Diaper bags are available in a wide variety of styles, colors, patterns and brands to choose from costing anywhere from $20 to upwards of over $200! If you are in the market for a diaper bag use this quick reference guide to help you choose the right diaper bag for your needs. Choosing the right diaper bag not only depends on your personal taste but also on your lifestyle. Your diaper bag may serve as a carryall for quick trips to the store or as a diaper bag that holds all of the essentials your baby may need for an entire day out at the sitters. Whether you have your eye on a certain brand or certain fabric pattern, keep in mind that your diaper bag will be savior to keeping your baby happy and content while away from home, all within hands reach at any given moment. It is not hard to choose the right diaper bag; you may even see the necessity for having more than one! Finding just the right diaper bag for your and your baby’s needs is not difficult; it just takes a little research and deciding what features suit your lifestyle.
What kind do I need? Are you a full time working parent or a stay at home parent? Do you frequently travel with your baby for quick trips out or long weekends? These are important questions to ask you’re yourself. The frequency and length of any outdoor travels with your baby will determine the size and the style of diaper bag you will need.
Bag: The traditional diaper bag is the most common form of diaper bag you find on the market. A traditional
diaper bag is most commonly square in shape and features a long handle to carry on your shoulder. The closures on the traditional diaper bag may vary from zippers to snaps and even Velcro. The traditional diaper bag is available in a variety of sizes; smaller for quick trips to the store holding a bottle and a few diapers to much larger holding changes of clothes, bottles and food holders and accessories to keep everything organized.
Tote: A diaper tote is smaller diaper bag that sometimes features less pockets and accessories than traditional
diaper bags. A
diaper tote commonly features two handles and is most similar looking to a woman’s pocket book. The handles on the diaper tote is available in short and long versions to be worn over the shoulder or carried in your hand. The diaper tote is quickly becoming a trend for most new moms because it is available in such a wide variety of fabrics, colors and even in leather.
Backpack: The diaper
backpack is the most common form of diaper bag preferred by new fathers. The diaper backpack most resembles the backpacks worn by children going to school or hikes on the trail. The diaper backpack features two straps, one going over each shoulder and carried on the back, leaving both hands free. Diaper backpacks are available in a wide variety of colors and fabrics. Many feature many pockets and accessories to help keep all of your babies essentials organized. Most dads prefer this diaper bag because is does not resemble a traditional diaper bag.
Sling: The sling diaper bag features a single strap that is meant to be worn over the shoulder. The
sling diaper bag has many of the same features as the backpack but with only one strap.
Messenger: The messenger bag is newest form of diaper bag on the market today. A messenger diaper bag includes many of the same features of a backpack with only one long wide strap. The messenger bags are meant to be worn over the shoulder and across the body with the weight of the bag distributed along the length of the back and not on the shoulders. When worn, the messenger style diaper bag leaves both hands free.
What features do I look for?
Material: Choosing your
diaper bag material is important because it will determine the longevity of the bag. It is important to think about how often you will be using your diaper bag. Pretty, satin light colored fabrics will be prone to staining and wear and tear more so than nylon and leather styles.
Changing Pad: Most diaper bags include a changing pad. It is important to check the size of the changing pad. A changing pad with a cover will make it easier for your change your baby. It is very important to make sure that the
changing pads can be cleaned easily by changing the cover or wiped clean.
Pockets: A variety of pockets are essential to holding, food, diapers, wipes and ointments and creams. These pockets will come in handy when looking for quick change essentials.
Bottle Holders: Bottle holders are a necessity in any diaper bag for keeping baby bottles from leaking and otherwise getting thrown around in the diaper bag. An insulated bottle holder is extremely handy for keeping baby bottles cool until ready to use.
Straps: It is important to look for padded straps. Carrying around a full stocked diaper bag is no easy task, so making sure that straps are well padded are comfortable will leave you with less shoulder or backache in the future.
Patterns or Colors: Picking the perfect color or pattern of
diaper bags is not as important as who is going to be using the diaper bag. Most dads prefer to not be lugging around a pretty floral paisley diaper bag around town. However, a trendy understated neutral colored messenger bag may be the perfect gift for that picky dad.
What accessories are great to have?
Dirty Duds Pouch: A dirty duds pouch holds dirty clothes, messy
bibs , washcloths and burp cloths away from all of the clean
clothes in your diaper bag. Once you are home, just empty this pouch into the washing machine.
Pacifier Holder: This is a much needed accessory for parents with a pacifier toting baby. A pacifier pouch keeps it keep and away from other germ ridden items in your
diaper bag. It is also a good place to store a spare pacifier in case of an emergency
Insulated Bag or Pocket: Insulated bags or pockets are important for keeping food and bottles cool until ready for use.
Cell Phone Pocket/Parents Pockets/Organizers: If your diaper bag is going to be used to store parent’s essentials as well as baby’s essentials, parent organizers are a necessity. Most parent organizers include a cell phone pocket, key holder or pocket, pocket to keep a wallet and even a pen holder.
Stroller Straps: Many diaper bags now include two straps at the top of the bag to attach to your strollers handle bars. If your stroller does not feature an underneath basket to hold bags and packages, this accessory is for you.
How much will it cost? Diaper bags range in price from $20 to even over $200, depending on the fabrics, materials and accessories included. You may want to choose a smaller diaper bag for quick outings and a larger diaper bag for long day or weekend trips.
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