Help me find a bag!

[macassi]

I'm in the market for a new diaper bag, and I'm hoping for some help! I mostly use the bag for going to a friend's house or leaving in the church nursery. It also often sits in my car. I tend to just forego the bag for quick errands.

I'd say that 90% of the time I use the Lands End Little Tripper. I like it because it's small. Lately, though, I keep leaving my kids coats places, because I can't fit them in the bag. So, I'm looking for a bigger bag but nothing too big.

Here are my specs:

Straps that can go over my shoulder
Ability to carry 2 diapers, a small wipe holder, one outfit, and a coat or two (the two is for older siblings). I'd also like to be able to tuck my daytimer in the bag and a book or two. Oh and a tiny space for a snack or two.
Holder for sippy cup
Small pocket for binkie storage -- to have for ready access
Needs to have good closure, preferrably a zip close. I tend to leave the bag in my car, and I hate things falling out and rolling around the car.

Like I said, I mostly use the Little Tripper. I have a Lands End Backpack which I may switch to using, but I'm looking for something with a bit more pizzazz. I'm on my 3rd child and got the girl, and I'm having for with girl accessories. I also have the Lands End Large Tote (am I Lands End addicted or what) and that sucker is huge. It's perfect for us for plane trips, as I need to carry a lot of meds and stuff for my baby on the plane, but I would never use it on a daily basis because it's just huge and I hate that it doesn't go over the shoulder.

Thanks so much!!

[MamaKath]

Hmm, you have a lot of options. You could go with a messenger bag and their are tons of options in this range, though not diaper bag specific. These are good for keeping hands free, and I find a larger one allows me to put the kids hats, scarves and coats. We are in the NorthEast so coats are pretty bulky, if you are talking wind breakers you would need less space.

Ameribag makes a lot of bags, and has branched out in its styling. Their bags are super well organized! The sling type backpacks are super comfortable, come in a variety of sizes and materials, and are just great bags. Like the LE bags, something you'd use long after diapering days.

Also the new Medium tailored tote might work for you, just slightly larger than the LT. Or the Vera Bradley Carry-all. Kecci has extended its co-op, maybe that would be a good option for you?

HTH get you started. Happy shopping! :-)

Messenger bags-
http://www.ebags.com/urban_gear/messenger_bags/category_search/index.cfm?N=4001+20014194
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/base_no.82693/dept_id./est./qx/product.htm
http://www.rei.com/online/store/Search?vcat=OUTLET_SEARCH&stat=8265&langId=-1&storeId=8001&textQuery=messenger
http://www.onestepahead.com/product/27211/123757/117.html

Ameribags-
http://www.ameribag.com/
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/EUI/controller.asp?N=0&Ntk=All&Ntt=ameribag&Nty=1&D=ameribag&Ntx=mode+matchallany&track=true&sid=41BF7E8061A5617F
http://www.ebags.com/ameribag/brand_search/index.cfm?brandid=243
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/search?startRec=1&numWanted=20&loggedIn=0&page_type=&hotBG=0&searchTerms=healthy+back

Others-
http://www.landsend.com/cd/fp/prod/0,,1_2_52357_53689_116055_94502_5:view=-1,00.html?CM_MERCH=PAGE_53034&sid=6016125463151105090
www.verabradley.com
www.kecci.com

[MamaKath]

Another thought is something like this (not neccessarily this bag, but wanted to show you what I meant) with this cord feature which is great for holding jackets. Sierra Trading Post often has lots of "gear" bags with a cord.

http://www.ebags.com/sherpani/mira/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=19431

HTH~

[macassi]

Wow! Thanks for all the great advice.

I broke out the old Lands End backpack today and I have to admit that it served its purpose. I was able to back for a an outing for my kids for the afternoon, including jacket stuffing. I think that size is probably perfect.

I loved the look of the Vera Bradley bags, though (I actually have a tote for luggage, but hadn't thought about her bags for baby gear.) I love the carryall and actually went to a store today to look at it and fell more in love, although I think it could be a bit small at times... but I feel like I could almost justify it based on an ability to use it after the baby for lots of uses. It's definitely not a "baby" bag. Hmmm. Think I'll put it on my wish list.