Anyone used/using regular tote/purse/backpack as diaper bag?

pb_bride

I've been browsing diaper bags both online and in person, and it's hard to know in advance which one(s) will work out for me - me being a FTM planning to do CDing.

OTOH, I have a number of totes, messenger bags, backpacks etc that are sitting around in the closet.  I wonder if I can try using them as a diaper bag instead of spending $ on yet another bag that may or may not suit my lifestyle?

Obviously to do that, I'll need to get a folding changing pad somewhere.  Another issue I have is that none of these bags I own have a dedicated pocket for bottles. 

If you have used a non-diaper bag or planning to use one, what problems did/do you encounter/foresee, and how did/do you work around them?

anngeewhiz

We used a Timbuk2 bag--small at first, then a larger one.  I like that they will hold a spill (kinda great actually).  We used a SkipHop changing pad.

Problems:  no place to put bottles.  Everything got all jumbled up.  Drove me nuts, especially when traveling and DH would just throw things in there. Pros:  easy to clean, fun to design, and didn't scream "DIAPER BAG!!!".  Con:  we also ended up using three different sizes over the course of three years.  But eh.  I love purses ;-)

kelnyc

I have a gray canvas shoulder bag that I use for work. I was thinking the same as you, that I don't really know what I'll need until the time comes, so I got the Skip Hop changer as a shower gift (from my registry) and plan to use that.

Here's the combo:

(3 big pockets inside as well as one small one for your phone, and the shoulder strap is adjustable. I wear it cross-body style.It's also canvas so you can just throw it in the wash.)

This is the Willow style of the changer and fits perfectly inside with plenty of room for a couple of bottles, diapers and a change of clothes or two, in addition to my wallet, phone and glasses case.)

pixieprincss

We planned on just using a small duffel bag we already had but after DS was here we discovered that bags with many smaller compartments are great for finding things quickly, keeping track of what is in the bag, etc. I still don't think it has to be a diaper bag, but they are the bags that are build with all of those extra stash spots. Of course, if  you already have little bags that you could put inside of one large compartment that is another way to approach it.

izziebee

I originally had a Vera Bradley diaper bag but I hated the design of it. I just didn't like carrying a 'diaper bag'. I ended up selling it and instead used a VB Tote. I can't recall the name of the design but it has a zipper to close it plus 6 inside pockets and one small outside pocket. DS is now 2 and I still use it on occasion but I tend to use another VB bag instead that has less pockets. When this one is born I'll use the same bags.

numberonemama

I will most likely use what I have. We technically have a messenger bag that's a diaper bag from the first kid that's fine to use but I didn't like it and prefer my own bags. I will probably pick up or make up a small bag to go in one of my existing my bags to just hold baby stuff.  I will breast feed so hopefully won't need bottles but I can rig something up for sure if need be.  Another option might be to look on Etsy.  I feel like I saw an awesome bag that I think may be a diaper bag (saw it on Pinterest)

Just found it.  I will probably will get this even though I don't technically need it...maybe not this exact one but something from this seller! 

The link is  https://www.etsy.com/listing/78723857/water-proof-cross-body-bag-diaper-bag?ref=af_you_favshop

 

kelnyc

numberonemama:

I will most likely use what I have. We technically have a messenger bag that's a diaper bag from the first kid that's fine to use but I didn't like it and prefer my own bags. I will probably pick up or make up a small bag to go in one of my existing my bags to just hold baby stuff.  I will breast feed so hopefully won't need bottles but I can rig something up for sure if need be.  Another option might be to look on Etsy.  I feel like I saw an awesome bag that I think may be a diaper bag (saw it on Pinterest)

Just found it.  I will probably will get this even though I don't technically need it...maybe not this exact one but something from this seller! 

The link is  https://www.etsy.com/listing/78723857/water-proof-cross-body-bag-diaper-bag?ref=af_you_favshop

 

I had my eye on this one too! But then I realized that it was very similar to the bag I already have.

messyandfun

kelnyc, i LOVE your bag.  Do you mind sharing where you got it from?

erin070804

With my DD I finally evolved into using a backpack only.  It's nice to be "hands free" without a bag weighing you down on one side.  Plus, I find DH is more willing to carry it.  For almost 2 years I used a regular diaper bag.  As big as they are, I never found them to have enough room if that makes any sense!

Jessica Swanlake

Depending on you bag, you can probably use something normal. For instance, I just bought an Orla Kiely diaper bag (off eBay for half price- score!). Sizewise, it is very similar to a bag of hers I already have and has just a few more pockets (her normal bags have tons). I could have gotten away with my normal bag with something like the Skip Hop bottle caddy from Target to clip to the inside and a changing pad and would have been fine.

The thing is, you need a very specific kind of bag for it to work. If you are not a fan of huge purses or don't have an old messenger/backpack, I would just go get a diaper bag. They do make life easier if you can manage to keep them organized.