I remember scouring blogs, books and asking fellow Mamas galore on what the best stroller, crib or car seat was to buy. But one thing that is really up to your personal preference as a Mama is a diaper bag. It’s something that should be right for both you and your baby.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably bought lots of bags before. From designer bags to school backpacks to date night clutches to overnight totes. But none of that prior shopping experience will quite prepare you for the vast amount of choices of diaper bags that you’ll find on the market these days. It’s crazy out there, ladies! So many options, and so many specific features for so many different needs. I know I bought two styles of diaper bags before I finally settled on one I loved. And now that Bryce is a toddler, I’m carrying less baby items and considering changing bags yet again.
Since the “perfect diaper bag” is something different to everyone, here’s a list of some things to help you choose the right one:
What’s Your Style? How do you wear your bags? This will help you pick your style: tote & shoulder bag, backpacks & messengers or purse-like (crossbody)? Keep in mind you’ll be holding a baby, and something that’s easy to get at one-handed is a huge plus. Diapers.com has a huge assortment of bags to choose from in every style.
A Place for Everything: As a mom you quickly realize that you have to be prepared for every possible scenario—leaking diaper, runny nose, hangry baby—and when any of those situations strike, you want to have the solution at your fingertips. So that means cramming every snack, ointment and more into your bag, but in an organized way that allows you to find each item quickly when you need it. So look for pockets and compartments. Outside pockets are especially handy for the most-used items, like cell phones or pacifiers.
Stains be Gone! Keep in mind you will want a material will hold up well if it can be wiped clean or washed. Diaper bags also tend to be used long beyond the infant months, so look for durable fabrics i.e.- treat canvas or nylon.
Design & Color: Look for something that fits in with the rest of your wardrobe, because you will be carrying this around everywhere you go with your baby. If you are a jeans-and-t-shirt type, choose something casual and neutral. If you like bright colors and bold prints, there are plenty of those to be found too. But keep in mind– your husband will likely be carrying it too!
Extra, Extra! Many diaper bags come with fold-up changing pads, and most have insulated outside pockets for bottles. And some bags feature extra straps so you can hang your bag from the handles of your stroller, which I LOVE.
Whether you are a first-time Mama building her registry or looking to upgrade/replace your current one, I’ve got a little something for my readers: a $50 gift card! Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. Winner chosen at random in 1 week. US only.
Looking for more tips on diaper bags? I’ve found these blog posts to be helpful:
A Complete Baby Preparedness + Registry Guide (from a second time mom).
Packing a Diaper Bag for Airplane Travel
A post from the archives: What’s in my diaper bag.
This giveaway is a partnership with Nakturnal, with a prize of a gift certificate. I received a small amount of compensation for this post.
I look for a diaper bag that has a lot of pockets but doesn’t look too bulky. I also tend to pick one with designs that can be unisex for those times when my husband is holding it. :)
Don’t forget to consider something the hubby will carry too!
Good call– so important! Definitely adding that in the psot. While some men are totally cool carrying a floral print bag, many are not :-)
I received both a backpack and messenger bag as diaper bags for shower gifts. While I found the messenger bag to be more stylish, my husband and I almost exclusively stuck with the backpack. With a baby/toddler in one arm, it was easier to have the weight of a bag distributed equally on my shoulders instead of trying to balance it on one shoulder or across my body. Our zipper just broke though, so might be time for an upgrade!
I like the main opening to be large so it can hold a lot! Also I like a wide strap so it’s comfortable to carry. It’s got to look good too!
With baby #3 on the way, I was on the hunt for bag big enough to hold EVERYONE’s stuff. I think I found the perfect one in a JuJuBe Be Prepared. It’s massive!! Might get annoying carrying everywhere but I usually end up just leaving it in the car after the first few months
I look for something practical and something that could fit all my kids needs.
Honestly, this may be bad. But we are trying to conceive right now and I’m trying to get the things we need as early as we can (I may be crazy here). But I don’t really know what yet to pack in a diaper bag yet, but hopefully soon we will find out.
That it can fit everything I need it to.
I look for how many pockets/storage the diaper bag has.
I like a bag with lots of space
I look for tons of pockets to keep my things organized!
I look for a bag that is machine washable and good zippers.
For it to be big enough for what I need and lots of compartments.
I look for size, plenty of compartments and style in a diaper bag.
Size, it’s got to be able to fit everything.
I honestly like a very simple tote style diaper bag – nothing with too many pockets and easy to throw over mt shoulder.
I look for functional pockets! You need pockets or you lose things, but some bags have the wrong size pockets and they never end up getting used for anything.
I look for lots of pockets! I like to have everything organized.
i’d look for something roomy
I look for pockets to put bottles, larger pockets to put wipes and a large center space for diapers and a change of clothes. I also need a compartment for my stuff!
I look for durability with well sewn seams and reinforced pockets. i like hands free so I gravitate to backpack styles that have comfy wide straps.
My diaper bag must have lots of pockets and have zippers so if it happens to get knocked over I’m not spending a whole bunch of time picking it all up.
I like for it to clean easy.
I look for one that is easy to clean, lots of compartments, and big enough for everything.
I love a large size, the ability to change up the straps, easily cleanable and lots of pockets!!
I look for a cute pattern, durability and lots of pockets
Big, pockets, WASHABLE.
I look for a diaper bag with lots of compartments and typically a backpack diaper bag
Size does matter in a diaper bag so the largest possible is the way to go.
Lots of room!
I look for lots of pockets dividers too so I can keep it all organized inside the bag.
Awesome diaper bag. Nice and big to fit the million things you need to carry when you have a baby
I look for durability, style, and size. (:
I don’t have kids yet so this would be for my best friend but I would guess I would want something comfortable to carry that does not get dirty easily just like every purse!
I look for a cute design and lots of pockets.
I look for alot of pockets/places to store.
I look for something stylish and easy to clean!
Something cute and practical!
Plenty of compartments!
Cute and lots of space
Lots of pockets ! And I fill them right up!
Good quality + functional
I like a bag with plenty of different spaces that make sense for the items I need with me on the go!
I look for something durable.
Pockets, especially on the two sides for my water bottle and baby’s bottle, and durability. Plus a dark color because they get dirty being lugged everywhere!
I look for dividers, pockets and storage options and something fashionable
I love the crossbody diaper bag with some pockets that can help me to put my little one’s stuff
Thank You
Something with a lot of space.
Space and good storage!
I like diaper bag with a cute pattern and style and lots of space to putt all my necessities