Diaper Bags? « Back to Group Discussions

[hsquared]

I know I need one...I kind of don't want one, but I guess really I just don't want the typical huge bag that you can fit the kitchen sink in! We're breastfeeding, cloth diapering, and not huge on accessories. Any ideas on an alternative to the norm? 

[MaerynPearl]

I've had two. I've never used them. I just carry a large purse I can shove the few things I need in. If I'm going to be gone overnight, I have to take a whole suitcase anyway so I just pack everything in that.

Get a back pack or large purse. It's just as good. You don't need to spend extra on a diaper bag. Especially if you already have a large purse (or canvas bag) or back pack.

[XanaduMama]

Eh, I never really had one. I'd just stuff a diaper and some wipes into my handbag, or keep them in the car, which is where I'd usually end up changing them anyway. A change of clothes would be useful too (for both of you, actually!), and later on I'd need to keep snacks, small toys, and stuff like that on hand (my bag/coat pockets are still always filled with such things!). I'm pretty low-maintenance (ie, lazy) on such things, though, and sometimes do end up envying (or feeling guilty in the face of!) those super-organized mamas who always have everything at their fingertips. Perhaps a regular backpack or just a cool, large-ish purse would work?

[MaerynPearl]

yes, even if you HAVE a diaper bag, keep at least one complete change of clothes (appropriate size and for that season) and a small stash of diapers. Because even if you have a bag... you won't always remember to take it, or might think you don't need it because you will only be out a few minutes and a few minutes turns into a diaper blow out and desperate need for a new diaper and change of clothes.

It took me way too long to learn this. However, since learning it, it's saved my butt more times than I can count!

[lbkw]

We have received several diaper bags as unsolicited gifts. The one I used most, I thought was the ugliest, but it was not too big and not too small. It mostly lived in the car. (I've mentioned in other posts that we have to drive to get just about anywhere.)

I would also suggest the patemm. Sign up for their emails and they send you coupons. I got it when #2 was born and used it way more than diaper bag.

[Shinyredstar]

I never used one with my younger three, either. We just used a backpack with the items already mentioned by everyone else and a light blanket that could work as a cover or playmat or diaper changing space- just good for all purpose use if I needed it. This time around I found a bag on etsy that I'm going to get. I just really don't like diaper bags as a general rule. They're too big, too bulky, and just generally look corny to me.

[hsquared]

yay! i dont' have to HAVE a diaper bag! sweet! thanks! 

[hsquared]

Originally Posted by lbkw 

I would also suggest the patemm. Sign up for their emails and they send you coupons. I got it when #2 was born and used it way more than diaper bag.

that looks awesome! umm...i should figure out how to sew something like that! 

[sjdragonfly]

If you're into sewing, there are a ton of free patterns and tutorials for sewing a diaper bag online. I wanted one that looked a bit more like a messenger bag or something so either DP or I could carry it. None of my purses are large enough for anything other than my stuff so I'm definitely going to make one. I really like this one and am planning to make it in the next few weeks: http://kojo-designs.com/2010/08/the-bags/

[Shinyredstar]

Oh those are nice bags, sjdragonfly! Pretty close to one I've had my eye on. Good luck with the project.

I really need to start sewing again and build my skills/confidence back up. Especially with all the great fabric options these days. I am going to make a couple of wet bags to carry with us- both for baby messes (kind of handy to carry around for little ones!) and for using at the pool. I'm super talented at sewing squares! Haha.

[Choaners]

We never used one either.  We cloth diapered.  If we went out for a short time (assuming one diaper) I'd put an insert or extra diaper in a small sized wet-bag w/ a little ziplock of wipes and stick that in my purse or a tote bag or something.  Change kiddo once and soiled diaper went in wet-bag, if not too gross, ziplock w/ wipes also and it all went back in the purse.  If we were going longer and needed to carry a few more I'd pack a Skip-hop Pronto Changing Station (handy, but didn't really need it in the long run), which would hold more inserts.  With a breast fed baby you don't need much, diaper bags for me, always seemed like an overkill.

[ThreeLittleBirds]

I just found this etsy store and these bags are PERFECT for what I am looking for. I dont want a diaper bag, I just want a large messenger/hobo style purse....but nothing expensive.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Markfabric?ref=seller_info

[ThreeLittleBirds]

Or Haiku bags...because cmon....LOOK AT EM!

http://www.haikubags.com/shop/sale/tg-da1gr

[blumooned]

Don't get what I got!  It's huge & heavy & kinda expensive.  I did tons of shopping around looking for the best bag.  I wanted one that was color neutral, had lots of pockets, & didn't look like a diaper bag.  I eventually got this Skip Hop one.  It looks nice & it holds everything you want it to, but it is heavy.  Also, it has so many pockets, that if you put stuff in all of them, the stuff won't fit b/c it all smooshes into each other!

I do still use it, but you could definitely do better!

[hsquared]

Originally Posted by ThreeLittleBirds 

I just found this etsy store and these bags are PERFECT for what I am looking for. I dont want a diaper bag, I just want a large messenger/hobo style purse....but nothing expensive.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Markfabric?ref=seller_info

those are cute! and cheep! and only 10$ shipping...to anywhere! wow. 

[sjdragonfly]

ThreeLittleBirds, those are super cute! I'm with you on wanting something that looks more like a messenger bag than a traditional diaper bag. Plus, this way I don't have to carry a purse and I just stick my wallet and whatever else I need in there with the baby stuff. 

[Shinyredstar]

This is the one I've had my eye on: http://www.etsy.com/listing/62833070/copenhagen-grey-diaper-bag-messenger-bag
I'd like something a little more square but I always feel so frustrated by the messy state of bags with having to dig through all the loose junk that the idea of the pockets seems appealing. She has some other lovely bags, too- though I suppose they're a little costly with shipping and all.

[scowgirl]

I really like that one, Shinyredstar!

[GoofyInOK]

One of hubby's cousins already got us a diaper bag that converts into a backpack.  I like that functionality, so hopefully it will work for the both of us.  I thought about getting a Skip Hop bag, too, but I really think it's just too big.  I'm hoping to carry some small toys in the diaper bag along with a change of clothes, but I'd think a larger messenger bag could still do that if the backpack doesn't work out.  Those Haiku bags are TOO cute...  Maybe I'll snag one of those.

Edited by GoofyInOK - 3/23/12 at 9:06am

[sjdragonfly]

Originally Posted by Shinyredstar 

This is the one I've had my eye on: http://www.etsy.com/listing/62833070/copenhagen-grey-diaper-bag-messenger-bag
I'd like something a little more square but I always feel so frustrated by the messy state of bags with having to dig through all the loose junk that the idea of the pockets seems appealing. She has some other lovely bags, too- though I suppose they're a little costly with shipping and all.

Oh, wow. I really love that one! Hmmm... maybe I'll buy one of those instead of making one if I can't find a fabric I like.