Diaper bags: What works for you?
Okay, so I have a very simple question to ask for all you more experienced moms:
Have you found a reasonably-priced, well-made diaper bag which is practical and easy to cart around, but also cute AND big enough to cart around enough stuff for yourself and two little children?
I have looked and looked for something like this and come up lacking.
I had a cute tote I used for Kathrynne, but when I have two littles now, that cute tote is way too small. I know I do tend to error on the side of being over-prepared when it comes to all I want to pack in the bag, but then, Kaitlynn is also known to go through four diapers, lots of wipes, two blankets, and three outfits in a normal part of the day outing. So it's not like all this stuff is exactly overkill a lot of the time.
At any rate, help! I've been using this big black ugly diaper bag which is ripped and missing a zipper and I'd really like to find a replacement.
What works for you?
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By the way, does anyone here make and sell cute bags that might fit the bill? I'd be more than happy to give you some really great advertising to thousands of moms in exchange for a bag. I'm just saying...
Have you found a reasonably-priced, well-made diaper bag which is practical and easy to cart around, but also cute AND big enough to cart around enough stuff for yourself and two little children?
I have looked and looked for something like this and come up lacking.
I had a cute tote I used for Kathrynne, but when I have two littles now, that cute tote is way too small. I know I do tend to error on the side of being over-prepared when it comes to all I want to pack in the bag, but then, Kaitlynn is also known to go through four diapers, lots of wipes, two blankets, and three outfits in a normal part of the day outing. So it's not like all this stuff is exactly overkill a lot of the time.
At any rate, help! I've been using this big black ugly diaper bag which is ripped and missing a zipper and I'd really like to find a replacement.
What works for you?
---------
By the way, does anyone here make and sell cute bags that might fit the bill? I'd be more than happy to give you some really great advertising to thousands of moms in exchange for a bag. I'm just saying...
posted by Crystal Paine at 5:21 PM
65 Comments:
I have a big diaper "hobo" bag that I got from Babies R Us a few months ago. I'm not sure that they would still have it, but it would be worth a try. It is called the diaper sac and was around $15. It is very spacious and looks to hold up well. The one I have is chocolate brown and pink. Very chick if I do say so myself :) I thought it was a great buy, as I had been looking around for one too. Oh, and don't forget to look online to see if you can find any coupons for the store. Just my two cents.
Adrienne
I like my mini Eddie Bauer bag from Target. It holds all my munchkin's stuff, has two bottle/cup holders, and an inside pocket great for Mommy's phone & wallet. Mine is basic black, but I'm pretty sure they come in lots of colors.
After reading a rewiew on the blog Orgjuckie i bought a great diaper bag check out her review! http://orgjunkiereviews.blogspot.com/2007/09/happy-traveler-family-gear-bag.html
I have one child but i bet there is room for more. It cost more then had wanted to spend however it is worth every penny! Hope this helps
I like the Ergo backpack for my little brother. We use cloth diapers and they take up alot of room, so when we are going somewhere for a long time, we put the diapers in one bag and the other stuff in another. The other bag that we have is a large Wrangler purse/tote bag. It is cordouroy, ours is tan, but they come in a few other colors. The Ergo Backpack comes in many colors too.
Ashley
This isn't particularly cute, but I have taken to using a regular backpack for a diaper bag in recent years. They come with all kinds of pockets and compartments. This isn't the best time of year to find them, but you can usually find them really cheap on clearance in September (a dollar or two). I have found this has sufficient room for two in diapers, as well as snacks and a change of clothes for any older child(ren).
I used a full-sized green Eddie Bauer diaper bag when my daughter was a baby. It is made of heavy canvas and has tan suede details. It is nice and "preppy" looking. Also, since it is not overly feminine, my husband is cool with carrying it when we are all out together. I still use this bag for longer day trips.
Now, I have a large purse/tote bag I got from Kohl’s for about $20. It was a great purchase. It is a wool brown pinstripe pattern with brown leather details. Great for this time of year. I was carrying a small purse and then a little mini-diaper bag and a friend suggested that I just get a large purse for everything.
Also, if you have anyone who lives near you who makes purses, they might be able to make a bag for you! There is a young woman one town over from me who makes beautiful fabric purses! I just love her! She's 21 and recently married and started her own business so she could stay home with her future children and is so talented. One of my friends met her at the farmers market. So, if you go to a craft fair or market, you may be able to find someone to make a cute diaper bag for you!
Mrs. H
Mommy to a 2 year old. :)
I have two close in age and I really like my messenger style diaper bag from Wal-mart. It's really cute - has two cup holders one on each end, two front pockets and is well organized inside (at least for me). I tend to be overprepared so I think it holds a lot. :)
I try to leave extra diapers, wipes, clothes in a bag in the car if I think we might need more than what I have in the bag.
I think I paid maybe $20 for the bag and it's much better quality than the more expensive Babies'R'Us bag we started with.
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With 8 blessings in my life, ranging in age from 16 down to 6 months (1 girl, 7 boys)I really like to use a backpack as a diaper bag. This is nice and roomy for cloth diapers, and moderately "cool" so that if the teen boys have to carry it, it looks acceptable to them! LOL. I've tried many styles of official "diaper bags" over the years, and they never live up to what they advertise, in my humble opinion. I've had so many rip and tear and zippers lock up, that I just stick with my trusty backpack, and I'm happy! My mom bought me a stylish leather backpack a few years ago. Its a bit on the small size, but nice when I'm not going out too long. Another thing I forgot to say about the convenience of a back pack is that you have a place to put it when you're all out of hands, with your little people!
Hope this helps,
Susan in Manitoba
I have 3 little ones under 4 and after much shopping around, I got this one in red (and love it):
http://www.target.com/Xhilaration-Large-Tote-Bag-Orange/dp/B000OS3D02/qid=1194483497/ref=br_1_2/602-8261586-8011838?ie=UTF8&node=12940951&frombrowse=1&rh=&page=1
I like the Do-It-All Diaper Bag by Lands'End FYI they have free shipping through tomorrow, no minimum purchase.
I do have three boys, so a more utilitarian look is in order, but I LOVE how big it is. It also opens up like a Doctor's bag, so you can see all the way to the very bottom. It makes finding things a breeze. I have even used it as an overnight bag for all three boys before. It's really great. I am pregnant with my fourth, a girl this time, so I am not sure if I should try to find something a bit more girly, but I will probably stick with this one, I really love it.
Ashley
You should check out www.etsy.com.
You can buy really cute handmade stuff at really reasonable prices because you are buying directly from the maker of the bag (or whatever you are shopping for.) Plus you are supporting cottage businesses - many who are stay-at -home mamas. :)
They are pretty pricey, but I received a Vera Bradley diaper bag as a baby gift and it's great! There is tons of room-- we've even used it as an overnight bag WITH cloth diapers and 2-3 changes of clothes and PJs and general baby "stuff." Another bonus is that it comes with a cloth changing pad so you always have a clean place to lay baby for a quick change. Love it!
Like I said, really pricey, but just to give you and idea: http://www.verabradley.com/Site/Store/ProductDetail.aspx?dept=7&sku=183%3a10 Mine is Java Blue (brown and blue) and pretty stylish, I think! ;-) My generous DH even bought me a little purse to match!
I just bought a new one and I am so excited about it. It's this one by Skip Hop at Target. Besides having tons of room, it has two small straps on each end that are special for hooking the diaper bag to a stroller or cart and it can be carried either as a messenger bag or shoulder bag. You can read more on it here. All that to say, it's a great bag and my recommendation. :)
I use an oversized handbag that just happen to be in fashion right now... handy! That way, I can also use it when I don't have the children with me. I find it funny too, that I can usually tell how many childrena woman has by the bag she carries. First time mums nave an entire packet of nappies, a billion wipes, 4 changes of clothes (one for each possible weather forcast) toys, dummies, etc etc. It gets less and less, amazingly, the more they have. I have 5 kids, two still in nappies. Want to know what's in my bag? 1-2 nappies for the 16 month old and a spare dummy, if I can find one. Perhaps a sippy cup, depending on where we are going. For the baby, 2-4 nappies, 1 change of clothes, a snuggle rug, a dummy and smelly bags for messy items. That's it. Before Eli arrived, I just threw a nappy into my handbag for Amy and that was it. *grin*
I, too, have a bag from Land's End, but I just chose a regular tote bag. They come in tons of colors and they look just like a normal, classic tote. They come in small (purse size), medium, large, and extra large. I have the medium. It was under thirty dollars, I think. It has a canvas liner all the way around that offers lots of pockets. I also chose the zipper top. This is the bag that I use for my wallet, baby snacks, 3 spare diapers, changing pad, and wipes. Just the essentials. Then, you can order the extra large to keep in your car trunk for extra diapers, clothes, and wipes. That way, you don't have to carry so much stuff around with you, but you can always run back to your car to replenish.
http://landsend.com/pp/ZipTopTotes~123835_1343.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::JNN&CM_MERCH=IDX_00005__0000000307&origin=index
Jenny: If Kaitlynn was like Kathrynne, I could go with a tiny bag still. Kathrynne hardly *ever* needed a change of clothes or anything besides a diaper and a few wipes. Kaitlynn, on the other hand, is the baby of explosive diapers and despite using different kinds of cloth diapers and every brand of disposable, we've finally figured out that we just always need to plan for her to go through 3 changes of clothes while we're out, plus mess up a blanket or two. Jesse always asks me before we head out the door, "Do you have enough changes of clothes for her?" :) He's learned that it's much better to be safe than sorry. :)
I find it interesting how each child is so different!
Thanks for all the diaper bag suggestions! Keep them coming!
I love my Kalencom bucket tote. Amazon.com is the only place I've seen the one I've got. I have the blue one, and I love it. It's big enough for gear for both my 3 year old and my 6 month old. Maybe a little bit on the pricey side at $65, but it'll stand up to any abuse your kids can put it through, and I like mine so much I'll keep it for the next baby, too.
At this point, my boys are 1, 2, and 4. I carry a tote bag with 4 diapers and a baggie full of wipes. Seriously... that's it! In fact, I normally have only 2 diapers with me. I keep others in the car as well as changes of clothes (sweats that can fit anybody, a sweatshirt or two). If we're going to church, I'll pack a water bottle or two and 3 small baggies of pretzels.
I USED to carry a big baby bag and I just ran out of hands to manage it. Now I carry the bare minimum and keep extra supplies in the car.
Probably should mention that until recently (baby is now almost 13 months old), I rarely went anywhere without another adult (DH, gramma). I just went to the grocery on Monday for the first time with all teh boys. It's nice that my 1 year old has been walking for almost 5 months and is very steady on his feet. I can grab hands with the two smallest boys and go.
My 4th baby is now 17 mos and this time I went with an oversized handbag. It is beautiful. I think it looks classy and is nice to carry at church or some other more dressy occasion. For everyday, it really just gets heavy and isn't convenient. I would just carry a backpack. I know you probably want something that doesn't say "I've given up on cute and functional" but,somethign a little more chic...but maybe you could find pink or something:)
Christi
We went to Mexico this summer and with two boys I knew I needed a new bag. I purchased one from Babies r Us and loved it. You can wear it as a backpack, regular diaper bag and a messanger bag. I was able to fit 3 bottles, diapers, wipes, toys, blanket, first aid kit, sippy cup, the baby's carrier/sling,and the older one's jacket. On the outside there are two zipped up pockets where i put all of our paper work and wallet. It was a little on the expensive side about $30 or $40 but it was a life saver. I traveled on my own(never again will I do that)so being able to wear it as a backpack and be hands free was great.
Crystal,
I couldn't just leave my comment and be done with it:)
You're pretty resourceful....what about making one: http://bundlesoflove.org/DiaperBagPattern
Or, this one:
http://www.simplicity.com/dv1_v4.cfm?design=5598
I've sewn bags plenty and they're not hard:)
A regular backpack works great for our three daughters.I use the zippered part in the front to hold my cell phone,debit card and car keys.I keep clothes,diapers,a ziploc with wipes and anything else I need in the big part.It works for us :)
I have four small children under four and I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Lands End diaper bag. Inexpensive and so great with lots of pockets! The colors aren't too fancy, but a really nice bag!
I carry a regular sized diaper bag (not tiny, but not the size of Mary Poppins's carpet bag either), but I keep my minivan stocked with absolutely everything I could possibly need. I have extra diapers, wipes, snack food, bottled water, extra outfits, dry burp cloths, a big receiving blanket, and all kinds of things I might need in the car. Only the essentials are in my diaper bag.
Hi Crystal! I am the same way! I was looking for something to accomidate my 19 month old twin boys and myself. I found the perfect stylist inexpensive bag at K-Mart. It's aqua/brown paisley. Has a cup holder on each end. Lots of room on the inside. A large pocket on the bag. Two pockets on the front and 2 more on the inside. It's not the overbearing huge one or a tiny tote. It's just right for us. The in look, without the in price. $12.99 to be exact. Hope you find what you need!
i've got a cute one that i found for cheap at wal-mart in the baby section...cute design, good storage, but not too big, and it can be wiped clean.
Sorry about my earlier post. As I said, I don't have children, but my friend who does uses the shoulder-bag type thing from www.mec.ca. It's tough, doesn't get dirty easily, holds lots, and is available in a variety of colours. Plus it's easy on the neck and shoulder!
For each of my 3 children I started out using the bags given by the formula companies [even though I never used the formula - I sold that on Ebay].
When my son was little we did buy a backpack to use and it worked fine. Go when the school supplies are marked down, of course.
The bag I use now is from the thrift shop. I paid $1.50. I had to replace the previous bag I bought at a yard sale because the strap broke. I figured I got my $2 worth out of that bag.
Sorry about the rambling. I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you don't have to have one that is actually a "diaper bag" check your thrift shop and department store clearance sections. My friend uses a tote bag that she got in a purse clearance during a season change.
I just try to not get a too feminine bag because sometimes my husband carries it too.
Our boys are all over 9 years old and we still use our Land's End Do-It-All Diaper Bag and back-pack. We orginally chose these so that my husband would be comfortable using it as well. It doesn't look like a diaper bag. and it is very durable and guaranteed.
Now we use the diaper bag to transport our school supplies, books, and games when we travel in the car. The backpack stays in the car and is packed with a first aid kit, some packaged snacks, juice boxes and other emergency necessaries for the boys and myself.
Have you tried different diapers for her? I think you use cloth, right? I always used disposible, but certain brands for certain babies, they always leaked....
Anyhow, when I had to 2 that had needs, I bought a backpack that was not your normal backpack. You can find some that are really nice and i found it so much easier as you had room, and you could keep your hands free as you could sling it on your back. You can find some really nice ones. Mine was called a Lumbar pack and was made by a local company.
The other thing I do, is I stock a large bag, with changes of clothes, diapers, wipes, etc. and keep it in the car at all times. I have heard another idea as well where they kept the changes of clothes in ziplock bags in the car as well as a shirt for you. Anyhow, then i do not carry the diaper bag with me when I go inside somewhere, but can take a smaller bag in somewhere with me, but if a emergency happened, I have the things with me in the car. Of course if i was going in somewhere where it was a ways back to the car i would take the whole thing.
I bought a laptop carry on ( http://www.ebags.com/ebags/savvy_business_tote/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=88831&rlid=subcat&rcode=882457061615985 ) for our stuff. I am like you and tend to pack more than needed. This time around I am using cloth so I wanted plenty of space for that too. It is kinda big, like a duffel bag size but for now it works great. I also sling my baby so I can fit that in there. I am thinking of making me another bag for short trips where I don't need all my stuff. I made one of these for a friend and she loves it so I think I will make one for myself. It seems to hold a lot but I am not sure it would hold everything for a long day. I am also going to add a divider down the middle.
http://craftapple.com/_diaper_bag_.html
Shorty
I gave up on the nice, trendy, cute diaper bags. I tried larger purses, totes, bags, designer diaper bags...you name it. They drove me NUTS. Straps falling off my shoulders and the bag sliding down my arms as I chased a toddler was maddening. It drove my husband bonkers as well and we were determined to do something.
My husband felt silly carrying something that looked like a purse. We finally broke down and got a nice black Eddie Bauer backpack. It has been a huge blessing. It has lots of compartments and a mesh cup/bottle holder on both sides. It can adjust to fit him or me. I LOVE having both arms and hands free.
I was full of vanity and did not want to use a backpack as I thought I would look frumpy. If you pick a classic color and unobtrusive design, you will look much more put together than a frazzled mommy running with bags swinging from her forearms as she tries to corral a toddler, LOL!
We've used a variety of different items (including a lovely but complicated diaper bag with funky compartments), but the longest lasting has, funnily, been my husband's 10-year old Agnes B packpack. It's black, sturdy, has a large zipper in the back (excellent!), and great pockets. He's happy carrying it, and we naturally started using it as our son has gotten older.
Wierd, huh!
With our first(he's 25) we used diaper bags(plural because the cheap vinyl gave out or were gifts and "just not right" depending on child's age). With the second, mom got creative not liking the diaper bag selection being too girly for boy baby and hubby and designed for one purpose alone...baby. We ended up with a smaller luggage tote that had a vinyl interior, neutral tapestry exterior, leather handles with optional shoulder strap, large side zippered and velcro side compartments. I still use it for crochet projects at home or to go...over 14 years old and still like new. Snatched it up inexpensively on clearance at a Value City. Thrift shops or yard/tag sales could have great finds me thinks. eBay? Amazon clearance?
This site has expensive items but a nice display of ideas to look for locally or online for luggage tote bags and luggage duffel bags. Luggage then click tote or duffel to view several pages for both categories.
http://www.moriluggage.com/content/17.htm
What fun to see all the creative ideas of other ladies!
Does it have to be a diaper bag per se? I found a really nice large paisley tote bag at a yard sale this summer. I think it is jordache or something, but the inner lining is plastic and has a pocket. Anyway I paid about $2 for it!
I'm in the same predicament, and I have my eye on a few at Target. They are very cute and don't obviously look like diaper bags. On the pricier side (which I know you are not fond of), have you ever seen Vera Bradley products? So very cute, feminin, and washable!
Leah
I have to agree with several of the other ladies who said they love their Lands End diaper bags. They make such terrific, durable, and easy to use bags.
We also have a Land's End bag. I went through 2 bags with just my first child, then I got the Land's End diaper bags at a resale shop. It was roomy enough for my first child and what my new baby needed. It is very durable and has never had any problem. We like it very well.
Edwena
I have been carrying Vera Bradley bags since the 2nd of my 5 children were born. They are PERFECT. (They are expensive, but they are worth it.) I usually buy a big bag to carry as the diaper bag and then I buy a matching smaller purse which will fit inside. I use the smaller bag as a drop-off bag when I drop my baby off at the church nursery or the babysitters. Then I carry the big bag w/ me as my purse. No sense in carrying 3 bags. Use the big bag as your purse as well. Also, if you'll use large zip lock bags inside your large bag that'll help keep the kids diapers and extra clothes divided. Hope that helps!
I use a Jansport backpack I got on clearance for $4 at Penney's. In the front zipper part, I store things I need in a hurry, like a diaper and a few wipes and a onesie or sleeper. On the inside, I use a pencil bag from Target that is super cute and made of a flexible material to hold my things like a brush, lip balm, ponytail holder, checkbook, camera, wallet. In the main section, I use gallon size ziplock bags. In those, I put a complete change for each child- a diaper, a diaper throw away bag, a receiving blanket (when my babies were little), a sleeper or other outfit. If I were out with my hubby, I could grab a bag instead of the whole diaper bag and have the bag left to bring home accident outfits without ruining anything else. I have used this system for all four of my kids, though the Jansport backpack has held up far better than the cheap ones I bought.
One more recommendation for the Land's End bags. I use the smaller one as a purse/diaper bag for outings everywhere. It holds diapers for 2 children, snacks, my wallet, and misc. other things (including a one-piece outfit). The larger one stays in the car with extra supplies. Both were gifts. I have two children under three and another due any day, so I think the bags hold plenty.
I'm like some of the others who commented. I tend to use larger handbags. I call them my "Mommy bags." I have one in black, brown, red, and a summer tropical design. I carry a changing pad, diapers, wipes, toys, snacks, first aid kit (with two boys I need this!), extra clothes, etc.
Hope you find one that works for you!
I have tried every style bag under the sun! When our second child was first born I did a "hobo" bag and loved it. Now we have a 4 1/2 and 1 1/2 year old. We have them both in their own backpacks. Our son rarely needs a change of clothes but for those times when he spills, gets extra dirty or I want to take some pj's for a late night it comes in handy. We just keep it in the car. Our daughter needs usually one change of clothes per outing and a couple diapers. Her little ballerina bag is perfect for that plus a sippy and snack. I usually throw a snack in for brother too. Then I just have my purse and her bag to take in the store. My poor son has been known to help mommy by carrying sisters pink, frilly, ballerina backpack. He still looks manly anyway!! We are now expecting number three so I am curious what other options are out there. Great question Crystal...looking forward to all the answers!
I had two that I loved the big Eddie Bauer bag from Target that someone mentioned is still in my van (the kids are 3 and 6 now!) with changes of clothes in it for them (that was a great purchase I used it all the time and it still looks like new after 6 years!) I also had a tote bag that I found at Target that I used when I had dd and still had to lug ds' stuff and my own and that was from the purse area there (it's just a basic black tote that has since become my knitting bag!)
When we go out and about now and need snacks (like for a trip to the zoo or park) I just toss everything into a backpack and either I or dh carry it (of course ds thinks he can carry it too. He's 6 but thinks he's 16 and can carry everything comes in handy when we get home from the grocery store! Of course now he is eating as much as me and we have had to adjust the food budget to accommodate that but he's worth it!)
yvxybOne thing that I would recommend looking for in a diaper bag is a long adjustable shoulder strap! The reason being is that you can extend it fully, and then put it around the shopping cart handle. Mine is a large navy blue with a flap closure (is that what they call messenger?) That way you can keep all your coupons, wallet, and phone handy while you shop, instead of it all buried at the bottom of the cart!
Just wanted to add that I too had a baby who "leaked" on a regular basis! She was my fourth child, and I hadn't had such a problem with the first three, so I knew it was her and not my diapering technique. (She's now 10 months old, and it hasn't been a problem for several months now...seemed to not be an issue when I introduced cereal around 7 months.) I resorted to keeping a bag of "extras" in the van, so I wouldn't have to haul everything around on my shoulder! Good luck on the diaper bag hunt! It's fun to get something that you enjoy carrying!
~Dana
I also have two, just slightly closer in age than your sweet girls. I highly recommend keeping a large selection of stuff in your car and carrying only what you will need in one stop. I too had one that could explode all over clothes, bedding, carseats.....so I can relate. I had luck using diapers (disposable) that were one size too big. They were big on him, but I did MUCH less laundry!!
My mom gave me a very pretty Vera Bradley diaper bag to use and I love it. It's kind of bulky and big, but it sure holds a lot. Two, at least, blankets, three or four Fuzzi Bunz, wipes, two outfits, changing mat, hand sanitizer, camera, two board books, apple and granola bar and water, and my wallet. In case you wanted to know. :)
I recommend etsy to find a nice handmade one. I've seen LOTS of beautiful, well-made diaper bags there. I wish I could advertise myself but I'm only just getting good at sewing and there's no promises it'll turn out great yet :)
I love the Eddie Baurer bag and it is big!! I got mine at a consignment store for $7. It was clean and barely used.
I usually use my LL Bean tote bag (the kind that doesn't fall over when you set it on the floor), and it's working really well for me. I'm considering switching over to a backpack though, just because I wouldn't need any hands to carry it. I'm usually carrying an infant seat on one hand, holding a 17month old on my hip, and keeping a 2 and 3 year old close by holding hands, so something that doesn't fall off my shoulder sounds really nice!
I would agree with many others that the Land's End bags are very practical. I have two sets of twins under 4 yrs. old, and I have used the Backpack Diaper bag and the Little Tripper bag since my first set of twins were born. The backpack is great when you need to bring alot of stuff, and it allows your arms to be free to hold little hands and/or push a stroller with ease. The Little Tripper is great for short outings and errands. The side bottle holders also work great as sippy cup holders too! I find Land's End products to be of exceptional quality and well worth the price!
With baby #4 I finally got a nice diaper bag. It is an Eddie Bauer that I found on clearance. I've been using it for seven months and it looks brand new. It has been my favorite of all diaper bags and there have been many (lol). Something else that I do is keep a deep basket in our van that will sit in the floor beneath the baby's car seat (he doesn't use his floor space but when he does, I will have to move it to the cargo area. I keep extras in it so that I don't have to carry everything. I have sunscreen, diapers, extra clothes for baby and toddler, snacks, two or three bottles of water (small), knit hats, knit mittens, bandages, peroxide, infants and childrens tylenol, toys, crayons and coloring books. It has been dubbed the emergency basket. I clean it out every month or two and restock it. When I run out of items in my diaper bag and I am out, I restock it from the basket. I've been caught out without the needed items and this has been my way of resolving it without carrying a suitcase on wheels (lol)!
My toddler son gets to carry his own little back pack when we are out for the day. He chooses a few books, his sippy cup, crackers, and a change of clothes and a diaper in case of an accident. He's so thrilled to get to wear his own bag and it's lightweight so I don't have to worry about him taking it off.If we are just running into a store he usually leaves it in the car.
I use my black and pink Mary Kay bag for the baby (I got it with my start up kit when I became a seller but since I'm inactive now use the bag for baby stuff!). It's cute and stylish and doesn't look like a diaper bag. I can cram lots of diapers, wipes, a few small toys, and a couple outfits inside with no problem. I would encourage you to venture out of the baby department to find a nice bag. The hobo styles are popular right now and would be adorable. They look nice and roomy. When this bag I'm using wears out I will be getting one of those! :-)
I would reccomend using a regular back pack that has seperate zipper compartments and is roomy. It's easier to have your hands free and wear it on your back or slung over one shoulder while hauling a baby seat and holding onto a toddler. There are alot of cute prints and colors out there and they are made to be durable.
Hi, my sister and I custom make diaper bags and handbags. They have lots of pockets and room for all your items. We would be interested in doing a swap with you. Please check out our website and let me know www.lazydaisy.org
Email me after you take a look.
Thank
Rachel (rachel@lazydaisy.org)
Hi Crystal,
Somehow I made it through six babies without having to carry a bit, fat, ugly diaper bag. ;) I don't know how I did that.... Now I sell a ton of gorgeous diaper bags at my baby boutique that truly look just like a stylish purse. There are tons of colors, fabrics, trims, and price ranges. I like some of the bags so well that I am thinking about getting them just to carry my regular stuff plus things like library books and snacks for the older kids. :) I would love to trade a bag for some advertising. Let's talk!
Oh, you can see the diaper bags I sell at
http://thebabyboutiqueatwombswindow.com/html/Subcategory-72-0.html
~Erica
We use a regular backpack that we had before DD came along, but I'd like to switch to something else soon because (1) it's falling apart from several years of use and (2) DD is getting big enough that I'd like to carry her on my back in the ERGO, which doesn't work with a backpack. (We don't use a stroller because we take transit a lot.)
I LOVE my Land's End bag. I've had it for 5 1/2 years and it's perfect for everything. I have 3 children and it can be a bag for all of them and include my essentials so that I don't need a purse. It's only about $40 which over almost 6 years isn't bad!
I never found much point to carrying more than a spare diaper and wipes on my person. A large purse suffices. (We're on our fifth child) I keep an extra set of clothes for baby and me as well as snacks, and any other little things in the van. A short walk to the van beats tugging a monster bag around at all times.
I found a very cute bag at Wal-Mart before my son was born that I LOVE. It even has adjustable straps to clip it on the handle of the stroller (not for use with smaller strollers of course - you'd flip them over - we use it with our big Graco one). It has bottle pockets on the outside ends & inside - if you're nursing and not pumping any bottles they are handy for other items. It also came with a little zippered case that has a strap that Velcroes around the carrying strap which I use as a wallet - has a smaller zip pocket inside for ID, money,etc. It also came with a slick changing pad - much safer for use in store restrooms - I can wipe it down with Wet Ones and feel more secure about anything icky. Best part for me, personally, is that it has a flap that closes with two strong magnets. No zipping and unzipping like with my old backpack-style one from my daughter. Best part was the price...it was under $25 (free for us as my folks bought it). It's a chocolate color with aqua circles - still boyish enough for my son but still feminine enough for me - a fun treat since my first one was just a navy backpack style for the older child that did NOT open far enough for me to get things out easily.
My husband registered for the Eddie Bauer weekender bag at Babies R Us. Much more manly. *chuckle* Solid black, tons of room - and I mean TONS. When we moved at 4 weeks postpartum, I was able to fit ALL of my son's clothing in that bag except for what I wanted for use during the drive itself. When we hit the hotels each night I could restock my day bag (which was my diaper bag). The *only* thing I don't like as much about his bag is the lack of stroller straps - those ROCK. ;-P
Check Target too - I've seen cute, useful bags there for just as good a price as Wal-Mart. Good luck!!!
My Diaper bag? Well I can't really say enough about it. It is the do-it-all diaper bag from LandsEnd. It was more than I had ever spent on a diaper bag. 30.00 plus shipping. But when you consider buying one from walmart is going to cost you at least 20.00 (here in Canada anyway) and the walmart ones never stand up, it was deffinately worth it. It has lots of pockets, it expands to get very large, and has a little thing to clip your keys into. Not only that but the BEST thing is that it comes with a pocket in the middle that you can snap in or take out, depending on what you're bringing with you that day. The whole thing can just be wiped clean and it comes with a nice big wetbag as well as two smaller wet bags built in with the liberally sized change pad. Here's the catch. I haven't used it yet. I'm waiting for our baby to use it (this will be our fourth, I've got a decent amount of diaper bag experience). I do have a friend who just had her third who has the same bag (and has used it) and loves it! For a fee of five dollars I was able to have the bag monogramed and when you forget your diaper bag at church it's nice for people to be able to tell who it belongs too. So as you can see I'm kind of in love with my diaper bag... hope this helps ;)
One thing that has worked for me is to have a big all purpose diaper bag that houses all of those what ifs. Then I carry a small black backpack diaper bag with the things that I need when I am just running in somewhere.
My children are 4 and 2 and this method has worked for me since each were about 6 months or older. When they are more on a schedule and diaper changes happen at routine times.
I got my backpack diaper bag at Babies R Us for my daughter who is 4 now. I am sure that you could find something like that now though. It is lightweight, has a zipper on the outside and a plastic pouch with zipper on it on the inside. My 2 year old is still in diapers and I put 1-2 diapers in that, wipes, hand wipes, books, small toys etc.
In the all purpose one, I look for a bag that has a long strap that can go over the handle of a stroller. I got mine at Target when my baby was born. When we have long outings that is where we hang it. This has everything in it. Change of clothes; extra undies for 4 year old; many, many diapers, desitin; powder; band aids; neosporin; baby tylenol or mortrin etc. It has lots of pockets and compartments so it is great!
I like to be overprepared too but I will not carry around a heavy diaper bag with everything in it in and out of stores. This bag stays in the car and gets restocked as needed. If you need any of these items it is only a trip out to the car.
I also even keep a change of clothes for 4 year old stashed away in the car. I know someone who went on a day trip 1.5 hours away from home and their child threw up and they had no extra clothes! Another item that is kept in the car is a towel - I've used that when we've gotten wet from the rain and it is as a just in case for anything else that needs to be wiped up.
Your needs for diaper bags change as you have more children but this method has worked for me since my oldest was 2 and I had my second. My oldest was potty trained so I have never had to accommodate for 2 in diapers at one time.
I always carry a big purse that I can put sippy cups in. Most of the time I don't even use the backpack since mine are older now but it is in the car if I need it!
I think it is hard once more children arrive to carry a bag around that will encompass all of your needs so that is why I found this method.
Vera. Bradley. :)
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