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It’s big and bulky and covered in chickies, duckies, or dancing rabbits – right? Wong! Today’s diaper bags have come a long way from the quilted catastrophe your own mother carried. The modern bag is for more than just for mommies. These gender-neutral carry-alls are sleek, stylish, and come with features galore. And, they’re filled with perks such as changing pads, binky holders, secret security pockets, insulated cooling compartments, and more.
With all the different diaper bags on the market, how can you choose just one? From cute clutches that carry a diaper and a travel-sized packet of wipes to bigger bags with the space to fit a laptop, cushioned changing pad, extra clothes, diapers, wipes, creams, lotions, and your kiddo’s favorite toys, you have choices. If you’re not sure where to start, read on to learn more about the types of bags and the features you need!
Why is a diaper bag handy?
Do you absolutely need a diaper bag? No. Can carrying one help you to travel with your tot? Yes. Whether you need a tote to take your baby around town or a bag for weekend trips and longer getaways, this is one piece of baby gear that can come in handy.
While you could use your regular backpack or purse as a makeshift diaper bag, the real deal offers benefits galore. Not only does it have enough space to store baby’s gear, it may also have features that make your parenting life easier. Stroller straps make hands-free carrying possible, insulated pockets help you to keep your kiddo’s meals cool, and integrated changing features make it easier to keep your little one clean when you’re on-the-go.
What are the types of diaper bags?
There isn’t one universal diaper bag that works for every parent. This makes it important to learn more about your options – that is, before you invest in one bag. The most common types of diaper bags include:
Backpack style diaper bags for parents
This may look and feel like the backpack you carried to school or currently carry to work. Or, it may up the style ante and have a fashion-forward design. But all of these bags have a similar two-strap carry option. This distributes weight more evenly around the shoulder area and can ease muscle strain.
Crossbody or messenger types of diaper bags
The crossbody or messenger bag has a longer top strap that goes, as the name implies, across your body. These bags range from smaller satchels to spacious totes. While you won’t have the even weight distribution a backpack offers, you may prefer the longer carry strap and the modern style of a messenger.
Tote style diaper bags with handles or straps
Think of this pick as an upgraded beach bag. You’ll get plenty of room to pack everything you need! While serious space is a benefit of these bags, you will have to sacrifice bulkiness or heaviness for the added area.
Smaller clutch and fanny pack styles of diaper bags
A quick trip to the store might not require a full tote. If you only need to bring along a few essentials, a wristlet style clutch or a fanny pack diaper bag provides plenty of convenience in a pint-sized package.
Do I need a diaper bag?
Keep in mind, need, want, and helpful to have mean different things to different parents. Even though you don’t absolutely need to carry a diaper bag, it can help you to travel easily with your kiddo in tow.
You will need some type of bag to carry diapers, wipes, bottles/sippy cups, and other basics. If you choose a diaper bag over a conventional bag, you could get the added bonuses of extra pockets, designated storage spaces, insulation, waterproof material, integrated changing pads, wipe holders, or stroller straps.
Features to look for when buying a diaper bag
The specific diaper bag features you choose depends on your baby, your family, and your individual needs. Popular features to look for include:
Ergonomic design and customizable features
There are 2,000 backpack-related injuries annually, according to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Don’t become a statistic. Look for ergonomic features or the ability to customize the fit (such as adjustable straps) to reduce the risk of carrying-related injuries.
Plenty of pockets for security, storage, safe cooling, and more
Storage isn’t just one main compartment when it comes to diaper bags. Choose a pack or tote that has more than just one or two pockets. Look for models with different sizes and shapes of pockets. You may also want both interior pockets for added security and exterior pockets for easy use.
Hands-free carry options that include more than stroller tabs
While stroller straps do give you the ability to go hands-free, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) cautions parents against hanging heavy items from stroller/carriage handlebars. To go hands-free without creating a stroller tip risk, choose a backpack or crossbody bag with a longer strap.
Waterproof and machine-washable fabric
Spills and stains happen. But a waterproof or water-resistant bag makes it easy to wipe away the mess. Machine washable fabrics add to the convenience, allowing you to toss the entire bag in the washer and go.
Need some suggestions?
Dikaslon Diaper Bag Backpack
- Size
- 7.87 x 11.81 x 16.93 inches
- Style
- Backpack
Itiezy Diaper Bag Tote for Baby
- Size
- 19.5*9.5*14in
- Style
- tote bag
Mominside Diaper Bag Tote
$57 $115 Save $58
- Size
- 15.5″ x 5.5″ x 14″
- Style
- Tote
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