Highly Recommended Diaper Bag

A back pack works great, and there are so many styles you can get one with how ever many pockets you need. Much easier to carry then a regular bag, and I used the small front pocket for my stuff so I did not need a purse.

S....
I also second the good old fashioned backpack. It worked well for us and my husband didnt have to carry around a "girl type" bag...which he appreciated

K.

I bought a diaper bag and hated it. What I ended up doing that worked really well for me was to buy a travel diaper pad like this one: http://www.target.com/Munchkin-Travel-Diaper-Changing-Kit...

and convert a nice backpack I already had to a diaper bag. I found it much easier to carry the backpack than something on one shoulder and I didn't pay a lot of money to replace my first bag. I would recommend using something with a lot of pockets and storage space. It worked well when wearing my baby too and I had my hands free!

Pre-script:
APO/AE...Armed forces Europe? If that's the case and ESPECIALLY if you ride the train and/or are getting the world's best pram-type stroller, or are state dept and have your own driver...ignore the rest :) When we are in Europe (visiting family, or for work) we walk & ride the train...and we use a backpack. The story below is up to the HILT stateside suburbia, where one has to drive to get anywhere.

_______________________________________________________

Here's my semi-embarrassing truth-be-told story:

When my son was little we lived in a townhouse/apartment complex, with a park in the complex. I was going to school half an hour away. My son hated to be confined (ie not worn, and he was 10.2 pounds, 23inches at birth anyway, and only got bigger & heavier...he was actually too BIG to fit things that people use to not have to use their arms).

The point of this story? I practically lived in my car. We used the kind of carseat you loop over your arm and bring into the house/click into place on the cart at the store/etc. I was not about to be carrying anything else. And, as I said, the park was right there. Not that an infant needs to go to the park, but for some reason we seem to feel compelled to take them anyway. And if we're not taking the to the park, we're typically driving them somewhere else, like nana's, friends, etc., or we're staying at home dreaming of sleep (if "we" are anything like me). So, in all reality, my car was almost never further then 5 minutes away, and more frequently, 30 seconds.

So I took a cue from my wild years: I used my trunk.

In my trunk were 3 green fabric grocery bags and a backpack. A BOX of diapers. A box of wipes. A box of big ziplock bags. A box of kitchen sized garbage bags. A ziplock full of useful medicine (baby tylenol, thermometer, A&D, ADULT tylenol, sunscreen, etc.). A few extra blankets. A couple BIG bottles of water. 50 bucks.

The green fabric bags:
- 1 was for being dropped off with my son at the sitters...
- 1 had clean clothes for my son and myself in case of emergency. That bag got refilled an awful lot. In case of emergency should really be edited to "over the course of a normal day/week".
- 1 had "climate change" / "idiot proof" clothes in there...hoodies/sweats/tanktops/shorts/swimsuits/raingear. Lets face it. It can start off sunny and get cold, and vice versa. Also, sleep dep is a b**ch. I do NOT like running home. I'd much rather just pop the trunk.

(There's a great "checklist" on the market for new mums. One of the things on that list is your breasts. Another is your mind. I think I may have actually left all 3 at home once.)

The backpack:
Was for grand adventure. IE travelling further then 5 minutes from my car. Like the beach. Or the zoo. Or an overnight. I kept everything I might need so that I; wouldn't drag my feet at, or decline, an invitation; or spend an hour running around the house trying to find "x" only to find it REALLY needed to be washed; or purposefully not leave my house because the work of getting ready to go was too daunting.(Can you tell those things happened before I got the backpack in there? I mean, c'mon, people have crossed continents with just a papoose...and there I was in my living room in tears.)

The 50bucks:
For fun, adventure, lunch, accidents, forgotten must-have item, and "uh-oh...where's-my-card???"

So anyhow, everything I might possibly need, except the kitchen sink...I kept in my trunk. If the baby needed to be changed I just went out to my car. Half the time I just changed him there on my back seat. It's also pretty easy to tuck one extra diaper and a ziplock with a few wipes in it in your purse. My friends used to be amazed at how "little" I carried with me. Hehehe...that's what happens when you have Babies'r'us in the boot.

I was also alone a lot when my son was an infant, and the trunk saved my tuchus a few times in the middle of the night when I'd run out of something. Going to the store at 3am because your 1 year old has diarrhea and ran through 3 days worth of diapers in an evening, is NOT something anyone in their right mind ever wants to do. It's something many of us have done. That and used teeshirts. Preferably your husbands. Improvise, adapt, and overcome.

Have fun finding what works best for you,

Z.

First of all CONGRATULATIONS!! How exciting!

Here's a completely different perspective on the topic: My opinion is that diaper bags are a waste of money. You end up buying yet another bag that falls short of needs over time and honestly is never really something you like carrying around. Plus oftentimes you end up carrying a seperate purse as well or trying to stuff your purse stuff into the diaper bag only to forget to take it out another time when you don't actually want to take a diaper bag with you (e.g. if you leave baby with babysitter or daddy to run a few errands). At least that was my experience, and I went through 3 of them. What I ended up liking the most was as follows: I stopped looking for "diaper bags" and found a nice large purse/handbag which I liked the look of and its size. All I really needed in my diaper bag was:

1. 3-4 diapers
2. A large waterproof quilted pad I could use to lay her down and change her in bathrooms, on couches, backseat of car, in the park. The ones that come in the diaper bags are SO small that the baby's head or legs are inevitably on some relatively unclean surface (yuck). Plus the pads you buy are washable and come in 2-packs. Get the larger size so that it covers the entire changing table in a public restroom). They fold up nicely, are soft, and are under $15 for two.
3. Change of clothes for leaks or messes
4. A couple of small toys
5. A ziploc bag with diaper cream and any little misc things like sunscreen as she gets a bit bigger.
6. Baby wipes for on the go- just buy KIRKLAND and save money and carry one of the soft-packs in your purse for wiping bum, face, etc.
7. Optional: Small cold pack (you get them for free from all of the formula companies who are giving away promotion items at the hospital or your dr. office - look in nursing room). You will really only need this if you will bottle feed or later when you carry milk or snacks. A small one fits either two bottles or a bottle plus snacks.

Honestly, I found that a nice roomy bag was all I needed. I never used all of the little compartments and most purses/handbags have a few zipper areas for keys, cell phone, etc. The baby stuff just went in the main compartment anyhow. I gave away all the "diaper bags" I had bought. This way I have a bag that I still use, now primarily as a purse that still has kid stuff in it (e.g., change of pants/undies, sunscreen, etc. now that my little girl is 4).

Hope that helps!

The perfect diaper bag really depends on what you are looking for. We got a Skip Hop Dash Deluxe diaper bag and the pronto set. The main diaper bag has been great because of all the extra pockets and compartments, plus some nice choices of color. I also LOVE the stroller straps so that I don't have to cram the bag into the stroller basket or carry it the entire time I am walking around. We got the Pronto set for the times when we wouldn't need the entire diaper bag. It works great for when we know that if we need anything it will only be a quick diaper change. Of course I also find it easiest sometimes to just tote my "big" purse with a couple of the baby items in it. Helps to eliminate one extra bag.

I found a regular backpack best as a diaper bag.I know a lot of places ask that u leave backpacks at the front counter and what not but if u explain to them it's the diaper bag then they're ok with it.I just decorated my daughters a lil with her name and basic info for if it's lost (get a light color and use permant marker).Then as she's gotten older I let her pick out her own bagpack:)

I have a Columbia Outfitter this is the link....
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2839065
I've had mine for 6 months now & love it...I had 2 other diaper bags one was a Combi brand and I hated it...
The Columbia bag is so nice it has big roomy pockets..and I love the little straps that allow you to hang it on a shopping cart or stroller so you always have easy access to the bag rather than digging around in the bottom of the stroller or taking up useful space in the shopping cart!

Here is the product description

The Columbia Outfitter Diaper Bag in red is a smart baby pack: The ultimate in style and function with features you never knew you wanted, but will never want to be without. Expandable, light weight diaper bag with easy clean RealPure™ liner, PVC and lead free. Contains thermal bottle chamber with Therma-Flect® insulation. This diaper bag is made with multiple organizer pockets including a quick-release Key Fob and a dedicated Pacifier pocket. Portable, padded change mat with separate "messy" bag are included. Stroller attachments with snap closure make this a must have bag.

I love my Columbia backpack diaper bag. I am still using it on baby #2 right now. I like that I can carry it on my pack and frees up my arms. It has a lot of great pockets and holds up really well. I know a few other people who use as well and just love it!

I had the Land's End diaper bag too, and really liked it. They are really reasonably priced and have tons of pockets. I still use it for traveling. Don't be surprised that your needs evolve and the perfect newborn diaper bag isn't in use by the time you have a toddler. I used the diaper bag for a few months, then found that I could fit what I needed into a messenger bag, then ultimately I found that for a quick trip out I could use a little pocket diaper holder and just a pocket in my purse. When we are going out now with our toddler for more than a quick trip, we use the messenger bag so we can bring a few toys. Good luck!

I do not have a specific diaper bag to reccomend, but a couple things to look out for:

1. If you are planning on sending the baby to daycare eventually, a diaper bag is really handy for transporting all their bottles, clothes, blankets, etc. so I would definatly get a diaper bag in this case (I noticed quite a few moms reccomeded other options or not getting one).

2. I really like the ones that come with the little fold-up changing pad to use in public places or when you are visiting other peoples houses. True they are not big enough for the "whole" baby once they get bigger, but they work for most of the body, and protect the surfaces you are changing them on from "contamination".

3. Some come with a little waterproof bag for "wet" items, but they also work great for trasporting diapers if you are not in a place they can be easily disposed of like a friends house or resturant bathroom(you are not suppose to put dirty ones in public restroom trash cans because of health concerns). The bags are waterproof and airtight so they won't stink up your diaper bag.

4. Some have little thermal pockets you can put an icepack in. *expecially handy for breastmilk or homemade baby food*

I started out with a fancy Petunia Picklebottom diaper bag, which was very pretty, but ended up being not very practical. It was great for the first couple of months, but it has to be dry cleaned, and as our baby got bigger so did his diapers, clothes, etc, and it didn't have a lot of room.

We now have a green camo diaper bag from Target. I couldn't find it online, but it was still in store last time I was there. It's perfect; it has a wide opening in the middle, two bottle holders on the side, good sized pockets in front, a changing pad that fits in the back pocket, and it has messenger bag straps and over the shoulder straps. Best of all, it was under $30!

I would recommend a back pack type. They give you hands free and don't slip off your shoulder all the time.
But if you are trying to save money and you aren't picky, use the free one your doctor gives you from the formula companies. I ended up using that more than the fancy one I got at my shower. They have tons of pockets and lots of room.

I have three kids and tried a standard diaper bag with the first one, the kind that has a shoulder strap and a rectangle like body. It worked ok but I always felt like I was digging for things and struggling to hold on to it and my purse and the baby. A friend of mine got me a small hiking backpack for my second child, it cost her $50 and it has lots of little pockets and things to keep things organized, is extremely easy to carry on my back comfortably and sturdily, and even has a side pocket for me to keep a full bottle in without any spills, which is way better than the original "diaper bag". I have gotten a few odd looks from carrying a backpack instead of a diaper bag, but this has saved my life, it is easy to carry, holds everything you can need and more, and lets you be hands-free to hold your baby easily. I would highly recommend getting one. Jansen sells a ton of different kinds for all price-ranges or any hiking or outdoors sporting goods store can help you.

Quite honestly my favorite diaper bag is a Jansport backpack I bought for around $15 when school supplies were on sale. I find a backpack to be convenient when using the stroller (it hangs perfectly on the handles) and it makes it easier to carry around the park or wherever. I use the outside pocket for my stuff then toss her stuff in the big compartment. I had a fancy diaper bag at first but found I never used all the nifty little pockets and cubbies and just tossed everything in the big compartment anyway. Now I only pull out the fancy diaper bag when I'm taking my daughter somewhere to meet friends or where we will be a little more dressed up.

I love both my skip hop and my petunia picklebottom. The latter is expensive, I got mine on craigslist, they're also sometimes on ebay. I prefer a diaper bag to a regular backpack because of the special compartments for baby items. I carry everything a few other people listed, plus shout stain wipes and I carry a diaper clutch inside, it's by jujube and holds three diapers plus a travel wipes case. Keeps them separate and from getting crumpled!

After four kids and a busy life, I highly recommend what a friend passed on to me years ago: fancy backpack. Target or a Big 5, look for lots of pockets. I use a normal size with a baby, then to a mini for in between.

Don't get one yet! Use an old college messenger bag or backpack to start until you see what you really need, then you'll be able to tell what size you need. I've never bought a traditional diaper bag because I can fit everything I need in a medium sized Eddie Bauer purse. I guess they call it a Expedition Outfitter Guide Bag. My daughter is 20 months and that has worked out great for us! I would make sure that you have something with straps long enough or adjustable to go over the stroller handle. It's not the best thing to do, but most moms do it anyway! My diaper bag also doubles as my purse so in it I have: changing pad, wipes case, 3-4 diapers, diaper cream, cell phone, keys, chapstick, wallet, camera, disposable dirty diaper bags, a snack size baggie of dried apples, and a reusable grocery bag.

I also have a messenger bag in the trunk of my car with a change of clothes for my husband and I, a change of clothes for my daughter, extra diapers, wipes, a blanket, and that's it I think. It's all stuff that might be needed on any given outing, but I never actually need it right then. I have diapers and wipes in my diaper bag, but every so often, my daughter surprises me or I forget to restock it so I've never been without what I needed. Sometimes I just have to run to the car to get supplies. That happens probably once every other month at the most.

I would recommend the skip hop pronto changing pad though! It's a changer with storage for 6 newborn diapers and a wipes case all in one. It's long enough that my 35" daughter can fit on it without hanging off, but folds up nicely. It also has a front pocket that we normally keep diaper cream and a change of clothes in. A short sleeved shirt and shorts fit in now that she's bigger, but it used to be a onsie or two and a pair of pants.

We tried lots of different diaper bags, but there were too many drawbacks. Finally we switched to a Jansport backpack (in blue, my husband can carry it too) and LOVE IT! I can toss it in the wash without worrying about fading or losing the shape of the bag...the kids can use it in years to come...I also put my purse stuff in the outside pocket.

It seemed so silly to have an official diaper bag. What do I need to carry really? Some diapers, wipes, a plastic bag...that's not much...and maybe toss in some food (I would put bottles if my kids were younger). I can add a blanket if I need a shield between my kid and a diaper changing table. It doesn't seem to matter whether it is organized or not...I can easily find EVERYTHING - even rummaging in the dark. I know what a diaper feels like or the wipe bag/box.

Good luck finding the perfect bag!

my vote is for a backpack.. any type you are comfortable with. that way your hands are always "free"! :)

Hi,
I like the brand Oioi.. diaper bag.. it cleans up so nice.. and has lasted through 2 kids!! the side pockets are the best.. here is a website that sells them
www.mamasandmunchkins.com

I have had other bags and they fall apart. this one is stylish and since I don't carry a purse anymore I spent a litte more than I wanted.. but so worth it :)
Lenc

I have the Eddie Bauer black diaper bag. It is great and does not look "baby" at all. it was 25-30 bucks. I see a lot of other people with the same bag. Good Luck!!

I got rid of my diaper bags and picked up a extra large fanny pack, instead. It has 2 compartments for sippy cups (or bottles) and many large compartments. It has a shoulder strap, too, which takes some of the pressure off my back. I got it at Joe's for about $70 and I love it. Another good tip is to keep a bag of extra clothes/diapers/food in the car in case of emergencies.

Hi S.,
For all 3 of my kids I used the same Mini-travel Eddie Bauer diaper bag (Target / around $20). There are 2 sides that hold bottles or sippy cups. The pockets on the inside worked great for handsanitizer and little things, but it fit 3-4 diapers, travel size wipes container, formula container, small snack and a change of clothes (newborn clothes are small :)). It has a large outside pocket that worked for my keys and cell phone. The bag color was green and the strap was adjustable so my husband didn't mind carrying it either.
As my kids got older (they're 5, 3 & 1) I now keep a bag in the back of each of our cars with necessities like the diapers and wipes for my one year old, potty seat cover for the 3 year old and then always grab a lunch box of snacks and sippies when we go anywhere when they might be needed. I never have to remember to grab the wipes or diapers this way (just refills occassionally).

Congrats on your upcoming baby girl!! (Two of my babies are June babies and one May baby).

We bought a Timbuktu messenger bag on sale at REI (for about $40) and couldn't have been happier. It's durable with various sized pockets on the inside that are perfect for all of the various items you'll need to carry for your baby. Added bonuses include that you'll be able to use it after it stops being a diaper bag and that your husband shouldn't have any objection to carrying it around.

I'm sure you'll get lots of favorites from people! Mine was a Lands End diaper bag. TONS of pockets and places inside and out. Check 'em out.

I think it all depends... We ended up with a Diaper Dude for my husband, and I've had about three different ones and still looking for the "perfect" one! Our daughter was a formula baby (not my first choice), so we had extra gear to lug around compared to my friends who breastfed. When she was little (newborn) we had a bigger "beach tote" style bag that held swaddling blankets, a change of clothes, diapers, wipes, formula containers, bottles, and the bottle warmer if we knew we were going somewhere without warm water or access to a warmer...it was cumbersome, but the "diaper bags" that I had just seemed too crammed. I went to Daiso (japanese "dollar type" store) and bought big "zip loc" style bags to keep things separated neatly.

Once she got older and didn't need constant diaper changes/feedings--we downsized to a very cute and cheap tote style pack from Target. I just never saw the need to have a $200 bag.

You'll probably play around with several kinds and find one that works for you and baby!

Congrats! I'm due in May with our second little girl and am SOOOO excited!!

Hi there, I have 2 kids and tried many over priced diaper bags until I found the Skip Hop bag. I absolutely love it because it is not to expensive (around $50), sturdy and has a removable strap so you can attach it to your stroller.

Good luck and congrats!

When shopping for a diaper bag you need to make sure that it is going to work for you and your baby. When I packed my son's bag I had a whole day's worth of necessities in there. I prefer the ones that are kindof like the duffel bag look with the adjustable strap or just the standard diaper bag kind. The duffle bag one that I like is at Target - I think it's the Eddie Bauer one(it's the silverish colored). Also pockets and compartments are great. What you will most likely be carrying in the diaper bag is diapers, wipes, 3-4 recieving blackets, 2-3 sets of clothes, plastic baggies for soiled clothes and/or stinky diapers to put in the trash, diaper rash creams, tylenol, gas med, formula (if not breastfeeding), couple of bottles and nipples, snacky stuff for when she gets older.....there is a ton of stuff that you will be hauling around in that bag. I carried the bag for close to two years and then got him a backpack with his favorite theme (CARS). So, when looking for that perfect diaper bag - you want many compartments, pockets and room to put everything in there. Try to visualize what the baby needs on a daily basis. Good luck and have fun picking out the diaper bag - I love shopping for diaper bags for my friends. The diaper bag that I chose was a baby blue with baby snoopy on it.....I loved that thing.

we were given an eddie bauer backpack/diaper bag and we like it a lot. It has lots of "pockets" to put stuff, side pockets and the changing pad is in the back "pocket." It holds a lot of stuff but isn't really big like some backpacks and because it has many pockets we don't lose stuff as easy as when we have used other diaper bags. However, I am not one to pack a lot of stuff - just the basics. It also has a snap in plastic/vinyl bag that we put soiled cloth diapers in when we go out. It doesn't look like a baby bag which I like. happy shopping

S.,

Here's a link to the diaper bag I have and absolutely love.

http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...

I know $80.00 is a lot to spend on a diaper bag, but it has been worth it for us. We've taken this everywhere: around town, to Disneyland, on planes, etc. I like that the whole front of the bag flips down so you can have access to everything without digging around in the bag. It has just enough compartments to keep things organized, but not so many that you can't find anything. Diapers, wipes and extra clothing can easily be stacked upright in the bag and they don't fall over. This bag has served us very well for the last 2 1/2 years and still looks great. I like that it doesn't look like a diaper bag and I fully intend to keep using it even after I don't have a baby or potty training toddler. Maybe you can find one on eBay or at a resale shop. We also have a smaller one that is mostly a strap worn across the body that has a pouch on the back for a couple of diapers and has a few smaller pockets for wipes, cream, etc. It was given to us for Daddy to use, but we often take it with us on shorter errands or out to eat because it is so small. I hope that helps! Good luck!

For me everything should be practical, SIMPLE and minimal.
Get a handle on what you REALLY need to bring, for your daughter AND yourself - this will change as she grows, and as you become more resourceful. Whether you're breastfeeding or not, it's alwasy good to have water for yourself with you. So, I recommend CAMELBACK.
For anyone who does anything outside of the house, they're perfect, and not that expensive ($50-$120). The quality is very high, so you don't have to use it as a diaper bag for the rest of your life. [bonus: my daughter started drinking water from the taut {sp?) after a while too!]

We used a regular diaper bag with our first and it was a pain. Always slipping off my shoulder, my husband didn't like to carry a "girly" bag, etc. With our second he bought a hiking backpack with pockets and it had 2 side pockets that were open with elastic - perfect for holding bottles/sippy cups (I think they are for water bottles). So much easier than a standard bag and it had enough room that I could carry snacks for my older son along with all the baby stuff. We still have that backpack almost 8 years later and use it for day trips to hold snacks, water bottles, sanitizer, etc. I never used the changing pad that came with the 1st diaper bag. I just carried a lap pad or small blanket.
Congratulations and good luck.

I LOVE my Fleurville diaper bag! I got by with Target models and non-diaper bags for my first two kids and they never worked that great, I was always switching, and probably spent several hundred $$ on $30-50 bags. On my third baby I finally went to a high end boutique, checked out all their bags and picked the one I liked best - turned out to be the Fleurville Sing Tote. Then I went on Ebay and found a great deal on a lightly used one - %50 less than the retail price. I'd recommend getting a bag you really LOVE, the look, functionality, everything, especially if you plan to have more than one child. You'll be using it for a long time, it's totally worth it. Check out Fleurville for yourself to see all the great features - feet on the bottom, clear vinyl covered stylish materials on the outside, and great personal and baby compartments with the perfect sized slots and pockets. Personal compt. includes fleece lined pockets sized for sunglasses and cell phone and a key clip. Finally I don't lose my stuff amidst all the baby junk! I also get compliments on it all the time because it's so stylish. So there's my 2 cents! Congrats on your first baby!!