I received a request to share my favorite diaper bags, so poof: here they are. I’ll first note that – being a total baby novice – I had no idea that diaper bags were essentially just glorified totes. Sure, they come with bottle insulators or changing pads or special zipped pouches, but necessities they are not. So listen: if you’re a new mama and are stressing over finding the perfect diaper bag, don’t fret. You’ve got bigger fish to fry, like breathing in and breathing out during those crazy newborn baby scream fests.
Still, there are billions of diaper bag options that are both classic, versatile and totally mom-friendly. Before purchasing any of the fancier-than-thou models, can I offer a recommendation? Peek at your lifestyle. Are you a city mom, constantly on the go? Are you a homebody? Do you have a need for more than one diaper bag – an extra to store essentials in your car or at grandma’s house? Take a serious look at what your life looks like now, and a good rule of thumb is this:
If you generally carry around a larger-than-life purse (and frequently use the items inside), you’ll want a great diaper bag. If you’re a minimalist and can squeak by with little more than a clutch (this is me), you might find traditional diaper bags to be overkill. Remember this, you’ll be a great mama whether you’re overly organized with a bag packed to the brim or are… less than such, but resourceful.
Here we go!:
1. Sons of Trade Journey Pack ($139) at Dwell Studio
Ken is super dad and takes Bee on more outings than I do, so his diaper bag is understandably more masculine than my own. Still, I’d carry this felt version in a heartbeat: it holds its shape well and matches everything.
2. Rockland Backpack ($89) at Need Supply
Backpacks are my favorite diaper bags, absolutely. This one is faux leather, so it’s easily wipe-able and nearly impossible to damage. Plus, it’s so darn good-looking baby will want to borrow it for high school someday. (I know, I know. Can you even imagine?)
3. Madison Tote ($70) at Dwell Studio
One of my girlfriends loves this one because it’s no-fuss: just the basics – a few pockets and a changing pad. Done and done!
4. Denim Dot Backpack ($20) at Target
Budget alert! I actually use this backpack daily, but as a laptop tote when I hit the coffee shop. It’s roomy with two compartments: a small one for mama, big one for baby (shouldn’t it be the other way around?).
5. Charlie ($160) at Timi & Leslie
I received this bag as a baby shower gift and LOVED it as a starter bag. It had all the bells and whistles I was sure I needed, and I felt prepared to navigate new motherhood with a bag to match. I use it less now that Bee’s older, because…
6. The Madeline ($260) at Lily Jade Co.
This one is pricey, but really fantastic. The interior compartments are removable, making it super easy to clean – and hey, I’m a sucker for compartments. It’s also beautiful – a classic piece I’d happily use as a purse in the years to come (if I can muster up the energy to vacuum Bee’s bunny crackers from the lining, of course!).
Tell me – what do you use for a diaper bag? Any diaper bag connoisseurs out there, or are you pretty low-key when it comes to on-the-go parenting?
p.s. More favorites to register for right here.
these are lovely, but i really think diaper bags are such a racket, and so unnecessary! i found (and still do find) a standard backpack or tote with some divisions and pockets is so much better than a HEAVY diaper bag. get yourself a portable, folding changing pad, an insulated bottle carrier if you’re not breastfeeding, and you’re done. we probably used the pretty, tho very pricey, one i registered for a total of 5x before ditching it in favor of our old eddie bauer backpack. ( :
Ha, I’ve had that experience, too!!! :)
So many pretty bags! I use this tote (https://www.etsy.com/listing/100001872/chevron-diaper-bag-gray-chevron-and?ref=shop_home_active_4) and it works perfectly for me. It doesn’t have a lot of pockets or divisions, but I just drop in a portable changing pad, diapers, a change of clothes and few toys and snacks and we’re good to go. It’s good looking enough that I still use it as a purse even without my son!
So smart!
Something simple. Right now I’m using just a simple Everlane canvas tote bag and I have twins! It’s just one big compartment that I can plop everything in and go. I love it!
OMG mothers of twins are my heroes. Go mama go! (And I LOVE Everlane.)
I used the diaper bag my parents used with me! It’s a quilted tote bag in yellow gingham fabric. So freaking cute and meaningful!
Ahhh, that is so sweet and memorable!
Oh my this is perfect! I’ve been looking for just the right bag for a toddler and a newborn (baby 2 arriving in July) that was stylish, would work as a bag for me too and as a backpack. And there you have it: the Madeline! Thank you!
You will LOVE the Madeline! Congrats to you, mama!
Don’t forget CHaLK NYC star tank for when they’re a little older :) http://www.chalknyc.com/collections/tee-shirts-kids-cool/products/gaia-hkj-chg They’re amazing, super soft and just get better with washes!