[JenC]

We just finished up our homestudy and I am starting on our dossier for Ethiopia. I have not one single baby item in the house yet. I started thinking about diaper bags today at work. Tell me about them! What's a must have, what are some good ones, what ones are junk?


TIA,
Jenny

[Oliver1]

I vote for backpacks instead of diaper bags!! They make diaper bag backpacks now and it's great because they have all these compartments, a portable changing pad, and it's easier to manage. It leaves both hands free rather than one shoulder slumped down to the ground under the weight of baby stuff. Also, you can use it again once baby is older for other things!

[kelceesmom]

I'm a back pack kind of girl. We have an Eddie Bouer one that I love. It has a place for everthing.

[loveajax]

I have to offer a "third" vote for the backpack type of diaper bag (I think we got ours at BRU). DH refused to carry a "diaper bag" so its been nice that we can share this backpack. Good luck to you!

[HBV]

Different perspective here---we had HIS and HERS diaper bags. DH has a very "manly" looking one from Skip Hop, and I had one that looked more like a cute purse from Holly Aiken, which I just carried daily as a combined handbag/diaper bag. I got a lot of compliments on it, but it finally got a little shabby looking and we found that once H got a little older, it's a little less necessary to have one with us all the time. I'm back to a regular handbag and we both use the Skip Hop.

[SchmennaLeigh]

Get a changing pad (or one that comes with a changing pad) no matter your decision on look/size/etc.

A must have. Not all Mommies clean off the changing station.

[StorkWatcher]

I have 2. One large one that I can pack extra changes of clothing in and more bottles/formula. It's muted plaid, but not overly feminine looking.

Then hubby has a smaller black Eddie Bauer that we share and use for quick trips and more often, now that the babe is older. Both are shoulder strap type bags.

[Rydersierra]

I bought our diaper bag on ebay. It's a new custom-made bag, with all the features of the store bought ones-bottle holders/compartments, etc. It's really well made, too. I shopped around and couldn't find anything available that I liked, but I'm happy because in the end, I paid about half of what I would have paid from a regular store.

Of course, I haven't got to use it yet, as DH and I are still waiting on a match!

[HappyTwinsMom]

I never found one I was really crazy about, so I wound up wasting a lot of money on different (cheaper) bags. Having twins makes it a little tougher because you have to carry SO much stuff. If I were to do it over again, I'd do a lot more research and probably spend more initially to get a really GREAT bag.

[Lovebug]

Are we allowed to say brands?? I have one that I ADORE. It is a little more $$$$ than most on the market, but IMO worth it. Comes with a changing pad, sack for dirty clothes, and a wipes thingie.

--Renee

[ourdreamcametru]

After three children I finally found the perfect diaper bag! Petunia Pickle Bottom is so roomy but not bulky at all. We have the boxy backpack style which can be used as a shoulder bag or backpack. The only draw back is that they are silk and have to be dry cleaned but our daughter is almost 2 1/2 and ous has not needed to be cleaned yet! I LOVE this bag.

[nene1296]

I agree, I loved the backpack kind. When my boys became toddlers and I didn't need so much I carried a small one and usually left it in the car. I would also suggested for when your little one gets a bit older to invest in a nice lunch box/cooler to carry around sippy cups and snacks. We still do this for my 3 and 4 year olds.

[dawnrenee58]

I bought my bag in Nicaragua, but it is a Tommy Hilfiger, so I would assume you can find it here. It is a mint green suede, not too large, and I LOVE IT! It fits right into the compartment under the stroller. A little expensive, but well worth it.

[marymartha]

I love the diaper dude. It is messanger style, over the shoulder, hip, roomy, and my husband feels comfortable carrying it too.

[traceyk]

I am a backpack Mom too. I love the way it is easy to carry no matter where we are going. I got the one that has the soft part for the lumbar part of your back at BRU.