Diaper Bag Dilema

SLKnight315 · December 2014

hello. I'm a FTM and my husband and I are having trouble with the diaper bag situation. I found a diaper bag organizer to insert into my purse which I love (I have no desire to carry an actual diaper bag) but he is concerned about what he'll carry if I'm not there. I think it will be annoying to carry a seperate purse and diaper bag- that's a lot to carry.

I plan to breastfeed and I think it'll be somewhat rare for him to leave the house with the baby alone... But is it crazy and too much of a hassle to have a seperate diaper bag for him? Could he get away with a stocked bin in the truck of his car?

Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated!

walshbunnie · December 2014

My husband had a backpack with diaper essentials in it. Whenever he carries my purse or diaper bag I get a good laugh though.

angielayne926 · December 2014

We got two diaper bags- one girly that I can use as a diaper bag/purse and a backpack style that DH will carry if we're out together or he is by himself.

sammyca · December 2014

My DH has his own. It was my original diaper bag but he took it over when I purchased a new one. I think it's a little girly but he's pretty beefy so he gets away with it.

blu-eyedwife · December 2014

Mine also just used a good ole Jansport backpack when he went solo with the kid.

Ltpugs · December 2014

My DH has his own diaper bag.

leenziepops · December 2014

SLKnight315 said:

hello. I'm a FTM and my husband and I are having trouble with the diaper bag situation. I found a diaper bag organizer to insert into my purse which I love (I have no desire to carry an actual diaper bag) but he is concerned about what he'll carry if I'm not there. I think it will be annoying to carry a seperate purse and diaper bag- that's a lot to carry. I plan to breastfeed and I think it'll be somewhat rare for him to leave the house with the baby alone... But is it crazy and too much of a hassle to have a seperate diaper bag for him? Could he get away with a stocked bin in the truck of his car? Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated!

I hadn't thought about this but now I really want to get a super girly feminine bag just so I can giggle over seeing my macho alpha male DH carry it.

sideboth · December 2014

Skiphop makes unisex diaper bags. Good quality as well. What I will be buying this time around as well and my DH never had an issue using it.

CMSullivan326 · December 2014

Pffftttt. DH is gonna rock the Vera Bradley Diaper Bag just like I am & he has no problem with it. He did the same thing with a different Vera bag when I had DS.

Mama-Bear · December 2014

DH never needed a diaper bag. If he left with the kids without me at that age he usually wasn't gone long enough (or far enough) for it to be an issue. What probably happened more than that was me leaving him home with the kids while I was out, but then he had everything he needed here.

I carried a diaper bag with DS1 and honestly it was such a waste. With our twins I used the free diaper bag from the hospital and kept it in my car with diapers, wipes, bottles, and formula, then I carried my normal purse. It wasn't very often that we were out and they needed a change or anything and then I didn't have to carry it around. Usually we were home, at IL's, or not gone long enough to need a change or feed.

ktbear9512 · December 2014

brennazesquire said:

SNIP

Also, I seriously recommend getting a phone case that has a wallet, too. Most days I don't need a purse, I just grab my phone/wallet, lip gloss and car key goes in my wallet and I'm good to go. It's very freeing and I have learned that I don't need 80% of what was in my purse (unless DS is with me, because he has medication that we need to keep with him, but that's a different issue). It will make it easier when I have a diaper bag to carry, too, because it's that much less to transfer back and forth.

This is true for me. We have 1 diaper bag and DH has no problem carrying it. I just have a wallet/wristlet that I throw into the diaper bag and don't bother carrying a purse.

Kiki119 · December 2014

This thread got me thinking and asked my DH if he needs a manly diaper bag.. His response was "didn't u already get one?" The one I got he thinks that it was manly and doesn't mind carrying even without me... The thought of having a sep diaper bag really confused him....

But I think that may change when LO gets here

walshbunnie · December 2014

@brennazesquire‌ I had a Stevie bag that has held up really well -use it as a gym tote and overnight bag now. Not sure which one you are treating yourself to.
This time I'm going to splurge on a huge bag I've been lusting after, no way I can fit toddler tablets, sippy cups, size 5 diapers and baby stuff all in a diaper bag. I also recommend the phone wallet or a small wallet/bag that drops in for your personal stuff when you are running into the store or going out without baby.

elvinnoe · December 2014

DH had his own with DD. I used mine more as a purse and didn't feel like taking my wallet, makeup, etc out just because he was taking DD somewhere without me.

taboullio84 · December 2014

I use a regular book sack....

crashski13 · December 2014

I used a diaper bag with DS1 with DS2 I tried so hard with a messenger style but by then DS1 had his own little back pack he took places. I have found its much easier to just pack up my north face back pack. No matter how much Sh*t I pack in that thing it's still trim light and I can still squish and shove it under the stroller. I won't ever ever ever use a "normal" diaper bag again.

ktpatter · December 2014

I just asked DH if he wanted his own "man bag" since mine will be girlie and he said "what? No I don't care - it's for the baby." Hopefully he doesn't change his mind when I actually pick it out!

emaddock · December 2014

I bought my DH a manly diaper bag and I think he has used it 2 times. He usually takes diaper:wipes/clothes:etc with him

tiffbot1985 · December 2014

We share a bag, H wasn't concerned and I didn't get anything fancy anyway. Now that we're more organized and DS is older I usually just have extra diapers/wipes in my purse and if H is going anywhere alone with him he still takes the diaper bag.

erbear84 · December 2014

I have a vera Bradley bag MIL bought me and H said he has no problem carrying it around. So...hopefully no separate bag!

laurendutch · December 2014

I bought a SkipHop bag for my diaper bag. I think it's not too girly. For my twin boys we just used a backpack. Also they usually will give you a backpack at the hospital. Last time it was plain black (no logos) and was insulated.

housewifebecomesher · December 2014

We have a petunia pickle bottom I found in almost new condition at a thrift sale, and it's black with a gray pattern and a little yellow on it. Not super girly. It goes where DD goes, but that may change with #2 if I don't go back to work. Carrying both a purse and diaper bag is a pain. But switching back and forth was worse in my opinion.

BTW highly recommend the bag. I love the backpack straps, it's all washable or wipeable, you can use the changing pad on top of public changing tables when LO is small, and you can do most of the zipping/unzipping and opening/closing with one hand (something I never thought of before I had a child!)

rvasq · December 2014

Santa brought me a gorgeous Kate Spade diaper bag, all black. My DH has mentioned he'd like his own, but I think that'd be too much of a hassle to have two. He has no room to complain now that it's all black. I carry a zipper wristlet that fits my phone, and will just toss that into the diaper bag instead of using a separate purse.

rvasq · December 2014

@brennazesquire‌ I got the KS Sasha diaper bag, reminds me of the Stevie. I absolutely LOVE it, the size it perfect. You should look into it

blu-eyedwife · December 2014

brennazesquire said:

@walshbunny - I can't decide which print. I LOVE the poppy one, and there is a pretty floral pattern. My alternatives are the polka dot or the plain black (which he would probably carry without a second thought). Unfortunately it looks like they discontinued the Stevie style, so it's a PITA to find many options from reputable places. I'm glad you said yours has held up, I love the look, but I don't know anyone who has owned it long enough to know how it will fare.

On a side note, I got really irked at him just before Christmas over this. He was in San Fran, swung by a Kate Spade store, and sent me about 10 photos of the stevie bag, talked to the manager about it, etc., but didn't buy it. The manager even offered him 30% off. I thought for sure I was getting it for Christmas after that, and he just didn't want to tell me. But nope. He's just a meanie

I got my Kate Spade Stevie at an outlet - you should check. There's one in Camarillo, Cabazon, and Carlsbad, depending on which direction you want to drive. This is the one I have. I love it. I used it as a purse when I didn't need to carry diapers anymore and it will return to its diaper bag use come June.

LadySif · December 2014

DH just takes my lovely Petunia Pickle Bottom Cake diaper bag when needed, too big of a pain to change it out. He most often just leaves it in the car or stashes it under the stroller so it isn't a big deal. But really, he's chasing a 2-year-old so it is pretty obvious - his manhood has never been questioned.

If he really has a problem with it or will be using it a lot, I vote for the @blu-eyedwife method - just have him use a backpack. Load it up with the free sample size stuff you get from the hospital for diaper cream etc. and a couple chux pads he can just throw away after one use for public restroom/car diaper changes, obviously a couple diapers and a trial pack of wipes and call it good.

walshbunnie · December 2014

@blu-eyedwife‌ LOVE that green pattern! I have a black and white print with a red and tan stripe down the center. That stinks that they have discontinued the Stevie style. The side pockets were so handy for bottles, keys and phone.

KimberlyandThor2014 · December 2014

These: https://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/JUMBO-S-TYPE-VERSIPACK-29p54.htm

Make awesome, awesome diaper bags, especially for men because of the look and practicality for use far beyond the diaper bag years. DH actually bought me one for Xmas because it is so versatile I love it. On the site there are more pics you can actually see all the room/compartments inside the bag. I can't wait to use mine!

IsadoraB · December 2014

I asked my husband if he wanted a "man" diaper bag and he didn't see the point in having two. Then again, I really wasn't interested in carrying something feminine and girly (not really my style) so we both decided on this Ju-Ju-Be BFF Bag (in black,) mainly because it is machine washable and I've heard great reviews on it.

Bednarova · December 2014

I only wanted one diaper bag between the two of us, and only cared that it be a messenger style, and left the rest up to DH. We ended up with a black messenger diaper bag. I dislike purses, so my wallet, keys and sunglasses go in the bag too.

other than some dirt/dust, it's in fine shape for #2.

kyleegail89 · December 2014

laurendutch said:
I bought a SkipHop bag for my diaper bag. I think it's not too girly. For my twin boys we just used a backpack. Also they usually will give you a backpack at the hospital. Last time it was plain black (no logos) and was insulated.

That is the EXACT bag I'm getting! I fell in love with it! I also have a bigger Kate Spade bag that I'll use for longer trips/overnight stays.

poppyc8 · December 2014

I found the diaper bag completely unnecessary and a waste of money. We just use a cute reusable canvas shopping bag now and it's fine.

amooraxo · December 2014

housewifebecomesher said:

We have a petunia pickle bottom I found in almost new condition at a thrift sale, and it's black with a gray pattern and a little yellow on it. Not super girly. It goes where DD goes, but that may change with #2 if I don't go back to work. Carrying both a purse and diaper bag is a pain. But switching back and forth was worse in my opinion. BTW highly recommend the bag. I love the backpack straps, it's all washable or wipeable, you can use the changing pad on top of public changing tables when LO is small, and you can do most of the zipping/unzipping and opening/closing with one hand (something I never thought of before I had a child!)

I splurged and ordered the big boxy Petunia Pickle Bottom from Nordstrom (it's sitting at my moms house in the US until I go see her). I also got the additional hooks that attach it to the stroller. I read countless diaper bag reviews and heard almost 100% good things for this bag so we went with it. I also got it in a gray/neutral color so we will be able to use it for either boy or girl and will keep it for if we have other children. I'm excited to check it out.

amooraxo · December 2014

This is the

Petunia Pickle Bottom

'Abundance Boxy' Glazed Backpack Diaper Bag

mrsswashbuckle · December 2014

Living in nyc and planning to go back to work shortly after baby we need more than one bag. My husband has the Timbuktu diaper bag which he loves and uses already. I will get the skip hop diaper bag and a ju ju be bag for my breast pump. I didn't want too many bags but with the different schedules (I will drop off lo on my way to work, dh gets out earlier than me and will pick lo up) we each needed a bag and since I am choosing to pump at work I need a breast pump bag.

TeacherMama7 · December 2014

I love the skip hop diaper bags but I don't know which one I want! Anyone have experience with their different models?

hjdaniels0415 · December 2014

We are getting two diaper bags. My husband will be with the baby all day while I'm at work and then I'll be with baby evenings while he is at work. We really both need to have a bag. Knowing both of us we will take our baby shopping often and to visit with others. Both of us registered for bags just in case we don't find some we love. I'll stop using a purse and just use the diaper bag. My husband is more excited than I am to take the baby places. He can't wait to wear our baby to Wegmans (grocery store). He talks about it all the time. I'm so glad he's super excited because he's gonna be home all day with out sweet lil one!

rizkids · December 2014

I want to get this diaper bag. Seems functional and unisex.

https://us.soyoung.ca/collections/charlie-bags

missjenniebean · December 2014

We actually discussed this. We are gonna get one that is unisex, mainly so he can carry it when he is with the baby and partly BC I hate girly looking things! Haha ill put my wallet in it and rid of the million useless things that tend to pile in my purse.