Product Spotlight Series: Diaper Bags (4/23)

offtoneverland · April 2018

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!

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:

Any lifestyle factors that could influence your picks:
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, click this link.

(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!)

offtoneverland · April 2018

I laughed when I checked the schedule tonight to see diaper bags next on the list, since @mockingjay1 was just asking about it recently!

We had a black Columbia brand diaper bag with DD that I didn't like very much. I'm looking forward to hearing which bags are recommended in this thread. I'd like a simple bag that MH will feel comfortable carrying too. Something with lots of compartments inside so everything is easy to find!

highsteaks · April 2018

stm. for the most part, a normal purse was fine for my needs, just big enough to hold a diaper, wipes, snacks, and changing pad plus a few small toys, in addition to the regular stuff i always carried. i kept the rest of the arsenal in the back of my suv in a basket, and would switch out baby stuff if needed. oftentimes, it was just easier to change dd right in the back of the suv, as everything was set up already—so the purse stuff was really in case of emergency only. if we were going to be out for the day away from the car, we’d have the stroller and/or a backpack (a jujube brb) to keep a few extra things like a change of clothes, a blanket, enough diapers, and so on. i know this is not helpful for those who definitely want and/or need a special diaper bag for their lifestyle, but to those ftm who are wondering if it’s a necessary expense, i’ll tell you that you can get by without one. just a purse with long enough straps to hook over a stroller handle bar from time to time will do.
all that being said, i will talk about the jujube be right back (backpack) as technically it is a sold as a diaper bag. here it is online: https://shop.tokidoki.it/tokidoki-x-ju-ju-be-be-right-back-backpack-super-toki.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgZz99_PR2gIVio3ICh2EYANLEAQYBCABEgKr-PD_BwE
$150. it is a ridiculous price, imo, but had to get it because our nickname for our dd at the time was baby kaiju and her lovey is named godzilla. the print is fun, and was one that my dh loved as well, so he likes to carry it too. it’s easy to keep clean. the downside is that the main compartment unzips all the way, so it really needs to be put down if i have to go digging for something, otherwise stuff will fall out. i also wish it had more compartments for organization. i don’t hate it, though.

eta- pictures of jjb brb; since @ashkee05 already posted great ones of the interior all packed, i’ll just post pics of the print and other compartments:

ashkee05 · April 2018

I started with a Columbia back pack and while I liked it I hated the straps. They always came off our shoulders. I heard so much about ju ju be and looked into them. Was a bit shocked at the price but after much research and watching all the videos I now own four. I bought my first brb at full retail. Then joined some bst on fb and got another new with tags under retail. They are definitely my favorite and I love how they are machine washable. I like all the extra pockets that my Columbia lacked and the cool prints. I personally love how it zips completely open, I think it makes it way easier to find what is needed and get to the front pocket. I had a girl ask in one of the fb groups about how it packs so I’ll attach a pic of them packed. Also of the new be packed. I also got myself a be classy for under retail for our smaller out trips but I’ve honestly just ended up using that one more for myself. I do plan on getting a be prepared now that I will have two in diapers. I’ve been searching the bst but it seems they stay close to retail no matter what so I’ll watch their clearance or just suck it up and buy it at retail. To me they are worth all the money, because they are cute, comfy and hold way more than what we need! Watch the videos and you’ll see how awesome they are. Easily cleaned, treated to easily wipe off and not mold, crumb holes. Amazing!

whoops I forgot I also got the new back pack Style they released this year. The be packed. It’s smaller than the brb with less storage and is more like a back pack. It’s perfect for my toddler who just needs diapers, wipes, change of clothes and sippy/snacks. Plus he loves the design so I’ll eventually just let him use it when he’s older.

Yes, as you read this I will admit I am a bit of a bag lady! No shame! Some girls like purses I love my diaper bags lol

wildrainbow · April 2018

I am prolly the outlier here, but I use a regular backpack. Admittedly, when ds was born, all we had was a car seat and pack 'n' play, so things were a bit crazy. I will say, I have no issues with the regular backpack. I have loved it and it works well. I am a minimalist when it comes to carrying stuff, so there is that. I have used a regular backpack for two year, and it held everything and then some, like a clean shirt for me, because shit happens, literally. It works great because H has no issues carrying it and usually when we are all out he carries everything. So it may be an option if your H wants something separate from the girlier options of diaper bags.

pink_polkadots · April 2018

I love the JuJuBe Be Right Back backpacks! They are expensive, but I’ve had two and got both off of eBay and were perfect. I had a regular diaper bag when my DD was first born. After switching to the backpack style of the BRB, there was no going back. I will most likely be getting another with this baby. I really love the polkadots on this one...

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/9p/q56172yg7xip.png

iheartbooks · April 2018

My only comment is to get something that can be worn backpack style. Having to worry about a strap sliding down your shoulder on a messenger/tote style bag is the worst! I had a petunia picklebottom I bought used and wore to shreds. It was nice but unnecessary. This time I’ll just be using my trusty old north face backpack.

ashkee05 · April 2018

@highsteaks two things, every time I see you I want a steak!! Lol

second i LOVE that print, I drool over it but my husband yells at me NO MORE! Lol he rolls his eyes so hard when he asks me what I want for mother’s day, birthdays and Christmas and I say more ju ju be lol lol

Also jjbs have great resale. The bst pages on fb are amazing

highsteaks · April 2018

@ashkee05 i probably should have been more thoughtful than to have a screenname that mentions food in a forum of pregnant women. sorry, all!

i was drooling over your new sushicar bag! i also have a sea amo print jjb minibe that is so adoreable (and a huge collectors print). i tried finding a bigger one on ebay the other day and the only brb was listed for $500!!!!! eta- i just looked it up again and it is $600, shipped :'(

serabjorn · April 2018

@ashkee05, @highsteaks, and @pink_polkadots I love Tokidoki and JuJuBe! I am so, so excited to see that others here do as well!

I have a ridiculously large "stash" of bags, most Tokidoki, but some JuJuBe x Tokidoki.

I have a Fairytella B.F.F., MiniBe, Be Quick, Be Set, and Paci Pod waiting in a bin for me!

highsteaks · April 2018

@serabjorn I wish i had gotten a fairytella! i talked myself out of one when they were still somewhat available, and now i can never seem to find one. probably for the best lol

ashkee05 · April 2018

@serabjorn @highsteaks @pink_polkadots yayyyyyy for fellow jjb lovers! It makes me feel less crazy and I can’t wait to tell my husband lol lol

i often drool over space place I love love love that print!

Eveinshock · April 2018

100% backpack style. I had a nice big traditional bag that fit everything but I quickly realized I need 2 hands at all times (I really need like 4 but haven't figured out how to grow another pair yet). I felt guilty spending more money so I got this Hip Cub one for $50 on amazon and I like it.

Image: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61ruazu5wUL._SX522_.jpg

ashkee05 · April 2018

Eveinshock said:

100% backpack style. I had a nice big traditional bag that fit everything but I quickly realized I need 2 hands at all times (I really need like 4 but haven't figured out how to grow another pair yet).

100% if you figure out how to grow another pair let us all know!!

StacieandJesse · April 2018

Ju Ju Be has been on zulily a lot lately! I think next time it’s on there I’m grabbing one!

runningyogimama · April 2018

I’m the odd one out, but I got a JuJuBe BFF (used), and I thought it was SUPER heavy, used it like twice, and sold it (luckily for what I bought it for). I’m also odd in that I’m not a backpack fan.

I had 2 skip hop bags - a Skip Hop Studio (the only negative is it doesn’t have a shoulder strap, which I might just buy one for it and use it again for this kid rather than buying another one), and then I got a Skip Hop Forma since we had 2 in diapers and did cloth diapers. I thought they held up well, and I were to get a new bag, would probably get a skip hop duo because I want something a little smaller with a cross body shoulder strap.

MouseMama817 · April 2018

For S+TMs:

Any lifestyle factors that could influence your picks: I can't deal with a diaper bag strap falling down while handling a toddler and a newborn, so backpack it is! I also need compartments so I'll go with a diaper bag backpack over a regular backpack.

Favorite [diaper bag]: I'm eyeing the Skip Hop Greenwich backpack in caramel

Link/picture: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071NJ381Z/ref=twister_B072FHWMPY?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): $80 on Amazon

What you like about it: It allows me to be hands-free and it doesn't look like a cutesy diaper bag with kiddy prints.

Is there a [diaper bag] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: The diaper bag from Carters. Ugh. Idk if they have different models but the one I had had maybe 2 compartments so anytime I needed something it was like looking in a black hole. I'd have to dump out the entire bag to find one thing. And when you're out and about with a newborn screaming that's a recipe for a meltdown of your own.

vrj0522 · April 2018

I had a cheap Carter's shoulder bag initially but quickly realized I didn't like it at all. I replaced it for a Petunia Pickle Bottom boxy backpack and I loved that bag. I agree with others that back packs are the way to go.

A plus with the PPB backpack is that it also has a shoulder strap so it can be carried two ways. I preferred backpack, DH usually uses the shoulder strap though. I used that bag with 2 kids and then it got gross and I decided we needed to replace it when I got pregnant with my third.

I considered going with another bag because the one thing I don't like about the PPB is that it is kind of heavy and it gets heavier as it gets filled up. It is very roomy, which means that quite a bit can be put inside but then it also gets really heavy. Lots of compartments and a roll out changing pad. Anyway, as I was looking for a replacement bag I found a used PPB boxy backpack in excellent condition for $25 so I just couldn't pass up on that deal and we ended up with the same bag.

I do love the design and it's a really great bag, I just wish it wasn't so heavy.

Here's a picture of the design that we currently have:

highsteaks · April 2018

@vrj0522 the ppb bags are so pretty! and wow $25 was a great find. can you tell me if the changing pad detaches?

vrj0522 · April 2018

@highsteaks - thanks! The changing pad does detach.

vicioustrollop · April 2018

I had a $7 backpack from Old Navy and it was the best. I will never use anything other than a backpack again.

blue2mango · April 2018

STM here. I had a horrendous time picking a diaper bag. I started with a Petunia Picklebottom boxy backpack because they were so cute. (Got an older print so it was cheaper.) I freaking hated that bag. Sold it after a month. Then I just used a 31 bag & Vera Bradley tote for a while while I looked for just the perfect bag. Took me like 2 years after DS was born. I finally found one I absolutely love! It has so many interior and exterior pockets. My DH just wanted a bag that had the crossbody strap available to use. I wanted the pockets. Its a French Bull bag. It will work great fo

blue2mango · April 2018

@vrj0522 Thats funny you love the PP boxy backpack. I hated that one so much. To each their own!

eahayes · April 2018

Anyone have experience w the Fawn bag? A friend has it and it’s so cute.. not loving the price tag though

lurvleybunchococonuts · April 2018

Any CD momma's with suggestions for a backpack style diaper bag?

ginny_203 · April 2018

@eahayes no experience with it but I love that one!

pelorunningmama · April 2018

I just bought my SIL the Freshly Picked bag. She is due in June so hasn't gotten the chance to wear it, but said it is adorable. She said the leather is super soft and it is a nice big bucket backpack style. Lots of room to shove all sorts of stuff (which is clutch).

With my first, I did the Petunia backpack style. I hated it. The back pack never actually laid flat against my bag. I ended up selling it (great resale!). Second baby, I did the Lily Jade Madeline bag because I fell for the hype of it looking like a purse, but also being able to convert to a back pack. I still have that and like it, but I didn't use it beyond maternity leave.

Honestly, if you aren't planning on being a SAHM, my advice is to get an easy bag you feel comfortable leaving in the car that has room for a change of clothes, wipes, diapers, burp cloth, etc. I used my diaper bag for the 3 months while I was at home on leave, but then switched back to my regular purse when I returned to my office. Now I just keep a lululemon bag in my car with those items in it and use my regular purse.

highsteaks · April 2018

lurvleybunchococonuts said:

Any CD momma's with suggestions for a backpack style diaper bag?

CDer here. is there something specifically about CDing you’re looking for in a backpack? i’d say that you can still get whatever you like, just account for a little bit of extra space for the thickness of the diapers plus a travel size wetbag or two (and cloth wipes if you’re doing that as well). but any bag that’s marketed as a diaper bag should be big enough. if you’re thinking along different lines, just ignore me

blue2mango · April 2018

@lurvleybunchococonuts CD here also, no backpack suggestions but what I did was kept a small (still do) large Vera Bradley zipper makeup bag with a couple diapers, wipes and changing pad I made. I also kept the wet bag in there until use. I found it easy to pull out of my diaper bag to take in stores and quick trips. If I knew it was going to be a long day I would bring a whole other bag with more cloth diapers only and leave it in the car to grab more as needed. I did feel like lots of bags just didn't have the extra room for CDing. My French Bull bag I mentioned earlier is so roomy but not a backpack.

lurvleybunchococonuts · April 2018

@highsteaks @blue2mango my primary worry is having enough space. As what I had read is that 1 CD takes up the space of like 3-4 sposies and the need for a wetbag etc

I simply like the backpack style (and MH will more likely use a backpack than a tote/purse style). I haven't actually gone and looked at any yet. Also we are often out and about VERY often and I don't see that changing much once LO is here. It's a 3 hour drive one way to pick up/drop off dsd. Great idea about the extra bag for the car!

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Product Spotlight Series: Diaper Bags (4/23)

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