Ditching the Diaper Bag...Backpack for LO?

jasminelorraine20

LO is 16 months and walks perfectly fine. With that said, I don't really see the need for my oversized diaper bag anymore. Today I ordered LO his very own LL Bean junior backpack with his initials, so on the weekends when we go out, he can wear it on his back or I can. Of course, the straps are adjustable. However, it's for the pre-k age, but I figured if it won't fit him now then I at least have it for later. Am I silly for wanting to get rid of the large diaper bag? Does anyone else not see the need for it anymore? Just curious to know if I might have thrown $40 down the drain today.

aeh72

I still carry a large bag but that's because I've always carried a large purse (it is actually a diaper bag but it just looks like a purse), but I have pared down dramatically the stuff for DS I put in it.  Basically a few diapers, wipes, paci and a burp cloths (for spills) and I throw a random toy in if I think DS might need/want one.  If we're going to be out for the day and away from the car (where I always keep a change a clothes), I throw a change of clothes in the bag too.  So, yes, I think by this age, you can easily ditch a large diaper bag on most days.

And, FWIW, I don't think you could ever throw $40 away on an LL Bean backpack.  Even if it's a little big for your son now, he will be able to carry it for a long time. Those things last forever!

allardr

I rarely take the big diaper bag, only on full day trips or to restaurants. On our errands I just bring a mini clutch thing that holds a diaper, wipes, and disposable pad. Its funny I never got why people listed diaper bag not on necessity list while baby shopping, now I know. We used it a lot first 3 months then it slowly declined. I could have got away with a backpack the whole time or another of my many many bags.

jasminelorraine20

aeh72 said:

I still carry a large bag but that's because I've always carried a large purse (it is actually a diaper bag but it just looks like a purse), but I have pared down dramatically the stuff for DS I put in it.  Basically a few diapers, wipes, paci and a burp cloths (for spills) and I throw a random toy in if I think DS might need/want one.  If we're going to be out for the day and away from the car (where I always keep a change a clothes), I throw a change of clothes in the bag too.  So, yes, I think by this age, you can easily ditch a large diaper bag on most days.

And, FWIW, I don't think you could ever throw $40 away on an LL Bean backpack.  Even if it's a little big for your son now, he will be able to carry it for a long time. Those things last forever!

My thoughts exactly!! Thanks!

skibunny59

We stopped using the diaper bag awhile ago.  DD wants to walk everywhere we go and it just wasn't practical.  I use a backpack and I carry it on my back and put everything in there.  DD enjoys wearing a backpack at home but gets tired of wearing it quickly so I don't think it would work to put diapers and stuff in her backpack when we go out.

25thHour

We bought a mini backpack for DS from Spencer's that has super heroes on it. He carries 2 diapers, a small thing of wipes, and a bib in it. Everything else stays in the car or my purse. He only carries it short distances. If we are out with the stroller it hangs on the back. It is amazing how much stuff we don't need now that he's older.

Irishsapphire

I have two young kids so I still use my Vera Bradley diaper bag. 

But I also have a tote bag with my son's name embroidered on it that I use to keep his extra clothes, wipes, and pullups in.  My 3 year old son sometimes insists to bring his toys with us when we go out. 

BP607

I ordered this bag, and it will be too big for your kid to carry himself, but it is the perfect size if you are downsizing from a larger diaper bag, plus as PP said, those bags last forever!

jasminelorraine20

BP607 said:

I ordered this bag, and it will be too big for your kid to carry himself, but it is the perfect size if you are downsizing from a larger diaper bag, plus as PP said, those bags last forever!

That's what I figured! Either way, I can just carry it on my back and it'll still be his. Thanks!

Critter015

We got DD a mini backpack. I put a few diapers, wipes, change of clothes, bib, sippy cup, and a snack in it. She can't really carry it yet but it is much easier for us to carry and to send with her to Grandma's or the church nursery. I also have a 2 month old so I carry a regular diaper bag with essentials for both kids most of the time.

LEIGHLOVE09

I converted to a backpack as well however I carry it, not DD. It would be too heavy for her.

SandFHasse

I ditched the diaper bag when DD was about 9 months old because it was too big. I now carry a purse by Lily Bloom that's just big enough for her stuff and my stuff. I think its perfect. I guess when LO is born I'm going to have to rethink this.

Mrs.RockyM

I stopped carrying a bigger bag when DD1 was maybe 3.  We switched to a backpack at maybe 1.5 or so, because we didn't need all the blankets, and bottles, and food stuff.  Thing is, you still need diapers, wipes, cream, change of clothes, and a few little things (which you'll continue to need even when they've started potty training).

I'm all for switching to a smaller backpack, but one for you, not your LO.  Kids are not responsible and odds are he's going to lose it or leave it somewhere, or it's going to go missing - when you need it.  No matter what you say, you're going to feel really silly carrying around a small pre-k size backpack on your back all the time. 

punkyshoester

We have this:

https://mbeans.com/skip-hop-zoo-pack-backpack-shark.html?childid=60310&utm_medium=cse&utm_source=google&gclid=CNi0gNXhm7oCFc5FMgodZ0AApA

I take it everywhere and just throw it over my one shoulder. We use it for his daycare bag. We have a little shark lunchie that goes with it.

traveltheworld

I stopped using a diaper bag a while bag and got DS a little backpack.  We end up carrying the littel backpack most of the time.  DS loves having his own littel backpack, but if he carries it with his hands, it drags on the floor; and if we put it on his back, he ends up falling backwards due to the weight of all the diapers, wipers, food etc. in the backpack.  Nevertheless, it works well and it's cute; and hopefully in a few more months he can carry it without falling over :P

Faith 21

I got rid of the diaper bag like at 9 mths. As they get older they don't require as much stuff. I also noticed the bigger the bag the more I am tempted to fill it with unnecessary stuff so if I use a smaller backpack I am not packing nothing but necessities. As long as it works for you and your LO go for it.