[theyoungwoman]

I am starting to think about the basics, and am a huge researcher. I have time, but would like to know if any of you have any suggestions for a great diaper bag. I am also debating about a changing table, is it useful or did you end up using something else? If you used something else, what (crib, dresser, floor, etc)?

Julie

[delaware1]

Hi-
I decided to pass on the changing table, I change my daughter's diapers on the floor. Diaper bags, oy. I prefer a tote style, but there are so many options out there. If you stay with the more reasonably priced versions, you could have more than one...
have fun shopping-
Kathleen

[nina03]

Yep, I have 4 diaper bags and counting. I am a little too paranoid to buy a lot of clothes until we are out of PGN, but I do love those diaper bags. Whenever I need to feel better, I buy a new one!

[rlf0504]

Dear Julie,

Personally, I did not want a changing table. Our children usually got changed on our bed because the crib was in our room. We always put down a blanket or if necessary, a changing pad .

Diaper bags vary so much. In Guatemala and until our toddler was potty trained, I used a black nylon backpack diaper bag from Eddie Bauer. It was very functional and could fit everything for two children. I liked that the side bottle pockets were insulated. Now that I am carrying more for extras than for diapers (our daughter is almost done with diapers), I bought a Reese Li because it has tons of pockets and it's really cool looking. My husband was not thrilled with the cost, but he got over it when he saw our daughter walking around with it saying she got a new bag.

Good luck with your choices and the process.

Take care,
Rhonda

[Devora]

I, too, say skip the changing table. We're going to put our money, instead, into a good dresser that our child can use until he goes to college and just put a foam changing pad on top of it. With my younger brother we just changed him on a bed or on the floor with a changing pad underneath.

[WVUMom418]

I have one of the dressers that you can put the foam changing pad on for me it really saved the back. Not only is this where I change my daughters diaper but this is also where she gets dressed.

As far as diaper bags, I bought a large and small version of the same bag (Eddie Bauer), thinking I'd use the small one just for short trips. Well the small one is all I use, the larger one is just too big and bulky.

[mattecook]

We also have a dresser that has an area for a changing table on it and I LOVE IT. As for diaper bags here is my suggestion don't go for cutesy. By a diaper bag that if you didn't have children you would think is cool enough to carry as a purse. WE have a black bag that we got from Babiesrus but the backpack ones are great my sister absoutely won't carry anything else she has two kids 3 and 10 mos. But I agree I am starting to add diaper bags to my collection because I need to update for spring??

Ami

[holliam]

If you like researching, track down the book "Baby Bargains". It has recommendations and explanations for everything "baby". A new version will be out in mid-April. No, I'm not affiliated, just a fan! It's always worth having the latest version because products come/go so often.

We have a dresser/hutch combo with a changing pad on top. We also put a changing pad on our bathroom counters.

Diaper bags are a personal preference. I personally love the ones I have from Lands End and LLBean, but there are 100s of stylish, practical, inexpensive, high-end, etc. options available!

Holli

[khaki17]

I also have a dresser that I use as a changing table. It definitely saves the back. Over Easter I was visiting my parents and really noticed a difference trying to change her on the bed or floor.

For diaper bags, I have a diaper backpack from Eddie Bauer. I really like that I can carry it and have my hands free. It is on the large size, so it fits a lot. Generally for short trips to the mall and what not, I just leave the bag in the car. It does fit under my stroller, though. I can see how a smaller bag would be useful. But, I do like the one I have.

[wannahave3]

OOH! I'm so glad everyone mentioned loving their Eddie Bauer diaper bags. We just bought one for the foster mom! We had heard hers was worn out.

[TaxDay04]

Diaper Bags: I love the backpack ones. I got one from Lands End.

Changing Tables: I have one that I used with my first two children. Its in the basement right now, and I don't think I'm even going to bring it upstairs for the next child. The floor or a bed works just fine for me. I only liked it because it was a place to store the diapers, but I have enough dresser space that I can put the diapers in a drawer in there.

[Amykk]

FYI Since everyone has been mentioning Eddie Bauer backpack bags I checked out the website - they are on sale this week for 1/2 regular price (the only color left at sale price was a light tan, I would rather have black, but it's a good price)

[rosenfeldwest]

For a nice selection of diaper bags at discount prices, check out zappos.com

Rita

[spaypets]

We also have a changing table on top of the dresser (guess I ought to take it off now that she's potty trained). Believe me, that wipable pad was very usefull when changing a very loose toddler diaper! Because she was 18 months when she came home, I bought everything convertable--yes, sometimes we changed her on the downstairs bathroom floor, but it was hard on my back!

We also had a black knapsack diaper bag. Make sure you get a changing pad-- they're very useful when you have to change her somewhere icky (like a public bathroom!).

[lovelivvy]

I got an Eddie Bauer sport Diaper Bag Backpack for my shower. I love it!!!!! I will never carry the purse type diaper bag again. It comes with a changing pad, cool space for bottles (to keep them cool) a plastic area for wet clothes, and a changing pad and wipe container. There is also a secure spot in the front to put your money, wallet, and so on. It goes for about $40-but, to me, is worth every penny!