What Makes a Good Diaper Bag?

henderson1026 · June 2013

My mom is buying me one and asked for ideas on what I like in the 200-300 price range.

Any ideas/suggestions on a good one? I don't want such an expensive bag to turn into a waste of money.

NiksMama · June 2013

I loathe diaper bags and gave mine up after a couple months in favor of a large black purse with lots of pockets. I felt more like me while carrying it and didn't have to mess around with moving my wallet and keys from bag to bag whenever I went someplace without DS.

CelticWife · June 2013

I love my petunia pickle bottom touring tote. It works perfectly for me. It is actually my fourth bag, because I kept trying cheaper ones and getting frustrated with them.

I hate the huge bags because things get lost in the bottom. I EBF, though, so I dont need the space for bottles, formula, etc.

I also really like DH's Diaper Dude bag. It is super convenient

mrsf123 · June 2013

I got a Kate Spade diaper bag that looks more like a large purse. I love it! I Wouldn't want to walk around with an ugly bag with a big picture of Winnie the Pooh or something. At the end of the day, I'm the one being seen carrying it! What makes it better than just using a purse is that it's water proof and has side pockets for bottles. DH thought he'd be embarrassed carrying it and want to use something else, but for the few times he's been alone with her, it hasn't been an issue.

I personally think all you need is a place to keep a bottle upright and the rest is up to you.

MommyAmes2 · June 2013

Love my petunia pickle bottom city carryall! I cannot wait to use it!!!

manditxg · June 2013

I got a PPB bag since I wanted something that looked like a purse but could hold everything I needed. my purse right now consists of my wallet, cell phone, and spare change so when LO is with me I'll only need the diaper bag so I didn't want it to look like a diaper bag. I also plan on breast feeding and cloth diapering so I won't need to have bottles with me but the cloth diapers take up a lot of room in there. I think it would be too small if I did need to take bottles for any reason though. we'll see when the time comes I guess.

crogers19 · June 2013

I don't like bags that are "cavernous" on the inside it makes it a pain trying to find stuff. I also think a water proof liner is important ds and ds's buddies have managed to spill stuff inside and my first bag, a ppb, wasn't water proof. That was fun cleaning...

lkobriant · June 2013

mrsf123:
I got a Kate Spade diaper bag that looks more like a large purse. I love it! I Wouldn't want to walk around with an ugly bag with a big picture of Winnie the Pooh or something. At the end of the day, I'm the one being seen carrying it! What makes it better than just using a purse is that it's water proof and has side pockets for bottles. DH thought he'd be embarrassed carrying it and want to use something else, but for the few times he's been alone with her, it hasn't been an issue.
I personally think all you need is a place to keep a bottle upright and the rest is up to you.

This exactly! I love my Kate Spade diaper bag, and at the outlet was less than $200. DH has his own bag just because he'll have LO at least one full day a week and refuses to carry mine (not that I blame him). I really think it's your call. As long as you can fit the necessities (whatever that means to you) you're good.

BellaOso · June 2013

I have a Petunia Pickle Bottom, Boxy Backpack that I bought a few months ago - and I LOVE IT. It is well within (slightly under,) the mentioned range if you can find one you like. I tried a few other bags and cheaper bags, but I love this thing. Sometimes I hug it. My DH loves it too, and DD used to hate public bathroom changes, but the little changing table in the backpack has a thick pad and the material is softer than in other bags - now she doesn't fuss at all. It's also attached to the bag, yet still easy to clean.

It comes in crazy patterns - which I love, and plainer ones and even a few solids. The material is wipeable and doesn't show any wear. (We aren't delicate around here.) We took it on several airplane rides and it holds up great. Has an option to be a "purse / messenger bag," or "backpack". Strap is a great length to hang from stroller bar, an appropriate number of pockets and places to put stuff.

I got this a few months after I found out I was pregnant for the 2nd time. I wish I had just bit the bullet the first time because I would have more months to use this bag. I told DH, "If I am going to have to carry a diaper bag for the next 2 years or so - I'm going to carry something I really love." And I do!

henderson1026 · June 2013

Thanks girls! I love the MJ Eliz-a-baby and it seems like it fits the description most of you are talking about. I've also got a Kate Spade and PPB as runners up - now I just have to see what Mom says.

WildRumpus · June 2013

I love Timi & Leslie bags-they look like big purses, but have all of the space you would need inside for baby items. I'm bummed they discontinued the one I wanted, but I'm hoping I can find it on Amazon or Ebay for cheap.

ETA: This is the one I've got my eye on:

https://www.amazon.com/timi-leslie-Rachel-Convertible-Diaper/dp/B004J35KGI

aquangel · June 2013

I registered for a Ju Ju Be BFF. Lots of mommies on my local board really like it (even over the popular PPB Boxy) for its versatility of wearing styles - backpack, messenger, shoulder. It has lots of organizational pockets (including a mommy organizer so no need for a separate purse) and comes it cute prints and easy to clean. I heard it holds a good amount without seeming giant, too.

tarapike86 · June 2013

I have a couple of 31 brand organizing totes. I love the prints and the price. I also got them personalized with our last name. They have pockets outside that fit a bottle perfectly

boymamaco · June 2013

I love StorkSak's bags. Originally I got an Elizabeth but due to the leather it was already heavy even before I packed it. Also I was worried I'd want pockets on the outside. I love the streamlined look of it but think I might want soething more functional. So... I exchanged it for the Olivia. Pockets on the outside/inside and its nylon so starts out weighing less. I really have no idea what I'll want/need so hopefully this will suffice.

Brewsbabymama · June 2013

I got a super cute PPB bag on their outlet website when someone mentioned it a while back on this board. I am not really a purse kind of person so was looking for a cute messenger style bag. Mine was $75 with shipping on their site but I picked a less expensive type. I believe my friend just purchased a regular coach purse at the outlet mall and used that as her diaper bag. So maybe just send her several pics of styles you like.

WheeLinTheSky3 · June 2013

I got a black diaper bag from Vera bradley. It is waterproof inside, has plenty of pockets and tons of room. It has a flat bottom which makes it easy to keep it upright and to search for items. I would also say that pockets on the outside are essential for me as well to keep bottles when they are younger and I keep a bottled water there now for his cup when we're on the go.

V&G101808 · June 2013

mrsf123:

I got a Kate Spade diaper bag that looks more like a large purse. I love it! I Wouldn't want to walk around with an ugly bag with a big picture of Winnie the Pooh or something. At the end of the day, I'm the one being seen carrying it! What makes it better than just using a purse is that it's water proof and has side pockets for bottles. DH thought he'd be embarrassed carrying it and want to use something else, but for the few times he's been alone with her, it hasn't been an issue.

I personally think all you need is a place to keep a bottle upright and the rest is up to you.

I also got a Kate Spade diaper bag that can easily double as a regular large sized purse once I'm done using it as a diaper bag.

My next option would have been a Petunia Picklebottom Purse. I fell in love with their cake line.

Not as cute or fancy but I've heard great reviews about the Skip Hop bags.

SarahKate31 · June 2013

Lots and lots and lots of pockets! Insulated pockets for bottles/cups are even better. I love the Skip Hop bags, but they aren't designer or super expensive.

virginiamama85 · June 2013

Pockets, for me, are what make a good diaper bag! I had a cheapy one before and I hated it because there was never a designated place to put stuff and I always spent so much time digging through to find something. My mothers day gift was a PPB backpack and I LOVE it. We have already used it a few times (I dont generally need a diaper bag with DS anymore) and I cannot wait to use it for this LO. I love all the pockets it has, inside and out, and I love that it can be used as a backpack. I wore DS a lot and having a shoulder bag was sometimes hard to carry, so I can see the backpack being super convenient for that too. Also, buy a bag that YOU would like to carry around. Sometimes I already had my wallet, chapstick, and "stuff" already in the diaper bag and didnt want to transfer it over to my purse even if I was out and about on my own, haha. So something that you like, or something that could even pass for a purse, would also be a nice perk.

vintageutopia · June 2013

For me, it was the following:

MANY pockets, so I didn't have to dig through the bag to find the small things that would otherwise fall to the bottom.

Messenger-style strap, so I could have both hands free.

Durable fabric, that either could be wiped down or spot cleaned easily.

That.Just.Happened · June 2013

Lots of pockets, a surface/material that can easily be wiped down (i.e. not something that is cloth or leather), good/long straps. The size is a personal choice, I found that I didn't end up needing to cart around nearly as much stuff as I thought, so I am glad I didn't get a huge one. But some people want to cart around a ton, so they need a huge one. I liked that mine had one big open area in the middle, then the sides were lined with tons of pockets, including 2 that were thermal to keep a bottle or sippy cup. Make sure there is a good sized, accessible pocket on the outside for you to put your wallet, phone, keys in unless you also want to carry a purse. Make sure it is designed in such a way that it is easy to hook onto your stroller.

I actually never use my diaper bag anymore. I just throw a diaper, a small thing of travel wipes, and some snacks into my purse. I have been doing that since DD was about 8 or 10 months old. The exception is when have a long day out (i.e. in the fall when we go tailgating/to football games). Then I will bring the diaper bag because I have the potential to need a lot more things and I don't have a way to easily go get them (at like a store) if I don't bring them with.

This is the one I have. I like that it looks like a purse, and I have gotten a ton of compliments on it: https://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Studio-Diaper-Pewter/dp/B002UXR530/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370543394&sr=8-1&keywords=skip+hop+studio+diaper+bag

Millie1984 · June 2013

lkobriant:
mrsf123:
I got a Kate Spade diaper bag that looks more like a large purse. I love it! I Wouldn't want to walk around with an ugly bag with a big picture of Winnie the Pooh or something. At the end of the day, I'm the one being seen carrying it! What makes it better than just using a purse is that it's water proof and has side pockets for bottles. DH thought he'd be embarrassed carrying it and want to use something else, but for the few times he's been alone with her, it hasn't been an issue.
I personally think all you need is a place to keep a bottle upright and the rest is up to you.
This exactly! I love my Kate Spade diaper bag, and at the outlet was less than $200. DH has his own bag just because he'll have LO at least one full day a week and refuses to carry mine (not that I blame him). I really think it's your call. As long as you can fit the necessities (whatever that means to you) you're good.

This!! I am a FTM, but I have been researching and I love the Kate Spade bags. I will have to google PPB bags, have actually never heard of them. Basically I want something that is roomy and functional but that still looks like a cute bag.

MommyKristin88 · June 2013

Wow, 200-300 dollars for a diaper bag! You should have a lot of great choices!!! Mine was like $50 at Walmart lol. I only used it for a few weeks though, because I switched to using a big purse I already owned.

Anyway, having a lot of pockets and space were important for me.

babyfoodtarget · June 2013

I cant find one I like just yet. :X

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