MoMamas wrote to us about the Diaper Valet and asked us to give it a try. It's now part of the standard gear we use for short outings with baby.
The Diaper Valet is a small bag that holds a few diapers, a travel pack of wipes and a small changing pad. There's an inner pocket for credit cards or cash and metal ring for keys.
We tried one with a short handle which looks like a cute purse.
If purchasing for dads, you might want to forego the handle and have something that looks more like a clutch.
For us, the key is one-handed access. The Diaper Valet's velcro fastener opened easily with just one hand and the special pocket for wipes also was convenient.
It's small size makes it convenient for quick outings when a few diapers is all you need. Anything longer than that and you'll need your full-size diaper bag.
The bag comes in a variety of fabrics, most more calico and charming than ultra-modern. The bag is machine washable. The Diaper Valet is available here starting at $30. We think it would make a useful gift for a parent.
Copyright © 2008 Apartment Therapy
Any smallish bag works in the same exact way. We used a navy blue Nine West bag that had a couple inner pockets; it was very square and unisex so either of us felt comfortable carrying it. It is a simple thing to throw two diapers, a travel pack of wipes, and an extra blanket or small changing pad in pretty much any small bag.
It is often easier and less expensive to repurpose items that weren't meant for babies.
One thing about our Nine West bag: the handles were long enough to slip easily over the handles of our umbrella stroller.
We had generic small bags before I started using the Diaper Valet and I think there is no comparison.
The Diaper Valet is designed for its task and makes it easy to get at everything with little fuss and no juggling, which can be crucial when juggling a baby and diaper supplies in any situation, but crucially so in most public restrooms. As the review says, one handed access in the key for a product like this and the DV works well in this regard. I like that you can open it up and have immediate access to diapers and wipes and other diapering essentials. The wipes sleeve, as pictured, holds a Huggies refillable wipes case while allowing access to the wipes through the Huggies flip top lid.
I hook a carabiner through one of the loops and use it to hang off changing tables or, in a pinch, a belt loop. It's small and discreet if I have to take my son to the bathroom when out of the house, but it doesn't sacrifice much in the way of utility for its size.
It's those little touches that make all the difference in my book and separate stuff like the Diaper Valet from generic bags. It's definitely made for parents.
This is adorable!
It says on the site that you can get a long handle (43 inches) or short handle (6 inches) added.
I prefer it without the handle, however.
I have to agree - I don't own any purpose made baby bags as I've always found plenty of ordinary bags that will do the job fine - but then I've not seen a bag where you can access your wipes without removing them from the bag. I am always wrestling one handed with wipes, this would be very handy. I can see myself ordering my first baby bag (he's nearly two!)
Well, thankfully, we're potty trained here... but we're thinking about having a second baby. I've seen these before and I LOVE the design...BUT what about a changing pad? What are your thoughts? I was thinking that a neatly folded receiving blanket would do well.... hmm?
We just added a new changing pad option to the Diaper Valet that is very compact (thinner than a single diaper):
http://www.diapervalet.com/addchangingpad.html
Many of our customers have used disposable changing pads (they're tiny and waterproof, but environmentally unfriendly).
For alternatives to our coordinating pad, one could always use a small piece of nylon fabric or a baby-safe clear plastic sheeting that will fold compactly and store easily in the Valet.
Ahhh! Thank you!
What a great product. You are bookmarked for when baby 2 happens for us! (o: