Diaper bag
I have a question for the Moms in the audience. :-) What features in a diaper bag do you find most indispensable? Inner pockets, outer pockets, plastic lining, outer keyring, zip closure, two handles, etc. Or something totally different? I realize this will change depending on the person and the lifestyle. For what it's worth, I plan on breastfeeding and and probably using a mixture of cloth and disposable diapers. Thanks in advance for your help!
Labels: motherhood
posted by Laura at
11:27 AM
8 Comments:
I have had many bags given to me but keep using the same particular one over and over now that I have 3 boys - perhaps this would be different if I still had just one. But mine is simple, rather on the smaller side than larger side. Inside the bag, there is a mesh/net type pocket sewed to the side with a zipper. This works well for little things I have found need of at different times, such as a bulb syringe (For when baby is quite small - this comes in VERY handy!) infant or childrens ibuprofen (for teething times and after vaccinations) and diaper rash ointment (we use a brand of the delicate name of Bordeuxs Butt Paste, and I know I just botched up the spelling of that). I keep a few diapers, wipes and a change of clothes for the baby in the main part of the diaper bag. A light blanket and a few burp cloths when baby is little. A folded up changing mat sits in the bottom.
On the outside of the diaper bag is a large pocket on each side, the entire length of the bag and about 3/4 the height. At each end of the bag is another mesh/net elasticized area where I can put a cup in for each of the big boys - for just one baby, you could use this spot for a water bottle for yourself.
This is the bag I use. Nothing fancy. But it works the best so far!
I find that large, pretty bags with a variety of pockets (not necessarily a diaper bag) work well. I guess, my advice would be, don't think that only "diaper bags" can be diaper bags.
My advice is a little unorthodox--I don't use a diaper bag. I never could find one I truly liked, and am such a stylistic minimalist that the thought of carrying a diaper bag and handbag did not appeal! When my son was a baby, and I needed to carry a lot of loot (diapers/wipes/burp clothes/extra onesie/nursing cover) I used a beautiful leather bag that had accompanied me to Europe as a carry-on--it's just a very lovely tote, basically. I used it as a purse/diaper bag. I did have a fold-up changing 'station' as well and I kept the diaper supplies within that--I bought it at Target and it would go right down inside the tote, perfectly, with plenty more room for my stuff.
As my son has aged (he just turned 2) I have given the larger bag the boot. I carry my regular handbag and always include a baggie of Cheerios; otherwise, there's no child-stuff in the purse. I keep a tupperware container in the car with me with wipes, diapers (I use a mix of cloth and disposables also), a juice box, bottle of water, change of clothes, blanket, etc. This way the stuff basically stays in the car, but if I need to do it (at church, for instance), I can toss wipes and diaper in my handbag and my son can carry his sippy--and we're all set. I also have a handmade zippered pouch the size of a diaper and I like to keep 2 diapers and some travel wipes in it to 'grab and go.'
So, in short--I'd just pick something you like, regardless of whether it is a *diaper bag* or not. Several compartments, a shoulder-strap handle and cute--and you'll be set!
Thanks for the food for thought, ladies! Just hearing the things you tote around gives me an idea of the things I might want to make room for. I should've specified in my post that I am thinking of designing my own bag, hence the question. I do like the idea of a more "grown-up" leather tote so I may keep an eye open for one that would work.
Laura,
It's been a while since I've been by, but was so happy to hear your wonderful news. Congratulations! Babies are such wonderful blessings. As for diaper bags, I just had two things that were required for me to define a bag as being a 'good' diaper bag: LOTS of pockets and LOTS of room! :)
Definately inner and outer pockets. Some type of closer. I think one strap is nice b/c one always seems to fall off of my shoulder. It's also nice to have some sort of divider in the bag. I currently have a large bag with two straps and a velcro closer. In the inside pocket I keep chapstick, hand sanitizer, an extra sanitary napkin and cloth nursing pads, and anything else I don't want my 3 year old getting into when I'm not looking. I use the outside pocket to hold my cell phone and keys when we are out. My other bare essentials include diapers, wipes, pull ups or extra underwear, wallet, and sometimes a change of clothes depending on how potty training is going that day. Of course, this is the bare minimum, and I would tote around a lot more with a newborn!
Definitely inner and outer pockets, zip closure, plastic lining. One handle or two doesn't matter as long as I can throw it on my shoulder and go.
Also, while carrying a diaper bag, I've foregone my purse and use the zippered pocket on the back for my "purse" section. It's all worked quite well!!
His,
Mrs. U
We've had five children and I honestly found most diaper bags too large and bulky for my taste or needs.
In our minivan, I always carried a few extra diapers, a change of clothes for baby and a clean black top for me (breastfeeding leaks, baby spitup). If I ever used any of those, I replaced them as soon as we got home.
Then all I needed to carry with me into church or a store was an extra diaper, wipes and a binky. All these fit inside a tote bag or large(er) purse. Even adding in a snack or flannel blanket, they still fit fine.
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