Nine months into this game we call parenting, I’ve finally got a clearer idea of what we need from a changing/nappy/diaper bag. I could have just bought a new one but I thought it might help someone if I posted this, so here goes.
I though to start with that I would just use a handbag. I’ve got loads, they look nice, so why not. Then I was given a beautiful looking Bill Amberg Nappy bag for my birthday. So I started using that. Turned out, it was beautiful but took up loads of room and didn’t fit much in it. It is also cream. So, we use that one on special occasions, but for every day toting around playground, we made other arrangements.
I tried a Cath Kidston shopper. That is a great bag, and I highly recommend as a bag, but, when it’s full, and you’ve got a baby in one arm, it’s hard to find anything in it. It also hangs nicely from a clip but not usefully from the handlebar so that things are easily accessible. So, we use that as our swimming bag, and reverted to the free one we got from the Boots parenting club. (much to my disgust, because it is pretty ugly) As a bag goes, it’s great because it hangs on the pram, thus freeing the basket for the other crap I carry around, and because it has pockets. Several pockets. But, because it’s free, it’s wearing out and the zip is going, and now Pip has more requirements and her clothes are bigger, it’s too small. And it is also ugly. Did I mention that?
So, I need a new one. I have a couple of options in mind, but I thought first I’d see whether anyone has any recommendations for me.
Requirments:
.it must be able to hang from my pram handles, so either an adjustable strap or special clips
.lots of pockets. Including outside pockets which I have found to be invaluable.
.ideally space to put a bottle.
.sturdy and hard wearing
(bonus, it will look great! It doesn’t have to be plain but if it’s not, a decent pattern. No branding or writing)
I’m currently in the midst of a similar search! We currently alternate between a Skip Hop Duo Double (meant for twins!) that I bought specifically for travelling with, or a normal tote bag.
The Skip Hop is brilliant for flying as all the pockets keep things organised and it has the option of a shoulder strap or built in clips for the pushchair. It is just too big for everyday use for a single baby though.
I’m thinking about getting either the standard sized Skip Hop Duo (love all the external pockets) or a Storksak. I like the Aubrey and the Emily. A friend has the Emily and I like the external and side pockets.
Three quite different styles, hence why I haven’t made a decision yet! Good luck with yours.
Author February 4, 2013 / 11:20 am
I ended up taking a chance on a skip hop duo on eBay really cheap. I’ll report back as to how I get on with it!
Author February 4, 2013 / 11:22 am
I also had a look at the storksak bags on eBay. I liked the Nina and loved the pattern but rejected it on the basis it will often be on the floor & a cream based print is just asking for trouble! They look lovely though.
Author February 2, 2013 / 11:56 pm
The Skip Hop Duo or Dash are the ones that I am watching on ebay at the moment. I like the Storksak one too, but it is a lot more (the ones I can find on ebay anyway)
I haven’t seen the Skip Hop for twins. Perhaps that’s what I need – loads of space!
How did you get on?
I love quite a few of the Storksak bags but they’re definitely more expensive than most others.
The big bag is good for those days when I just want to take everything but it also only just fits on to the pushchair and I leave it in the car half of the time!