So frustrated! Any advice?

[AvasMama]

The search for the perfect diaper bag continues :( I thought it would be the Bandicoot, but it's just too heavy and (for me) awkward -- and that's *before* I put anything in it! Too bad because I absolutely love the red/orange combo.

I need something larger than the WW Katie (what I'm using now) but definitely smaller than the Mothership/Marsupial size bags. I thought the Alpha 7 might work but it doesn't seem much smaller than the Mothership and I'm not in love with the fabric/color options (why oh why is there no Houndstooth A7??).

Any suggestions?

Robyn & Ava

[tina-t]

How about an ella elaine or a similar size in the WW. Sorry, but I am not well versed with the sizes in the WW. Maybe Kim can help you.

Timi and Leslie has some fun fabrics but I am not sure if the large bebe bag is smaller or bigger than the A7.

[Chelsey333]

Just wanted to add that I think the Marsupial is smaller than the A7. Not sure why people think the marsupial is so big. It kind of looks big on the outside, but once I started filling it up, it didn't hold as much as the A7 for me. I think it is bec it is a stiff bag and doesn't fluff out when I stuff it, like my A7 does. The Marsupial is very light also.

How about ISM? www.imstillme.com

[MamaKath]

Not sure size wise comparisons of some of the bags, but the 2 companies that come to mind with light weight yet durable bags are Chester Handbags (they have a nice sale section too :-)) and Le Sport Sac (which a lot of big box stores like Kmart, Walmart and Target have knock offs of for the $ short mamas ;-)).

http://www.lesportsac.com/

Le Sport Sac does have a Baby Bag too-
http://www.lesportsac.com/store/media/7528_4403.jpg
http://www.lesportsac.com/store/7528_4403.html

http://www.chesterhandbags.com

They have backpacks, classic bags and totes in both trendy and sedated fabrics. They also have some "Mommy Inserts" which are basically matching cosmetic pouches. Very cute, here is an example of a backpack.-
http://www.chesterhandbags.com/ProductImages/192.jpg


Just wanted to throw the thought out there! ;-) HTH~

[marnay]

I just want to say I love my Chester Classic diaper bag, it is super light even stuffed full! Not as much organization as a Mothership but it is a very nice bag. There customer service rocks too!

Naydene

[lmariana]

Oh, dear...the endless search for a good Medium-sized bag!

Here are the Medium-sized bags that I have and like...

Chester Classic Diaper Bag- good sized bag, very light, great tote straps, 2 bottle pockets, but it's a little low on interior organization...

Chester Diaper Backpack- great size, light, simple design, and fun patterns

Timbuk2 Metro- great messenger style bag, easy adjust strap, waterproof, lightweight, nice organization, fun colors, but on the downside, it's a little sporty...

Fluerville Alpha 7- lightweight, super organization, backpack feature, very spacious, manageable size, adjustable padded strap, waterproof, and cute colors (also, it's much smaller than the Mothership)

Skip*Hop- love this bag! Lightweight, great organization, attaches to strollers, fun colors, adjustable strap, but it too is a tad sporty and doesn't stand on its own super well...but it's not impossible.

Tote Le Monde Geneva Messenger- waterproof inside and out, cute design, fun colors/patterns, adjustable strap, but it's a little heavy empty and doesn't have good organization.

I hope this helps you a bit! Basically, you just try a bunch of different bags until you find one (or five) that works for you!

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

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

[AvasMama]

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions! The Chester bags would be perfect but I really want a more "fallish" bag and the patterns I like best are more springy. So I may revisit those in the spring. I think size-wise they are perfect.

A7 -- May need to reconsider this one. Just wish I could see one IRL! And that they would add some of the new, fun colors and prints the MS comes in.

I accidentally ordered a PPB Toddler Tote last night. (I say accidentally b/c I had the order form all filled out but was having second thoughts when the overly sensitive touch pad on my laptop somehow hit enter.) Is this going to be way too small? I really like the pattern (it's a new one, I think, called Fond of Flora).

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/13097.jpg

Robyn & Ava

[lmariana]

Oooh! I think I'll have to accidentally order one too! There's a website that has photos in real life, but I can't remember which one. Anyhow, I remember thinking that it looks a lot larger on a person than I would have thought.

Please, please, please post a review!!!

(Also, if you like the bag, but want a different color/fabric, check the Babybags Swap yahoo group...there may be a discount popping up soon.)

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

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

[twofallbabies]

Robyn,
I don't know if this will help you or not, but I had a knockoff Alpha 7, and have pics of it you can see. Here's the link:

http://www.photobucket.com/albums/0903/twofallbabies/Bags/

It's hung on the back of my P3, and also sitting next to an older style LE LT, for size comparisons. It was a nice little bag, even nicer LITTLE price, but has gone on to a nice new home, as I'm just NOT a pastel person, and it totally wasn't me. Would love one of their cord versions of it though!

Good luck in your searching!



Jessica, sewing, strollering, candle-loving mama in MD to
Dillon 9/18/98 & Lucas 10/24/02

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22+ months...

Enter my weekly FREE CANDLE drawing:
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[robmab719]

OMG, I love the colors in that bag! It's beautiful. Can't wait to hear what you think when you get it.

I actually looked at the PPB toddler totes at the boutique near my house and couldn't figure out why I kept hearing they were "small." The only drawback I could see to them was there was only one pocket on the inside. Now that I've "downsized" a bit, I might be able to swing this one!

[AvasMama]

Jessica,
Thanks!! That's actually very helpful. If the PPB Toddler Tote doesn't work out, I think I will try the A7 next, especially if any new colors emerge. The black cord could be ok, though.
Robyn & Ava

[heidi_timms]

What website has the new pictures of the PPB bags? That bag is gorgeous!!! I would love to find out how many pockets are inside and how you like it!

~Heidi
Mom to Kailey
4/03

[robmab719]

You can see them at www.petuniapicklebottom.com and also at www.brownson5th.com

[linsei]

Where may I find the baby bag yahoo group?

Thanks!

Linda

[lmariana]

You just go to this address: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/babybags/join and join! It's where we sell and trade our diaper bags! It's also where you can find all the awesome co-ops!

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

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

[twofallbabies]

Glad I could help! I LOVE LOVE LOVE cord bags, but can't stand the vinyl covering of them on the A7 and MS. I actually have quite a bit of cord at home and am going to make myself something soon. I know the vinyl covering is to make it easier to clean, etc, but I just don't like the shininess of it, and I LOVE the texture of cord, so the vinyl just ruins that for me, lol! Maybe I need a cord Ship Hop.....? :)


Jessica, sewing, strollering, candle-loving mama in MD to
Dillon 9/18/98 & Lucas 10/24/02

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif
22+ months...

Enter my weekly FREE CANDLE drawing:
http://www.bettersoycandles.com