BRU Essentials Bag - Anyone try this?

[val01]

http://tinyurl.com/ylgxjv

I saw this earlier today online and was wondering if anyone has used it, or something like this?

Valerie

[julieakc]

I think I remember seeing a review here a couple of months ago...try doing a search using the JJ Cole brand name.

[julieakc]

Here's some prior threads about it in case you couldn't find them:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=63&topic_id=20070&mode=full

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=63&topic_id=30342&mesg_id=30342&listing_type=search

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=63&topic_id=29406&mesg_id=29406&listing_type=search

[val01]

Hi Julie,

Thanks for posting those, I had looked at them at the first post, but I had not replied. I am trying to figure out what I could use this bag for and would it be big enough?

I am not a large purse person. I have always carried tiny purses. I have the LT and DIA (for my trunk), but the LT seems big to me. DH also turned up his nose to it, saying that he would rather have a backpack style. Since this is our first, I don't know how much room that I need.

Thoughts?

Valerie

[julieakc]

Valerie:

Is your baby here yet or are you expecting?

I have a TON of diaper bags so I'm probably the wrong person to ask for the "right" bag.

I've seen the Essentials bag IRL and although I find it somewhat appealing never thought I could really get it to work for me...plus with a newborn I don't think it would be enough room (but I was really an overpacker when DS was an infant).

Lots of people really like the LT and once you actually start using it you might find it's not too big at all....for me it definitely would have been too small the first year.

Sorry...don't think I helped much.

[val01]

Hi Julie,

We are expecting the week of January 17th (being induced at 37 weeks due to some complications). I have to go to BRU today so I will try to find that bag. I am not sure if I found something more stylish that the size of the LT would be a bad thing. Again, I really have no concept of what I need to put in there. My DH immediately said that he didn't like the LT. Its not often that he would be carrying it though due to his erratic schedule. Maybe I should be looking at something else. I wanted to look at the Skip Hop Dash, but I didn't like the fact that it didn't zip shut.

I need something that will work with a sling, then hang off the back of the P3.

If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them!

Valerie

[julieakc]

Well I personally really like the Dash....it is one of the many bags I have. Some people are bothered by the velcro messenger flap, but it doesn't bother me (except the one time I was at a funeral and needed to get in the bag).

The Fling http://www.silverlinebabybags.com/fling.htm is very similar to the Dash but doesn't have velcro (no zipper closure though).

The Darling http://www.lexiebarnes.com/collection/BDLG.htm is another option...it does have a zipper closure, and has recently turned out to be one of my favorite bags.

The above are all messenger style (and I have all 3) so I think they would work well with a sling, and they all have stroller hooks for hanging off your stroller.

Many people love the Ju-ju-be BeAll bag. It didn't work for me, but I do have the BeSmart and the Packabe...and really like both of those for different times; BeSmart for shorter trips and the Packabe for all day outings. http://www.ju-ju-be.com/products.html

I just got a Haiku To Go bag which is cute, but WAY too small for a newborn...but you might check out their ultimate messenger:
http://www.haikubags.com/

Since you have the LT already, you might want to just wait to get another bag until after you have the baby and see what your packing style is, which by the way, tends to change as the baby goes through different phases. Other things to consider with a diaper bag are:

1) disposable vs. cloth diapers
2) breast feeding vs. bottle feeding
3) is your diaper bag also your purse or will you carry both a diaper bag AND a purse,
4) where you live (I'm in So. Cal so very little weather variation, but in other regions with greater weather variations means always carrying a blanket and/or sweater for baby)

Not to mention personal preference, budget, etc.

BTW, with the exception of the Skip Hop Dash a lot of the bags are not easily available in B&M stores, but browse some of the BBB mommy retailers

www.expressivetoys.com
www.mylittleducks.com
www.preciouspersonalities.com
www.letsgostrolling.com
www.bebecandy.com


Hope this helps and isn't too overwhelming.

[val01]

Do you know where I can see the interior of the Darling?

Valerie

[julieakc]

>Do you know where I can see the interior of the Darling?
>
>Valerie

Hmmmm...if none of those retailers have interior pictures, then I'm not sure. However, since I have one I can describe it for you:

One side of the interior has 2 large slip pockets (they fit diapers and wipe case perfectly

The other side has 3 small pockets that are toward the top of the bag - I generally carry my cell in one, small calendar in another, and the third...whatever else I need....rolled up bib, a small bag of snacks, small toy, etc.

The rest of the bag is a large open area.

PM if you want me to take pictures for you.