talk to me about diaper bags

redshoegirl

OK ladies, the time has finally come where I HAVE to buy a diaper bag. We've been using this portable changing station thingy that someone gave us (kinda looks like a small, rigid backpack), but I now just have too much crap to tote around. 

So my question is (and I know we've discussed this before, but I can't remember the consensus) - should I buy an actual diaper bag, or just a regular oversized handbag?

If I buy an actual diaper bag, I'm eying the Skip Hop Duo Deluxe - it's one of the most recommended double diaper bags on multiples forums and can fit over the extra wide handles on my stroller. But it's not the most fashionable bag out there (it comes in black, charcoal or this stripe):

 

The only advantage I can think of that actual diaper bags have is that they're waterproofed, so if a bottle lid popped off or something (I don't see how it would...but anyway...) then the liquid wouldn't go everywhere. If I bought a regular oversized handbag (don't have one picked out), I'd also buy one of these nifty changing stations to put in it, so I'm not worried about special pockets for diaper storage or anything:

 

 (Would buy this because the one that we're currently using is massive - like I said, it's the size of a small backpack so it would be a huge PITA to lug both it and a diaper bag around - this one is much, much smaller.)

So - diaper bag? Or regular handbag with the changing station?

jaysgirljulie

I like a messenger type bag so that I can put it across my chest. my hands have been full before and the bag I was using slipped off my shoulder making things more hectic than they already were. I imagine you would have that issue of having you hands full big time! It's also easy to keep organized.A back pack type didn't work for me because it kept getting disorganized because it wasn't boxy or square. You might also want to get something that Ben wouldn't mind carrying. 

Not sure if that helps

Married2MrWright

I do the regular tote with changing station (which I DIY'd with a smallish dry bag...I toss in a few dipes, an extra cover (if we're doing CDs otherwise just put in a couple sposies), a flannel backed lap pad that I use to change her on, a small pack of travel wipes (sposie) and an extra outfit (usually just a romper)...I have a smalish tote styled handbag with a divider (it's a zippered pocket down the center)...Libby's stuff goes on oneside, and mine on the other.

When we need to lug more that that we either use the tote that came with my breast pump (Medela Freestyle)...I can fit diapers, clothing, toys, blanket, etc. or the Dad Gear Backpack I bought for J, which holds a TON!  We'll be using it this summer when we travel with Libby to CA.

With twins you might need a dedicated diaper bag to which you can add a small clutch purse of your personal things (phone, keys, lip gloss, etc.)...

Here's my everyday system:

 

Franco Sarto Carlisle Tote in Green Paisely (got mine for $40 at Ross)...it comes with a matching umbrella too! I want to get a black one for this winter!

 

Kushies On The Go Wet Bags - Large

One is filled with clean dipes (CDs + extra cover OR a few sposies depending upon the day/situation), sposie travel size wipes, flannel lap pad (for changing), an extra one-piece outfit and the other bag tucke inside.  We use that bag to contain any wet/dirty items.

Flannel Lap Pad - to change her on (I like these because they fold down small/compact, are larger than regular changing pads that are offered in most diaper bags and are flexible to suit a variety of situations...like in the car, on the floor, on a countertop, etc.)  I got mine from a consignment shop and I have two sizes...a few larger ones like this "bassinet liner" and more that are about the size of a piece of paper (we use those on her changing station at home, in the crib, for nakey time, etc.).  You can just toss them in the laundry too, which is easy!

Walgreen's Renew Baby Wipes - Unscented (they come in this handy travel size and never dry out because the opening snaps closed...love it!)

 

Or

And a toy or two

 

Extra Dipes

 

inamra

I was just checking out the Skip Hop Duo bag last week, along with the Pronto Changing Station. Ultimately, I decided to save some money and (1) use a bag with a waterproof lining that I already had but don't mind getting dirty (since I have too many bags sitting around anyway--might as well put some of them in use!) and (2) use a flannel/multi-purpose pad (like the one Lori suggested) that I can just fold and keep in my diaper bag since $30 for a changing station seemed a little too much for me (although here's a cheaper version of it from First Years).

myday1708

Married2MrWright:

And a toy or two

 

LOL -- Of these 4 toys, we have 3 of them!! Sophie, the Bright Starts rattle and the Baby Einstein music thing. Hahaha. 

myday1708

Lisa -- My friend actually has that striped bag. It was a gift from her husband when she complained that her previous bag, which was a plain gray boxy messenger bag, was too boring and not stylish. To be honest, she was not thrilled with her husband's selection and always says she is not as stylish as those of us with Storksak or cute diaper bags from Hautelook, or whatever, but she says it's better than her first bag and she didn't want to spend more money -- or hurt her husband's feelings since he bought it.

As for whether you get a diaper bag or a regular bag... I really like diaper bags because they tend to have more pockets. And let me tell you, I can fill them up! But I don't think it matters, whatever bag you find that you like. As long as it fits over your stroller handle bars. 

vanceandlori

Like Malia said, it's totally up to you. Diaper bags DO have more pockets, but only you'll know if you will use them. I own a Kate spade db that we bring only because it was pricey. Most of the time I throw things in my regular purse. I will say that the older they get, the more stuff you carry (baby food, toys, snacks, sippy cups)

mrspresley

i think it just depends on what you want to do, either option seems fine obviously. if you decide to go w/a regular bag and want the extra pockets that come w/diaper bags, you could always put a purseket in there.

i always have my purse and then a small diaper bag too but in hindsight i'd rather have a larger diaper bag that could double as my purse too.  the Jessica was recently on babysteals and i was tempted b/c it was only $57 + shipping ...it's a messenger style bag but can also be a backpack.

 

lola808

redshoegirl:

I'd also buy one of these nifty changing stations to put in it, so I'm not worried about special pockets for diaper storage or anything:

 

 

I have this and it's a lot bigger and thicker than I'd expected, so check the dimensions before you buy.  If I were to carry it in my Skip Hop Duo Deluxe bag, it'd take up most of the middle pocket and stick out the top.  Now, I just keep it in my car and use the freebie changing pad the bag came with.  It's not a big deal for me to have my dipes and wipes separately in the bag.

I ended up getting a diaper bag, but I only carry it out when I use the stroller.  The rest of the time, I use a nylon mid-sized purse to tote the necessities.  Since you have twins and need more stuff, a "real" diaper bag or a similarly large waterproof purse would probably get good use.

myday1708

lola808:

redshoegirl:

I'd also buy one of these nifty changing stations to put in it, so I'm not worried about special pockets for diaper storage or anything:

 

 

I have this and it's a lot bigger and thicker than I'd expected, so check the dimensions before you buy. 

I just keep it in my car and use the freebie changing pad the bag came with.  

THIS Exactly 

mrs.winter

We have 3 diaper bags that I've yet to really use.  Like Lori, I throw a few things in my purse but always have the diaper bag with extra diapers/clothes in the car. I have one of those changing stations that has room for a few diapers/wipes case.  I only have one kid so I can't speak of how you'd handle my way for two babies:-)