Diapers, wet wipes, zinc ointment, changing mat, pacifiers, food… Yes, you name it! It indeed requires a larger packing when you are going on a trip with the little one. And such a large baggage undoubtedly requires a good diaper bag. But what is a good diaper bag really? We will try to make you much wiser about that now.
Sizes and compartments
Desires for the size of a diaper bag vary greatly from family to family. Some families may not need a huge diaper bag with just one baby, unlike a family with three children, where two of them are still in diapers. Fortunately, there are plenty of different sizes available on the market that meet the many different needs. But one thing is certain! Whether you are a large or small family, there are still many different practical items – in various sizes – that need to be brought along. Therefore, a diaper bag with many compartments is a must.
You may have considered using your own backpack or sports bag as a diaper bag, but since such a type of bag often only has one large compartment, you risk that all the items will end up in a jumble, thus preventing you from having quick access to what you currently need. With a "real" diaper bag, on the other hand, you will know exactly where the diapers, baby food, your keys, etc. are, as diaper bags are filled with compartments – both inside and outside.
The inner compartments are good for storing items that should be kept dry, such as diapers and changing supplies. At the same time, a good diaper bag will contain inner compartments with both elastic openings and zippers, as with the former you can quickly pull out items, and with zippers, you can store small things that must not fall out and get lost.
In addition to the slightly smaller inner compartments, it will also be a clear advantage that the diaper bag has a large compartment with a wide opening. With this, the other inner compartments will be easy to access, and there will be room for the changing mat, which you will definitely need when you are on a longer trip with the little one.
Like the inner compartments, the outer ones help to organize all the baby gear. The outer compartments are especially a plus because items can be easily stored, but also because you will be able to quickly access the item you need, like your phone or wet wipes, if the baby makes a mess.
Many diaper bags also include a compartment or pocket for a water bottle, which is always good to have on the go. In some diaper bags, these bottle compartments are even upgraded with smart thermal insulation, which can keep a baby bottle or a small lunch warm or cold.
Design and material
A good diaper bag should, as mentioned, be able to hold many items, but besides being practical, it should also look nice – just not too nice/feminine for dad. Remember that both of you will end up carrying it around, so choose a diaper bag that you both are comfortable being seen with. Fortunately, diaper bags come in many colors and designs, so you will surely find a model with a relatively neutral expression.
Everyone knows that it is not cheap to become a parent when it comes to acquiring the large amount of baby gear – and the diaper bag is no exception. Therefore, it can be a good idea to keep in mind that the diaper bag should not necessarily only be used during the maternity period, but also afterwards – for sports or yoga, for example. This way, you avoid having to spend money on two bags. And now you’re probably thinking that a diaper bag wouldn’t be the smartest thing to carry around since it’s not going to be used as a diaper bag, right? But don’t worry! More and more manufacturers have actually become aware of this issue and have started producing diaper bags that, in terms of design, don’t really look like a diaper bag – but more like a regular nice everyday bag. Hallelujah!
But the aesthetic appearance is not worth much if the material is delicate and cannot withstand much. Fortunately, most diaper bags today are made from a “baby-friendly” material such as quilted nylon, faux leather, and leather – but it will still be a good idea to pay attention to this when you are looking around. It is important to acquire a diaper bag that is water- and dirt-repellent, so it can obviously withstand water, but also because it will surely be exposed to dirt and other liquids such as urine and baby food. This way, you won’t have to worry about your bag getting dirty and can easily wipe it off with a damp cloth.
Carrying Features
In addition to having a spacious function, many diaper bags come with several smart features. Among other things, the carrying function is quite smart and not least a necessity, as the diaper bag, as we know, is intended to be taken on the go. Therefore, it might be a good idea to choose a bag with more than one option.
The carrying features in question are a carrying handle, a shoulder strap, and a hanging option on the stroller. The carrying handle and shoulder strap are familiar to most from both sports bags and regular bags, but in some diaper bag cases, the shoulder strap function can also be used in another smart way than just over the shoulder.
The strap can indeed be mounted on the stroller's handle, so that you avoid having to carry the bag around and can easily access the things you need. Depending on what type of stroller you have, you might just be able to hang your bag over the handle. But to ensure that it stays stable and doesn’t fall off, several diaper bags have been produced where the shoulder strap comes with built-in hanging straps. So smart!
Most shoulder straps are also detachable, which means you can just click the bag off and take it with you while leaving the strap on the stroller. See example illustrated in the picture.
If your diaper bag does not have a shoulder strap, you still have the option to hang the bag and other things on the handle. This can indeed be done with a couple of smart hooks that can be easily mounted on the stroller's handle.
However, if you hang your bag or other things on the stroller handle, you should be aware that it is at your own risk. Most stroller manufacturers advise against loading the handle, as there is a risk that the stroller may tip over. So think about how much weight you are adding to the handle.
If you are currently on the hunt for a changing bag, you can take a look at Mammashop's large selection right here!
