One of the first things I did when I found out I was pregnant was to start looking for a diaper bag. Shallow, I KNOW. But I love handbags and had always thought I'd have a super-cute diaper bag. The more I looked around, the more I began to feel like I was being duped. Is it just me, or are diaper bags REALLY JUST BIG PURSES (at least the cute ones, anyway)?
As far as I can tell, unless you are getting some hideous thing with Winnie the Pooh on it, the only things that "diaper" bags really boast are waterproof interiors, lots of pockets (sometimes), stroller clips (sometimes) and matching changing pads.
I have semi-collected Longchamp Le Pliage bags for the past few years and have two that are large enough to serve as diaper bags. I'm almost 100% certain I'm going to use one of these instead of buying something new. One reason is that I love how they look and how durable they are, and the price is right (free for the ones I already have, reasonable to buy a new one down the line if I want another color.
Also, the only "diaper" bag I really love so far is this Burberry one that is EIGHT HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS OMG:
Are we forgetting that this bag's main purpose is to haul around something that someone is going to POOP IN?
Anyway, the Le Pliage bags do have waterproof interiors, but lack the other things I mentioned above. I'm not worried about pockets, because I usually carry several small pouches in my bags to seperate things, and will continue to do this. The changing pad I know I can find on its own and I could care less if it matches. The necessity of stroller clips is questionable, in my mind, because the stroller I've picked out has plenty of room to throw the bag underneath.
So to all you moms out there: does this sound like a reasonable plan, or am I missing something and really do need a "diaper" bag?
I LOVE that second diaper bag. Its style it just too cute. I wish it had more pockets thought!
Posted by: Erica Myers | September 09, 2010 at 02:19 AM
Hope you get the bag you want! Did Randall get back to you about the STL Blogger get together this Friday, August 13? If not then email me at [email protected]
Posted by: Al | August 08, 2010 at 04:54 PM
Your Longchamp will work fine. I swapped between that (for longer trips) and my Speedy (those suckers hold a LOT), augmented with a Skip Hop Pronto changing station. Keep in mind I nursed, so didn't need a tonne of bottles, though.
Posted by: Sarah | August 05, 2010 at 03:33 PM
So glad you're interested in the blogger get together on Aug. 13 - if you already don't have the details, can you send me your email address to happyforthismoment at gmail dot com?
Looking forward to meeting you!
Posted by: Randall | August 02, 2010 at 08:40 AM
I love, love, love my petunia pickle bottom shoulder bag. I tried to use my longchamp for a while, and it just didn't work for me. I wanted something that had pockets to store bottles upright and in the beginning you're just going to carry so much stuff (I've heard it's called the first child syndrome). And I hated keeping the bag under the stroller, it's just a pain and easier to hang from the stroller and keep everything handy.
I got the petunia bag on ruelala for about $100. Just wanted to let you know my thoughts!!
Posted by: Jenn | July 29, 2010 at 08:41 PM
I say screw it and pay the $850 for the Burberry! I'm just sayin'
Posted by: Betsy Dudenhoeffer | July 26, 2010 at 03:55 PM
Why are you being practical? You NEED that Burberry bag. Wait... "I" NEED that Burberry bag!! :)
I'm just kidding...the Longchamp bag will be great! Love you boo!
Posted by: Heidi | July 26, 2010 at 10:30 AM
You don't "need" a diaper bag, but it does become your purse, so it's nice to have one that looks like a purse anyway. I think that Burberry one is to die for. I'm going to be a dissenting voice and vote that you get the Burberry diaper bag!!
Posted by: Emily | July 23, 2010 at 06:47 PM
You don't need a diaper bag. I keep a Diapees and Wipees in my purse (www.bloommaternity.net/diwidadawa.html) with some diapers, wipes, and diaper disposal bags. When A was really small, I kept extra clothes and blankets in a tote in my trunk.
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 22, 2010 at 06:42 PM
You can most definitely use the Le Pliage. You can get a case for your diapers and wipes (or I could just buy one for you because I know where to get really cute ones), and keep a large ziploc storage bag with a spare change of clothes to use when sweet Danny soils himself. Wait, your child won't make messes, right? :) Then you can put the dirty ones in the ziploc and just toss them in the laundry when you get home and then throw away the offending plastic bag. This is what I did and it worked wonderfully. If you need more compartments, just get other zippered pouches to put in there with baby supplies: diaper cream, fingernail clippers, hand sanitizer, etc.
Posted by: Amy | July 22, 2010 at 03:02 PM
Okay so here is my favorite one on the Diaper Dude site, made for Moms and oh so stylish! http://www.diaperdude.com/store/rachel-red-c-252-p-1-pr-16350.html
Posted by: Kristinduvall | July 22, 2010 at 02:55 PM
Hey Cousin! So when Kim & Jedd were pregnant with their first child, I bought this "Diaper Dude" diaper bag for Jedd as a birthday gift. It's trendier than most out there and seems to be pretty functional. I know they both used it a lot. http://www.diaperdude.com/
Posted by: Kristinduvall | July 22, 2010 at 02:52 PM
You're not missing anything. We used the free ones that the pediatrician gave us until they crapped out on us because they were free (i.e. cheap). Then I bought one that we do use, but it's not cute. I do like the 2 diaper pouches, the changing pad sleeve (so you always know where it is), the 2 bottle pockets and the exterior pockets. (I have serious issues with the lack of pockets/separators in purses and bags, as it is. I don't want a 20 gallon tote with only 2 pockets! I digress...) Anyhow, all that to tell you you're completely reasonable with your way of thinking.
Posted by: Kim | July 22, 2010 at 01:39 PM
Sounds like you're being very reasonable about the whole thing. I had a fancy-schmancy diaper bag for my first, and ended up using the one the hospital gave me. With my second, I switched between a smaller microfiber diaper bag that I got at Target and a large tote/purse that wasn't a diaper bag at all. I would recommend if you choose to go with a non-diaper bag diaper bag, that you pick up a small bottle holder. They usually hold two bottles and are waterproof and sometimes insulated. This will also help with the waterproof lining issue. Good luck! :)
Posted by: ElleBee | July 22, 2010 at 12:53 PM
Oh, and 31 Gifts has cute waterproof zipper pouches that can be monogrammed. Super cute.
Posted by: Susan D. | July 22, 2010 at 12:52 PM
That Burberry one is beyond gorgeous. I think you would be fine with what you have. I would find some pouches that are waterproof, and I think you would be good to go.
Posted by: Susan D. | July 22, 2010 at 12:51 PM
Not a mom but I'm with you, get the Longchamp bag! My mom always carried a big leather bag (back in the '80s) so it can definitely be done.
Posted by: Randall | July 22, 2010 at 12:43 PM
You always amaze me, MommaBug, with your wonderful practicality! Good for you! You are absolutely right, if you ask me! Go for more designer baby clothes instead of an expensive diaper bag!
Love to you and DannyBug from your MommaBug!
Posted by: MommaBug | July 22, 2010 at 11:25 AM