Help! Looking for the "perfect" diaper bag!

[winifredzb]

Hi,

I've been searching for the perfect diaper bag since my daughter was born March '02. Now I'm expecting #2 in August and am ready to purchase another bag, but I can't decide what to get. Since I will be toting stuff for two, what would everyone recommend? I like the Skiphop, but I'm concerned it might not be big enough.

Help!

[twofallbabies]

HI Winifred,
I'm by no means an expert on bags, but I'm sure becoming an addict fast!

Things that would help to know when the girls are making recommendations for bags for you would be:

What do you tend to carry, do you pack heavy or light, are you looking for an all-day bag, do you prefer backpack tote or messenger style, and what is the price range you're looking in?

That said, I'd say check out the Lands End Do It All bag, and their Deluxe Backpack Bag. I have the DIA bag, an older version, and just love it. My boys are 4+ years apart, so it's usually my little one I'm carrying stuff for, and maybe a change of clothes and a cup for my older DS, so this isn't my "everyday" bag. For that I use a Lands End Lil Tripper, which is perfect for my needs day-to-day. They have plenty of pockets and space to store things, they come with a dirty duds bag and a changing pad (unless that's changed since I bought mine in 2002), and they're so durable, plus LE has a guarantee. I've sent back 2 DIAs because I was too rough on them, and the zippers broke. LE replaced them immediately, no questions asked. They're very reasonably priced too, the LT is $19.50, the DIA is 29.50, and the Backpack is 39.50.

Do It All bag: http://www.landsend.com/cd/fp/prod/0,,1_2_1943_47583_89157_67604_5:view=-1,00.html?sid=8892011289219161060&CM_MERCH=SRCH

Deluxe Backpack: http://www.landsend.com/cd/fp/prod/0,,1_2_1943_47583_89158_67605_5:view=-1,00.html?sid=8892011289219161060&CM_MERCH=SRCH

Lil Tripper: http://www.landsend.com/cd/fp/prod/0,,1_2_1943_47583_89159_67606_5:view=-1,00.html?sid=8892011289219161060&CM_MERCH=SRCH

Hope this helps! Good luck shopping! :)

Jessica, MD mama to
Dillon (9/18/98)
& Lucas (10/24/02)

Mia Bella's Gourmet Soy Candles:
http://www.bettersoycandles.com

[Chelsey333]

I have the Skip Hop for a 2 yr old and newborn and have been using it everyday. I love that it can be worn messenger style. It is very convenient when I need to be hands free and the organization is great along with the price being pretty good. The other bag I am going to get is the Alpha 7 bec I think that will be nice with 2 kids also.

[winifredzb]

Hi,

I don't think I pack a lot. But I will be carrying diapers for both, some small toys for my older daughter, sippy cup plus the necessities for the baby. I don't really like to change bags frequently -- my preference would be for something that is pretty much ready to go all the time.

Not sure if this helps much!

[saschalicks]

Hi! I just had #1 3 weeks ago, and had the same issue as you. I bought a WW bag that I love, but it is way too small for me. I found I will be one of those "heavy" packers. Funds are a big issue, so after debate between LE striped canvas bag and the Skip*Hop I bought the Skip*Hop. I just got it today, and I already love it. Although I haven't gone "out" w/it yet I like the organization. I could definitely recommend this to you.

Having said that, my dream bag is a Fleurville Mothership. When funds become more readily available I've put DH on notice that I will be purchasing that bag. From these boards I have discovered that the Mothership is an extraordinary bag when it comes to size and organization. If $$ is not an issue for you it might be a good size for 2 kids.

I already know that I am going to have quite a collection of diaper bags thanks to these boards.