Messenger bag for 2?

[cecsheets]

Hi! I'm a big fan of Land's End diaper bags. I have both the Do-It-All and the Little Tripper. I also have a Baby Trend Backpack. All of these were under $30 each and IMO well worth the money.

My DD will be 3yo in May. Potty training is going great at home, but we're still in dipes when we're out. She also needs a bottle of water, LOTS of snacks and sometimes a book or toy.

In the mommy compartment, I have wallet, phone, sunglasses, chapstick, bottle of tylenol, water. I'm expecting Baby #2 in May so I'll be carrying all the usual newborn stuff -- except bottles, since we breastfeed.

I'm looking for a messenger style diaper bag. All of my previous bags were very unisex. I wouldn't mind having something pretty this time, but it's not required. My "must-have" features are changing pad, separate compartments to help w/ organization and NO black holes. I'd LIKE to keep it under $50.

The only thing I've found so far is the Pottery Barn Kids Ultimate Diaper Bag. Any other suggestions/recommendations?

TIA, Christine

[Rach3975]

Try the LL Bean diaper bag. It reminds me a lot of a larger version of the Little Tripper. I have a 2 1/2 year old and a newborn due next month, and I'm planning to use it for the 2 of them. There are lots of pockets and compartments, as well as a large main compartment.

Exterior:
Large zipped parent pocket with organizer panel(ie, credit card slots, small zip pocket, and key fob)
Zip pocket in the flap of the front pocket
2 side velcro pockets
Side mesh bottle/sippy pocket
Slash pocket on back(holds changing pad in diaper bag

Interior:
Zip pocket, large with some depth, though it squashes and doesn't take up much room if it's empty
Mesh pocket divided into 3 sections


Here are links to the bag on LL Bean's site and to a post I wrote about it a while ago. (Scroll down to see the post and a few interior pics. The bag in the pictures is actually the Large Travel Touring Bag, identical to the diaper bag but with a different interior color and no changing pad. The black diaper bag has a green interior.)


http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=diaper-bag&categoryId=40299&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=4520&cat4=2913&shop_method=pp&feat=dp50

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=63&topic_id=27441&mesg_id=27441&listing_type=search

[cecsheets]

I've looked at the LL Bean bag online and it just looks huge. I also wish it came in other colors.

But I'm sure I could live w/ it...

Sorry! Cranky, sleep-deprived, preggo mama Christine

[nfowife]

How about the skip hop dash? Brand new they are about $65 but you can often find a sale, one on ebay, or an excellent condition used one on babybags. Here'ssome pictures of a SH Dash next to my LE LT:



http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/32372.jpg


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/32373.jpg


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/32374.jpg


They are pretty similar in size, the dash is a smidge wider, but not by much at all. And it has much more interior room I think. Plus it has stroller attachments! Another one to look at in a similar price range is the Silver Line Fling. They're very similar in design and size. I thought that for my needs the dash was too much for a newborn (also BF so no bottles) but for a newborn and your 3 year old I think it would be perfect if you aren't a heavy packer. HTH!

[chubbycheeks]

I second the Dash. I have a ten month old and an almost three year old and I have used this bag since DS2 was born (we BF as well). It should fit all you mentioned in there. Sometimes I wish it were a smidge bigger, for when I need to carry a sling with me, or an extra outfit. I do hear that the Fling is a bit more 'packable' and of late I have been thinking of trying that one as well, as I tend to be out longer and pack more in the summer. I think Expressive Toys had the Fling for $58 shipped. HTH and best of luck!

[jasabo]

I think the Dash would work for you too. It was my favorite bag for a long time. I don't use mine anymore b/c my needs have changed. I actually think I'm going to sell it - I need to get rid of the ones I'm not using anymore. If you decide to go that route and are interested, let me know. I'll send you pics. I have the chocolate with pink.

Did you not like the PBK bag? I saw it in the store the other day and was really impressed. It kind of reminded me of a Loom. I'd prefer some more fun prints, but it looks like a great bag.

Also, have you checked Target? My local Targets usually have a surprisingly good selection of bags at very reasonable prices.

Lisa - mom to 2 1/2 yr old twin boys

ETA that the LLBean diaper bag is great too. It's very similar to the LE DIA and the price is good. I liked the organization and it was comfortable to carry.

[cecsheets]

OK! Now I've got some more options! Thanks for all your recommendations!

Can anyone point me to THE website for Silver Line bags?

My Target quit carrying diaper bags.

Christine

[southern_kali_gurl]

Here's the website: http://www.silverlinebabybags.com/home.htm

-Araceli
Mommy to AJ 08.25.03
& Baby #2 arriving June 2006

http://b3.lilypie.com/mDfNm8/.png[/img] ([img)

http://bd.lilypie.com/8RH6m8/.png[/img] ([img)

[cecsheets]

Thank you! That's EXACTLY the site I was looking for! Now I just need to make a decision:

Skip Hop Dash, Silver Line Fling, PBK Ultimate Diaper Bag, or L.L. Bean Diaper Bag.

Any further advice/recommendations would be appreciated!
Thanks! Christine

[abcekids]

I don't have any experience with any of those except for the LLBean bag....I've been really quite pleased with it after only using Lands End bags in the past.

I did also want to point out though that it's available in a few other colors if you get the Large Travel Touring bag instead. All you have to do is throw in a changing pad from another bag. The only other difference is that the interior is light gray and it's cheaper.

[bubbaray]

The LL Bean bag is huge compared to the LE LT. I could probably use it for 3 kids in diapers.

I think the SH Dash would work well for you. I have it in denim and also pink camo and love both.

If I were to try a new bag, I would probably try one of the Silver line bags, maybe the Fling? I haven't seen them IRL, but they look promising. Besides, I *need* a lime green bag to round out my diaper bag rainbow, LOL!

;)

Good luck!

Melissa

Maya Papaya!
http://lilypie.com/baby2/040411/3/4/1/-8/.png[/img][/url]

[ekobar]

Someone above mentioned a place to get used bags, baby bags? Is this a website or trade group? How do I find it? TIA.

[amp]

I've been carrying the LL Bean bag since my daughter was born 4 mths ago. Feels like luggage. I miss my Skip Hop, but worry that it's too small, although I must admit I haven't tried downsizing. I just ordered the Silver Line Fling, which is only a smidge bigger, or differently sized than the S*H, but I'm anxious to try it out. I've also found that I do best to keep a bag of extra stuff in the car, to help tone down the amt of stuff I carry around with me.