Which messenger bags have insulated pockets?

[helaina]

I'm hoping this thread will give me a list of messenger-style diaper bags that contain an insulated bottle pocket. I'd like something stylish and big enough for a newborn's stuff.

Thank you in advance,
Helaina

[ktdid74]

I have a pink stripe Mothership and I use it for 2 kids (ages 4 and 14 months). It has an insulated bottle holder inside that is like a pocket along the side. The bag is big enough to hold a bottle holder if you need more bottles. I wish I had bought this bag when my kids were younger, I would have saved myself a bunch of other diaper bag purchases! I think this bag is *the* perfect diaper bag :)

[Chelsey333]

The Loom Marsupial also has an insulated pocket inside. What would you use it for? Will it keep formula or breast milk good without an ice pack? Or do you just want it for a short period of time (less than an hour)? Just curious, the Loom is my first diaper bag with an insulated bottle holder. I haven't needed to use it yet, but curious how people use theirs.

[candybomiller]

Just an fyi on the mothership: not a lot of people can wear it messenger style. I'm 5'8 and I certainly can't. The strap is really short and not adjustable. But I love the mothership anyway!

[lmariana]

Hear are some bags I thought of:

Fleurville Mothership
Fleurville Alpha 7
Loom Marsupial
Oi Oi
Baby Sherpa Backpack

Depending one how much much you need insulated, the Baby Sherpa backpack has a large insulated cooler compartment. I used this a lot during the newborn stage since we formula fed. I could keep 6-8 feedings in there, enough for a whole day out. I just added some icepacks, and we were good to go! The Sherpa also has a removable zip-close insulated bottle holder, which is handy.

Fleurville's bottle holders are good, I used the Mothership today to keep a bottle cool for a wedding, ad it did wonderfully. The Mothership would be perfect for the newborn stage, in my opinion.

Loom's has a nice elastic drawstring at the top for increased insulation. I really like that bag too, but I don't think it would have held enough for us during the newborn stage.

I can't really recommend Oi Oi's bags. I've owned two and returned them both. one was a matter of personal preference, but the second one was defective. Overall, I just don't think their materials and construction are as nice as the Fleurvilles or Looms, especially for the price.

Hope you find something you love!

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

[khakismom]

Kalencom's new pink stripe bag (from their Silver Spoon Collection) has 2 insulated bottle pockets on the side that are actually lined with Thinsulate. It's plenty big for a newborn and *very* stylish. It's got one adjustable strap so the bag can be worn messenger style or over just one shoulder. And it also has a very reasonable price tag! Under $50!

It's also available in a green stripe, pink geometic print, soft pink, or soft green.

I just bought mine and love it!! :) (The pic below is the bag and the one below it is one of side pockets.)

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/7969.jpg

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/7970.jpg

[helaina]

Wow. Thank you ladies! Maureen, I think you've ended my search for me! I wanted a Mothership but the strap is too short for me to wear messenger style. When I saw your post about a nearly identical bag for 1/3 the price and with TWO insulated pockets, I knew this was it!!!! Plus I prefer the pockets to be exterior so I can grab my water bottle without opening the whole bag up. This is definately my bag. I feel like I should try to find one in person so I can compare the colors but I'm tempted to just buy the green one online and be done with it. Than you again!

Helaina

[khakismom]

Helaina, happy to help! The side pockets are definitely big enough to fit a large bottle of water, no problem. I got mine at blueberrybabies.com. Here's the link to the green stripe:

http://www.blueberrybabies.com/kc-960gel.html

Good luck and I hope it works for you!

[MichelleRC]

Would there be any chance you could post a picture of the Kalencom bag next to the Mothership?
My only hesitation with the Mothership (which I have not used yet, except to admire in my closet) is that it is quite boxy. I am on an advance search for the perfect newborn + toddler bag.
Thanks in advance!!
Michelle
DS#1 20 months
DS#2 Due in early September

[khakismom]

ETA: OK, here are the pics, a day late. Sorry!! The Mothership is taller than the Kalencom, but the Kalencom is slightly longer than the Mothership. The Mothership is also wider than the Kalencom. But they are eeriely similar!! :)

I hope these pictures help!

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/8159.jpg

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/8160.jpg

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/8161.jpg

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/8162.jpg

[MichelleRC]

Thank you soooo much Maureen!! Decisions, decisions......

Michelle