BGB Reader Amie sent me an email over the weekend:
I have a baby who’s nine months and I just found out I’m pregnant! I’m very excited and making big plans for what I’m going to need. I’m torn over diaper bags. Should I get a big one to carry “everything but the kitchen sink” for both my baby and my soon-to-be toddler? Should I carry two smaller bags? What do you use?
Once again, a reader read my mind! I’m currently using this Eddie Bauer Organizer Diaper Bag. While the design is working well, I’m not happy with the quality and I don’t see it lasting a long time. I’d love to find something in a similar size that will hold up for more than a few months! I do consider a diaper bag an investment, so I’m even open to pricier options!
Readers, what do you think Amie (and I!) should do?
BB says
Messenger bags from timbuk2.com might fit the bill. Larger sizes go pretty big, they have nice storage options, great color options, and are VERY durable. I've had one for a few years now as my main purse and it still looks brand new. I also hear customer service is awesome, though my bag holds up so well I've never needed it.
Liz says
I love my ju ju be backpack. It also works on your shoulder. I've tried to replace it, thinking I don't *need* to carry everything with me, but end up sticking with it. We've got a daughter with food allergies, so we sometimes need to take the kitchen sink with us.
As a compromise, when we don't think we'll need it, we leave it in the van.
It holds a lot, and since you'll have 2 babies, you might need something bigger. I'm expecting my second in February and this bag will keep on working for us!
TB says
I ditched the diaper bag completely and went for a backpack. If you can find one with two compartments its even better. Here's why I love the backpack: 1) I have my a hand free to carry the infant seat and snatch up my 2 year, if needed. 2) Lots of room for all things I need, I have a compartment for paperwork, a pocket for my daughter's stuff and a pocket for my sons stuff. I take it one step further and use makeup bags to put extra clothes in, one for medicines, etc. that way everything doesn't just sink down to the bottom of the bag. I even put dipers and wipes in a 1 gal ziploc bag so they stay together (and it makes a great place to put soiled clothes if I get into a pinch).
So that's my advice. You can find some really nice backpacks right now for cheap at the Back to School clearances. Also, check out Pottery Barn Teen website for some really nice looking bags.
Jill says
I have the JJ Cole System bag. My kids are 16 months apart, so I tend to carry a ton of stuff at once! It holds a lot!
It also has clips to hook onto a stroller and a smaller changing pad/diaper holder for the quick outings that only require a diaper and wipes.
And cute colors, too!
Christine says
I love my SkipHop diaper duo. It's made for 2 kids and has seperate pockets that I love. One side for each little one! Congrats!
BamaGirl says
I have a JuJu Be diaper bag that I LOVE!!!! I have 2 Diapees and Wipees bags that go inside the diaper bag (one for each kid's size diapers and wipes). So, if I just have one kid with me, I take the other D&W out so my big bag is less full. That system has worked great for me!
PikaPikaChick says
We have the Columbia Trekster backpack diaper bag. It's manly enough for my husband and holds everything we need (no small feat sometimes when you're exclusively cloth diapering). Having a backpack style bag is so much easier when hauling the baby carrier/diaper bag/groceries/work stuff back and forth. It also has straps to attach to a stroller. I can't recommend this enough.
Also: get a Mommy Hook.
Richelle Guinigundo says
I have a Ju Ju Be Be Right Back – It is perfect for multiple kids. (I have a 1 years old, 5 years old and 7 year.)
It has great organization, lots of storage and comfortable to wear. Oh did I forget the material and the great patterns.
If you do not like backpack style they also have a Be Spicy – tote style or a Be All Messanger Style.
The customer service with the company is great as well.
Amy says
I have 2 kids 17 months apart, and I use a Columbia messenger style diaper bag that I got when I had my first. I tend to be minimalistic and leave the kitchen sink at home. At lot of the time, I just use my purse which is large enough for 2 diapers for each, wipes, pacis, bib, bottle, sippy cup, snack, toys for both, wallet, cell phone, and keys. We use a regular backpack if we'll be gone for a long time.