I need help picking a bag!!

[Smiles81]

I currently have the deluxe diaper tote by little company which is actually a messenger/shoulder bag. http://www.bcfdirect.com/IWStoreBCF.process?Merchant_Id=1&proc=IWCatProductPage&Section_Id=15151&pcount=&pn=4&Product_Id=350447
Anyways, this bag is too small and has pockets that serve no purpose, and the bag always looks bulging. Here's what I need to fit in a bag:
four diapers,
wipes case,
chaniging pad,
change of clothes,
bottle,
a hat, bib,
formula packets, a bottle of water,
maybe a small recieving blanket, a rattle or book.
Then I need room for my sutff,
cellphone, wallet, eyedrops, etc. I would probably like to fit a clutch or small bag in the diaper bag.
My dream bag is probably a mothership or alpha -7 but I really can't spend more than fifty.
I like messenger bags so here's what I'm thinking:
I like the skip hop but I'm afraid it will be to narrow, (haven't seen it in real life)
Would peewee timbuk2 be too small? I think the medium would be too long.
The ameribag is an option but i'm afraid it is too bulky looking.
I've seen the oi oi hobo on sale for around fifty - it seems like a large bag, does anyone know what the interior organization is like? If anyone has any other ideas please post!! sorry this is so long.
Thanks for all your help!!!
Smiles81

[lmariana]

Hi!

My first suggestions for you would be the SKip Hop, if you want a true "messenger" style bag. I have a couple and really, really like them. For what you carry, I think it would do very well. We formula feed as well, and I can carry a bottle of water, formula dispenser, and bottles with no problem. I think the only time you may find it too narrow is if you wanted to carry an insulated bottle bag with more than one prepared feeding.

I've never seen the Oi Oi Hobo in person, but it does look cute. I'm not sure how/if it would wear as a messenger style bag. I had their blue striped messenger bag at one point, and the strap was too short for me to wear messenger style, which was a bummer.

Other bags in your price range include the messenger bags by Yak Pak. The are really cool and come in fun colors under $50. :) They don't make a "diaper bag", but much like the Timbuk2, they work well as one. All their bags also carry a lifetime warranty. I've had 4 of their bags and none have ever fallen apart on me. Here's the one I would recommend, http://www.yakpak.com/product.asp?dept_id=6&pf_id=1140. It's the Rip Stop Racer

"This lightweight messenger is a classic Yak Pak style with distinctive front Velcro pockets for securing small essentials and with standard interior pocket dividers for larger items. This bag also features 3M® reflective tape and a secure exterior flap zip pocket." Dimensions: 12" x 4" x 10"

Hope this helps!

Mariana
www.heinzandmariana.com
Mother of Gabriel, 08/14/2003

[robmab719]

As always, Mariana has great recommendations. But I wanted to add one more for you to check out. The Timbuk2 messenger bags have gotten great reviews here and come in a variety of sizes. Plus there are some on sale at Sierra Trading Post right now. Great prices!

Shortcut ($29.95, may be a little too small for you?):
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/product.asp?base_no=82494

Small messenger ($49.95):
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/product.asp?base_no=82491

Medium messenger ($65):
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/product.asp?base_no=82490

[candybomiller]

Ok, this isn't the most stylish bag, but what about a Land's End Do It All? You can wear it messenger style and it has tons of room, but doesn't seem too big.

I have one that I love, but don't use because I HATE the color. I should have sent it back when I got it, but stupid me, I didn't. It's worth a look.

[Smiles81]

Thanks so much everyone!! I think I might go with the timbuk 2. My baby is still very young so we still don't go out so often, I guess in the next couple of weeks I'll see what I really need.

[MamaKath]

If you are looking for more stylish, maybe a Maclaren Bowling Bag? I got one recently from someone who picked a few up at TJ Maxx for a good deal. It sounds like a stylish solution.

I do have the Ameribag Tote, and it is a well designed more sporty styled bag. I don't find it at all bulky in comparison to any other messenger bags I have tried. I do find it more practical than most messengers since it doesn't have the buckly flap that many do, it has a u shaped zipper. Something to keep in mind.

HTH~