BTDT Moms - Diaper Bags

smushi · December 2015

Looking for input on diaper bag options.

With my first LO we got the Skip Hop Duo, which is a nice looking bag, but it's very deep and skinny, which means you have to go digging to the bottom for things you're looking for. I also highly doubt it will be enough for two kiddos under 2, so I'm looking for a better option with more visible holding space so things aren't getting lost.

Has anyone had any experience with Jujube bags? I'm currently looking at this Legacy BFF diaper bag in First Lady color. However, it looks smaller, so I'm wondering if the Be Prepared version in the same color would be better for two kiddos.

BTDT moms, especially with 2U2, do you have any bag recommendations?

Parker16772 · December 2015

I used this one with DS1 and I really liked it. I used it for two yeasr and it is still in really good condition. I liked that it didn't necessarily look like a diaper bag.

Image: https://assets.babycenter.com/ims/2014/01/Product-TimiAndLeslie-HannahDiaperBag1.jpg?pad=true&width=320&height=320

It's a timi and leslie and comes with changing pad. Could be kind of hard to find things inside.

DH got me the petunia pickle bottom one I wanted for Christmas. I obviously haven't used it but I think I will like it.
Plenty big and lots of pockets to keep everything organized.

Image: https://www.petunia.com/media/catalog/product/cache/3/image_category_rollover/300x/17f82f742ffe127f42dca9de82fb58b1/m/i/mini-berkshire-lifestyle.jpg

smount2011 · December 2015

This time we want a backpack diaper bag. DH walks everywhere, and will have the baby during the day so he needs something he can carry around without feeling like a big girl. Then we will cary a couple spare changing pads w/ diapers in the car and in my big teacher bag.

ETA: major fails today...

skruhmin · December 2015

@smushi I LOVE my bff for 2 kids. Upgrading to BePrepared for 3 kids. I'm actually selling my BFF with a changing pad, messenger strap, backpack straps for $80 if interested - absolutely great condition - washed and no animals.

CalebsHabibi · December 2015

I just had my shower and got a BFF! I absolutely love it. It's a great size and literally THE nicest diaper bag I have ever seen. Extra pluses: machine washable and converts from messenger to backpack. My cousin just had her first baby in October and she told me that the BFF was too small. She carries around this HUMONGOUS backpack everywhere she goes. It's ridiculous looking. I talked to my mom and she said the BFF would be PLENTY of space and my cousin overpacks. If you have 2 kids, I would at least watch the video to make sure it would be big enough for you. I don't see why not though, to me it's huge.

red3ye · December 2015

I keep 2 bags. I only have 1 right now but I think I will continue to use the same strategy for the twins. One large diaper bag packed for overnights and longer trips. 1 backpack bag (it hold a little less) packed for errands.

SarahFoley725 · December 2015

charley15 said:

This time we want a backpack diaper bag. DH walks everywhere, and will have the baby during the day so he needs something he can carry around without feeling like a big girl. Then we will cary a couple spare changing pads w/ diapers in the car and in my big teacher bag.

ETA: major fails today...

We are getting this one too!

J234 · December 2015

I have a nice one that is more like a purse and then I have a backpack... It really helps when they are walking (or running away from you) to have a backpack. I recommend getting a nice diaper bag for you and then getting a backpack for utilitarian purposes later (or if you have an older kiddo!)

jenniferamcooper · December 2015

I have one kiddo and I cloth diaper and find my timi and Leslie is the perfect size. I love that it fits a ton of stuff and looks like an actual purse. I've used it as a carry on twice (sans baby flights) and have had a ton of compliments. I have a coach hook up for 1/2 off products (thank you manager friend!) and preferred the timi and Leslie as its not real leather so it's significantly lighter. We're always on-the-go so weight was definitely important to me. I also loved the clip-in clutch which I've been using for 2 years.

I usually carry a toy or two, change of clothes, 3 dipes, wet bag, wipes and snacks. You seriously don't need a giant bag for all that and there was plenty of room to add bottles if you FF and when LOs relfux was bad I always had a shirt for me (and an extra infinity scarf I used as a nursing cover).

The one I had is bottom right and probably discontinued because I've had it for 2 and a half years.

jenniferamcooper · December 2015

I have one kiddo and I cloth diaper and find my timi and Leslie is the perfect size. I love that it fits a ton of stuff and looks like an actual purse. I've used it as a carry on twice (sans baby flights) and have had a ton of compliments. I have a coach hook up for 1/2 off products (thank you manager friend!) and preferred the timi and Leslie as its not real leather so it's significantly lighter. We're always on-the-go so weight was definitely important to me. I also loved the clip-in clutch which I've been using for 2 years.

I usually carry a toy or two, change of clothes, 3 dipes, wet bag, wipes and snacks. You seriously don't need a giant bag for all that and there was plenty of room to add bottles if you FF and when LOs relfux was bad I always had a shirt for me (and an extra infinity scarf I used as a nursing cover).

The one I had is bottom left and probably discontinued because I've had it for 2 and a half years.

Edit to add: I haven't been using as of late for short trips around the city (library, play dates, park, etc) because LO is almost 2 and is obsessed with his skip hop zoo doggie backpack. Hubby likes to joke that he's a fan of our LO finally pulling his own weight lol

Katherine8908 · December 2015

All I have to say is pretty similar to what others have said .. Make sure you love the bag you choose! for me the diaper bag replaced my purse altogether so I didn't want one that screamed hey I'm a diaper bag but not nice enough to to worry if it got dirty or somthing spilled in it And make sure it has lots of compartments for organizing so you are not digging for ages to find what you need

GraciesMom189 · December 2015

For my first I had a Kiplig baby bag which I loved, but I got a pottery barn backpack on her first birthday which is even more practical! I want another backpack for this little guy. Either pottery barn or initials inc.

smushi · December 2015

Katherine8908 said:

All I have to say is pretty similar to what others have said .. Make sure you love the bag you choose! for me the diaper bag replaced my purse altogether so I didn't want one that screamed hey I'm a diaper bag but not nice enough to to worry if it got dirty or somthing spilled in it And make sure it has lots of compartments for organizing so you are not digging for ages to find what you need

I love my purse so I carry it along with the diaper bag - it is big enough to hold a few things if the trip is quick, so we can leave the diaper bag in the car. I'm definitely looking for a bag this time around that is not as skinny as my last one. I'm going to go 'meet' some Jujube bags today to see which size will work better.

cmerribury · December 2015

I got a Coach diaper bag for my shower with my son and it turned out to be perfect. It's HUGE, which works out really well for me since I cloth diaper (and those mamma jammas take up a lot of room). They don't sell the one I have anymore, and I didn't buy it, so I don't know how much it cost. But I just love that it's huge. That's my only input, LOL!

jenniferamcooper · December 2015

@cmerribury you must have some awesome friends and family or live close to an outlet! In canada the canvas and leather ones are $495.
I'm still contemplating getting the navy one they have out now if I can get over the weight. I still think it's an extravagance at $250 but the best part is being able to use them after the fact as a purse.

cmerribury · December 2015

@jenniferamcooper My husband's old work used to all pitch in and do a shower for every new baby. We got that stuffed with baby things...it was extremely generous, and I was very grateful.

PinkSunglasses16 · December 2015

I'm so boring. I used a 31 utility tote bag for DD. It worked perfect but I know its not going to be quite big enough for 2 kiddos.

2goofykids · December 2015

So I have a backpack that's not enormous, and I was planning on getting a travel changing pad which can slide into the laptop slot... Anyone have any experience doing it this way? I've exclusively carried a backpack or a satchel since the 8th grade so a great big diaper bag wasn't really something I want to do.

skruhmin · December 2015

2goofykids said:
So I have a backpack that's not enormous, and I was planning on getting a travel changing pad which can slide into the laptop slot... Anyone have any experience doing it this way? I've exclusively carried a backpack or a satchel since the 8th grade so a great big diaper bag wasn't really something I want to do.

Jujube bff turn into a backpack and I love it. You will be fine with a regular backpack. Make sure there is a good compartment for bottles, or get a portable cooler (jujube fuel cell is awesome for that).

katy0990 · December 2015

@PinkSunglasses16 I am also planning on using a thirty one tote. I was feeling kind of lame after reading this thread, so thanks for making me feel better about it.

jilloboe · December 2015

@PinkSunglasses16 and @katy0990
31 here, too! I like that he utility now comes with a zip top. I got a cute print, too. I usually stick my wallet in there and skip the purse.

PinkSunglasses16 · December 2015

jilloboe said:

@PinkSunglasses16 and @katy0990 31 here, too! I like that he utility now comes with a zip top. I got a cute print, too. I usually stick my wallet in there and skip the purse.

What!?! I did not know they now have a zippered top! I went with a 31 tote mainly because of price and the functionality. I will have to do some research and see what new stuff 31 offers, maybe i can find one a bit bigger for 2 kiddos.

jenniferamcooper · December 2015

I have a purse-style bag and I just looked up the tote 31s, they're really nice!!! If they zipper I like them just as much if not some patterns more than the jujubes!
Good find ladies, I'm going to suggest them to my friends who want to go the baby bag route.

I thought I'd also throw out there that you should pick up a decent looking backpack or messenger bag for Dad. My hubby happily took our son on outings sans baby and threw the extras in his book bag or messenger bag - he's still a student (12 years and counting!) so he was some stylish ones (leather accents and such for book bag and rain proof messenger bag). Don't forget the Dads, they don't want to carry a purse or a bag with a whole mess of flowers on it

katy0990 · December 2015

Thanks @jenniferamcooper. I hadn't even thought of a bag for my husband. Only 10 more weeks and still so much stuff we need!

jenniferamcooper · December 2015

@katy0990 I'm sure any backpack would work, I'm in my early 30s and my friends all tossed theirs away. it's sucks when your hubby wants to do a solo outing and you pass over something with Winnie the Pooh or flowers and you get the "seriously" look.
Baby and hubby would do all the farmers market trips on Saturday and I would nap. It was glorious! Anything to make getting the baby out of the house easier.

FutureMrsCaesar · December 2015

@skruhmin I have a couple questions about the BFF and Be Prepared. I don't carry a diaper bag anymore for DS3, but when the baby gets here I'm sure I'll put a few things in the diaper bag for him also, sippy cup, diaper/change of clothes when potty training, etc. So I'm just wondering, how huge is the Be Prepared compared to the BFF? I always carry a large purse (when I'm not using a diaper bag) so it's not like I'm not used to carrying a big bag, but I'm wondering if I'll feel like the Be Prepared is too big. I don't care for the backpack straps on the BFF so I'm kind of hesitant to get that one, plus I'm wondering if I'll appreciate the extra space in the Be Prepared because it will be spring/summer and we'll constantly be on the go. The reviews online that say people use it as a weekend bag make me nervous though, to me, a weekend bag is pretty big. Sorry for my ramble, any insight would be helpful though!

Parker16772 · December 2015

I got this one for DH when I was pregnant with DS1 and he will be using it again. I normally do daycare pickup/drop off but sometimes he had to get DS1 unexpectedly so it was nice for him to have a bag to keep in his

truck for emergencies. He used it a lot and it still looks brand new. The brand is diaper dude.

lexievelyn8179 · December 2015

I'm definitely planning for a solid colored backpack style diaper bag that's easy to carry while holding baby, and DH won't give me "the look" whenever he needs to carry it for whatever reason.

skruhmin · December 2015

FutureMrsCaesar said:
@skruhmin I have a couple questions about the BFF and Be Prepared. I don't carry a diaper bag anymore for DS3, but when the baby gets here I'm sure I'll put a few things in the diaper bag for him also, sippy cup, diaper/change of clothes when potty training, etc. So I'm just wondering, how huge is the Be Prepared compared to the BFF? I always carry a large purse (when I'm not using a diaper bag) so it's not like I'm not used to carrying a big bag, but I'm wondering if I'll feel like the Be Prepared is too big. I don't care for the backpack straps on the BFF so I'm kind of hesitant to get that one, plus I'm wondering if I'll appreciate the extra space in the Be Prepared because it will be spring/summer and we'll constantly be on the go. The reviews online that say people use it as a weekend bag make me nervous though, to me, a weekend bag is pretty big. Sorry for my ramble, any insight would be helpful though!

It's absolutely huge. Like its been used for an overnight bag for my boys at grandma's house. But it has tons of pockets, 2 bottle compartments. A changing pad. But the bff is way too small. DH loves the bag. I can take a pic side by side for comparison if that would help.

FutureMrsCaesar · December 2015

@skruhmin I would love a side by side, I've actually been looking for comparison.

skruhmin · December 2015

I'll try to remember to get one tomorrow

skruhmin · December 2015

Side by side

Front mom pocket

Bottle holders

Inside BePrepared

Inside BFF

BFF inside of BePrepared to show size contrast

smushi · December 2015

That's super handy @skruhmin ! Thank you so much! So if you were just planning to use the bag for out and about trips with two smaller kiddos (ie, your current youngest and then your new addition), which would you prefer? The BFF or the BePrepared? My need will mainly be trips to the park, library, etc.

skruhmin · December 2015

smushi said:
That's super handy @skruhmin ! Thank you so much! So if you were just planning to use the bag for out and about trips with two smaller kiddos (ie, your current youngest and then your new addition), which would you prefer? The BFF or the BePrepared? My need will mainly be trips to the park, library, etc.

BFF by far. It was perfect for a toddler and newborn. It got us through 2 kids. My husband hated it because it just didn't fit on his back but I carried it most of the time.

FutureMrsCaesar · December 2015

Thank you so much! I love the picture of the bff insinde the be prepared lol!

ceds07 · January 2016

this is essentially what I did @2goofykidsI used a lululemon gym bag and Patem pad changing pad. It worked better for me because I liked being able to grab the changing pad as necessary and not need to lug the whole bag everywhere.

meg_2006 · January 2016

After having DS I feel like diaper bags are pointless. They're just overpriced purses with lots of pockets. So this time I bought canvas purse I found at Target on clearance...with lots of pockets. I also have a thirty-one utility tote with zipper top.

FutureMrsCaesar · January 2016

meg_2006 said:

After having DS I feel like diaper bags are pointless. They're just overpriced purses with lots of pockets. So this time I bought canvas purse I found at Target on clearance...with lots of pockets. I also have a thirty-one utility tote with zipper top.

I only use them for the first year or so. DS3 had bad relfux so there was no way to get around needed to bring extra clothes for him and everyone he was near. As soon as I can I move on to a big purse and throw a diaper and sippy cup in and call it a day. Unfortunately I've ruined a few bags from leaking sippy cups and whatnot so I love the idea of the machine washable ju jue bes.

skruhmin · January 2016

FutureMrsCaesar said:

meg_2006 said:

After having DS I feel like diaper bags are pointless. They're just overpriced purses with lots of pockets. So this time I bought canvas purse I found at Target on clearance...with lots of pockets. I also have a thirty-one utility tote with zipper top.

I only use them for the first year or so. DS3 had bad relfux so there was no way to get around needed to bring extra clothes for him and everyone he was near. As soon as I can I move on to a big purse and throw a diaper and sippy cup in and call it a day. Unfortunately I've ruined a few bags from leaking sippy cups and whatnot so I love the idea of the machine washable ju jue bes.

And the jujubes are seriously indestructible

evemadalyn · January 2016

I absolutely love my petunia pickle bottom for when I want to have a pretty diaper bag/purse. But I mostly use my diaper book bag I bought of Amazon for $25! It makes everything so much easier hen chasing my toddler everywhere!

FutureMrsCaesar · February 2016

Blast from the past here, but I finally got my ju ju be BFF and it's so much smaller than I was expecting!! Maybe that's a good thing, or maybe it's size is deceiving. I need to do a trial run and pack it with baby stuff (rarely have to take bottles or anything so that cuts back) but I definitely thought it would be bigger. Some people use these for 2 kids???

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