My husband and I are looking for a new diaper bag. These are the "specs" we desire: straps that can function as a back pack and an over the shoulder bag (depending on the day we can choose which set of straps we want), large enough to pack what our baby needs for one day of daycare, lots of compartments instead of one bottomless pit, and an upright place to store bottles. Our biggest function areas we need are the straps and my purse items. I struggle with keeping track of my wallet, phone, ipod, etc. because I no longer carry a purse. I would like to find a bag that has convenient places for me to keep the things my daughter needs as well as the items that I used to carry in a purse.
We bought the backpack diaper bag from One Step Ahead (online) and LOVE it!! It has a ton of compartments, and although looks small when you first open it, it's amazing how much it hold! It has backpack style straps, but they don't convert at all. It was like 60 bucks, but after having several 30 dollar ones break, it was worth it!
I have not used this bag before but I do have the sling and just got the standard backpack for my brother and sil who are expecting. I like the quality and it seems to be well thought out as far as design. I don't know where you live but they carry them (or at least did a few weeks ago) at the Mayfair store in Wauwatosa.
http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/sw1220/index.cfm?...
I have the Ju Ju Be packabe: http://www.ju-ju-be.com/packabe.html
and love it. It has a big enough space in the middle for books, diapers, clothes, snacks, wipes and side pockets inside for sunscreen, diaper cream, tylenol, etc. The outside pockets are magnetic shut & great for your wallet. There is a spot for your cell or ipod in there. There are two elastic bottle holders on the side which are big enough for a water bottle, too.
Before I had one from One Step Ahead that had several compartments inside, was insulated, included two take along purses and a bottle holder with side pockets on the outside and bottle holders. It was a back pack though and could not be converted to a strap.
Hey C.,
Who said it needs to be an original "diaper bag?" We quit using diaper bags a long time ago, just looking for any bag that met our requirements and started stuffing diapers and other baby needs in it.
Some things we organized into ziplock bags within the "open space" and it made things a lot easier. We even stuck bottles in the drink compartments on the outside of the bag - it doesn't matter because people care less than you'd think they would if you've got a bottle or a Dasani in there.
I don't know of a bag that meets your requirements, but I bet they're out there.
Good luck!
Check out the Baby Bjorn diaper case. It has great convertible straps like you want and plenty of organizational compartments inside. We have this bag and my husband likes carrying it because it doesn't look like an oversized purse. It is pricey, however (we're both teachers, too).
Kelty Kids makes a great back pack. It has backpack straps, that tuck away when you don't need them, has handles, and a shoulder strap that unfastens when you don't need it. It has different pockets for lots of stuff. I have used ours for 4.5 yrs and love it. I now have 2 kids and it works great for day trips to the zoo, friends and in the car for a long trip. Check out the Kelty website.
We got a really nice and functional diaper bag from Babies R Us. It is a sling backpack and it works nicely and doesn't fall off your shoulder. There is a cell phone holder on the strap and a front pocket that could be used for a wallet. It has a bottle holder that keeps bottles cold or warm and it has a pretty good amount of space. Plus it comes w/a changing pad. My husband really luvs it (he picked it out) and it's a nice unisex bag that could be used for many things besides a diaper bag. Good luck!
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2266869
How about the L.L. Bean Logic bag at:
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...
The Urban Backpack/Diaper bag at:
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...
A diaper bag does not have to be a "diaper bag"....have you tried looking at different kinds of backpacks or travel bags. Just because you are filling it with diapers and other baby things, doesn't mean you have to buy a "diaper bag." I can't think of any bags off-hand, but try to look at other types of bags. You may find something you like elsewhere.
you can design your own with ete handbags. They have a website.They are local designers and VERY! reasonably priced (think 75-100 for a custom diaper bag/purse). They were actually just featured in the star tribune as well. These bags are great and unique and incredibly functional.
While it doesn't have a "backpack" option, i have a Fleurville Mothership bag. Its AWESOME!! I"m an "overpacker" and this bag holds everything, even when i had 2 kids in diapers. Now we use a regular backpack. Its got multiple zipper compartments and the side nets are perfect for cups or bottles. I got it a wal-mart for $5.
This was 5 years ago now so i'm not sure if it is still available but, Eddie Bauer catologue has a great backpack. It doesn't look like a diaper bag and has all the things you are looking for. We got it and love it. It was apx. $55.
