If you’re a soon-to-be parent, it’s very normal to be at the receiving end of mixed emotions— a spectrum of emotions with supreme gratitude at one end and nervousness at the other. Before you know it, a batch of accessories will become invaluable salvation to your wits. Especially when you’ll be out and about with your little one, you'll need everything on the go, such as extra diapers, pacifiers, wipes, you name it.
Just like your fancy collection of handbags, you will also be needing a couple of totes or backpacks. As handy as these bags can be, choosing a sturdy and functional one out of the lot isn’t always a piece of cake. Therefore, we’ve put together this buying guide to throw a plethora of useful information your way, so you can be fully equipped, out of the pre-purchase daze, and able to choose the best diaper bag for your tot that best suits your lifestyle!
Why Do I Need a Diaper Bag?
Being a parent is all fun and games until your baby decides to poop while you’re next in the line at the grocery store. And don’t get us wrong, holding your baby in your arms, witnessing your little one’s smile after a long day at work, or just being able to smell your baby after a long tiring day is of the most beautiful feelings in this world... but not this.
However, what many soon-to-be parents aren’t ready for is that just in a few days, they’re going to be responsible for a whole human being – a little version of themselves, basically. Just as you were eating for two while you were pregnant, you will now be carrying for two as well! Plus, this new little bundle of joy will rely on you to carry more than a few things for him/her. From everyday clothes, napkins, wipes, and feeders to nappies and diapers, you’ll be lugging it all around in a diaper bag or two.
The bottom line: kids are incalculable. Just when you believe they’re full, they’ll end up asking for a snack the very next minute. If your baby had a nice morning poop, it’s very possible that the next blowout will happen exactly when you’re doing something important. Therefore, you need to be ready to deal with whatever scenarios may arise and you’ll want to have key essentials at hand so you don’t have to pack up and go home at the last minute.
What Types of Diaper Bags Are There?
As the goal here is to ease your load, you may skip on the diaper bag and get your hands on a traditional backpack, tote, or even a messenger bag for that matter. As long as the carrier-gadget you’re choosing can serve as an epicenter of not only diapers, but also the bare essentials, baby gear, and extra compartments for bottles, feeders, and other accessories, you’re good to go!
Here are a few types of baby-gear-friendly bags to help you float your boat:
Backpacks
The traditional backpack, in this regard, will always be a life-saver as long as it has padded straps, plenty of pockets, and is roomy and sturdy enough for your baby’s essentials.
Messenger Bags
If you’re used to wearing a bag with the strap across your body or over one shoulder, then perhaps it’d be a good idea to have your baby’s daycare essentials in a messenger bag.
Convertible Bags
There are some diaper bags that you can wear as a messenger bag, backpack, or even a tote. These convertible bags are normally a bit bigger in size and it’s always a good idea to have one of these in your collection.
A Diaper Clutch
This would ideally be a compact pad that can hold a few diapers, garments, and mini-sized bare essentials – ideal for a quick run to the store, perhaps?
Totes
If you aren’t the one to plan ahead of your fuss, a tote featuring two long straps to help you carry the bag over your shoulders is a great idea.
How Do I Choose the Best Diaper Bag?
If it’s your first baby or you never decided to buy a proper, dedicated bag for your baby’s diapers or everyday essentials before, you are likely to be in a bit of haze about the definition of ‘best’ out there. Knowing what you want in a diaper bag or aligning your preferences can help you narrow down the selection process, especially when the stores out there are filled with diaper bags of all shapes and sizes!
Here are a few factors to consider before you make a purchase:
Price
Although it varies from one brand to another, some diaper bags can be crazy expensive. We’ll never ship the idea of spending a car payment's worth of money on a bag. But we'll never suggest you go cheap on your purchase either. Remember, it’s just a bag. As long as it’s practical and durable, you’re good to go. In other words, budgeting is important. Decide on an amount you’re willing to spend and then go for the one that will best suit your lifestyle! On average, you can find a good-quality diaper bag for $25 - $75.
Size
While this is mainly a matter of personal preference, it’s also a great idea to have at least two diaper bags within your reach. As we’ve mentioned earlier, get a larger one for day trips, vacations, or weekend getaways and a smaller one (perhaps, a diaper clutch) for a quick run to Walmart.
However, in either case, you want to make sure the bag is the right size to carry everything you need. It should have a large enough capacity to fit your essentials with a bit of extra room, but not so large that you have a hard time carrying it around.
Material
Are you looking for a lightweight, soft bag? Do you want a bag that's durable in the long term? Or would you prefer a bag that’s easier to clean? You’ll need to decide on the material accordingly. If you prefer a bag that’s easier to clean, you will want to stay away from certain types of materials. The most durable and easiest to clean material for a diaper bag is polyester.
Compartments
A bag that needs to be loaded with baby-gear needs to have a couple of handy pockets! Bottles, socks, napkins, diapers, baby powder, lotion, and more can have an organized, dedicated space in the bag. You’re going to need those compartments if you want to fit in all the goods nicely. Plus, compartments make everything easier to find in a hurry.
How it Closes
Diaper bag with drawstrings, zipper top, or a snap top? It’s you who has to make the choice ultimately. A zipped top will prevent your things from falling out but may make it difficult to close the bag once you’ve stuffed everything in there. With drawstrings, it makes the closure relatively convenient but your things have a tendency to fall out.
Color
Diaper bags with bright colors and pretty patterns are always eye-catching and look good. But, a solid, neutral color is perfect for everyday use. Color is totally up to personal preference, and you can have some fun picking out your favorite color or design.
Changing Pad
Many bags come with a separate changing pad that is made of plastic, is foldable, and can be easily stored inside the bag. A dedicated diaper bag allows you to have a diaper-changing plastic cushion at your disposal which is super handy when you’re out and about.
How Much Does a Diaper Bag Cost?
While you can easily get a well-stitched, durable bag for $20 - $80, some designer bags can run you well over even $300. In some malls, brand outlets, and high-end shops, you may even be surprised to find these same bags costing over a thousand bucks.
The truth is that most cost-effective bags can be just as fashionable. You can get your hands on a functional, great-looking diaper bag without having to break the bank!
For the totes, clutches, and diaper backpacks, you can find these at Walmart or Amazon easily in the $20 - $100 price range.
Best Diaper Bag FAQ
Q: How long will I have to use a baby diaper bag?
A: It’s safe to say that you’ll be using a diaper bag as long as your baby is unpredictable in terms of blowouts and spoils. Normally, this tenure lasts from birth through the toddler years. Your diaper bag is going to stick around for a while so be sure to make a purchase that counts.
Q: What can I use instead of a diaper bag?
A: You can go for a regular backpack, a diaper clutch, or even just a tote instead of your diaper bag. If you’ve got a creative eye, you can always go for a DIY solution and put a bag together as well, maybe out of that sturdy tote that’s been lying around for a while.
Q: Can any bag be a diaper bag?
A: As long as it ruffles your truffles, you can use any bag as an alternative for your diaper bag. Just make sure it’s functional enough to fit in all your essentials and doesn’t leave you anxious in the middle of the mall when your baby starts to shoot spoils and the diaper foils.
Q: How do you pack a perfect diaper bag for your baby?
A: The perfect bag will be loaded with your baby’s essentials. These essentials include but are not limited to: diapers, wipes, baby cream/ointment, changing pad, small empty sacks, pacifiers, burp cloths, extra clothes, rash ointment, and some plastic bags to help you keep any wet clothes separated.