new mother searching for diaper bag

[anat32]

I am a first time mom and searching for a diaper bag. I think I want a tote bag so I can put it around the stroller handles. I read about the Do It All bag by Lands End, but it seems to big. I like a tote bag I saw by Little Company but I havent heard anyone mention these bags on this site or in the baby bargains book. Has anyone used Little Companys tote bags? I was looking at the one that is medium sized, microfiber, and has an insullated bottle holder on the outside. Does anyone have any recommendations on how big a typical bag should be for everyday use?

[Chelsey333]

For the size of an everyday bag, it all depends on how heavy you will pack. I need a good size medium bag, at least 10 inches long, 8 inches high for everyday use. There are lots of bags that fit on the stroller bar handles just by buying metal hooks that you can attach to your stroller. The skip hop is a great bag. I am not familiar with the bags you are looking at. My only suggestion is get something with lots of pockets, it helps with keeping your bag organized and not having to search for things. Check out the Fleurville Alpha 7's also, this is a great bag.

[MamaKath]

http://www.crowncraftsinfantproducts.com/ Is the company that makes Little Company Diaper bags for those looking for pics. Thought it was funny that they opted to use a pic of someone pushing a bugaboo, lol. Very trendy! I have seen these bags in person though have not purchased one. They seem a bit heavy, and for the money I have always felt there are better quality bags out there. They are nice, but a tad heavy. And some of the color combinations just are not easily matched to clothing imo (for example- red, orange, pink). I also am someone who opts for functionality and quality, so to spend $50 (which actually seems like very little on the scale of diaper bag cost, especially as I am looking for other options to show you) on a bag I'd rather go for something like the Lands End DIA and a LT which have excellent customer service backing them, than a more unfamiliar option.

I guess my first thought is what do you need a bag to do for you? Are you using cloth or disposables? Nursing or bottlefeeding? Is baby on food yet? Climate wise do you need it to hold blankets and snowsuit or just a change of clothes?

I notice you mention the insulated pocket as a feature. Make sure it is something that easily is cleaned. Many moms actually use an insulated bottle tote (these often come in the hospital bags or can be purchased, for example http://www.jlchildress.com/sys-tmpl/bottlecoolersinprogress/view.nhtml?profile=bottlecoolersinprogress&UID=10005&Direction=Back ) since if something spills in it, and the smell does not come out you are just chucking the bottle bag vs the whole diaper bag. Or a small lunch tote if it is for more than just bottles.

Some other bags to check out might be the Lands End Tailored Tote http://www.landsend.com/cd/fp/prod/0,,1_2_52358_53390_100006_78453_5:view=-1,00.html?CM_MERCH=PAGE_53025&sid=2961048464327160160 , the SkipHop www.skiphop.com , the Ameribag tote (not technically a diaper bag) www.ameribag.com , the Ellington Inflight tote http://www.ebags.com/ellington/in_flight_tote_black_microfiber/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=19143 (also not a diaper bag), or even hit a local department store's handbag department. Lots of totes can be fabulous diaper bags, often at a pretty low cost. And they are not as guilt inducing if they don't work out. ;-)

HTH~

[lmariana]

I've always shied away from the Little Company bags for reasons of pure vanity. :) I just didn't like their big logo on the front; it screams "DIAPER BAG" to me...but I'm pretty picky. Like Kath said, for the money, I'd much rather get a different diaper bag.

I love the Skip Hop as a medium sized bag (www.skiphop.com)...
I'm a new convert to the Timbuk2 bags, which aren't really diaper bags but work really well as them (www.timbuk2.com)...
For a littler more, I'd highly recommend the Fleurville Alpha 7 (www.fleurville.com)
Or you can always go the custom tote route and get a bag from Ella Bags (www.ella-bags.com) or Whimsical Wears (www.whimsicalwears.com)...

Then there's always the Babybags Swap group! You can find tons of great new/gently used diaper bags at a great discount!

Have fun on your diaper bag hunt!

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

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030814/1/5/0/-5/.png[/img] ([img)

[CiderLogan]

You've gotten some good ideas. I would also recommend that you find a bag that you like but without spending lots of money, so you won't feel guilty later if you decide it's just not right for you. I bought the Do It All and the Little Tripper before DD was born, but I decided pretty quickly that they just weren't right for me. Good thing they hadn't been that expensive! I've actually found I prefer to use non-diaper bags most of the time (best is when I can repurpose my own pre-baby bags!), so you could also try using one of your own bags and deciding what you do and don't like before committing to a certain style.
Jenny
Mom of Julia, 8/03

[bubbaray]

Just to add, if your baby hasn't arrived yet, you might want to purchase a bag from a company that has a great return policy. I purchased the Lands End Updated DIA, the Updated Little Tripper, and the Small Tote all before DD was born. I have since returned the DIA and the Small Tote as they weren't right for me (but great bags). There was NO problem whatsoever returning them, even though I had purchased the DIA almost 8m prior to the return date. Just keep your receipts (and obviously don't use the bags!) and they are great about returns. I live in Canada, but I believe for US returns, you can just take them to any Sears store.

Also, the DIA is huge! As is the Deluxe Backpack (which I've also returned). I would recommend the Updated Little Tripper (aka the LE LT). It is a nice size bag for a newborn, especially if you are EBFg. My DH will use it too. And it fits over both umbrella style stroller handles and regular handles as the strap is quite long.

I also LOVE my Skip Hop and highly recommend that bag as well. You can purchase them from Target.com now, so you would be able to return them to any Target store.

HTH
Melissa
Mom to Maya http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/binky.gif & Dog Mom to Bubba http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/dog.gif

http://www.babysfirstsite.org/newtickers/ticker/11089.birthday.png

[anat32]

Thank you all for all the helpful advice. I think I am going to purchase the skip hop, it looks like a great bag. I would of never found out about it if all of you did not mention it. I can not wait to get it!! Thank you again :-)

[tiapam]

The LE Do It All is nice, but not for hanging on a stroller. It is just too heavy and bulky. It is a very structured bag that opens on top like a doctor bag. I still haven't used any of mine in real (baby) life, but I have the Skip Hop on the stroller (which is in the living room right now) and I just love how it looks and how it attaches to the handles. I hope it will work out well when baby actually arrives! I also have the LE DIA and a LE Little Tripper (old style) and I think I will be using all three for very different outings.

-Pam