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Good Questions: Best Diaper (or Non-Diaper) Bag?

bag031909.jpg Erin's got a list: I am a first-time mom and am looking for a diaper bag. It doesn't have to actually be a diaper bag, but it does have to fulfill the following requirements:

1. Be made of nylon
2. Washable
3. Lightweight
4. Fit over the stroller (I have a Peg Perego Skate)
5. Have at least a few pockets
6. Be reasonable priced (ideally under $150)

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Okay, so that's quite a few requirements, but I would think I could find something that would work! So far I have found two Le Sportsac bags that might work but one doesn't fit over the stroller and the other is possibly too big (one is the Travel Tote - 13.75 x 22.5 x 4.5 in, the other is the Medium Weekender -
11.5 x 16.5 x 8.75 in). Has anyone else used either of these? Does anyone have any other recommendations or suggestions? Thanks!

Please let Erin know your favorites in the comments below...thank you!

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Comments (34)

The Ju Ju Be bags might work out for you.

posted by goodLife{eats} on March 19th 2009 at 2:07pm
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You might look at the Reese Li bags (http://www.reeseli.com). They meet your criteria and are $150. I have one and like how much I can get in it, the wipeable surfaces, and pockets. Plus, you can switch the straps around to fit over the stroller handles very easily.

posted by Cicely'sMom on March 19th 2009 at 2:12pm
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We love the skip hop line. Very durable.

posted by JudiAU on March 19th 2009 at 2:19pm
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We've still got our Skip Hop bag from three years ago and it's held up really well. It's affordable and adult wardrobe friendly so my husband doesn't mind carrying it around.

posted by racheloncegentry on March 19th 2009 at 2:24pm
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I also really recommend the skip hop bag. I have the duo and it rocks.

Also, when the baby was teeny tiny, I used a Haiku Bag:

http://www.haikubags.com/

If you contact the company you can buy a matching changing pad.

posted by jensational on March 19th 2009 at 2:27pm
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I love my LUG bag- it has a waterproof bottom compartment and it large and lovely!

posted by turnsharp on March 19th 2009 at 2:27pm
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I actually bought for myself a LeSportSac - exactly the size u are talking about and it actually does not fit over the stroller, but I have a mommy hook and that works like a charm for anything else I carry. My husband commented that he looked like a girl with it (it has colorful dolls) so I bought him for his b-day a skip hop. Which we use both, but the skip hop i don't like because it fits perfect on the side bars of the stroller and I always hit it with the knees. But when i travelled with my 3 month old all over europe I carried both of them and had him either on the baby bjorn or in a travel stroller. So I believe u eventually would need both, but starting with LeSportSac is a good bet. The Skip hop is perfect for swinging over the shoulder or cross body.

posted by Anusha73 on March 19th 2009 at 2:29pm
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Also in Le Sportsac is the Stella McCartney LeSportsac oversized carryall. Right now they're 50% off. It even has bottle pockets. This might be a better size than the other Le Sportsac bags mentioned in the post.

http://www.lesportsac.com/store/stella/4620_4866.html

posted by Cicely'sMom on March 19th 2009 at 2:30pm
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Thanks! A few comments:

- Glad to hear SkipHop is an option. A lot of mom's I talk to say they don't have enough room.

- ANUSHA73 - which LeSportsac do you have? The travel tote or medium weekend?

- The SM for LSS Classic Carryall was in my top 10, but I recently tried it out and it won't fit over the stroller and has a lot of excess padding. I was bummed this one didn't work out.

Your suggestions are greatly appreciated...please keep 'em coming!

posted by airenle on March 19th 2009 at 2:35pm
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Le SportSac used to make a bag called Charlie which makes for a great diaper bag. The style seems to be discontinued but there are some available on eBay. I have a small version of the Charlie (don't know the name) that I use for quick trips out and it is great.

posted by eskkimmo on March 19th 2009 at 2:36pm
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One more thing...so will the Medium Weekender be too big? Dimensions are 11.5 x 16.5 x 8.75.

posted by airenle on March 19th 2009 at 2:41pm
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I have the Skip Hop Duo and don't like it at all - not enough room - the bag is so slim that the interior pockets are worthless. I end up piling all kinds of stuff in the bottom of the stroller and can never find anything in the bag. And because my stroller (a Peg Perego) has two separate handles, the bag is contantly falling down into the back of the seat, which interferes with the seat reclining.

posted by phillymama on March 19th 2009 at 2:44pm
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I have the Skip Hop City Chic and I love it. It's got lot's of room, easily straps on the stroller or sits comfortable on my shoulder. My favorite feature though is it's little snap off purse. I feel very pulled together carrying this bag. It's big enough for overnight trips, but not too big haul around daily.

http://www.skiphop.com/product/41000.html

posted by Yolanda on March 19th 2009 at 2:59pm
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Check out these bags: http://www.boodlebags.com

they're designed and made by moms, and environmentally sensitive. Lightweight, stand up on their own. Pretty much amazing all 'round.
cheers!

posted by kissame on March 19th 2009 at 3:05pm
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I love my Skip Hop bag. I even got one for my husband in camouflage so he feels all manly an' stuff.

posted by pxlchk1 on March 19th 2009 at 3:20pm
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I have two ju-ju-be bags. one large one that I used when my daughter was an infant (and I plan on going back to when my second is born this summer). and a smaller, backpack type bag as my everyday purse now that she doesn't have so many needs. I throw my skip hop changing pad thingy in either bag.

Congratulations!

posted by ScorpioJ on March 19th 2009 at 3:30pm
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I have the exact bag in the picture, just a different print. Is that the medium weekender? It's perfect. I also have 2 "real" diaper bags (skip hot duo and oioi hobo) that I use, but I really like the LeSportSac one right now.
I have the separate zipper things that go inside and one is the perfect size for 2 diapers and a wipes container.

posted by elektra on March 19th 2009 at 3:39pm
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We tried several different diaper bags with our 2 kids before finding the hoppop diaper bag:

(click on the icon just in front of the bike)

http://www.hoppop.eu/

It's a booster seat and diaper bag, so wherever you go, you are prepared. You don't have to lug a booster seat when you go to visit grandparents or friends, and if you happen to find yourself in a restaurant or café that doesn't have any, you are all prepared.

I bought clips to hang it off the handlebar of my stroller. for us, it has been great -- ideal size, 2 insulated exterior pockets, interior pockets, a changing pad (and the booster seat!). And it is one my husband does not look funny carrying.

Just checked, and Amazon has them on sale, around $75 to $80 I think.

posted by mschatelaine on March 19th 2009 at 4:03pm
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Skip Hop because a man can wear one and not feel silly; it goes in the wash and comes out clean every time; durable as hell (mine is almost three years old); plenty of room (although if you are a total packrat and drag your whole nursery around, no); hangs on stroller just fine.

After you start going to the playground and going down slides?
Bjorn backpack: easy to wash, clean; lightweight yet not flimsy; plenty of room for diapers, change of clothes, food, etc; and you can wear it at playgrounds, down slides, up jungle gyms and down again.

posted by stickyricemama on March 19th 2009 at 4:05pm
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Hi - we have a few Skip Hops and love them. As far as "not having enough room" that's kind of relative based on how much you pack! Regardless, they have bags in a lot of sizes, including the very large double, so it's just a matter of finding the best one for you i think.

posted by celluloidheroes on March 19th 2009 at 4:06pm
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I'm so amused by these comments.

Any bag that you like to carry will work. You need to get a couple of bags for the inside--one that's empty to contain wet/dirty stuff, one for wipes, and a fold-out pad. Put in a few diapers, your kit of things like baby tylenol and diaper-rash cream, and you are ready to to.

Of all the things that you do not need to buy specifically for the baby, the diaper bag is at the top of the list.

Unless you plan to leave the house for days and days, you just don't need to carry that much stuff. A spare outfit, three diapers, a fold-out pad, and a wet bag will do you in any situation.

posted by wrenx on March 19th 2009 at 11:38pm
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I had the Ju Ju Be packabee (the backpack). I found that the bag itself was too heavy. I recently purchased the Deluxe everyday bag from Lesportsac and think it's perfect. It fits my sons clothes, few diapers, wipes, snacks and my wallet, cell phone, and keys. I wouldn't recommend it for long trips, but it works well for the mall, playdates, and day trips.

posted by Dylan's mommy on March 19th 2009 at 11:59pm
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I think my LeSportSac is the weekend, I bought it for $30 or so at Century21. SkipHop definetely does not hold everything you need especially if you are bringing food with you. It is fine when I was breasfeeding, but now that my son is eating proper food, needs milk and water, plus diapers, it doesn't work. I personally never liked the backpack style so I won't go that root.

posted by Anusha73 on March 20th 2009 at 9:41am
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Just got a Sportsac knockoff at Target for $17. LOVE it. Lots of pockets and compartments, and SO SO SO much lighter than my SkipHop. I have two SkipHop bags, and no one tells you how heavy and stiff that canvas is.

If I had to do it all over again, I would have gotten a Le Sportsac, but I'm glad I found the knockoff instead!

posted by elfitzy on March 20th 2009 at 11:05am
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Another thought: will you be based in a car or on foot? How old is the babe? Someone mentioned wanted to carry more as the age. We actually carry less. The skip hop diaper bag stays attached to the stroller in the car. We don't take it when we don't take the stroller. It includes a large supply of diapers, a huge thing of wipes, motrin, extra pacifiers, extra clothes, and "sleepy pants." Instead we take the pronto changer. Also, we don't use the diaper bag for food. We have a few insulated containers for that. They holds snacks, water etc.

posted by JudiAU on March 20th 2009 at 11:58am
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I've used the deluxe everyday bag
http://www.lesportsac.com/store/7507_5205.html
It's probably for an older baby, as it's not huge, but i've used it since my son was about 1.5 years old - love it. it can be a shoulder bag or across the body, also great for traveling.

posted by thevioletpear on March 20th 2009 at 12:57pm
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I have a black Skip Hop for the past 2 years. It attaches to the stroller nicely, it doubles as a purse or messenger bag. lots of pockets, easy to clean, plenty of room for a few dipes, wipes, toys, wallet, cell phone, cup, keys. The nylon canvas is similar to that of a backpack, so although it is durable, it's not going to be as lightweight as a La Sportsac for instance. But it's lighter than a leather purse.

posted by farleece on March 20th 2009 at 1:07pm
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We tried two different diaper bags before finally just using a regular backpack we already had. Its not the most beautiful and I'd like to make a nicer one but haven't yet since I haven't found the perfect one and it has to be backpack style. Since we're often somewhere we we need to leave the stroller for a bit and walk (zoo, museum) we wanted something that we could carry hands free. Plus bags that sling over one shoulder end up bonking your kid in the head--seriously. You have it on and go to pick up kid #2 who is upset about something and "bonk". Ours has two compartments which works perfectly. One for diapers and the other for a toy or two and snacks. Plus there is a pocket on the front for emergency info and bandages/neosporin and side mesh pockets perfect for sippy cups. We have a 2.5 year old and a 4 year old and this backpack has worked for us for over 2 years, especially for planes! Our old one didn't zip--it only had a magnetic snap and stuff would fall out all the time. I'm sure nicer backpacks are out there, I'd check on those if I were you!

posted by DebraLynn on March 20th 2009 at 3:42pm
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Thanks everyone for your comments. They are beyond helpful.

JudiAU - I live in NYC and do not have a car. Baby will be either in a carrier or in the stroller.

mschatelaine - Hoppop is super-cool. Definitely a line I've never heard of and I love the 2-for-1 idea. Does it hold all newborn baby necessities?

I should have specified this in my original request but I would really love a bag that goes over a should AND has another strap for cross-body in the event I need to keep my hands totally free, and I don't want a free swinging bag (you know what I'm talking about; we've all be there with an overstuffed handbag that's run amuck).

I just noticed the Allie on Le Sportsac website which might be a good option. My biggest question is really: what's the ideal size for a bag? Some moms say the bigger, the better, while others say you can go with bare minimum (a few diapers, changing pad, wipes, extra outfit and mom's wallet). I guess it's just personal preference?

posted by airenle on March 21st 2009 at 9:26pm
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As far as size of diaper bag, I'd say go with the largest size you feel comfortable carrying. I went with something that was similar in size to the purses I normally carry. Now that my son is 2, I just throw one of those diaper/wipe sleeves into my purse which works just fine in case of emergencies. I just don't think you need anything all that large for most outings.

posted by farleece on March 21st 2009 at 10:09pm
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As DebraLynn, after using a diaper bag for some months I finally bought a backpack. It is the babybjorn backpack Active, but I have found in their Web that the product is discontinued:
http://www.babybjorn.com/en/American/Old-products/6743/BABYBJORN-Diaper-Backpack-Active/

It is great, very light and with many pockets. I use it when I travel or when I need to wear many thing, like spending a whole day out.

For a small trip I just put this diaper caddy in my bag:
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=7165297

posted by gelena on March 23rd 2009 at 6:29am
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after using a simple gray/pink stroller bag from target ($20), i recently got a black/white nylon diaper bag with handles and a cross body strap from the coach outlet for $120. it is easier to reach in and get stuff and is just a bit bigger, also hangs over the stroller handle nicely.

posted by alicialu on March 23rd 2009 at 5:45pm
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here is the coach style... although mine is just black, with black/white striped strap, no coach logos except for the tag.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/coach-diaper-bags-all-the-best-styles.html

posted by alicialu on March 23rd 2009 at 5:54pm
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I too have researched this a lot!

The three I like are:

Dadgear backpack - best design w/ built in wipes case holder and full changing station!
http://www.geargroupdemos.com/videos/Backpack/

Gittabag - built in changing pad and play-pad! :)
http://www.gittabags.com/
http://www.gittabags.com/pict/102/102901b_AF.jpg

JuJuBe Be-All *best quality (basic black/silver is unisex)
http://www.ju-ju-be.com/our_products.asp?prodid=beall

But I really wanted a sling backpack so I think I'm going with this - or else a nice Eddie Bauer backpack....
Targus Grove Sling / http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=TSB109US

posted by RainyDaySeattle on July 28th 2009 at 4:22pm
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