Product Spotlight: Diaper Bags

rivercitynik · March 2020

We got a little behind so I'll try to get us caught up in the next few days!

This is a place for FTMs to ask questions about, S+TMs to share their prior experience with, and everyone to share what they're eyeing in the world of maternity, baby and postpartum products. Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product to help streamline and make it easier to refer back. This week we're discussing Diaper Bags.

To view past Product Spotlights or the upcoming schedule, see here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DzmfbSu7toufv3p1VWNu1XOXDaU-tbI5FEfV8av46pc/edit?usp=sharing

rivercitynik · March 2020

So I'm pretty set on getting this diaper bag from Dagne Dover. I've actually had my eye on this since before I got pregnant since I had been searching for the perfect backpack to fly with and it checked all the boxes of what I was looking for.

Since I've never carried one before I have a few questions!

When you are with the baby do you use your diaper bag in place of carrying a purse or do you normally carry both?
Do you take it with you basically every time you leave the house or just when you are planning to be out for longer stretches?
If someone else is caring for the baby (ie: grandparents) do you leave the bag with them or does it stay with you?

I'm sure everyone is different, just curious about how people use theirs. Anything FTM+ should consider when picking out their bag?

charhar0820 · March 2020

@rivercitynik Ooo that bag is Nice!!!
also interested in hearing responses to the questions you’ve asked

I’ve had my eye on the Herschel baby bags. I can’t decide between a tote or backpack.

Bonus i discovered they’re on sale at the moment!

https://herschel.ca/shop/kids/baby

riatortillaxo · March 2020

I did not carry a purse when I carried a diaper bag. These last few months, while I've been working, I have a small cross body purse which I use but it's small enough to fit in the diaper bag if I have too much to carry.

I took it with me everywhere when baby was little because diaper changes were much more frequent and unexpected. I also always wanted to have a nursing cover and burp cloths on hand. Once he got older, I could rely on my diapers and wipes that I stashed in the trunk of my car if we were gone for a short amount of time. The diaper bag becomes more handy to carry toys, hand sanitizer, first aid equipment, and snacks... Lots of snacks once the baby is older.

If I left baby with someone, I always left a "diaper bag" with whatever they may need. It wasn't always my normal diaper bag though. I got so many bags that I did not register for so sometimes I would specifically pack a different bag with the usual essentials and a few things that I typically didn't carry regularly. This way I didn't need to disrupt my normal diaper bag organization. For example, right now I have a day care bag that has nap time stuff and a spot for bottles, etc. My go-to diaper bag doesn't have that stuff because it's usually for when we go out to eat, visit friends or family, or run to the store or something.

pengy16 · March 2020

When you are with the baby do you use your diaper bag in place of carrying a purse or do you normally carry both? I have done it both ways. If I know I am going to be out a long time, I put my wallet and keys in the bag and just take it. If it's a short trip or as DS1 got older and we didn't need it as frequently, I would keep it in the car and just carry my purse or carry both.
Do you take it with you basically every time you leave the house or just when you are planning to be out for longer stretches? I took it everytime. You never know when you will need a bottle ready to go. When the baby is going to need a diaper change or a full outfit change due to a blowout or spit up. It just became a necessary every day accessory.
If someone else is caring for the baby (ie: grandparents) do you leave the bag with them or does it stay with you? Yes, I would pack a few extra diapers, outfits, and bottles just in case and leave it with them.

I highly recommend a backpack style bag as it keeps your hands free to hold baby or other items. Also if you babywear, you can have the baby in the front and the bag in the back instead of falling off your shoulder or in your hand.
If you want your SO to wear/carry the bag, a backpack style is best. DH refused to carry a regular diaper bag but gladly wore the backpack one with no issue.
Multiple pockets are essential, if you have a spare pocket for soiled clothes and another for a bottle and another for clean diapers and an area where you can reach wipes on the go, it makes it easier to find and use the bag overall. Having to dig to the bottom of the bag for the clean diaper while the baby is on a changing table is not easy.

coldlife · March 2020

I have never bought a diaper bag. I'm fairly minimalist, and I didn't want to buy yet another bag when, like a lot of people, I have so many random bags that I've acquired over the years. Tote bags, purses, mini backpacks, what have you. I've mostly used a tote I have had for years that has a zip top and a couple pockets inside. When I can downsize to needing fewer items, I switch down to a larger purse that I no longer use as a purse.

@rivercitynik.
-Purse and diaper bag? For me, yes. I would leave the diaper bag in the car when I went into stores and just take my purse. I've recently sort of switched, not sure if it's permanent or not, to carrying a tiny little purse about the size of four credit cards in area. And then I just stick that in the diaper bag and pull it out when I go into a store.
-When do I take it with? I leave it for shorter trips - just to the store or under an hour. But you never know when you'll have a blow out, especially with using disposables, or when the baby will get hungry or when the trip will take longer than expected, so it's hard to know for sure.
-Someone else with the baby? Yes, I leave it.

cornichonmam · March 2020

I'm quite interested in this thread as I'm not the biggest fan of my current bag and I'm thinking of getting a new one for this baby. I currently have the BabaBing! day Tripper City Deluxe. My new bag will need to be big enough to store things for both of them as I doubt DT will be ready to potty train before baby arrives.

When you are with the baby do you use your diaper bag in place of carrying a purse or do you normally carry both? I always carry both. Mainly so I don't have to worry about keeping an eye on such a large bag and you can just leave it in the pushchair, etc. It's also much easier now to run around after a toddler with a small cross body bag.

Do you take it with you basically every time you leave the house or just when you are planning to be out for longer stretches? When DS was smaller <9m I took it almost every time I went out. (I didn't have access to a car during the day until DS was 8m so I had to walk everywhere). Now that he is bigger I take my Bambino Mio changing mat that is just big enough to fold up 1 nappy, a pack of wipes and a nappy sack inside. I also have the Skip Hop Pronto Changing Station Bag but I have only used it a few times as it is actually quite large so I cant fit it in my handbag though a bought one for a friend of mine and she loves it.

If someone else is caring for the baby (ie: grandparents) do you leave the bag with them or does it stay with you? If he goes to Grandma I leave the bag with her. When he goes to nursery I just send a canvas bag with a change of clothes, reusable nappies and his coat (he didn't start nursey until 12m).

emiliadkay · March 2020

The Dagne Dover bag looks so sleek! With DS, I got the fawn diaper bag that was super popular with the mom bloggers at the time, and while I still love the look it's definitely too heavy for the size. It does wipe down super easily which is great. And they have the mini style for older siblings which is just adorable.

https://fawndesign.com/collections/diaper-bags/products/original-diaper-bag-gray

When I take the diaper bag, that's my only bag and wallet/cell phone get dropped in. Because of that, I found it really helpful to have a bag with a snug but easily accessible outer pocket where you could stash those things. When holding the baby, it wasn't always possible to open up the diaper bag to answer a call or grab a credit card.

Like many others, I took the diaper bag everywhere (outside of the house) for the first 6-9 months or so, and it's been pretty unused since. My boss thinks people who use a diaper bag and tend to drive everywhere are silly -- they could just leave stuff in the back of the car -- and I do see her point, but if a baby needs a pacifier or a poop change they usually need it YESTERDAY. Having the diaper bag there in the early days was part security blanket, part actual necessity in my personal opinion.

DH generally took the diaper bag when he went out with baby; I'm actually not sure anyone else has used it. But in any case, yes, I tried to remember to empty the diaper bag of my "personal effects" each time we got home and restock it with the necessary baby things like fresh diapers, a new change of clothes, etc. It was a baby accessory, not mom's, if that makes sense!

WishesSheCouldCook · March 2020

I’m planning on getting this Vera Bradley backpack I’m posting 2 links because one is on mega sale for 75.00 in the outlet but that doesn’t go all the time. I like this because it has 2 water bottle holders, a sunglasses case built in, and plenty of space for my stuff and 2 kids.
i got a cross body wallet last time that i would use when I didn’t have kid with me. I’m a large purse person so carrying both wouldn’t work. I brought the bag every where until 6m or so then I would just bring my wallet and leave the bag in the car.

Vera Bradley Lighten Up Journey, Tossed Posies https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LGBPHY4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qA2DEbNYAHDWS

https://www.verabradley.com/us/product/Lighten-Up-Journey-Backpack/23628

wildrainbow · March 2020

I have this bag that I got when ds2 was born and it's perfect.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/6q/4iy9fcj2hqp4.jpg

It has hardly shown any wear or tear. It has a lifetime warranty, the bag is water proof, the outside wipes down easily if something spills as it's not cloth. The bag itself is very roomy and has a tone of pockets to help keep all the things organized. I carry this bag everywhere. Seriously, I love this bag, it's the best thing since sliced bread, lol.

I don't carry a purse, I have a wallet phone case, which I love, and it is so easy. I can just grab it and go. I recommend a backpack style because hands free is everything when you have a baby.

I usually leave my diaper bag with whomever is watching the kids. The bag has so many ways to organize, that it's never in disarray when I pick them up.

babytimeagain · March 2020

STM here- I have a backpack from Miss Fong (bought on amazon- knockoff Fawn Designs diaper bag backpack) and love it. Both the original and mini size are awesome and high quality. Fully plan on continuing to use it with this baby.

ziggymama06 · March 2020

Thank you all for the recommendations and suggestions. I'm looking at the Itzy Ritzy Boss backpack diaper bag (https://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/itzy-ritzy-reg-boss-diaper-bag-backpack/5215702?keyword=diaper-bag-backpack) Anyone have this or know someone who does? I would like a stylish backpack type that I can use as a purse as well, but worry about it being a bit pricey. It's a big girly, so I'm thinking of getting a more plain durable black one for MH as I'm sure there will be times he will be without me. Then if we have family watching the baby we can leave "his" bag with them.

whl1013 · April 2020

Just passing this information along... Maden Bags (formerly Joone Co) has 25% off their bags for a Mother's Day sale. I've been eyeing these backpacks for quite some time, and I finally jumped on the offer. I got the Saddle All Day Backpack -originally $168, but with the sale it was $125 plus free shipping. It was a bit of a splurge for me, but I love the look and style of it and figured it would be something I'd use almost every day.

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