The Essentials: Belly Blossom’s Guide to Diaper Bags
There are 5 essential items that you should look for when purchasing a diaper bag. You will need to look at your personal taste and your lifestyle when choosing a diaper bag.
1. FABULOUS DIAPER BAG—Some people go classic, and some go for a fun pattern when choosing a bag. And let me say for the record, you do not need to buy pink trim for a girl and blue trim for a boy. Trust me, the baby will not know. And any new mom will tell you, even if your child is dressed head to toe in pink, strangers will still say “He is so cute.” If you love purses (or get bored quickly) then you may want to buy two bags. Buy a bag for fall/winter, and one for spring/summer.
There are messenger style bags, backpacks, tote style, shoulder bags, and slings. The style of the bag should be based on lifestyle. If you are outdoors a lot, then a backpack makes more sense. If you are a mall crawler, then a bag that is carried on one shoulder will be fine. If the bag is going straight to a babysitter or grandmas then a tote will work out fine. It might make sense to even have two!
Note: Buying a big tote or a purse not meant to be a diaper bag will not help you, unless you like the feeling of searching in a big, black hole.
Big Hint: Buy your husband his own diaper bag. There are specific ones out there targeted for men. This way when you are choosing a bag, you do not have to think twice about how your man will look like carrying that pucci print bag.
2. POCKETS, POCKETS, POCKETS—A bib, diapers, ointments, wipes, toys, digital camera, and I can go on and on (see checklist). It all needs a place. Again having pockets in the bag will make it easier to find things when you need it, well only if you put things back where you got it from to begin with. Also, in these pockets, it would be good to have a key ring holder. Sounds so simple. It really is a timesaver. Juggling baby in one arm and digging in your bag trying to locate your keys can look like a circus act. But it does not have to be. Trust me on this one. Knowing your keys are in the same place every time you need to go anywhere will help you keep your sanity. Also, insulated pockets are helpful. This is really nice, so that you do not have to carry extra bottle holders that take up space. Some insulated pockets have elastic to stretch to fit any size bottle. Splendid!
3. EASY TO CLEAN INTERIOR and EXTERIOR—Really think hard about this. Do you want simple to clean bags, that you can take that wipe and clean that mess, or do you want a bag that you have to spot clean and take the dry cleaners? There are so many bags these days that are made with easy to clean materials, and I do not mean vinyl! Think of all the cheerios, juice, milk, and that will be spilled in the course of a few years.
4. STRAPS—A padded strap will be what you need after carrying that bag for an extended period. Also, one that is adjustable is a big plus. With all the essentials you will feel you a carrying a small condo in your bag. Trust me, paying a little extra for this…your back and shoulders will thank me later!
5. ACCESSORIES—I am not talking about earrings here. It is a plus if your diaper bag comes with a changing mat, dirty duds pouch, pacifier holder, a wipes case, and I could go on and on. It would be nice to have some of these included. But if you do not have it, and you love the bag, you can always buy these accessories a la carte. Baby’s essentials do add up, but do not forget about your own personal essentials that will be in the bag.
Big Hint: Buy yourself a CLUTCH for your personal essentials—The best way to keep your bag organized is to put a clutch with your personal items. Store your credit cards, cash, lip gloss, etc. in a clutch that you can take in and out of the diaper bag with ease. If you are shopping, and your husband volunteers to take care of the little diva or dude, then you can grab the clutch and head to your favorite stores. Same thing if you are at home and you are able to escape for a few minutes to grab a latte or a pedi. Grab your clutch…and run!
August 15th, 2008 at 2:17 am
Your blog is interesting!
Keep up the good work!