Ok, people. What do I need to know about diaper bags? Here are the things to consider:
- I am cloth diapering, so I guess there needs to be a bit of extra room for both clean and dirty diapers
- I am 4'10" so HUGE is out of the question. I need to be able to carry both the baby and the bag.
- We're students with zero income, so budget is definitely a factor.
- My goings out will be mostly for shopping for a few hours in the city weekly or bi-weekly, church, and visits with friends/family in the area.
Will a plain old backpack work sufficiently, or should I be looking for a bag specifically made for being a diaper bag? Is it really handy to have insulated pockets for bottles or can you do without them? Anything you love/hate about your diaper bag? I really have no clue what I'm looking for, except that it needs to be something that Nathan won't refuse to carry around. : ) Help?
8 comments:
I'm not sure if this fits in the budget option, but I have found (in my opinion) the greatest diaper bag ever. It's a lulu lemon yoga bag. It's totally waterproof lined on the inside, has a whole zippered section for dirty clothes, has another large pocket that works great for diapers, as well as several (water) bottle holders. It fits everything I need/want and isn't so huge that I can't haul it around. I love it :)
A backpack will work just fine. It leaves both your hands free to use, should have plenty of room, is man-friendly. I never used insulated pockets for bottles and all my kids survived. I personally like pockets and lots of them so everything had its spot - Jay never used them though so it was always a chore to get everything sorted out. You need room for diapers (and all that goes along with that like wipes, creams, change pad, etc.), clothes, bibs, toys, snacks (eventually), nursing cover (if you go that route) - that's all I can think of right now. I say for you and your particular situation, find a backpack you both like and you are set!
I loved backpacks... they leave the hands free for the baby, carseat bucket and stroller, etc. Even find one with the chest strap to alleviate some of the weight on the shoulders. And they're manly, but there's lots of man-happy bags out now. I'd find one of those folding fabric/plastic change pads though... those come in handy in dirty bathrooms and friends houses and the like... nice place for a squirmy bum. just my two cents worth!
I'd say start with an old backpack and then switch if necessary once you know what your particular needs are. I definitely hear the student budget thing, and I think diaper bags tend to be - like so much other baby gear - one of those marketing ploys to suck in new moms (not to mention excited auntie's-to-be).
We have tried diaper bags, backpacks, and have liked both. Backpacks can grow with the child and has tons of pockets. Just make sure you organize what goes in all the pockets so you know where everything is. I just got a Ju Ju Be diaper bag but they tend to be on the pricey side. Also you might want to get a small zippered case to carry all of your mommy stuff.That or assign yourself a mommy pocket on the bag.Nothing worse that digging around the bottom of your bag looking for your keys when baby is screaming in the other hand.My only other suggestion is make sure you like it because your going to be the one carrying it around for at least the next year.
I tried a few different ones, never a backpack because I don't like them and in the end I saved and used shower money for a good bag. I got a Skip Hop bag from cravings. This is the one I got http://www.skiphop.com/product/22000.html. I love it more than anything I have ever had. It is totally machine washable. Its not to big (since i am not that tall either), Tim is totally willing to carry it even with the pink piping on mine. It has something like 13 pockets so its always organized (or should be). Yeah I just love it. Can't say enough about it. I've had it for almost 2 years and it looks brand new and I am not easy on it. I'll bring it when we visit next week :)
Backpacks work just fine!!!
I also had a few diaper bags. The cheap ones wrecked easily. Then I bought (invested in) a JJ Cole bag. LOVE it! Comes with a handy change pad. If it wrecks you can replace it within a year. LOVED it. Check it out on line.
I am with Josie on the LuLu bag. I didn't want something that spelled out "diaper bag" (you know, the ones with the pictures of cradles and stuff on them). So I spoiled myself and god a LuLulemon bag. I made sure to get a color Matt would carry. And that way, when you are done using it as a diaper bag, you can still use it for other stuff. And there's pockets and everything. I never had the need for insulated pockets for bottles. None of my kids took bottles. And as far as the included change pad, I wanted to make my own anyway. Those bags aren't cheap. But it was one of the best "mom" purchases I made. Hope you find one that works!
Lisa Dyck
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