbag (sewn in), a large changing pad, changes of clothing for Babes the Younger and Elder, Cloth diapers and associated shutff for BTY&E, a couple toys, and a blanket. Wipes go in the front dispenser under the flap. I usually shove my wallet in the front pockets that are next to the wipes dispenser. Because of the flap closure, I haven’t had any issues with its occassional “header” – it can tip and I don’t lose anything.
Leslie commented on Nov 11 10 at 1:38 pmThe Lands End Do-It-All diaper bag sounds about right. We used them exclusively for babies 1-4 and they have probably improved on it since then. It has a lifetime guarantee and we did get them to replace it once but felt too guilty to ask for a third one. The only thing is that it is not probably as stylish as what you are looking for, more utilitarian, but certainly not embarrassing to carry, and either a mom or dad can feel comfortable carrying it.
Cheryl commented on Nov 11 10 at 1:41 pmI absolutely LOVE my Loom Marupial bag. http://www.loomlife.com/marsupial.shtml
It is so light I can’t believe it, but it holds its shape, is a wipeable fabric. Mine has a cool giraffe type pattern but it looks like the current styles are plain. There are 4 pokets on the 2 outside and 2 inside corners that can each hold the plastic wipes container, but will also fit a bottle, or my giant wallet, or 3-4 diapers so it was very easy to customize to my needs. Matching foam changing pad, with magnets to keep it closed when not in use. Matching wet bag, which was not completely leak proof (my only complaint). Long exterior back pocket with a magnetic closure that fit books perfectly and similar pocket inside for the changing pad. My daughter has food allergies so I always had to carry extra food with us and this bag held it all, kept it organized and STILL felt light and LOOKED GOOD!!! It even had a key clasp and a pocket that held my cell phone so it was my purse/diaper bag for 2 years. It was a tough decision when I bought it for $50 at consignment and SO glad I did.
Amy commented on Nov 11 10 at 1:47 pmWe got an Eddie Bauer diaper bag about 5 years ago that fits your description, except that the wet bag is probably not large enough. I don’t think they have the same one anymore (this was a messenger-style one) but it’s worth a looksy. Plus. I think that unisex diaper bags should be supported. I’d rather carry a feminine one, but not enough to be the sole diaper-changer.
Julianne Applegate commented on Nov 11 10 at 1:58 pmAll good point. I can honestly say, I have nothing that meets those requirements. Of course, I have not designed a diaper bag yet. I will add your notes to my to do list.
dewi commented on Nov 11 10 at 2:10 pmThe only bag that really meets all the requirements, including you continue to look stylish and fashionable schlepping around a diaper bag!
.Skiphop.
It’s seems as if they are the only bag that families around here use. We are not in cars so an utilitarian but stylish diaper bag is an important.
Amy B. commented on Nov 11 10 at 2:17 pmhttp://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3199292&CAWELAID=255899261
Love it. It doesn’t look like a diaper bag, it’s got inner and outer pockets, an insulated pocket for bottles, wipes clean, stands up on its own, has stroller clips. It’s only missing the attached wetbag. And my husband isn’t ashamed to carry it around, so there’s that.
Tracey commented on Nov 11 10 at 3:34 pmAnother Skiphop-per here! That would definitely be my vote. My only complaint is that the bag itself is on the heavier side, but I think it’s b/c it’s got all of the features you mentioned.
Ashley commented on Nov 11 10 at 3:44 pmhttp://www.dwellstudio.com/designer-baby-boutique/diaper-bags/dots-chocolate-diaper-tote.html
this is the bag i use, and i love it! It doesn’t have the insulated bottle pockets, but you can buy an insulated bottle carrier that matches the bag. the bottle pockets are huge and can easily hold two bottles or a large sippy. the changing pad is great. It has a lot of pockets for different things and a front pocket that is great for keys and the cell phone. The thing it is missing is an attatched wet bag (i just use a gallon sized ziploc and use it until it’s trashed). It’s easy to keep organized and it’s cute!
babs commented on Nov 11 10 at 4:09 pmhttp://www.queenbee-creations.com/
The started out as diaper bags but now also have a line of every-day bags. I love their stuff and it sounds like they’d really fit the bill for you.
SubWife commented on Nov 11 10 at 4:45 pmI agree with Amy. About 4 years ago I bought an Eddie Bauer messenger style bag that fits your description, probably mostly (i am going by memory here – insulated bottle holder, wet bag, nice changing pad, spacious inside, decently looking. But i don’t see them in Babys’R'Us any more. Now they have totes that are similar in description. Maybe worth checking out?
Steph commented on Nov 11 10 at 7:34 pmI couldn’t find one I liked either so I found a nice, larger purse/bag that I really liked, with an outer zip pocket for keys and wallet. Then, and it may sound silly, but I use large Ziploc bags to separate items. One holds everything I need for changing, one for food items, and one for clothes. That way I can just grab whichever bag fits the task at hand and not have to dig around. It’s an inexpensive alternative too…..
Jillian commented on Nov 11 10 at 7:55 pmMy Fleurville does almost everything you want. You don’t mention budget, but these are pricey. I would likely not have bought mine (it was given to me) and yet I’m so glad to have it. It’s stood up well through both my kids. So, if you buy one you can use it for your next baby!
melanie commented on Nov 11 10 at 8:10 pmafter several failed bags, we bought this:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2748983besides the wetbag, i think it suits all or most of your needs. we love it.
Jenny commented on Nov 11 10 at 8:17 pmFor durability I love my Maggie Bags diaper bag. Durable, eco friendly and stylish.
Liz in TO commented on Nov 11 10 at 9:10 pmCheck out the Tuk Tuk Carry-All bag by Lug. While ‘big enough but not too big’ is hard to measure, I think this has everything you want.
S commented on Nov 11 10 at 11:26 pmHas everything you mentioned. Although, the wet bag isn’t real large.
dr.becky commented on Nov 11 10 at 11:55 pmCo-signing on the above post. I love the tuk tuk by LUG! It has all the right compartments, plus an external zip compartment for smelly clothes and diapers. It comes with a small change pad and wet bag. Plus they have great customer service. I had a small problem with my first one and the company sent me a FREE replacement! It is so great and light I use it as a carry-on even when I am travelling sans bebe. http://www.luglife.com/Tuk-Tuk-Carry-All-Bag
Jen (yup, another one) commented on Nov 12 10 at 12:10 amYou could probably get someone on Etsy to make one to your specs. Wouldn’t an attached wetbag get really smelly? We wash our wetbags with the dipes. Anyway, if someone were doing a custom, they could make a snap-in wetbag which I think would solve your concerns about losing it, but make it easy to clean. Also, now that my “baby” is 2, sometimes I just take the wetbag with a clean dipe and a few wipes inside – so if you had a snap out one, you’d have that option in the future for quick errands.
LilliMa commented on Nov 12 10 at 12:58 amI use a JuJuBe and really love it. I threw it in the washing machine with no ill effects. Am not citing the model because I really wanted a small bag, but they have larger ones that look great. I particularly like the outside pocket for my wallet/keys/cell phone/sunglasses; that was a must-have for me.
Robin commented on Nov 12 10 at 1:07 amI think you are looking for a Ju-Ju-Be bag – maybe a BeAll. http://www.ju-ju-be.com/products/messengers.html
There is a great forum at the site too, great for buying used bags and for getting recommendations from been there/done that mamas! :)
mamaseoul commented on Nov 12 10 at 5:08 amI like Baby Kaed. I have the City Mom:
http://www.babykaed.com/collection/index.html#city
The City Mom is a medium sized bag.
and the Shyla is a full sized bag:
https://store.babykaed.com/Shyla_c_14.html
Nanette commented on Nov 12 10 at 12:02 pmGoGaga Bag (http://www.gogagalife.com/slide.aspx). Awesome bag.
Katie commented on Nov 12 10 at 3:19 pmI love my fleurville…but it’s too small for cloth–I usually just toss a wet/dry bag in the car when we’re out. Recently, baby and I have been having to take one-day airplane trips, and I needed something that could hold all the crap I could need in a day, while traveling with baby (we gate check the stroller/carseat, but nothing else). Enter the the Land’s End do-it-all. It isn’t particularly pretty, but it doesn’t scream baby. But—I can get up to 8 bottles in there, and still have spare pockets for extra diapers, wipes, toys, a change of clothes, etc. There’s a super handy front pocket that’s great for a cell phone. If I’m using flips (or the like, where all you change is the insert), the attached wetbag will work (I abandon the hippie-dom and use disposables for airplane travel :) ). Otherwise, there’s plenty of room for my own wetbag. All in all, it’s a great bag.
Cheryl commented on Nov 13 10 at 10:30 pmWe’ve been pretty pleased with DiaperDude (http://www.amazon.com/Diaper-Dude-Messenger-Bag-Black/dp/B001AYXM82/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1289705363&sr=8-2). They have some other models that might be worth checking out, too.
Stacey commented on Mar 01 11 at 4:24 pmI third the JuJuBe recommendations. I would suggest specifically their BFF bag. It has grab handles, a messenger strap and backpack straps (although I wouldn’t plan on using it full time as a backpack, not as comfy as a regular backpack). It has two insulated bottle pockets, an included changing pad, with two simple folds to get it back into its specified pocket. The fabric is wipeable but also completely machine washable. There is a zipper closure, with two zippers, so you can either just open the top, or open the whole front/side (there are gusests so nothing falls out. It stands up on its own, with metal feet, so your bag doesn’t get dirty/worn. Its got a two outer pockets for mom, one for keys, wallet, etc. and one specifically lined with soft material for phone/camera. The only thing it doesn’t have is the attached wet bag, but I’m with others…I would just sew one in if you want it attached.
Heather commented on Mar 24 11 at 5:07 pmI’m definitely going for a JuJuBe with this next baby! I 4th the recommendation! They’re very innovative and seriously have pretty much thought of everything when making these bags!!! Slightly more diaper bag like than some of the other options out there, but at least they have cool prints, several carrying options for each bag, and now that I have a 3 year old and a little one on the way, I understand the need for having 2 hands available so one that quickly converts to a backpack, a type of diaper bag I used to despise, is very intriguing!
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