Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Diaper Bag Dilemma – Help Me!

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Help me please. I need a diaper bag, and I don’t know the first thing about choosing one.

I know what you’re thinking – This chick has a toddler! Surely she should know a thing or do about them. But the truth is, I simply didn’t buy a diaper bag with Ryder. Instead, I rotated my over sized Coach shoppers to cram everything from diapers to a waterproof change pad. And while that worked with one kiddo, I’m finding the duelling diapers (size 4 and newborn), two sets of wipes (Swipers and Sensitive) and the extra changes of clothes to just simply overwhelm my Coachie (not to mention Ryder’s snacks and Reid’s bottles). So I’ve decided to cave and do things properly.

Here’s the situation. If I’m going to buy one, then it’d better be pretty damn fabulous. After all, this will be on my arm instead of my coveted Coach/Prada/Ferragamo, so I have to love it.

Now through PTPA, I was given a BabyMel UK diaper bag to test (pictured left). While amazingly convenient and more than adequate, I’m just not sold on the aesthetics – basic black with orange detailing. And while some will argue that BabyMel is a hot designer label (created by the founders of even hotter Storksak), it’s just not nearly funky, modern, pretty, or colourful enough for moi.

I’ve been doing some research and have figured out that the premium brands are Petunia Pickle Bottom, OiOi, Storksak and Fleurville. So here’s my question – which one? Do you have a preference or suggestion? And, have I missed a super cool label that I should check out? I would really appreciate your advice!

I’d like to make a purchase in the next week or so, and I’ll certainly let ya’ll know what I decide!

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Comments

  1. thesehappydays

    When you are getting in to 2+ kids territory, I'd skip the diaper bag and get a funky, well-made backpack instead. Then you have more range of motion with your arms (i.e., can carry 2 kids if needed). Plus if you are in to baby carriers like an Ergo, a backpack counterbalances better. YMMV.

  3. Kerry

    Lena, I have way too many diaper bags and they're all ok but by far the best one that was given to me was one that I recently got at Nine West (in May). You can use it as a purse but it's actually a diaper bag. It's Fuschia (comes in other colors) and it has so many amazing compartments (I'm still finding them). I can also hang it on my stroller with clips that I have. One of my favourite parts is at the bottom there's a hidden compartment that has a zipper and it's for soiled clothes/wash clothes. It's lined in plastic so all you have to do is wipe it down. It's genius so that when you're rummaging through the bag for clean clothes or food you won't have to go through the soiled items. Enough of my rambling. It's a girl's chicest and most practical bag I've seen. It was about $115. I used to take 2 bags for full day outings and now I don't have to, it holds everything and still hangs on the stroller.Good luck

  6. Josie

    Diaper bag suggestion….I LOVE!!! LOVE!!!! LOVE!!!! my Serena and Lily 'Un'Diaper Bag! :-D It can be worn across the body, is machine washable (what!!!)or wipeable…pockets and compartments galore and can be used as a shopper bag way after you'll be carrying diapers around so we can continue to be environmentally friendly! It also hangs perfectly over stroller handles!It was given to me as a gift after I had my son…and I can't say enough about it!!! Here's the link…check them out! I have the Prague Gypsy Tote, but it comes in other colours too… http://www.serenaandlily.com/Baby/Must-Haves-Gypsy-ToteHope this helps you Lena! :-D

  8. Sharon

    Lena—I LOVE and recommend my Petunia Pickle Bottom bag- the Boxy backpack kind. It's roomy, fashionable and got enough pockets for all the essentials. The best part is the built in (and removable) diaper pad. I have the "glazed" look which means that it can be wiped clean very easily. And it has a side strap available too, so you can carry it messenger bag mode. Finally, you can buy attachments that allow you to hang it on your oh-so-fab new set of wheels. MY PICK is PPB!!!! I only have one and this is all that I need.

  9. Jess

    My friend has a Coach diaper bag, it's great as a diaper bag but will also function as an oversized purse, and light travel bag in the future. I'm sure it was pricey…but it is Coach:)

  10. Anonymous

    Hi Lena –I have three PPBs, a Coach diaper bag, a Fleurville, along with a few others. I have to say I agree with runnermama — and the PPB boxy backpack is the most convenient. If you want huge, though, Fleurville's mothership is big. But I like the styling of the boxy backpack more. Don't get fabric — get the glazed variety. The fabric snags too easily and doesn't wipe clean. You don't have to give up your Coach, though. Coach sells several diaper bags. I've got one that's really pretty. The only problem, I find, with the Coach diaper bags is that they're REALLY heavy. Too heavy to carry around without a stroller.I haven't tried the Ju-Ju-Be bags — but they're cute too. But I still say my fave is the PPB. I have a touring tote (too small), an over-the-shoulder glazed bag (India Ink) and a backpack — and I find the backpack is the easiest to manage.Have fun deciding!Janice

  11. Anonymous

    Oh no! I just love the look of the Serena and Lily gypsy bags one of your posters put up! It looks lightweight and chic. OMG — the temptation!!!!!! John is NOT going to be happy!!!! Lol.Janice