Diaper Bags

vrj0522 · March 2017

C&P from Randoms:

Can we talk diaper bags? What's everyone getting/asking for? I had a boxy petunia pickle bottom and I loved the backpack option on it so I am thinking of getting another backpack but I almost want to try a different bag. The PPB didn't feel particularly roomy and it was a little bit heavy.

I know this was partially discussed in the Baby Gear and Baby Item Recommendations thread but I want to hear from FTMs too. What are you going for? And also if you are a STM and didn't get to chime in before or if you feel like sharing again what your bag of choice is and why.

starphish18 · March 2017

FTM here. I included this tote-style bag from Hip Cub on my registry. It's fairly inexpensive and actually looks like a bigger version of the purse I currently use, so I liked the style of it. It comes very highly rated on Amazon with reviewers noting how spacious it is and how much it can fit. It has outside pockets, including ones that can fit bottles, and inside pockets. It has handle straps and a long shoulder strap. For me, price was right, I liked that it looks like something I would normally wear, it seems highly functional, and the reviews sounded very promising.

Diaper Bag by Hip Cub - Weekender Tote - Designer Canvas W Cute Baby Change Pad

Diaper Bag by Hip Cub - Weekender Tote - Designer Canvas W Cute Baby Change Pad

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AUHGCJA/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_ttl?ie=UTF8&colid=20AV87KXP68A8&coliid=I3GX3TLFTUMZ4L&vs=1&th=1

Yiggle09 · March 2017

We have the skip hop back pack that I use with ds. It is light, has great pockets and is deep lots of space inside. I have a grey skip hop wide sling over the shoulder type bag that is super annoying and I packed that away over a year ago.

bacorrea · March 2017

I bought this a couple of months ago. I love it. It is rather large though, but with two still in diapers (unless DD changes her mind anytime soon) plus outfits/snacks etc. It what I need right now. I love how "loud" this pattern is, I am already using it now for just DD and people think it's a regular purse. It has the stroller handles which were apparently not a thing when I had DD and has a large pocket in the front that holds the changing pad and two other front pockets. Then the inside is lined with pockets all the way around and at both ends I can fit drinks. I love it!

https://www.verabradley.com/us/product/Uptown-Baby-Bag/Wavy-Stripe-with-Navy/15625-15625697951?Ntt=VB-PDP-BAGS-DIAPER-BAGS-PDP-VB

Edit:picture wouldn't load

nda_roxybabe · March 2017

FTM: My Mom got me this Kate Spade one for Christmas. I think I'm going to like it. I prefer a more structured look and love the classic black. It has a changing pad and seems to have decent pockets. My hope is to have a great car kit so I can keep the diaper bag light as I can't tolerate carrying anything too heavy.

https://www.katespade.com/products/watson-lane-betheny-baby-bag/PXRU7645.html?cgid=ks-diaper-bags&dwvar_PXRU7645_color=001#start=1&cgid=ks-diaper-bags

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/ka/lk9h6eiznkj7.jpg

hp_momma · March 2017

@vrj0522 Have you seen that diaper commercial where the mom packs so much stuff for baby #1? And then the second child it's literally just diapers/wipes. It truly is like that hahah. You'll be amazed when your packing the diaper bag for baby #2 and how much stuff your like "I don't need this"!

bacorrea · March 2017

@nda_roxybabe brings up a great point! Get a cheapo bag that you always keep in your car that has wipes/diapers/change of clothes etc. It's definitely helpful. Also with DD we have a kid backpack that is for daycare/church/etc and that also always stayed in the car. Then you're not like "omg forgot the diaper bag" when you're already on the way to daycare.

psherman42wwsa · March 2017

I have a petunia boxy packpack. It's been great for 1 child and I love the changing pad. After 1.5 years of daily use it looks brand new. I usually wear it messenger style while carrying DS into daycare. It does not fit in the bottom of my stroller and I usually just use it for daycare or day trips. I wanted another bag that's a little bigger for 2 kids so I got the mud pie bigger bundle diaper bag. I haven't used it yet but overall I like it. I think it will be good for 2 kids stuff to go to daycare and when we are gone for the day.

Mud Pie Diaper Bag Bigger

https://smile.amazon.com/Mud-Pie-Diaper-Bag-Bigger/dp/B00KTTN7XY/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1488815909&sr=1-2&keywords=mud+pie+bigger+bundle

ShadeofGreen816 · March 2017

Copy/paste from my response in the randoms thread

I registered for and got the JuJuBe BFF diaper bag. I really like:
-It has a light-colored interior, which is supposed to make it easier to find things inside.
-It has back back straps and a long shoulder strap, both of which are fully removable. The backpack straps are very well padded (I haven't unwrapped/really examined the longer strap, but I read that it's long enough for cross body or can be just one shoulder)
-It has tons of different pockets for staying organized
-The whole thing can go in the washing machine!

I'm not sure I'll love:
-It seems a little heavy without anything in it yet.

WombThereItIs · March 2017

Apparently I have strong feelings on this topic.

My first bag with kid 1 was the Kate Spade Stevie. They are routinely on sale at the KS outlets for about $125. I liked this early on because you can FTM overpack it without it getting too crowded and hard to use. The outside side pockets are great for keys and your phone, you will want those handy. Also the wide open top make getting things easy especially while you are still getting your baby groove going. I did add a interior divider which made it even more user friendly. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Bottle-Diaper-Organizer-Divider/dp/B00C3NI15S

After that i think I got the Storksak Elizabeth. I LOVE this bag. It is smaller inside once you get tired of the big mom bag feeling and have the hang of cutting down on bag contents. The leather is really nice and the optional carry strap clip on is great for strollers and wearing messenger bag style at the park. This also has good exterior pockets for keys and phone and the extra zippered pocket inside is great for holding mom stuff like tampons, makeup, etc.

I got a second Storksak during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and went with the Olivia. It has all the features of the Elizabeth but a bit more space. The exterior storage pockets are more plentiful which I liked once my toddler dictator got picker and started demanding more things on the reg like sunglasses (eyeroll)

psherman42wwsa · March 2017

@wombthereitis you crack me up... my toddler just started wearing these heart shaped glasses around all the time, he looks like Elton john. lol.

rkstro2 · March 2017

For a diaper bag I'm using a tote bag I already had and got the insert below from Etsy to make it more organized. I did register for a backpack for the breast pump to tote is to and from work.

vrj0522 · March 2017

@bacorrea - your link/picture didn't come through.

@starphish18 - that's one stylish looking bag. Somehow I feel like it fits you well.

BeachMommy2B · March 2017

I replied to the Randoms before i saw this but...

with DD we just got a free black Carters tote diaper back at BRU during some promotion. It was on the bigger side and great. We are hoping to find something similar. As long as it can hold Diapers, wipes, change of clothes, couple bottles (if you are at the bottle point).

Oh and ALWAYS an extra shirt for yourself! DD had a poop-explosion all over me when we were out one time, I've never forgotten extra clothes for me since!!

ChristinaWild · March 2017

I started out with a Kate Spade bag, and I just wasn't a fan of it. I don't remember which bag it was, exactly, but I didn't like that it didnt have a lot of give. The ability to overstuff wasn't there! When DS was about 6 months old, I switched to this Dagne Dover bag. I'm going to attempt keep using it once DD is born. What I like most about it is that I can toss my wallet into on the weekends, and I can just continue to carry it throughout the week if I want. Since it's not an actual diaper bag, no one can tell that it's got diapers, snacks and sippy cups in it!

https://www.dagnedover.com/collections/legend-tote

achays11 · March 2017

I had an all black Vera Bradley Stroll Around Bag for DD. It was great in that it wasn't too big and I felt like I fit everything I needed comfortably. I did not like that there are only shoulder straps. It made carrying it a real pain sometimes.

https://www.verabradley.com/us/product/Stroll-Around-Baby-Bag/Vera-Vera-Classic-Black/14883-14883081?Ntt=VB-PDP-BAGS-DIAPER-BAGS-PDP-VB

This time I got the Eddie Bauer Fashion Heather Back Pack from Target. It is smaller than I would have hoped, but I'm hoping that will cut down on the clutter in the bag. I wanted a back pack this time, because two kids and I need all the hands I can get. DD is potty trained, so I usually just carry a change of clothes for her and some snacks. I'm hoping this will work nicely.

https://www.target.com/p/eddie-bauer-fashion-heather-back-pack/-/A-51465602

erinh2005 · March 2017

Copy/paste from randoms:

I'll weigh in on the diaper bag debate! I have a Kipling and have used constantly for almost three years and will use with this LO, too. It has held up really well - mine's a black patent that I'm not sure they make any more but I've seen a more nylon type that they typically carry which looks sturdy as well. Lots of storage and it's not as heavy as others I've seen unless it's packed full like mine lol.

ETA: link to a gorgeous marble print one I found on Amazon in the same style as my black one-
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MSP49WF/ref=mp_s_a_1_4_s_it/163-9305897-0688447?ie=UTF8&qid=1488819030&sr=1-4&refinements=p_4:Kipling

inomniaparatus2 · March 2017

My friend used a coach diaper bag she found at the outlet so I got one for myself. I've used it for traveling and love it. Has tons of pockets. I can wear it messenger style if I want and is a nylon material so cleans easily. Big enough but not too big

emilyalso · March 2017

STM here... I'm on my third diaper bag, and I am hopeful my current one will be good for a toddler and a newborn!

My first bag was my 'dream' bag because I was obsessed with how it looked, and I actually don't have many bad things to say about it. It was easy to keep organized, had plenty of space, and I still love how it looks. However, it got pretty heavy after a while. I thought cross-body would be a good option, but it really took its toll on my one shoulder.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/78723857/water-proof-cross-body-bag-diaper-bag?ref=shop_home_active_8

From there, I went to a simple daypack from REI. I LOVED IT! It was very light and comfortable to carry, and I could grab stuff out of the side pockets without removing it from my shoulders. My ONE complaint was that there was not easy way to access whatever was on the bottom since the zippers only went down part way. I ended up having to unpack everything to get to what I needed. (And, I was unsure if it would hold enough for two babies.) https://www.rei.com/product/895886/osprey-daylite-daypack

My current - and hopefully LONG TERM bag - is the Jujube BRB. I really don't see myself going back from a backpack (and you won't either once you try one!). After the small backpack, it took a while to get used to the bulk of this bag, but it will definitely hold more and it's very easy to keep organized. BEWARE: It's easy to go down the Jujube rabbit hole and think you need 37 matching smaller totes to put inside. Consider yourself warned.

https://www.amazon.com/Ju-Ju-Be-Collection-Backpack-Diaper-Diamond/dp/B01EA47WYI/ref=sr_1_sc_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1488820756&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=jujube+brb&th=1

Jens_Hoes · March 2017

I bought myself a Coach black leather diaper bag at the outlets similar to @SWE2
It is big, lots of pockets, and I'm sure I'll use it all the time.

schnitz9 · March 2017

I 2nd the kate spade stevie bag. I love mine. So much room and super easy to clean. Great price at outlets and doesn't look diaper baggish. I wanted something that I could use after. I actually bought it for my BFF when her son was born almost 9 years ago and she still uses it as a work tote bag!

bunniesrfuzzy · March 2017

Wanted a backpack that both my husband and I would be able to wear, I can't handle big bag hanging off one should and figured something like this would go okay if having to wear with an ergo carrier.

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01GKVWID4?ref=br_ov_mobile_detail&colid=22BXWYG9JHOF0&coliid=I1A3YCIHBAMJ8W

Kipperoo · March 2017

I am a crazy bag-obsessed lady in non-child life AND I'm obsessed with organization, I feel like my diaper bag evolution (and excessive amount of details provided) reflects that...in short, for me, I'd say that the key to a good diaper bag is: waterproof lining, large interior space, lots of little sub-bags to pack like items, a few external pockets to store keys/phone/items you need to reach quickly, and not looking like a diaper bag. :-)

With DS, I started with this Skip Hop bag. I liked the way that it looked and it seemed (based on reviews) like I would love the functionality. Not so much. For a FTM, I felt like the pockets were really shallow and it just felt hard to get everything organized the way that I wanted it to. I also just felt like the bag was too narrow and it was impossible to find things in it. I used it for maybe 3 months and then moved on.
https://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Special-Diaper-French/dp/B00B7XUVLW/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1488828122&sr=1-5&keywords=skip+hop+diaper+bag

After I ditched the Skip Hop, I started using a large from Longchamp along with a host of smaller bags internally to organize snacks, diapers, change of clothes, formula, bottles, etc. I much preferred this and kept using this system for the first year while DS was on formula and needed more "stuff" to travel. After the 1st year, I just started throwing a leak proof sippy and a diaper clutch in my handbag. And we use this monster as a "diaper bag" for longer spurts of travel (airplane, long car rides, etc) and swim lessons, park days, etc--I can't recommend it enough. It's HUGE, super light weight, very roomy, washable, just an awesome all around bag (this isn't my pattern, ours is a super cute black/white Tokidoki print that appears to be discontinued).
https://www.shop.ju-ju-be.com/super-be-the-first-lady/

Now, looking forward to 2 kiddos, I actually had a woman make a bag for me (she's made a few other bags that I adore) so that it fits my exact specifications. But it's basically a leather convertible backpack/shoulder bag/messenger bag with water proof lining and external pockets for sippys/bottles and a train case bottom with 2 personalized diaper clutches inside. I wanted something that is not at all a diaper bag, definitely had a backpack option, and is practical for multiple stages of child life to come. And I'm using this insert while #2 is still small enough to need a lot of stuff that I want to keep organized:
https://www.lifeinplaycompany.com/

Assuming once she passes the 1 year mark, I can just carry a bag of snacks for both, diapers for her, water/sippies for both of them.

SJsMommy · March 2017

STM with twins on the way. My daughter is 2 and her diaper bags look brand new even though they go through daily use. I absolutely LOVE love love my Petunia Pickle Bottom Bags. I use the weekender all of the time for taking her to the sitter.. when she was little, I could pack all of her bottle supplies in there along with diapering and spare clothes. Now it fits her lunch and everything else. Of course it is also great for weekends away with Grandma. We have another PPB that is a crossbody, which I also love. This one is always packed with a spare set of clothes and diapers. I throw my wallet in and we are on our way to the zoo or grocery store. Highly recommend PPB, despite the steeper price point.. it is totally worth the investment.

slowmo · March 2017

@ShadeofGreen816 - I have the JuJuBe BFF and really liked it the first time around. Loved all the pockets, though sometimes I would forget where I put stuff! My favorite part was the option to switch between backpack and shoulder strap, depending on the circumstance. As for weight, man, they're all heavy, especially when packed. Another reason why the backpack straps are so handy. I'm planning on using it for baby #2. I'm not as in love with the print I picked a few years ago, but c'est la vie.

ShadeofGreen816 · March 2017

@slowmo glad to hear from someone that used it and like it!! I read tons of reviews and I feel like it checked most of my boxes.

SparkySunDevil · March 2017

Third kid here. We will likely just pick up a plain old backpack. I bought a fisher price backpack style with my second, and it fell apart within a few months of use. Spent $10 at Bass Pro on a camo one so my husband didn't have to carry so much pink...lasted us until just about 3 weeks ago. We'll likely go the same route.

livin541 · March 2017

I have an Honest company big (faux) leather bag that I used with number one and it honestly just looks like a purse. I still really like it, but it's almost too big and easily gets very heavy and bulky. I recently bought a JJB BFF and I'm really liking it so far. Love the padded straps and that it's machine washable. We will see if there is enough room once I'm hauling around goods for 2!

slowmo · March 2017

Side bar: I had no idea the JJB BFF was machine washable! That sucker is def going in the wash soon.

ShadeofGreen816 · March 2017

@slowmo that was seriously one of my favorite aspects of it!! Seems like lots of opportunities for spills/messes, etc not to mention just the dirty nature of bags/purses (public bathroom floors, car floorboards, just really all floors and yucky places).

bailey8809-2 · March 2017

I still have a couple bags left from DS that I could reuse but I'm thinking about getting another one just because I love bags.

I mostly used this JJ Cole one with DS and really like it.
- Product Details

This time I've been eyeing this Kidnid one.

Kidnid Baby Cotton Messenger Organizer Diaper Tote Bag with Changing Pad Black White 14-Inch

bailey8809-2 · March 2017

@lrwardrop - that bag is beautiful, adding that one to my list of possibilities as well!

chickyclg · March 2017

I used a Vera Bradley overnight bag for the first few months last time and then down sized to a JuJuBe BFF, I ordered another one this time since I sold the last one a few weeks before this BFP.

RedInLove · March 2017

I had the Skip Hop French Stripe bag with DD, and DH picked his own, I think it's Skip Hop as well. Both have stroller straps, but his is roomier. I'd like to switch to a backpack style this time around. My Skip Hop would be a good car bag to hold extras in if I make the change to a backpack.

pshaortao · March 2017

I had the skip hop messenger bag with DD. It was okay, I didn't love that it would awkward lit bump into myself or/and DD while carrying her. I had a small box of baklava in it from a greek festival awhile ago and honey leaked out. So theres sticky honey stuck inside the bottom and I don't give enough shit about it. I just ordered a graco gotham backpack on amazon when it was down to only 27 bucks which is amazing. Its very basic but seems like itll be perfect for our needs.

I was also gifted this 31 organizer thing that you keep in the car. I never used it but just decided last week to set it up in the car. There is an extra change of clothes for DD in it plus extra diapers and a small pack of wipes. When this LO is born he will also have his own stuff in there as well and we will keep other spare things that we tend to use on the go but sometimes forget.

The diaper backpack I just got:

Image: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/9101w9RmVqL._SL1500_.jpg

skeetied · March 2017

I went through several bags with DS1 and DS2. I loved the look and feel of the Petunia Pickle Bottom ones (City Carryall and Boxy Backpack) but they were heavy and things got lost constantly with how deep they were. I ended up with a Ju-Ju-Be BFF and I love it. It's still in the trunk of my car (I usually just have a diaper and a travel pack of wipes in my purse for DS2 these days). I use a JJB BRB for day trips. Unfortunately, the BFF isn't going to fit a third kid's stuff in it (I keep a change of clothes for DS1 there's too), so I think I'll get a bigger one eventually. I got a Kate Spade Stevie as a treat too... not sure if I will end up using that or just shoving baby necessities in my purse.

KMD1106 · March 2017

I had the same gray bag as @Bailey8809 for DD. I still have it, but I'm feeling like it's too big. I have this one on my registry/birthday list. It's a bit smaller, but still looks like it will hold everything I need. Plus it's super cute!

chailife34 · March 2017

We have a faux leather one from Honest that we love. Great organization and changing pad. Big fan

clebl24 · March 2017

PSA. Petunia Pickle Bottom is up to 60% off on Zulily.

https://www.zulily.com/e/petunia-pickle-bottom-230415.html?ext_id=6DXC3MY4YDDW&map_id=1&deliverable=

Louise_Belcher · March 2017

emilyalso said:

I really don't see myself going back from a backpack (and you won't either once you try one!).

This!!! Have a shelf full of beautiful diaper bags that are messenger or one shoulder. Bought a backpack diaper bag for a vacation and never returned to the others. I love the look of bags that can be passed off as a large purse, but a backpack was so much more comfortable and functional once I gave in.

@bunniesrfuzzy I am loving that navy polka dot! May have to get that!

Kipperoo · March 2017

@Louise_Belcher , @emilyalso , I am SO excited to have a backpack diaper bag. I've got my hands full these days chasing one kid around...I think the backpack will be a game changer with two, especially when out and about on vacation, on day trips, etc.

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