What handbag to use when babywearing?

[citymama]

Please recommend a lightweight, attractive handbag I can use while babywearing. I carry my baby in a Pikkolo at the moment and will likely switch to my Ergo in a month or so. I'm usually out for 1-2 hr periods, either on foot or public transit to run errands or pick up/drop off DD1 from preschool. I prefer not to lug around a diaper bag for these trips - just stick a diaper, wipes and baby sunhat into my purse. Two problems with my current purse: one, it's small and pretty much overflows with those baby items plus my wallet, keys, phone and other nick nacks I carry around. Two, the strap is always sliding off the Pikkolo strap and down my shoulder. So I have to have one hand on my shoulder at all times.

Is there a purse you'd recommend to use when babywearing - that's still small enough to be a handbag, not full-blown diaper bag, but has enough compartments etc for the basic stuff. And one that doesn't slide off the shoulder when you're wearing a carrier. I was thinking maybe the Container Store's amazing travel purse (http://www.containerstore.com/shop/travel/totesBriefcases?productId=10027423&N=255) but not sure if it would do the old shoulder slide as well.

Would love any suggestions! Thanks.

[twowhat?]

Can't answer your question, but asked a very similar one on MomWear. So I'll be watching your thread:)

[wellyes]

I'd do a crossbody, put on underneath the carrier.

I like Hobo - this one is little but could do 2 diapers, a baggie of wipes, a hat, your phone and some credit cards:

http://www.amazon.com/HOBO-INTERNATIONAL-Florence-Leather-Cross-Body/dp/B0035WTPOC/ref=sr_1_68?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qlEnable=1&qid=1285079188&sr=1-68

[LD92599]

I just got the bigger version of the lessportsac crossbody, but i havent used it yet. I use the smaller one and love the long adjustable strap.

[♥ms.pacman♥]

another vote for a crossbody bag. when i was traveling around toronto solo with DS in the Pikkolo, the only way i could get by was with a crossbody bag, as shoulder bags would slide off the shoulder. i like the todikdoki bags (made by lesportsac i believe). i don't have one but i think they're super cute.

[hobie]

I like my REI brand Nicola backpack. It can go from a backpack to a shoulder bag.

[citymama]

another vote for a crossbody bag. when i was traveling around toronto solo with DS in the Pikkolo, the only way i could get by was with a crossbody bag, as shoulder bags would slide off the shoulder. i like the todikdoki bags (made by lesportsac i believe). i don't have one but i think they're super cute.


I'd do a crossbody, put on underneath the carrier.

I like Hobo - this one is little but could do 2 diapers, a baggie of wipes, a hat, your phone and some credit cards:

http://www.amazon.com/HOBO-INTERNATIONAL-Florence-Leather-Cross-Body/dp/B0035WTPOC/ref=sr_1_68?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qlEnable=1&qid=1285079188&sr=1-68


Is the crossbody bag just a bag that you can wear across your body, or a brand name? I like the idea of wearing it across my body, but I don't want to wear it over DD (tried it and it's uncomfy) and under the Pikkolo would make it hard to take off or move when I need to sit down on the train or for any other reason.

I like that leather bag you linked above - cute!


I like my REI brand Nicola backpack. It can go from a backpack to a shoulder bag.

Do you have a link?

[♥ms.pacman♥]

cross-body is just a style of bag that you wear across your body. another name for it is "messenger style", bc sometimes it can look like a messenger bag. one strap is on shoulder while the bag rests on other side of the body. other than wearing a backpack, it's pretty much teh only way you can carry a bag and have both hands totally free.

here is a pic of heidi klum wearing a purse cross-body.
http://cozywallet.com/fashion/crossbody-purses-for-summer-from-our-fashion-expert/

earlier this summer i wore a Coach swingpack cross-body while DS was in the Pikkolo in front (AND i had a diaper bag backpack on my pack), and i didn't have issues with the swingpack being uncomfortable or interfering with anything (and i had to sit on subway trains, etc). though the swingpack is a very small and light purse, it may be different when the purse is a lot bigger.

[csnoop]

I have an older version of this bag and it works well.
http://www.rei.com/product/786598
I like how the material is very light-weight and I wear across my body as well. The strap is very adjustable so it works well even if I am not wearing a baby. There are compartments to put a sippy cup / water bottle in.

FYI - I got mine a while ago on sale at Sports Basement. There was a large bin of them at the store for $15 each. Can't beat the price!

CC

[ang79]

When DD2 was smaller and I wore her on front, I liked a backpack style bag. I used the JuJuBe MiniBe because it was smaller and had two outside pockets that held sippies for my older daughter.

Now that I wear her on my back in an SCC, I like a bag that I can wear cross-body. I'm a bit of a bag collecter, so I have quite a few :) I usually just sling it over me and DD so that I can get it off quickly if I need to. It doesn't seem to bother her when she is on my back and the bag strap is thin and comfy.

Haiku To-Go - great organization, mom-friendly purse (love the two exterior bottle pockets and they hold my sippies perfectly). If you are carrying two full sippies and the rest of the bag is full it can get a bit heavy after awhile though.

Lesportsac Everyday Deluxe - lightweight, easy to keep clean, decent organization. I like that there is a zipper that can expand one of the main sections if I need to carry a bit more.

Vera Bradley Cargo Sling - this one is larger than the last two but very lightweight.

JuJuBe BeLight - this one has straps that tie different ways, so if you put it on under the carrier you could untie it and slip it off. I've never tied it though, I use metal sliders on mine to keep the straps secure and for easy adjustibility. Very lightweight, reversible, and machine washable (though some Lesportsac bags and the Vera Bradley are washable too).

Lug Moped - this is the smallest one. I have one in Ocean and I love the colors and it has a ton of pockets and is so lightweight. But its too small for me to carry my large wallet and two sippies so I need to sell it. PM me if its something you'd be interested in :)

[mikala]

I usually wear DS in front of me in the Ergo. For short trips like the grocery store I just put my wallet in the Ergo pocket. For longer trips I wear this crossbody under the Ergo. It's small but really lightweight and holds a lot. I usually carry my wallet, cell, sippy cup, small snack container, small toy, extra diaper/baggie with a few wipes/paper changing pad.

http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/piazza-day-bag/94553?productid=1318672

[bubbaray]

here is a pic of heidi klum wearing a purse cross-body.
http://cozywallet.com/fashion/crossbody-purses-for-summer-from-our-fashion-expert/



FYI, in case anyone is wondering, Klum is wearing a Roots flat bag in that photo.

[jgenie]

FYI, in case anyone is wondering, Klum is wearing a Roots flat bag in that photo.

I thought that was a Roots bag. :)

[bubbaray]

More Roots flat bags here: http://canada.roots.com/leather/flat-handbags/leatherFlatBags,default,sc.html

The style she's wearing is the Village bag, which IMO is kinda small. Its larger than the Coach Swingpack, but holds about the same amount. Some versions of the Village are not lined, but plain suede leather inside, which sucks IMO. Most of the larger sizes have linings. I have this one: http://canada.roots.com/SideSaddleBagInPrinceLeather/rootsOriginalFlatBagsLeatherBags//18019573,default,pd.html?cgid=leatherFlatBags&selectedColor=0100

These bags are VERY popular here because they are waterproof and you can easily wear them either under or over your GoreTex jacket....

[citymama]

More Roots flat bags here: http://canada.roots.com/leather/flat-handbags/leatherFlatBags,default,sc.html

The style she's wearing is the Village bag, which IMO is kinda small. Its larger than the Coach Swingpack, but holds about the same amount. Some versions of the Village are not lined, but plain suede leather inside, which sucks IMO. Most of the larger sizes have linings. I have this one: http://canada.roots.com/SideSaddleBagInPrinceLeather/rootsOriginalFlatBagsLeatherBags//18019573,default,pd.html?cgid=leatherFlatBags&selectedColor=0100

These bags are VERY popular here because they are waterproof and you can easily wear them either under or over your GoreTex jacket....

Oh man, those are some nice bags!

[Beth24]

Oh man, those are some nice bags!

Just thinking the same thing!!! Makes me want to start shopping...

[jgenie]

Bubbaray - I've been eyeing this one (http://canada.roots.com/VenetianSatchelinPrinceLeather/SmallLeatherBags//18019814,default,pd.html?cgid=leatherFlatBags&selectedColor=6100). How much stuff do you think fits inside? Wallet, cell phone, wipes, dipe?

[bubbaray]

Bubbaray - I've been eyeing this one (http://canada.roots.com/VenetianSatchelinPrinceLeather/SmallLeatherBags//18019814,default,pd.html?cgid=leatherFlatBags&selectedColor=6100). How much stuff do you think fits inside? Wallet, cell phone, wipes, dipe?


It depends on your wallet. I have a big, chequebook sized Coach full-zip wallet and it would fit in that bag, but it might make it look more bulky than flat. I often use a smaller wallet than my regular one when I use my flat bag. The cell phone and dipe/wipe case would fit.

Basically, you have to re-think your purse-stuffing. The flat bags definitely look best when flat IMO. So, if you have a bulky make-up bag, that will change the look of the bag, KWIM? The makeup bag would fit, but doesn't really work well.

If you aren't familiar with it, Roots leather is really yummy. Really soft, yet waterproof. Its floppier than Coach leather, for example. Most of the Roots leather has a full grain too. Some are a matte finish (the Rustler and Tribe IIRC), which aren't my style. I really like the Prince leather, which is the traditional Roots leather.

[WatchingThemGrow]

Maybe I'm unfashionable, but I just stick the diapers in the pouch of the Ergo, plus a ziploc with some wipes (or those almost empty disposable packs that seem to be around the house). I tie the baby had around one of the straps and let it hang off, or I just use the sunhood. taking just the credit cards/cash I need or a very, very simple cosmetics pouch tucked inside the pouch with the diapers. If your DD1 will have a backpack, you can drop an item or two into that as well.

have you considered the ergo pouch (http://www.amazon.com/Ergo-Ergobaby-Front-Pouch-Blue/dp/B000ZQCC1O) that could be worn with your pikkolo then attached to the ergo?

[FieryOne1231]

More Roots flat bags here: http://canada.roots.com/leather/flat-handbags/leatherFlatBags,default,sc.html

The style she's wearing is the Village bag, which IMO is kinda small. Its larger than the Coach Swingpack, but holds about the same amount. Some versions of the Village are not lined, but plain suede leather inside, which sucks IMO. Most of the larger sizes have linings. I have this one: http://canada.roots.com/SideSaddleBagInPrinceLeather/rootsOriginalFlatBagsLeatherBags//18019573,default,pd.html?cgid=leatherFlatBags&selectedColor=0100

These bags are VERY popular here because they are waterproof and you can easily wear them either under or over your GoreTex jacket....

Ooo...I like the Canadian Red one! Ok, not looking now...... :rolleye0014:

[FieryOne1231]

I just wear my Ju Ju Be BeHave. But it's not light. Doesn't bother me though, and I carry that thing everywhere even if baby's not with me :tongue5: You can wear it cross-body style or on the shoulder. Since it has the non-slip thing on the shoulder strap, I prefer to wear it that way. I didn't have a problem when traveling through the airport wearing baby and bag. Otherwise, I have a Coach swingpack.