Need Diaper Bag Suggestions Please

[lisajo]

All the different types of diaper bags available now makes choosing which one so overwhelming, especially when you're pregnant. My baby is due in May, and I'm trying to figure out which diaper bag to get.

I would be so grateful if all you Moms out there could tell me what type/brand of diaper bag you have used and like best.

I keep thinking that when I see one I like, I'll know... but I've looked at so many and haven't found any that I really like yet.
JCPenney's had a denim bag with a couple Pooh Bear appliques that I kind-of liked, but I just can't decide, so I'm still looking.

Suggestions appreciated!!!
Thanks,
Lisa

[parkersmama]

I've used all the ones from Lands' End (little tripper, backpack, and do-it-all) and liked them all for different uses. I particularly like that they don't look like a diaper bag. My dh uses them and doesn't have to feel silly carrying around a "girly" looking bag. I think that important factors in choosing a bag are the number, shape, and size of the interior and exterior pockets. Think about what you'll be carrying and how you'll be using the bag (are you an "everything but the kitchen sink" type? is it mostly for mall trips or will you be taking extended walks,etc?). I think basing a diaper bag on functionality first and looks second is the best idea. Also, most moms end up with a few diaper bags over time to suit different situations. Often, a larger bag is needed in the beginning as small babies require lots of stuff (toys, diapers, wipes, bottles?, changes of clothes, etc). As the baby gets older and the mom gets wiser, usually not as much stuff is needed when out and about. HTH!

[ginalc]

I don't like walking around with anything remotely Pooh-ish. I went with the Land's End Little Tripper, the Do-It-All, and the Diaper Back Pack. I use them all, and here's how:

1. I use the Little Tripper as my purse. It's sturdy, holds a ton of everything you'll need all day, and then some. My 2 year old dumped her juice in the inside pocket and my cell phone and such were completely dry in the outside pocket when I finally noticed the juice the next day. I've used it daily for 2.5 years and it still look new. It cleans up easily and wears like steel!
2. The Do-It-All stays packed with diapers, snacks, clothes that I don't like as much as extras, and a full container of wipes, along with books and games, etc. in the van. I know it's there, ready for me to use when I need it!
3. The Back Pack is my newest addition. With a new baby, I needed a better way to manage things for 2 little ones. I like Land's End bags because they look cool, have large, sturdy changing pads, and just don't scream "I am a new mother!". Even my husband doesn't mind carrying them around.
4. I have tried to use the bags they offer free at the hospital, but I really them. They tear easily, and for some reason, I just don't want to carry something like that around. I think the dark circles under my eyes and the weight I'm still carrying around my hips is enough to remind me that having little ones has changed my life forever!!!

Land's End has some diaper bags on clearance right now if you are interested.

[Momof3Labs]

Personally, I would suggest one of the following options for now:

1. Don't buy a diaper bag yet. Use the hospital bag at the beginning, then when you know how much you carry (and whether your baby is a spitter, which doubles the amount of stuff you have to carry), what type of bottles you use, and so on, find and buy a nice diaper bag.

2. Buy an inexpensive diaper bag for now. Then go for a nicer one once you know what you like/need. This is what I did, and I didn't feel bad ditching my $10 diaper bag after 3 months for a bag that suited me better.

Personally, I just didn't feel qualified to pick out a good diaper bag for myself until I had been a mom for a couple of months. Going this route saved me a lot of money on bags that I wouldn't have liked. Diaper bags are expensive!!

Hope this helps!

[stillplayswithbarbies]

Or you could do what I did and buy every bag that is mentioned here. (at least the ones that are great deals and/or on sale)

Then sit down on the couch surrounded by all your bags and try to figure out which one to use for your first outing.

Oh and it helps if hubby is not in the house during this process and you get all the bags back in the closet before he comes home. :) (actually he was very good about it and I let him choose which bag we should take today. He selected the Emmaljunga backpack. He doesn't know I have a Gymboree bag on the way and another Lands End one in my shopping cart there)

...Karen
Jake age 12
Logan Elizabeth 3/25/03

[Tiare]

I just received my Eddie Bauer diaper bag and I (and husband) love the look of it. It is black microfiber with tons of space, pockets, changing pads and a great size shoulder strap - it is stylish yet functional, IMHO.

[JP4]

I have 4 kids and love the Land's End Do-It-All. I load it with everything I could possibly need and then leave it packed in my car. It is great for all day trips, anything unexpected, or restocking my little bag when away from home. I then use one of the little hospital freebies for quick trips such as mall, church, restaurant or short visit. This has just enough for an hour or two (a couple of diapers and wipes, sweater, extra outfit, pacifier and toys). This has worked great for me.

[Jen841]

Old Navy has some cute canvas bags on sale for $20. I bought my "girlie" bag there today over lunch. The bag my husband will carry will be a Eddie Bauer black back pack. I was told by friends that it is important to have a back pack and a unisex bag that my husband will carry. I searched hard to find a non-logo bag.

e-bags.com had some nice Samsonite options we considered.

[dogmom]

I used a cheap diaper bag ($5) I got at TJMAX for my first few outings with my son until I could figure out what I wanted. Right now I used two. I have my old Eagle Creek backpack/sling bag that I used before my baby for long outings. (You can get them at Eastern Mountain Sports or REI) I just add a changing pad and plastic bags. I love there bags and had two before I got pregnant. They do have a diaper bag, but it wasn't that much different from the ones I had. I've have one bag of there's that I used for ten years just about everyday and it's as good as the first day I bought it.

The one I use on a day to day basis is this silly no name bag I picked up from Target. It's one of those bags that has a single backpack type strap that you can wear one shoulder or across your chest. It has a center compartment and two outside ones, plus there is a cell phone holder on the strap. Which I find useful because if my DH calls me when I'm out it's easy to get to. It's black and doesn't at all look like a diaper bag. It also meet the other critera I realized was important. The ability to bend over and not have the diaper bag swing around and hit you in the face! I've seen them since at the Target's in my area.

I'm thinking about getting a Do it All Deluxe from Lands End to take a trip with. I guess what I'm trying to say is it became apparent soon after my son's birth that I'm going to need different bags at different times at different ages. I'm sure the Lands End won't be the last one I buy. \

Jeanne
Mom of Harvey
1/16/03

[Rachels]

I've had several different ones. The Land's End ones are good, although the Do It All is just more bag than I need now. I found that I carried a lot more stuff around when my baby was newborn than I do now. At this point, I'm using the Healthy Back Bag and I absolutely LOVE it. It holds a ton without feeling like I'm schlepping a suitcase along with me. But my experience is that diaper bags are like strollers-- you need more than one.

-Rachel
Mom to Abigail Rose
5/18/02

[MelissaTC]

I have a bunch of diaper bags and all are used for different situations. I agree that they are like strollers- can't have just one!
My favorite out of my stash are the Land's End Little Tripper and Combi Urban Sling.

I use the Little Tripper for smaller outings. It holds everything I need and I really like the fact that it fits into my Kidco Elan's basket with no problem.

The Combi Urban Sling is used when I am out for a longer period of time, need to bring more and want to look a little more stylish. I wear it across my chest so the bag is behind me. Works great when I am using my Elan and fits in the basket of my PP Atlantico.

I also have the Land's End Do It All and the Deluxe Do It All. I bought the Do It All when I started cloth diapering and found that the strap just killed my shoulders. But I am holding onto it for when I need to carry around things for 2 babies (we are going to ttc later in the summer). I used the Deluxe for all day outing- food, diapers, blanket, toys, etc.. and used it as his bag when we went on several trips. I like this bag because it is big and has lots of compartments.

My suggestion to you would be to check out different bags out there. Look at them and see what you like. Keep in mind what kind of purse carrier you are- would you want to use the diaper bag in addition to your purse or are you looking for one bag only? I use my purse sometimes but I am so not a purse person. I actually found a Levis Dockers wallet/mini purse that I liked (I ususally despise these things) and use that most of the time, keeping my little womanly essentials (the ever trusted maxi pad, tylenol) in a pocket in the diaper bag.

HTH some...sorry it is long :)

[egoldber]

I have several diaper bags too. :) I have the Lands End Little Tripper, Lands End Do it All, Combi Urban Sling, Combi Traditional, and an Eddie Bauer Backpack diaper bag (the one from the EB store, not the BRU version).

My favorites are probably the Combis and the EB backpack. The backpack is now my favorite/everyday bag, since I find that now she is walking, I like having both hands free. It is not as convenient as the Urban Sling, but not too bad.

I think that the Combi bags are very well made and well organized without being as bulky as the Lands End bags.

You will find that your needs change over time, as your baby grows and as you get more comfortable with what you need to bring.

HTH,

[candybomiller]

I too have had several diaper bags. I started with the land's end little tripper and the do it all deluxe. Then I wanted to try the combi urban sling because it looked more stylish. I didn't like it at all, so I then got the baby gap backpack (older version). That's what I'm currently using though I'm thinking about switching again. I just can't decide if I want something bigger or smaller. :) My problem with my land's end bags is that I severely dislike the color I ordered them in, and DH won't let me order them in a different color. :( I also can't figure out what style I want. It's a very tough decision.

Sorry I wasn't more help.

Candy
Mommy to Matt, 5/22/02

[lisajo]

Candy,
Which color Land's End bags do you have that you dislike so much?
I wish their website showed a close up picture of the bag in each color, so that you could get a better idea of what the bag will look like.
Lisa
edd 5/23/03

[anna lisa]

I bought the Combi Urban Sling and the Nicole Miller Messenger Bag.

I love them both for different reasons. I plan to use the Combi for everyday outtings no more than 4 hours long and the NM for longer, all day outtings.

They are both organized very well and are basic black microfiber.

I agree with the others, one diaper bag is just not enough.

[C99]

I know with other LE stuff, you can order swatches. Do they offer that option with the diaper bags?

[kapow]

I like the way this bag looks, but I'll wait until I have my baby to see what I'll need to haul around:

http://www.babystyle.com/common/dProductDetail.asp?PMId=12507&SIND=1&dept=36&cmCL=diaperbagstotes&cmPG=noPage&cmDM=0&frm=1

[Kate888]

Yes!! You can order as many as you want :)

Kate
Mama to Maya 2-17-02

[twinsmommy627]

I have twins so I needed a jumbo bag, plus I tend to carry everything but the kitchen sink with me!! I got the Eddie Bauer Backpack through the catalog. We love it - it has lots of pockets, comfy to carry on your back and it doesn't scream "diaper bag." My friend has a Lands End backpack that is nice also. It seems very roomy.

I personally prefer a backpack because I found that with the shoulder strap models, I would bend over and wind up whacking someone or something with it. Plus, with twins, I need as many hands as I can get. I'd like to order another set of arms and hands!

Good luck in your quest.

[SASM]

I second Lori's advice. Wait until you know how you will use the bag before making the investment and have a collection of bags that you might not use. I only have one bag: a Combi Urban Sling, which I love (DH uses it, too!). It is a decent size but not large enough to "overpack" (I also use the front flap section as my "purse" ). I have even used it for overnight use ~ not bad with a newborn!! Good luck with the decision :-)

[vikivoly]

I've tried several bags also, but my favorite is the Combi Traditional in Microfiber. It holds everything, is easy to clean and is stylish.

[spikeso]

You sound like you have experience with a baby that is a spitter! Our daughter is almost 4 weeks old, and she definitely spits up alot. We have JUST started going out with the baby and on the few trips we have gone out on, we have STUFFED the cheap little diaper bag we bought a few weeks ago because we have to bring extra clothes, receiving blankets, and tons of burp cloths, etc. She mentioned the other day that she thinks she needs something bigger because the small little bag becomes almost round because it is so full.

So I have to ask, what size diaper bag do you use for a "spitter"? Any particular recommendations? Her birthday is coming up and I would like to get her a nice semi-fashionable one. By the way, when I asked what she likes, she said she definitely wants something that can go over her shoulder, has outside pockets, and wants to stay away from backpacks.

Any advice you can offer would be much appreciated. Thanks.
-neal