Product Spotlight Series: Diaper Bags (week of Nov 27)

doxiemoxie212 · November 2017

This is a place for FTMs to ask questions and S+TMs to share the wealth of knowledge they've accumulated on baby products. Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product to help streamline and make it easier to refer back. This week it's.... diaper bags! For mom, for dad, for anyone at all - feel free to include any random things you also think people might not think to keep inside said diaper bag.

Please use the prompts below to try to share as much relevant info as you can in a format that is easy for those reading to absorb/respond to. If you'd like to recommend/ask questions about more than one product, please copy/paste the prompts as needed.

For S+TMs:

Favorite [diaper bag]:
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
What you like about it:
What you don't like about it, if anything:
Is there a [diaper bag] you don't have but are considering? Why?:
Is there a [diaper bag] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?:
Additional thoughts on [diaper bags]?:

For FTMs

[diaper bag] you're interested in:
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
Any questions about it/them for S+TMs?:

To view past Product Spotlights or view the upcoming schedule, see here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gjNtxy2Kd2JceTYYR5wkwVcpTbU-khgazhjcZnfI1y4/edit?usp=sharing

(Also just a reminder that if anyone wants to revive old threads to ask questions as we get further along and it becomes more likely everyone is doing further research, please feel free!)

katelynrae86 · November 2017

This is the one that we use and I love:

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/cj/5gug73llupv5.png

When I was pregnant, I ordered a really cute bag (not really a diaper bag and more of a tote, but had a lot of room, interior pockets, and a cross body strap). I wanted something that would work well but also look cute (rookie mistake...). It was cute but a pain to carry...my husband and I would fight over who got to carry the baby and who had to deal with bag. I never really liked the look of the backpack diaper bags, but after trying the carry the weight of a heavy bag on one shoulder one too many times, I caved.

I've been really happy with the Hap Tim bag. It's relatively inexpensive, has many interior and exterior pockets, a changing mat and it the top opens really wide so you can get things out of it much easier than a regular backpack. The straps are padded so its really comfortable to wear. Although it's still not the cutest thing in the world, the detailing give it a little style. It's also neutral enough for mom or dad to carry.

It's held up really well (the stitching on the old bag's strap starting ripping out) and I see myself using it for both kiddos when the new LO arrives

lovetakesworkman · November 2017

I have a question.

My DH and I were in Babies R Us yesterday, and it may be silly, but I’m excited about getting a diaper bag. Like legit. So we’re looking through the options and I’m trying to find one that both of us wouldn’t mind carrying. When DH says, well we can each get a diaper bag.

His logic kinda made sense, we both have our own way of doing things and I don’t want him stuck with an overly girly bag.

But any STMs get 2 diaper bags? How did that work out? Or did you only get one and what were the reasons? What worked or didn’t work about having 1 or 2 bags?

sunshineandwhiskey · November 2017

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/rv/8g08830v8a9c.png

What we have is in the Spoiler Box above. I absolutely love it, even though it is on the pricey side. I feel like I got my moneys worth on this one too. It seriously still looks brand new and we use it constantly.

What I love:

It's a back pack! I can throw it on and go.
It comes with a mat to place down under DD so i can change her almost anywhere
It has a compartment near the handle for soiled diapers and its a water proof pocket
it fits everything and more! Now that DD is older, not only does it fit extra clothes, diapers, a full pack of wipes, but also snacks, her water bottle, and shoes. I can even slide her portable place in with the diaper mat.
It is comfy. It doesn't bother my back at all, and fits on the stroller handles of our pop and go.
The material just wipes clean

@lovetakesworkmanDH and I decided on one bag, and he didn't care that it was pink. We just didn't want to have to worry about keeping two bags stocked, and forgetting anything. Plus 9/10 wherever we were going, we were going together. It just works for us (I'm OCD and he's not haha)

doxiemoxie212 · November 2017

Sooooo I actually already bought a diaper bag even though I'm a FTM who has no idea what she's doing. It was suggested by Lucie's List, which I trust, and I love how it looks:

https://littleunicorn.com/collections/marindale-backpack/products/marindale-backpack-grey

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/40/2tjxlggecjgq.png

It's a bit pricey, but it can be a backpack, shoulder bag or attach to a stroller. DH says he'll be fine carrying it; he didn't want a separate one for himself.

buffalove1211 · November 2017

I got the Ju-Ju-Be Legacy Be Prepared Diaper Bag

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ju-ju-be-legacy-be-prepared-diaper-tote/4814289?top=72&sort=PriceHighToLow&brand=5312

I love it! It is gigantic, so that came in handy in the beginning. Lots of compartments, super cute, and the material wipes clean. (Although my friend has the black and white striped one, and the white sections look pretty dingy now). I even use it as a carry on when I travel solo. Sometimes I wish I had gotten the backpack version like @sunshineandwhiskey just for ease of throwing it on.

LaceyBee522 · November 2017

@buffalove1211 That's the one I want to get. It was rec'd on Lucies List for twin moms. Do you think it can hold enough for two? They have 25% off right now for Cyber Monday, so I think I'll just buy it and return if I don't like it.

kalyth76 · November 2017

DH and I had two diaper bags and "his" bag has been sitting in the back of a closet for 4 years :-) I think most diaper bags are pretty good these days. But, after 2 boys, my top must haves in any diaper bag are:

1) Large enough changing pad...When you're using that changing pad, its helpful if its big enough for the baby to fit on. Some of them are way too small and end up being a waste.
2) Stroller clips...Being able to clip the bag neatly onto stroller handles is super helpful, as opposed to just slinging the straps over the stroller handle. I always found that the bag ended up dragging the ground when you just hang it over the stroller by the handle, so those clips are super handy.

I have had a few and have gravitated toward the Petunia Picklebottom bags because they had the right amount of pockets (not too many), good overall bag size, and cute patterns...And they age well since the bag gets so much use from day to day.

Just my 2 cents,

Kate

buffalove1211 · November 2017

@LaceyBee522 For sure it will hold enough for 2! The main center compartment is massive.

catlady1215 · November 2017

for DS, we had a very simple ordinary black diaper bag. not even sure on the brand but it was from BRU. lots of pockets inside and outside, little 'cooler' pouch in front for bottles, good size changing pad. it got the job done. in the beginning I wanted a cuter one, so I considered doing 2 separate bags for me and DH. but it didn't seem worth it. the straps are breaking so we'll be getting a new one probably. and I'm absolutely looking into a backpack one. with just baby, the shoulder strap was fine. but with bag, baby and trying to corral a crazy 5 yr old, backpack will be needed.

dinodna3 · November 2017

I have a Vera Bradley Backpack diaper bag.

https://www.verabradley.com/us/product/Backpack-Baby-Bag/Havana-Dots/18063-18063G02?Ntt=VB-PDP-BAGS-DIAPER-BAGS-PDP-VB

I love it because it was large enough to cloth cloth diapers and then diapers for two different children. I found the backpack works so great with babywearing until I started back carrying. I love the way the changing pad flips right out and the diapers are in their own zipped pocket. (Which is large enough to hold a wet bag with dirty cloth diapers).

The downside would be it doesn’t clip on a stroller and the back pack doesn’t really work out when you back carry. In a ssc, you can start backcarrying when they can sit unassisted with good head control.

marcus7676 · November 2017

I got a fancy diaper bag with DS. It was good because it was gender neutral and had a cold pocket. We haven’t used it in over a year. I use a backpack my husband got from his office. I wish the backpack had a cold pocket but I don’t want to buy another bad. Highly recommend backpacks as opposed to shoulder bags for the toddler years.

amamawolf · November 2017

I haven't been on here in like, forever, but I'll chime in anyway.

I have owned probably...10? diaper bags and keep coming back to my Lily Jade.
https://www.lily-jade.com/collections/diaper-bags

It's on the pricier side, but I like the longevity of it and that it can be used as my bag or a diaper bag. The insert is so nice to have- take it out and leave it with the babysitter or grandparents, so they have everything they need for the babe, and then take the actual bag with you. I loathe switching bags when we are going somewhere just DH and I, so the insert feature is a huge plus for me. I also like that all of them can be converted to a backpack easily.

The worst diaper bag I've had was a Storksak. It was bulky and ugly and had a million pockets that just didn't quite work.

tammy574 · November 2017

amamawolf said:

I haven't been on here in like, forever, but I'll chime in anyway.

I have owned probably...10? diaper bags and keep coming back to my Lily Jade.
https://www.lily-jade.com/collections/diaper-bags

I second the Lily Jade! I was gifted one and have loved it.

Austenista · November 2017

I started out with this diaper bag and I ended up selling it because it was so boxy and awkward to carry. I never wanted to use it and was forever trying to carry the stuff I needed and leave it in the car.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/hx/aywwdbbwvrkq.png

This is what I have now and I love it. It is functional, spacious, and feels just like a regular backpack. Much more suited to our needs. I got the first one because it was pretty and stylish and would take the place of carrying a purse. This one is more suited for my real life needs and I love it so much. It’s currently just full of stuff (extra clothes/jackets/baby shoes) that I’m confident could be taken out and reorganized to accommodate two kids.

lisa2589 · February 2018

I spent way too long last night down a Ju Ju Be rabbit hole... I’m waffling back and forth on the Be prepared and the BFF. My fear is the be prepared being too too big. I’ve looked at the dimensions but have a hard time visualizing, and unfortunately no stores in my area distribute it. @buffalove1211 any thoughts on the size of it? Part of me thinks with a toddler and a baby, even too big wouldn’t be the end of the world..

LaceyBee522 · February 2018

@l2589 I bought the Be Prepared! I thought it was large, but with two kids, I didn't think it was too much.

pupsicle23 · February 2018

@l2589 FWIW I have the BFF and after a couple of months only used the backpack straps. Now that I’ll have 2, I feel like I need a bigger bag.

marcus7676 · February 2018

Who can recommend a gender neutral backpack diaper bag?

LaceyBee522 · February 2018

@marcus7676 I registered for this one for MH to carry, but I could totally see me stealing it from him.

https://www.amazon.com/Ju-Ju-Be-Collection-Backpack-Diaper-Carbon/dp/B074TVNT2T

buffalove1211 · February 2018

l2589 it is pretty damn big. Sometimes I did feel like it was too big... BUT too big always felt better than too small! And like you said, with a toddler and a baby I think it will come in handy.

marcus7676 · February 2018

@laceybee522 thanks! I saw that one and it looks great! We technically have a prefectly good, over the shoulder bag that we haven't used for a year + because I couldn't manage a shoulder bag and a toddler, so my husband is pushing back on getting another.

lisa2589 · February 2018

Thanks @LaceyBee522 @pupsicle23 & @buffalove1211! I think the part I’m most excited about is that it’s machine washable. Last time I bought a leather-ish one (mostly for DHs sake) and I don’t even want to think about how dirty that sucker is. He can keep it. I’ll get something I can clean, thank you very much.

pupsicle23 · February 2018

I think I’m going to get this. I saw a mom wearing it at the grocery store and asked her about it bc i loved it.
https://www.thegoodbaby.com/products/parker-baby-co-diaper-backpack-birch-bag

Amphibious22 · February 2018

@pupsicle23 that is very similar to the one we registered for. We decided to go with an eddie bauer backpack. @marcus7676 I don't know that I can really recommend it yet, but we both love the look of it and it got pretty good reviews. https://www.target.com/p/-/A-52783397?clkid=62b08c40N493bb48b37756d73ff6b551b&lnm=81938&afid=BabyList Inc&ref=tgt_adv_xasd0002

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