All diaper bags are not created equal. Some are better for travel, while others are perfect for an evening out with baby. With all the choices out there these days, it’s hard to decide which bag is right for you. Here are some of my family’s favorite diaper bags and when we like to use them.
For Travel:
OiOi Baby Bags Canvas Satchel
This low-profile bag is perfect for when you’re on the move. The strap is long enough to sling over your shoulder, like a messenger bag. It isn’t huge, which is actually a good thing when you are traveling. You can’t fit too much in there, so it stays organized and doesn’t get too heavy. The straps have magnetic closures in the front, so access to the gusseted front pocket is easy. The main internal compartment has elasticized pockets for easy organization. Plus, there’s an insulated side pocket with a zip closure, perfect for bottles or long, tall sippy cups. The bag comes with a large padded changing mat, insulated bottle holder and a wipes case. We used this bag while traveling to Costa Rica when my son was 18 months old. It was perfect for the plane – not too big and easy access to everything. As a bonus, this bag is very gender-neutral, so Daddy’s won’t have any issue strapping it on and carrying it.
For Events:
timi & leslie Annette Convertible Diaper Bag
This bag actually looks like a cute purse! If you are going to an event like a wedding or party, this bag won’t make you feel sad about leaving your handbag at home. The exterior is made of easy-to-clean faux leather (PVC free) and boasts attractive hardware in a gold finish. The cross body strap is detachable, so you can go hands-free. Plus, it comes with matching stroller straps, so you can hang the bag safely (and stylishly) from your stroller. Seven interior pockets and a center divider zipper pocket give you various choices for organization, along with the three exterior pockets. Accessories include their specially-designed changing pad with a mesh pocket for storing extra diapers, a zippered sack for soiled clothing, an insulated bottle tote and (my favorite) a stylish clutch with interior credit card slots and zippered pocket. All this and it looks adorable! I save this bag for special occasions. It’s nice to have a fancier option.
For Daddies:
Although this bag proved too small for me – this is my husband’s go-to diaper bag. Sure, they make diaper bags marketed specifically for “dudes,” but this bag has everything a daddy needs. It’s smaller, compact and more convenient to carry than most bags, plus it comes in an array of colors! The exterior is made of durable poly-canvas, so it will take a beating (and it’s easy to clean). One of the best and most convenient features of this bag is the patented Shuttle Clips. You can easily take the shoulder strap off or use the clips to attach securely to a stroller or shopping cart. This bag works great with strollers. Low-profile magnetic closures make getting in and out of this bag a snap. The front boasts two large pockets and there is a cell phone pocket on one side and an adjustable mesh bottle/water bottle pouch on the other. Eleven pockets in total give many options for organization. The shoulder strap is padded and long enough to wear across your chest, for easy carrying. It also comes with the easy-to-clean Skip Hop changing pad, which fits neatly inside the interior of the bag. My husband always kept this bag really stripped-down – carrying just the essentials. It is still his favorite baby/toddler bag.
For Everyday:
Skip Hop Bento Ultimate Diaper Bag
I always felt like I never had enough room in my diaper bags…until I got the Bento bag. Yes, it’s big, but if you are looking for a bag that you can carry with you all day long – look no further. I recommend this bag for long days out at the park, museum, day trips, etc. The exterior is made from the same durable poly-canvas, which is easy to keep clean. The patented Shuttle Clips offer many carry options, such as removing the shoulder strap (there are padded tote straps, as well) or attaching to a stroller. The shoulder strap can be worn messenger style across your chest, for hands-free mode. Fifteen pockets offer limitless organizing options, including five mesh pockets, two insulated bottle pockets (on the outside of the bag) and (the best part about this bag) the Mealtime Kit compartment. This insulated zipper compartment is on the bottom of the bag and includes an eight-piece kit with insulated cooler bag, three plastic CLIX food containers (BPA- and Phthalate-free) and a flat freezer pack. This little compartment really makes the bag for me. It’s so convenient to cut up some fruit, cheese and other snacks and take it to-go! This also comes with the padded changing pad, which fits into the interior pockets. I can’t even tell you how many things I have fit into this bag. From the basics like diapers to full clothing changes and even items for me – this bag can haul it. Remember, if you overfill the bag, it does get quite heavy, so you may not want to carry it around all day, but it conveniently straps to strollers or carts.
