2Nd on the Way and I Need Help Deciding on a Diaper Bag

Updated on February 18, 2009
H.C. asks from West Sacramento, CA
25 answers

Hi Mommys!
I have an 18 month old toddler and about to have my second very soon. I've gone through a couple random diaper bags with her (just cheapy ones)and now that I'm going to twice the stuff to carry- I'm trying to decide what to get.
I was thinking a backpack would be most conveinent, but was hoping for suggestions. I don't/can't spend a lot of money- so I'm not looking into anything too trendy.... but I havent' seen anything that I like, so I was hoping for some suggestions from those of you who have more than 1 and know what works best... thanks so much.

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.R.

answers from Stockton on

I recently found a huge one by ____@____.com has lots of inside space plus many pockets to organize stuff. The best part for me was, it was only $18.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from San Francisco on

I loved having the diaper backpack. I think the company was "Eagle" or had the word "eagle" in the name. You might consider asking for a used one on freecycle.com and then giving it a good laundering before putting it into action!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.D.

answers from San Francisco on

I have 2 girls that are 17 months apart. With my first, I had a nice Coach diaper bag. I soon realized that the 2 strap kinds of bags didn't work as the straps kept slipping off my shoulder. I went straight for a backpack. I was going to go and buy a diaper backpack, but really never got around to it, so I just used my old college backpack. It didn't have all the nice compartments, but having it on my back was a lot easier. Another friend of mine had a nice Kate Spade diaper bag with her first and her girls are 23 months apart. She did the same thing, got a regular back pack. We are still using them to this day.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.E.

answers from San Francisco on

I bought a Lands End diaper bag for my daughter and it has her initials on it. She is 7 now and still uses it when she needs to bring a change of clothes somewhere (overnight, sports practice etc.) She loves it and it's extremely durable. The zippers are still in perfect shape and it's a "nylon" type fabric that is easily wiped clean. We love it!!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.I.

answers from San Francisco on

I use a jansport backpack (walmart) that has two compartments. I put things in ziplocks in them (ie snacks in one, diapers, wipes and pad in another) then you have the other pockets to stash things too. It is easy hands free and cheap. Just watch stashing too many things as it can get heavy. Stay away from the ones in the baby section as they get really expensive.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

W.A.

answers from Salinas on

A backpack is a great idea! Just be sure to find one with a light colored interior, so you can find everything. One with a exterior zippered pockets, too, so you don't have to go looking for your cell phone.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.W.

answers from Portland on

Hi! I have a Petunia Picklbottom backpack diaper bag that I love and apparently so does EVERYONE else! I get complimented on it everywhere I go! It has two different compartments and a fold out changing pad (that also detaches so you can wash it!) and it has drink storage compartments on each side and a giant "main bag" area. It's SO durable and actually quite lovely as well! They are pretty expensive but every now and then you can find someone selling them on Craigslist or eBay. I highly recommend this bag... it's wonderful and you could practically fit your toddler in there but it's comfortable to carry and very utilitarian! Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.C.

answers from San Francisco on

I found the best way to lug everything is by using a backpack. They don't have to be expansive or fancy and your hubby will be happy enough to carry it (no cute flowers, baby features etc.) They leave both hands free which you'll find handy with a toddler and a baby to manage. Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.A.

answers from Salinas on

I loved my backpack style diaper bag from Babytrend. With two little ones it was nice to be able to put it on my back. The main compartment had plenty of room for a lot of stuff. But it still had some smaller compartments to help keep everything organized. Plus there was an insulated bottle compartment on the side. It also had a pacifier and cell phone holder that clipped on the outside so you could find them easily. I think we got it from Babies-R-Us but it was purchased about 4 years ago before my oldest was born. I'm sure there must be something like it still on the market. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.W.

answers from San Francisco on

As far as diaper bags go it will be what ever makes you more comfortable. With both of my boys I went through many diaper bags and never did find the perfect one and now that my boys are out of diapers I have created my own. I sell them with changing pad and burp cloth included. I like them so much it is all I carry(minus the cloth and pad) and my kids call it mommas magic bag because I can carry everything in it. my site is www.freewebs.com/sunnysundays but remember it will be up to you and whatever makes you feel more comfortable. Good Luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from Salinas on

We have 3 children and this diaper bag lasted all of them, then I past it on to a couple with twins. It is the Kelty Back Pack Diaper bag man friendly super durable fastens onto the carrier if needed, and the best part it is washable, warranted, and fully functional with all the pockets, fold out change on the go ect.. You can find it @ REI or online Kelty for Kids.
M.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from Sacramento on

Hi!
With my first, I had this great bag from advent (yeah, the bottle people), but when it finally wore out after #2 arrived and I had more to carry, they didn't make it anymore! I was so sad! But then I was at our local supermarket and found this bag selection (yeah, the grocery store!!!!!) and it had quilted type fabric in all sorts of colors and bags ranging from travel amenities size to beach bag size. I got the large one and it had three inside pockets on each side of the bag to organize stuff and diapers, feeding stuff, everything else, I just ziplock bagged and put inside! It worked great and lasted 2 years, a great investment for something that was only $18!!! I was fairly heartbroken when it crocked! So think out of the box and look around for something that will work for you and your style! Remember, you will pay extra if it says "diaper", so you might look for just a large "shoulder type" bag, just look for pockets and things that will organize your things well. :) Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.R.

answers from Sacramento on

You didn't mention if you are just asking regarding a bag you would use as you go somewhere, or if you will be taking the children for childcare or to visit with grandma, etc. I'm not familiar with all that's avaialable in the way of diaper bags, backpacks and so forth, but do have a suggestion from my experience as a childcare provider. Don't try to keep everything in the bag. Think about what is going to be used during the time you are out and take only that much. If you are going for the day, that will be a lot more than if you are going shopping for an hour or two. What I've noticed is that people tend to want to pack the bag and not check it for a week or so. Then when I need something for a child it either isn't there, because it was used earlier and the parents didn't replace it, or the bag is simply so jam packed with things that it's frustrating trying to find what I need. If you are simply asking for your own use, this will still help you keep your diaper bag under control so you are more certain to have what you need when you need it. I guess what I'm actually suggesting is that two smaller bags are better than one huge bag.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.Y.

answers from San Francisco on

I have all kinds of diaper bag, but at the end of the day the one that I found the most useful is the Skip Hop duo. It has a lot of pockets to help get things organized and easy to clean. I also learned from a nanny to use zip lock bags to seperate things for easy access. I got mine bag at half off at Right Start. Check around for deals. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.C.

answers from Sacramento on

Hello,

I received two diaper bags as gifts from Lands End, and I loved them both. I haven't checked recently to see what they have, but you can always check out their website. They are really well constructed and easily washable. Everyone I have recommended them to has loved them.

Good Luck!
A.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.F.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi H.,
I'm a mom of twins so I know what it's like to have to carry double the stuff. I found the Skip Hop Duo Double to be the best in terms of being able to hold twice the stuff for a long day or even overnight. You can attach it to the handle(s) of your stroller, over your shoulder w/the shorter dual straps, over your shoulder w/the long strap or cross body w/the long strap. I also had the smaller Skip Hop Duo to use for shorter trips, like for short trips to the store or park b/c the Skip Hop Duo Double is rather large for short trips. It doesn't have the shorter double straps like the Double, just the long straps to clip onto the stroller or wear over the shoulder or cross body. And my husband was more than happy to carry either one b/c I got them both in neutral colors - the Duo Double in neutral stripes & the Duo in black. My twins are 3 1/2 now so I no longer need to carry bottles, diapers or even pull-ups, but I sometimes still use the Duo for a day trip to pack snacks drinks, books and/or extra clothes. And the Double I still use for overnight trips (just one night, but it'll hold both sets of clothes, shoes & pj's along w/a couple small toys/books). Hope this helps & good luck w/your 2nd bundle!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.C.

answers from San Francisco on

I love the Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack that I just got for my 2nd. It's roomy, convenient, and attractive. It's handy being able to use the backpack feature b/c you never have enough free hands with two little ones!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.V.

answers from San Francisco on

I got so many great diaper bags at my shower with my first baby and i used one of them a lot. But i realized being a first time mother i didn't really need the entire house to go with me by the time he was 7 months I watned to downsize. I finally went to a diaper bag backpack I stumbled on at Walmart. It is great as it has a zipper on the back to get to otehr parts of the bag, like my wallet. LOL. My son is 3 now and I have a 7 month old and I only use that bag. Since my first child I have always had an extra stash of baby things in the car that I never take out. That way I don't have to haul all the needs of both children in the stores. I also had a little igloo cooler i pack every time i left the house for babyformula, food etc which helps.

Good luck, Im still trying to get on track going form 1-2 children. My first son was 2.5yrs old when his baby brother arrived. I was ready for a padded room the first 4 months.

SAHM/Zombie 40yrs old with 2 adorable little boys. My 7 motnh old is trying to walk. Maybe come 8 months he will. Yikes!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi H.,

I used a backpack and loved it!

It opened from the top and also had a long zipper on the part that rests against your back. That way, I could easily access stuff from the top or the bottom.

I still use that backpack for day trips - my kids are 4 and 6 now.

Congrats and good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.B.

answers from San Francisco on

I loved our Eagle Creek backpack. I got it on eBay (in my favorite color) for about 1/3 the list price. We now call it "the backpack formerly known as the diaper bag" and use it all the time!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.R.

answers from Stockton on

I LOVE my *skip hop duo*, they are kind of spendy but, I think well worth it! It would be the last diaper bag you would need to buy. I was lucky enough to find 1 on clearance at Target about a month ago for what I thought was $14.98 a few days later I looked at my receipt and had only paid $7.46!!!!!! I cloth diaper and can fit several diapers with room for wipes (wash cloths) a wet bag, So I sure you would have no problem with diapers for 2. Also room for extra clothes, snacks, food, pacifiers outside pockets for bottles, etc. Could probably hold several bottles, i'm not sure how many, i've put a couple small bottles (I breastfeed) for grandma to "try" to feed while I'm at work and both daughter and sons sippy cups...etc It even has straps to attach to the stroller though I haven't used that feature since I don't use the stroller much.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.G.

answers from San Francisco on

I used a sling backpack when I had my second child (my kiddos were 18 months apart). Just one strap that goes across your chest. It helped keep back support and they sell cheap ones at Wal-Mart and Target.

I had a normal diaper bag at first, but saw another mom use one of the 1 strap bags and had to get one for myself!

Good luck to you!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.K.

answers from San Francisco on

H.,

I know you have received a lot of responses but I thought I would send you one more. I had two diaper bags, one was the Skip Hop which someone else reccomended which I loved but it was not really big enough for me. I would have preferred it be a bit larger.

The other bag I had was from Pottery Barn Kids. It is a very large shoulder bag. I loved this bag becuase it does not look like a diaper bag. It is very large and holds a lot of items and has some compartments.

I hope this helps.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.W.

answers from San Francisco on

try jcpenney.com. i found my diaper bag there and love it. it is two tone. light blue and brown. its the light blue suede looking one. lots of room in it!
www.helpmomstayhome.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.D.

answers from San Francisco on

How about a skip hop double duo. it is large and fits well on a double stroller.

you can see it on www.letsgostrolling.com website.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches