Product Spotlight Series: Diaper Bags

kagesstarshroom · October 2019

The Product Spotlight Series continues! Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product. If you discover something new or are new to the board, you're welcome to comment on threads like these throughout your time here, not just when it's their week in the spotlight. You can use any or all the prompts relevant to you below to share info in an easy-to-read format--or none of them. Pictures/screen grabs, if put in spoilers, are welcome! This week it's... Diaper Bags!

S(+)TMs: Give us the pros and cons of what you have and/or why you want the new one you want? What brand(s)/specific bags have you used? Which one is best and why? Are you dreaming of any that are on the market now?

FTMs: What brands/specific bags are you interested in? What questions do you have?

To view the upcoming PSS schedule, based off of S19's, see here: March 2020 PSS Spreadsheet!
Up next week: Baby Monitors

miss.sally · October 2019

With DD I just used a big purse, it was fine. I was young and not very organized and also didn’t care. Lol. And ten years ago there weren’t nearly as many options!

With DS I had a Kate Spade diaper bag. It is really cute, and works fine...

BUT. That being said. I want a backpack diaper bag. Having a shoulder bag hurts and it’s really difficult to use if you’re wearing baby, which I plan to do a lot. I got a Freshly Picked classic mini bag and I LOVE it. It’s cute and super functional and well made. I didn’t want to spring for the larger size until I knew I’d like it because they’re definitely pricey. But they also have amazing resale value, so to me, it’s absolutely worthwhile. I’ll probably wait for Black Friday or see if this one blogger I follow gives another discount code (she did a 40% off code but I wasn’t ready to commit. Crazy!).

varimama · October 2019

https://www.amazon.com/JJ-Cole-Satchel-Diaper-Changing/dp/B0179EW5L6/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=jj+cole+diaper+bag+stone+arbor&qid=1570213815&sr=8-4

This was my diaper bag with DS and I’m still using it. The shoulder strap broke a couple months ago though which is a bit of a pain but it lasted 2 years. It’s a traditional diaper bag, tons of room, great organization. Love the wristlet changing pad though it has no extra padding so I may look for a memory foam one.

Now I want a backpack one though. I am not close to deciding what I want. I love the flying keys print for jujube but the price tag is $$$. Also not sure if I could get away with just a backpack. I kind of do that now when I’m going somewhere I’m going to need my hands free to chase DS. I’m worried with a newborn I’ll want to be more organized than just a backpack though.

mommytimesfour · October 2019

Get a backpack style diaper bag! It took me 3 kids to figure this out and it’s a game changer!

miss.sally · October 2019

Lol @mommytimesfour and @varimama I love that we are all “backpack all the way!”

But seriously though. I don’t know why they’ve only really become a “thing” in the last few years.

Also varimama look at some of the different backpack options. They can be very organized. Also I’m a huge fan of pouch packing inside the bag itself. It helps keep everything in its place. Look up jellyfish pouches on Etsy. They’re so dang cute and practical!

kailanae · October 2019

I started with a JuJuBe BFF. That wasn't bad for one baby, but the backpack straps on it are more of an add-on than a true backpack diaper bag. My first one ended up ripping at the seam where one of the straps attaches to the bag, and even though I ordered it on Amazon the JuJuBe customer service was still great and replaced the bag for me. Once I had DS2, I went with the JuJuBe Be Right Back, which is a true backpack diaper bag. I really like it and it was great for 2 kids in diapers/pull-ups. It has held up well and I will continue to use it for DS3.

To be honest, while I like the JuJuBe prints and material, you could likely really get most any backpack and have about the same experience as with the JuJuBe. I do also like that the zipper opens all the way to the bottom on both sides to be able to lay it flat and completely open, so I can easily get to items in the bottom of the bag. Something to think about if you are looking at other backpacks, so you don't have to go digging to get to items at the bottom.

kailanae · October 2019

@varimama I really like my JuJuBe Be Organized packing cubes for keeping my backpack organized. I use one for spare clothes and one for diaper changing supplies. I'm not sure they still make them in current prints, but it seems like their Be Equipped set is of similar purpose. Other brands may make similar items that are less expensive to consider as well. I recommend get some packing cube organizers if you go for a backpack diaper bag!

kantobean · October 2019

I got a Skip Hop shoulder bag and it was just meh. I finally got a backpack and it was such a game changer! But it was just a regular Vera Bradley backpack and not a diaper bag, and it’s falling apart now, so I really need a new bag and I’m trying to decide if I’ll do a legit backpack diaper bag or just get a random backpack.

aerie_star · October 2019

I started off with Jujube Be Classy with my daughter. Its a great bag and I still love it and use it occasionally (it washes up great). I just got really annoyed with the shoulder strap and I found it difficult to fit enough cloth diapers in for longer outings. About a year ago I switched to a backpack diaper bag and got a Jujube Be Right Back, which I adore. I need the pockets and such in it for organization since I'm normally a disorganized mess.

momoftoddlers · October 2019

Yesssss to backpacks. Hands-free is the way to go.

I have a Vera Bradley which you can pair with an insulated lunchbox for bottles. Super cute, lots of pockets, machine washable. Good prices at the outlets.

I also have one from amazon that was about $30. It has a hard bottom so it’s freestanding and it has a ton of pockets for organization. Oh and it’s solid black so my hubs doesn’t mind carrying it.

hmama716 · October 2019

With our first 6.5 years ago we just used a traditional LL BEAN backpack because my partner flat out refused the traditional diaper bag (the only kind on the market) and we loved it. It cracks me up now that they are in style because we got so many comments from people about how strange it was. I would love to get an actual diaper bag backpack this time though just for the ability to have the bottle compartment- I will probably just go eddie baur or something similar. All about simplicity over here!

orbmaker · October 2019

We just use a regular backpack.

stassischroeder · October 2019

Team Backpack, for sure. They only advantage to backpacks that are classified as diaper bags is that they'll often have an insulated pocket that's great for bottles or food. And I like the ones that have a wipe-dispensing pocket. Lately I've just been stuffing a diaper and some wipes in my purse when I'm out and about, but that definitely won't work when I have two littles to pack for.

kagesstarshroom · October 2019

@orbmaker I was wondering about this--like, what the real if any difference btw a regular backpack v.s. one meant to be a diaper bag is? I suppose... space?

I found this one and like it so i added it to my registry--also it seems cheaper than a lot of the other ones, which I hope isn't a bad sign bc it seems... good...: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TFC1ZHX

And then @kailanae mentioned JuJube Be Organized cubes, so I searched that and also put these on my registry bc omg how freaking cute are these? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VXLM7YK

So hopefully that does it for the diaper bag situation?

stassischroeder · October 2019

kagesstarshroom said:

@orbmaker I was wondering about this--like, what the real if any difference btw a regular backpack v.s. one meant to be a diaper bag is? I suppose... space?

A lot of backpack diaper bags have an insulated pocket (or two) for bottles/food, as well as a wipe-dispensing pocket. Otherwise there's not really a difference.

orbmaker · October 2019

@kagesstarshroom My H and I both have one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Fjallraven-Raven-Backpack-Fits-Laptops/dp/B01M5GT5K2
We use them for hiking, going to work/school, etc.

We’re kinda minimalist with baby packing.

We have a diaper tote of sorts from Storq — a zippered pouch that has a changing pad and room for wipes and a couple of diapers. So we’ll toss that in whatever bag we’re using for an outing. I breastfed last time, so never had to bring a bottle or anything when DD was bitty. I brought a change of clothes for her and a baby wrap back then. Now she’s 18 months and I bring a few snacks and her water bottle if we’re going out.

kailanae · October 2019

@kagesstarshroom building off of what @stassischroeder said, my Be Right Back from JuJuBe has two side insulated pockets and a changing pad pocket. It is also made of a material that is easily wipe-able/washable. There is a pocket that is lined with soft material meant for your phone as well, which I like having when I want the diaper bag to also function as my purse. The zippers for the large main compartment go all the way to the bottom of the backpack so you can lay it on its back completely open for easy access to all the contents inside - the sides are rigid enough that they will stand up in this way and not flop over/drop your stuff. You can probably find a good mix of these things in other backpacks, but these are all things in this particular backpack that I've found useful.

stac4056 · October 2019

@kagesstarshroom That's the one I use!! I've purchased it twice from amazon, under two different brands. There seem to be a ton of variations of the same bag, with a different name on the square emblem, no idea which is, if there is, a 'real one'. I think my recent one is this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CZ9YC5F/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I love how light it is!! I registered and tried a Skip Hop and an Eddie Bauer with my DD. I felt that they were all pockets, like once the pockets were stuffed, there was no accessibility down into the bag itself. I like that this this backpack has the main two side pockets, diapers and wipes, and then some smaller pockets, like spoons, small snacks etc. But using all of them doesn't swallow the use of the bag. And if you stuff it really tight which we usually only do on road trips/vacation, you have that back door zipper. I too am typically a minimalist diaper bag packer though, I usually try to keep a back up set of clothes for each kid, diapers and wipes.
Editing to add, we purchased a second because my husband left his car unlocked and the first one was taken, not because of anything negative with bag!!

kagesstarshroom · October 2019

@kailanae @stac4056 @orbmaker @stassischroeder Thank youuuuu

mrsvp614 · October 2019

Another STM recommending a backpack! This is what we have and will continue using it for #2.
It's pretty basic, but it's comfy, fits a lot, and the material is easy to wipe off. It's not cutesy, but if we're together, DH usually carries it.

https://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Backpack-Multi-Function-Changing/dp/B0731TBBWF/ref=sr_1_2?crid=193LL78FEGCV1&keywords=skip+hop+backpack&qid=1570531416&s=baby-products&sprefix=skiphop%2Cbaby-products%2C189&sr=1-2

creativesoul63 · October 2019

@varimama I have the Jujube in the flying keys print on my registry! It’s the one kind of expensive outlandish thing I have on there, but our nursery is going to be Harry Potter themed and it just looks like the perfect bag. Hopefully someone spoils me and gets it!

EmilyLove25 · October 2019

Love this convo. I need my hands with two kids, so I definitely will with three. We did a shoulder bag with DD and I lol at myself now. Upgraded to a backpack diaper bag when DS came (with as @stassischroeder mentioned an insulated bottle pocket for DS's bottle), but you know what it did NOT have? A pocket for MY water bottle. And as a breastfeeding mom/runner. I constantly need water. So I have an insulated insert for baby's bottle, but want a legit backpack with space for my water bottle and DD/DS's water bottles when out and about. So I am strongly considering this (TWO places for grown up and/or toddler drinks), which I have and use for work, but I would get a separate one for the diaper bag. SO many pockets. This + some cubes + an insulated container = no excuse to not be prepared?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076CB53JV/ref=twister_B07Y5N6T66?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

Madamemerle · October 2019

I never got to a happy place with diaper bags.

I do agree a backpack is better early on and I had that Amazon one with the bottle pockets which worked great while he was tiny. But then, if you're out and about in the summer... I found mine got too hot, especially if I was baby wearing. I have a fanny pack 😂 that I ended up using when baby wearing (which I really liked in the summer) ... Just big enough for a diaper and a tiny pack of wipes, and phone etc but this doesn't work if you are carrying bottles.

After that, I moved to a mini Timbuk2 bike bag, which is really small but fits enough for a toddler and that worked pretty well for a while. I think I will see if I can make that work for the new baby, or get a different/bigger fanny pack so that I can wear it across my back or around my waist depending on if I'm carrying baby or not.

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