I am having some minor diaper bag woes. I am not a big fan of designer bags but I AM a big fan of functional, plain looking, useful, durable, and relatively inexpensive bags. When we bought a diaper bag we bought one in navy blue with a drawstring top made by Eddie Bauer from Babies R Us. It seemed like it had plenty of space and that things would fit well in there. The straps were a little short for me, but I figured I would get used to that. Plus, girl or not, my favorite color is blue and JJ and I intended to carry the same diaper bag so really pink-and-flowery was not an option. Now, having gone on several outings with this diaper bag, I think I need to go get a different one. Now that I’ve used one for awhile, I now know what I like, and what I don’t.
My ideal diaper bag would have a zip top, but plenty of space inside to hold everything. The drawstring top, I’ve discovered, does not shut well. Things spill out on the backseat. I need to be able to put a small blanket, wipes, diapers, a paci or two, a couple of changes of clothes, Desitin, and a rattle or block, our formula dispenser, and an extra jacket in case it gets cold where we’re going, inside there. For now. Eventually I’ll need to be able to add little tupperwares of food, spoons, jars of babyfood, stuffed animals, books, and bigger toys. Not to mention when we start potty training I’ll need to have more than one change of clothes, and extra shoes (I’ve seen kids end up in wet shoes when potty training – I intend to avoid that if at all possible). I need to have space to store a bottle or two, preferably in a compartment outside the bag that’s a slip-in for easy access. When she gets older and we go on outings it would be nice if I could slip a small lunchbox inside the bag that has an ice pack in it for things that need to stay cold. And of course the usual hand sanitizer and changing pad. Ergo, I think that in the near future I will need to buy a new diaper bag.
So far, I have browsed carefully through the in-store selection at Babies R Us. Nothing really that I like. I’m not a fan of the big bulky messenger type ones nor am I fan of the backpack ones. And like I said, I need one that zips shut somewhere. I also like double straps rather than the single shoulder strap ones that throw on like a duffel. Plus, although I’m a fan of Winnie the Pooh and other kid characters like Charlie Brown and Snoopy as a concept, I’m just not a big fan of plastering their faces on my diaper bag. I need plain. Functional. Lightweight. Flexible. And while I have embraced my daughter wearing pink, I still refuse to carry anything pink. So no pink. I’ve also looked online at Pottery Barn Kids and Babycenter.com and a couple of other places. This one is my favorite. I was turned onto this bag by the lovely Sabrina who has it in a different color for AJ, which also means that I’ve seen it up close and personal and it is roomy and totally functional. Tried and true. And blue!
The problem is this … we have a diaper bag. It was a gift (purchased from gift cards). Granted, it’s not my ideal diaper bag, but I didn’t know that at the time. At the time I thought it would be fine but it’s actually kind of clumsy to use and I have to carry a separate purse when I use it, which I’m not a fan of. But I’m not quite willing, yet, to spend the money on a new, seemingly perfect, diaper bag when I have a reasonably usable one. The rantings of a new mom.
