***Update: Thanks for all the advice. I picked up a Skip Hop bag from Target. It fits the budget and my style, I like a basic black!
Hello again! I’m having fun with my new baby. She doesn’t do much but eat, sleep, and poop – a lot. She loves to stare off into space. My older kids are ready for her to crawl or talk. I’m just happy she doesn’t cry much at all. We’re able to get a few 3-4 hour chunks of sleep each night. I’m doing great and my energy is high, a big difference from being prego. Thanks for all the great comments and support! I’m ready to get crafting again!
But for now, I’m in desperate need of a diaper bag. I’m using the one they gave me from the hospital and it’s not doing the job. I’ve forgotten how much crap needs to be lugged around for the baby, as well as my own personal things. I’m going to be developing large shoulder muscles! And most of the items in a diaper bag are “just in case” something happens, like blow outs and spit ups. Or I might just need 10 binkies, or 3 blankets, or 8 tubes of diaper cream, or play toys, or older kid’s treats, etc… The list goes on.
So I need HELP:
- What diaper bags have some of you used?
- What features do you like/need?
- What essentials are put in your diaper bag that you can’t live without?
{ 65 comments… read them below or add one }
She is so precious and beautiful, Marie!!!
I have no advice on diaper bags…I’ve never had a good one yet. Although, I will say that I may just splurge on a $300 one just because it’s pretty.
Sweet little baby! I’ve never used a “real” diaper bag. I am currently using a funky bag I bought for about $15.00 that has one large pouch I use for 2 dipes, wipes, wet bag, changing pad, and sippy (I have a one year old). On the outside I have a place for my cell phone, a small zipper for snacks, and on the other side a zipper for wallet, keys and sunglasses. That is all I have ever carried with me. Oh, and when ds was a newborn, instead of a sippy, I’d tuck in an extra change of clothes.
Oh my goodness, she is so beautiful!! Sorry I can’t help with diaper bag ideas. My youngest is almost eight!
I carry some sandwich ziplocks in my diaper bag, so you can bag those nasty diapers when you’re at a friend’s house who doesn’t have children. They work great. :-) I like the Skip Hop diaper bags, or if you’re looking to splurge check out these beaties: http://www.ju-ju-be.com/ – they’re gorgeous and if I’d discovered them when my twins were younger I think I’d probably own one! If you think you can get away with just diapers and wipes I love the little grab and go wallet size diaper bag by J.J. Cole (although a more crafty person than I could probably make one of those). Those are my thoughts, hope they help!
Oh she is absolutely beautiful! I am waiting for my second grandchild–due in January. Sorry I can’t help with diaper bags.
Oh my goodness!!!! What a sweetie pie! I think I can smell baby through my computer screen….or it is a lingering smell memory. I am surrounded by stinky teen boys and a stinky dog at the moment. I sure miss having babies in the house.
What a cutie! Land’s End and Skip Hop are my favorites. I don’t know if they make the bag I use occassionally from Land’s End any more I think it was called the Little Tripper. My daughter is 4 and I got it as a gift at her shower. I’ve washed it SEVERAL times and it still looks new. My favorites for Skip Hop is the Dou and Dash. I divide my stuff up in gallon size ziploc bags in the diaper bag. A bag for diaper stuff, feeding stuff, change of clothes, meds, snack, etc. That way I can just pull one bag out and everything is there and I’m not digging through 15 pockets to find things.
Marie, I use the biggest Holywood bag/purse I can find. I only need two compartments, one side for my personal things and the otherside for babe’s things. I have a diaper and wipe carrier that are a must. I hate the look of the diaper bags these days, they are trying to make them look cute and fashionable but they don’t always succeed. Good luck, I hope you find just the right one that suits you. Your baby is BEAUTIFUL! Congratulations
my third is now 18months (my other two are 3.5 and 5.5) i consider myself a bit of a diap bag qeen. i have had primarily coach and vera bradley but the ones i undoubtedly use the most often are not diap bags at all. i personally LOVE bags in general and all i need is one big enough to hold my stuff for that day or trip which is why you need so many and they change. i dont like to bring everything under the sun but sometimes it is necessary i know. i like to actually keep a bag of possibles in the CAR and then tote my essentials in a more handy bag. i like longer shoulder straps so it doesnt keep falling off. i like just a few inside, actually outside pockets are even better, too many pockets you forget where youve hid things. i have never used the changing mat thing i simply reuse all those receiving blankets for this (then throw them in the laundry upon getting home)-more clean to me.
currently i use a knock off brand name pocketbook/big bag as my “diaper bag” and i cannot believe i do not yet own a landsend bag.
GL shes gorgeous!
I just finished sewing a Birdie Sling by Amy Butler. I’m expecting baby #3 in 7 weeks and I really don’t want to lug around a “diaper bag” this time. This bag is really big, has 2 pockets (I added a third smaller one for keys and cellphone) and it was really easy to sew. I sewed it up between last night and parts of today (while getting ready to leave for the beach tomorrow!). The best part….picking fabric that’s YOU!
Oh, your bambini is ADORABLE! We just used my old college backpack. It was huge, had several “sections” and Lo Gung could carry it and not look like a little pansy! I kept the diapers, wipes, changing pad in a large ziploc bag that I could grab and run into a bathroom. I kept toys in there, and extra “mealtime” stuff in one of the pockets, when BBJ got older. It also saved me from getting “diaper bag shoulder” and it could hook onto the stroller super easy, distributing the weight evenly.
Hi Marie, congrats on your sweet daughter! Your three kiddos are all darling! I did not read the other comments, so sorry if this is a repeat. I just had a couple of things that I have found as a necessity now with a diaper bag- the more pockets the better and I loved having an insulated one in the winter. Also I have loved having a bag that can be wiped out with a wet wipe, cloth was not a good experience for me! Oh, I had a Fleurville bag, they are a little pricy, but it is still in great shape after my first so that I can use it again. Good luck!
She is so stinkin’ cute! You’re making me excited for the debut of my little guy! Well, as for diaper bag advice…I love my Skip Hop duo, it’s pretty big and holds everything! Plus, the pockets are perfectly placed. It just depends if you don’t mind a big bag. I also love the Fleurville escape pod to put in my diaper bag so I can take it on quick trips to the bathroom or the mother’s lounge at church. Must haves in the diaper bag:
-hooter hider (if you breastfeed) -chapstick
-spare change of clothes -blanket
-diapers/wipes -wallet
-binkies -bottle and formula
-diaper cream -antibacterial stuff
-burp clothes -toys
-small trash bags for blow outs
or poopy diapers
that’s all I can think of right now, i’m seriously like Mary Poppins when it comes to my diaper bag and i can’t tell you how many times that I’m glad that I’m that way. Hope this helps!
I have a fabulous Land’s End diaper bag that was a splurge with my first son (now 2). With two kiddos to haul around I find it a bit big to carry the bag too. My solution has been to leave the big bag in the car with all of the extras I need for both boys (diapers, wipes, changes of clothes, pacifiers, diaper rash cream, etc.). Then I carry a funky big purse my sister found on sale somewhere with the basics (diapers, wipes and an extra onesie). That way I always have stuff with me, but don’t have to have it all on my shoulder.
Your sweet babe is beautiful! I searched high and low for a chic handmade diaper bag with my last baby, one in fabrics I just couldn’t live without. Sadly, I got overwhelmed by all the amazing choices, wimped out ’cause I couldn’t decide – loved them all, and ended up buying a small very simple (similar to the weekend version) diaper bag from Eddie Bauer. And I love it! It holds a TON of stuff – and this mama of 4 (with #5 arriving mid July) – Just as much as my small piece of luggage diaper bag from Landsend. Blanket, extra clothes, diapers, wipes, snacks for the others, bottle/sippy cup, creams, cards, keys, phone, etc. Good luck finding one that works for your lifestyle!
Oh, and one more thing that REALLY saved me – I got my diapers at Costco and left one of the inner bags of diapers in the car. It was awesome, never needing to wonder if I’d “packed enough” and being able to share with people at church who ran out! I also kept a spare change of clothes in the trunk…just in case. It saved room in the diaper bag.
This is what I’m currently using as a diaper bag/purse. It’s great because it is actually a scrapbooking tote, so there are all kinds of pockets and organizers for things. And large enough for my purse and a diaper bag in one. Here is the link:
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/601-3693196-4936167?ASIN=B001243C4O&AFID=Froogle&LNM=B001243C4O|Vituri_Lifestyles_Handbag_Sage&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B001243C4O&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001
I gotta agree with everyone else! I LOVE my Skip Hop bag (it came from the easiest of all places: Target), but I HATE the pattern I got it in (camo) and wish I’d have just gotten black or red. So now I’m carrying a pink, very purselike hobo diaper bag (also from eh-hem, Target), but will probably switch back to the Skip Hop after #2 gets here in September! One feature that’s a must for me: the travel changing pad that comes with a lot of bags these days. Get something you love- pattern and functionality!
I used regular old bags with my last two (after lugging a big ole blah Eddie Bauer and a “fancy” diaper backpack with my first). I found that the only thing I REALLY needed was one of those little envelope bags (diapee wipee) to keep wipes & diapers neat & tidy. :)
She’s so adorable! Congrats! Best wishes for some zzzz’s!
Anyhow, the diaper/totebag I use (I keep it in the car for emergencies w/ my 3.5 year old) is Vera Bradley. I love the patterns and all the compartments inside and they are washable. Enjoy your new little one!
http://www.verabradley.com/Site/Store/ProductDetail.aspx?Sku=183&
I also LOVE the backpack for on the go!
http://www.verabradley.com/Site/Store/ProductDetail.aspx?dept=7&sku=187%3a9
awww I love the cuddle all up pictures of the brand new babies. Well diaper bags…there is this lady on etsy that does handbags that could very easily be used as a way cute diaper bag. Here is the link….http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5565246
Let me know if you I can do a guest post still I would love to!
And also Target has cute ones I like the taller ones opposed to the wider ones.
Let’s see…I found that the smaller the better. If there were places I go often, I leave dia[ers and things there, and I keep lots of stuff in the car. But with both kids I splurged on big old bags and found that I got sick of them in a few weeks. I’m a big purse lady anywyas, but I liked the idea of keeping my regular purses and having an emergency bag in the car, instead of the diaper bag-I suppose it was my last attempts at being territorial. I also agree that the wipes thingy is great. Beautiful baby! Congrats!
I received 10 different diaper bags before RG was born. The one I use the most is pretty much just a medium sized canvas tote with a small pocket on the inside.
I use 2 smaller zipper bags inside it: 1 for diapers and 1 for a change of clothes/dirty clothes. I keep the following things in our bag at all times
1. 5 clean diapers 2. travel size wipe container 3. antibacterial handcleaner 4. burp cloth 5.change of clothes 5. pacifier 6.one toy
Congrats on the new baby girl. She’s precious.
I’ve always used backpack diaper bags. With my first two boys I used the same one … a generic navy canvas one that had nice deep pockets. Three favorite things about it … the side zipper pocket could store a bottle as well as a small freezer pack, the other side pocket was open with some elastic at the top perfect for a sippy cup or water bottle, and a nifty pacifier holder attachment so we always knew where it was.
With boy #3, I was given a Vera Bradley backpack (not sure if it’s supposed to be a diaper bag or not) that I love. It’s feminine so my husband doesn’t carry it often (now he’s in charge of the 2 bigger boys when we’re out together anyway). My favorite things about it … the side pockets… one has a zipper where I keep my wallet and the other is just open but the bag is usually full enough that the enclosure is tight enough to hold my cell and keys. Since it’s a challenge to keep track of those three things with three kids, I’m happy to have just the right pockets for them.
I carry less in my diaper bag now than I used to … I have a medium size rubbermaid in the car with extra clothes (and underwear) for the big boys as well as the basics for the baby (diapers, pacifier) if the diaper bag didn’t get restocked. There’s a box of wipes always in the car so that’s covered. :) HTH
I’ve had 3 diaper bags: one by Land’s End – with a doctorbag style open top, comes with it’s own changing mat and wetbag. This is what we used when we had to take EVERYTHING with us. It is big, and it has a lot of pockets and holds a lot, but it’s too much for a trip to the store, or an hour at a friends house. I don’t think they make it anymore, though. I also got one of the JJ Cole essentials for those tiny trips to the store and short trips. Now, we use the Skip Hop Spark (available at Target), which is great. I understand they make one a little bigger now, so that would be perfect, I think. It actually has a ton of pockets and holds a lot, even though it doesn’t look like it would.
Anna is so cute! As for a diaper bag. I just bought one from Fleurville and I love it. It’s a bit pricey but it’s really cute and it’s got alot of storage for everything you need. I’m glad everything is going well.
What a beautiful little girl! I haven’t read all the comments, so I hope I’m not being too redundant, but the best thing I ever did was to ditch the idea of a diaper bag and just go with a backpack I’ve had for years (I used it in high school)! Good, wide comfy straps and plenty of room for
-4-5 disposable diapers (or 2-3 cloth ones)
-a bag for holding dirty diapers if necessary,
-a travel size package of wipes (or, often, just a ziploc bag full of them),
-a couple of disposable change table liners (like the pads used for puppy training) which I would often reuse if I used them someplace relatively clean,
-a couple of receiving blankets as burp cloths,
-my purse,
-a change of clothes for the baby (sometimes)
-some toys.
Oh, and later on, food, drink, and bibs for baby.
Sounds like a ton, but there was never a problem fitting everything in…
When my second was born and I still had plenty of extra stuff to tote around for my 2-year-old, I switched to a backpack. BUT, I got a super cute one from Pottery Barn Kids. I put the changing pad from my own diaper in there and always had plenty of room.
Pottery Barn has really cute diaper bags (and backpacks!) and we got ours personalized with our last name which was a really cute touch.
What a pretty little girl! We’ve got a little girl due to arrive in just 12 days, so your pictures made me all the more excited. :)
I’ve gotten two at Target. They have some diaper bags that are trendy (meaning they don’t scream DIAPER BAG!)
My sis in law loves getting hers from http://www.fleurville.com/
When my girl was 18 months old I switched to using a regular/small purse and only carrying an extra diaper and a snack for her. I leave all the extras (wipes, binkie, change of clothes) in the car. I feel so free!
I was also going to recommend a Lands End bag. We had the large one that someone mentioned, and it was great for overnight trips, etc. It was (actually, still is!) a fantastic bag and incredibly durable. They used to have a smaller version, too, that was the best every day diaper bag I ever had. But I just checked their web site and they don’t have them anymore. It looks like they’ve replaced them with canvas versions … might be worth looking in to. At least you know their quality will be top notch.
We also found a good backpack diaper bag through eBags.
Good luck!
Did anyone mention REI? I know that sounds weird, but I was looking for a shoulder bag for my wife – one that could carry a lot of stuff and still work on a hike and REI had a bunch of really fun diaper bags.
And not just from a guy’s perspective.
Plus, Marie still has a little bit of earth muffin in her crafty soul. This girl isn’t all gingham and eyelet. Every once in a while, she still worships at the alter of Jerry Garcia. (She graduated from Utah State, didn’t she?)
That said, REI is your place to look, Marie.
Along with the usual stuff, I keep small bottles of sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and lotion in my diaper bag. I end up needing them all the time (for my older child too). Your baby looks beautiful and you are a supermom to be doing so much already! Here’s hoping your 3-4 hour sleep block turns to 6-8 soon!
Good gracious!! She is absolutely lovely! It’s only been a week!! How do you do it?? I was still in bed with my third! (although it was a great excuse to just sit and relax and let my hubby take care of the other two!)
I use a jumbo shoulder sling purse, and always have one diaper for each (two still in diapers) and a ziplock baggie of wipes (for faces, hands and rears). The plastic holders for wipes aren’t flexible enough and take up too much room.. and the zippie bags work great! They also bend and smoosh into whatever corner is free in my bag. With three kids I don’t go to far from home for too long. I find that it’s just easier on the kids to limit my shopping trips and I invite everyone to come to our house instead.
Take care! Get some R&R! Have fun crafting!
xoxo~
Abbie
When my daughter was born a friend recommended the Lands End Little Tripper Day Diaper Bag. I LOVE it and it has carried me through two babies now. It looks small, but packs a punch. You can fit EVERYTHING you need in this compact little bag. It even comes w/ a changing pad and holds TWO bottles or sippy cups. Once I bought one, I even stopped carrying a purse all together. There is plenty of room for a cell phone, wallet and keys in the front. Unfortunately it is no longer available, however, you might be able to find one on eBay. I have yet to find another bag that compares!
Congratulations. She is beautiful.
I have to second (third, fourth?) the Land’s End recommendation. I have had the Day Tripper bag for 2.5 years now and I just recently bought a new bag. Hated it. I’m back into my Day Tripper even though it is (only very slightly) starting to show a bit of wear. And, I really put the bag to the test. It has been dragged along the sidewalk on more than one occasion. I also love that it comes with a change mat AND a dirty diaper bag. It is perfect for cloth diapers or a paper diaper that there isn’t a place to dispose of. Unfortunately, as Margot mentioned, it looks like it isn’t available now. Such a shame. Maybe their other bags would be equally as wonderful. Anyway, best to you with your new little sweet.
I just did a live chat with the folks at Land’s End (so great — I’d not done that before) and they said they will be brining the Little Tripper bag back in the Fall 08 catalog.
Adorable little girl you have!! I received a diaper bag from Babies R Us when I had my 3rd baby. I really liked it! Especially the first year when you have to lug around a lot of stuff for baby and then at church I LOVED it because it held baby stuff and also all the stuff for my 3 & 5 year old! Here is the link…
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2266580
Hey my third baby is a week old now and we have taken one or two little outings so far. I always used the hospital bagtoo before, but this time I’m using my MOOP Fraulein bag… http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=9001608 It has lots of little pockets in the inside, it’s super durable and stylish. I love my moop so much.
what a beautiful little baby, by the way
She is beautiful! I just love babies! I know I havent had a baby for a couple years but, I loved having a backpack diaper bag. It gives you that extra hand that is much needed!
Congrats to you and you family Marie. What a little blessing.
As far as diaper bags go I have a Fleurville. It is almost 2 years old and has been awesome. I like it because you can wear it over your shoulder or as a backpack. It can hold everything that I need such as a few gdiapers, wipes, formula, bottles, cups and al my other junk. Hope this helps.
Good luck!!!
We used a backpack for our first- it didn’t tie up my hands, and didn’t fall off my shoulders as I bent to put her in the car seat.
Congratulations, Marie!!! Your new baby girl is precious and beautiful. My diaper is an Amy Coe bag from Target, and I LOVE IT because it’s really big. I, too, find that I carry a lot of stuff around – forgetting things with babies/kids can be disastrous, so one needs a large bag to accommodate everything you MIGHT need. I don’t think they have mine at target anymore, but they probably have something similar. It’s big and it’s attractive, a second important quality. It doesn’t look like a diaper bag. Good luck!
What a treat to see your little one, it’s makes me all the more excited for our little girl on her way late next month! Your little one is so SWEET!
As far as the diaper bag, I gave up using the bigger ones I had because I just couldn’t lug them around with my son (2) while watching the baby I care for. So, if I were you I would definitely follow the advice of a bunch of mom’s on here and carry the essentials and leave the rest in your backup bag in the car (with the exception being those days during which you won’t be near the car for many hours and may be able to carry things in the stroller). Anyway, I love my new REI bag that I just sling over my shoulder. And when I’m sans kids no one know it’s not just my purse.
Congratulations on your baby!
I had a horrible time finding just the right diaper bag for me. In the end I picked up one of these:
http://www.kavu.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=23&idproduct=4215
It works great for us. It was much cheaper than anything I found that was an official “diaper bag”. The downside is that there is only one inside pocket, but I have thought about making pockets to attach to the other side on the inside, just haven’t done it yet. The bag is really sturdy and I love the outdoor look of it. I am not one for the cutesy baby stuff.
I have 3 kiddos under the age of 2 and one of the best things I have is my Sherpani Diaper Bag. So cute and carries everything I need. Everyone asks me where I got if from.
Yeah!! Fabulous comments. I will be looking up all the suggested bags. Thanks for your great comments. I hope to have a diaper bag figured out next week. I keep going places and not having something essential, so I need to pick one quick. And I too keep an extra tub full of stuff in the car for “just in case” with clothes and diapers for all the kids.
Well, it looks like you’ve received plenty of advice but I’ll add my 2 cents anyway. I tried a couple bags and then finally spent the money on something I liked. We ordered the small messenger bag from Timbuk2 and we ordered it online through them so we could do the “build your own” and pick the exact colors and what not that we wanted. My favorite feature (other than the colors) the separation of sections so I don’t loose whatever it is I need at the bottom.
As for what to carry, it seems to change by age, but generally a few diapers, wipes, changing pad, change of clothes, bib and tissues. As they grow I start loosing the extra clothes in favor of toys to entertain.
Good luck with the search!
I cannot offer any advice on diaper bags….
What a beautiful child. I love the smell of babies.
Here’s a quote I like about children….A baby is born with a need to be loved – and never outgrows it.
by Frank A. Clark
Darling, darling pics. These first precious days are so sweet. Enjoy every moment.
As for the bag, I’ve always made do with the hospital bag and then switched over to a sturdy messenger bag when the thing gave out. But I have vowed that I will full-on splurge with my next baby and get a Fleurville! Their MotherShip bag not only has all the whistles and bells (insulated bottle bag, changing pad, key clip, etc.) but it is SO DANG HIP! Their sleek design and totally cool patterns seriously make my uterus hurt with envy. Furthermore, for half the price you can get a slightly smaller version called the ReRun Messenger bag (still all the whistles and bells) which is made from recycled bottles, which is both hip AND savvy. http://www.fleurville.com
My diaper bag was a backpack. I didn’t buy it specifically to be a diaper bag, but for another trip and then realized it made the perfect diaper bag for me. It had side pockets like a lot of diaper bags do for bottles, it wasn’t girly, so hubby carried it a lot for me and I could put both straps on my shoulders if I needed to, if it was falling off with just one (great if you’ve got multiple kids and need as many hands to carry the baby, hold hands to cross the street, etc).
I used grocery bags (stuffed in one of the smaller pockets) for diaper disposal at friends’ houses and zip locks for taking wet/soiled stuff home.