DD's first plane trip...which diaper bag should I take?

[robmab719]

We're headed to New York for a long weekend with some friends of ours. It will be DD's first trip on a plane (she's 9 months) and we're not going to take our stroller. (Never fear...we're borrowing one when we get there!) So I'll be using my Kozy carrier in the airport. I've used my Bandicoot (backpack style) with the Kozy in the past, but I'm not sure it's big enough for a full day of travel.

My other options are:

Mothership
OiOi Messenger
Timi and Leslie Large Bebe
One Cool Chick Messenger
Lands End Deluxe Backpack

I'm sure I will take more than one bag with me, but I'm just not sure which to take on the plane. Should I stick with the Bandicoot, or go with one of the other options?

[Buzymommy5]

hi robyn...

i was having the same dilemna. after i flew with my two older boys and 2 month baby, i found myself scrambling for things in my oioi tote when i was in the plane. so i have been searching for a good "plane" only bag for next next trip and i read an earlier post that really helped. i haven't bought it yet, but the doctor style DIA bag sounds perfect ...it's large and it stays open wide for easy visibility and access when it is stored under the seat.

hope this helped :)
chris

[lmariana]

Last time I flew, I took my Medium Timbuk2 Messenger because I had to carry my laptop in there too, so I needed a large bag. Next time I fly, I want to take a backpack, probably a Timbuk2 Detour which would also hold my laptop.

I definitely think the Bandicoot will be too small. I'd veto the One Cool Chick because it's new and pretty, and I'd veto the Mothership because the strap isn't adjustable and doesn't wear messenger style well, plus it may be too big to stow underseat. I'd probably veto the OiOi too because of the shoulder-only wearing option. That's just me though, I need to be able to have both hands free and love messenger style bags. :)

Regardless of which bag you decide on, I'd pack a large ziploc or something with a diaper and some wipes. That way, you don't need the whole bag to do a mile-high diaper change. :) An Escape Pod would be ideal.

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

I always take a backpack diaper bag on a plane. When I see moms in airports without a backpack diaper bag they always look frazzled trying to hold everything.

As much as I hate the Baby Sherpa, I like it for airplane travel especially now that we need to take milk and food with us in the cooler section.

...Karen
DS Jake Feb 91, DD Logan Mar 03
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[audball]

I'd vote for messenger bag (Timbuk2 or similar) all the way. We took 2-year old DD and 8-month old DS with a Zo bag (messenger) and a skiphop. The skip hop was fine for the diapers, sippys and baby food, but we needed the messenger bag for all the toys, extra diapers, extra wipes, snacks, etc. But if you have layovers, the messenger is essential for ALL the stuff. I would pack the skiphop (or a similar small bag) right before we deplaned to have everything at the ready (we also checked in a double-stroller at the gate). We had two layovers and felt very organized during the trip.

We did great with both and plan on using them again on another X-country trip.

[robmab719]

See, I knew I was going to regret returning that Escape Pod one of these days! lol

Okay, now I am leaning toward the T&L because I think it will be big enough (but not too big to fit under the seat), the strap is adjustable and it won't get dirty. I can always grab the dirties pouch out of the Mothership and pack a diaper and wipes case in there for the "emergency aiplane change."

Of course, I have to take the One Cool Chick with me, too, because it is just so-very-New-York-looking! :) (Don't worry. It will stay safely packed in my suitcase until I am out of the dirty airport!)

Thanks, everyone, for your feedback! You've been very helpful!

[bubbaray]

I vote for the LE Deluxe Backpack. While I returned mine as I thought it was too big, now I'm thinking I should get one again (hmm, the claret???). It is the perfect size for airline travel, IMHO.

If you FF, the Sherpa is an option, though you could always add a separate mini cooler to the LE backpack for bottles or baby food. I also like the huge changing pad and the padded shoulder straps on the LE pack. I personally didn't find the Sherpa comfy to wear at all -- but I know others here do like the bag.

I LOVE messenger bags, but I wouldn't use one for airline travel.
I think you'll need all the hands you can get -- you don't need to be fussing with a messenger bag swinging around from back to front.

Have a great trip!

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

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[pixelprincess]

I just got back from a trip and took a North Face Backpack. It isn't really a diaper bag, but has some great organization and also fits adult size water bottles in the side mesh pockets. I packed in my Kecci into a suitcase, to keep it clean and pristine without airport dirt on it! lol.

Carting a car seat, pushing a stroller it seems easier to have the hands free option.

Have fun on your trip!

[audys]

I also vote for the LE backpack - I fly with mine and love it - hands free, holds lots of supplies for the trip...

Audrey, mother to Graham

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