Choosing The Right Diaper Bag: Features & Fabric To Look For
Whether it’s a quick trip to the store or a full day out with your little one, a diaper bag is an essential accessory for any parent. Diaper bags help keep your baby’s things organized and accessible, while also providing room for all the things you may need to bring with you. You might think that any old bag could do the trick, but in all honesty, not every bag is suitable as a diaper bag. Your baby — and you — deserve the best.
There are many factors that should be taken into consideration when buying a diaper bag. You need to think about the storage space, color, design, and of course, the overall quality of the bag itself. If you don’t know what to look for in a diaper bag — or don’t know what you want — then selecting the right bag can be difficult. Since it can be quite the challenge, here’s a guide to what to look for in a diaper bag to help you choose the right one for you and your little one.
THE MANY DIFFERENT KINDS OF DIAPER BAGS
There are a few main styles of diaper bags to choose from: for example, backpacks, totes, purses, and classic bags.
Backpacks
If you’re planning on lugging around a lot of baby gear, and perhaps picking up some groceries at the same time, then you might want to go with a backpack. Likewise, for those living in walkable urban areas who like to keep their hands free, a backpack is a good choice. You can find backpacks in different materials, and a lighter fabric may be easier on the shoulders (and easier to clean).
Messenger/Totes
While a backpack is a good hands-free choice, some parents only want to carry the essentials — diapers, wipes, and maybe a bottle or two — when out and about. In this case, a messenger/style cloth tote bag might be just what you’re looking for. These diaper bags are usually just big enough; they can fit in a stroller’s storage space or be carried on your arms or shoulders. For a short visit with family or a trip to a restaurant (or a weekend away!), it can work well.
Purse/Designer
Of course, diaper bags don’t necessarily have to sacrifice style to be of substance. High-end brands like Dior, Prada, and Gucci offer stylish, functional diaper bags that look more like purses than dedicated diaper bags, but they don’t come cheap. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,700 to $3,000 (or more) for this kind of diaper bag. Now, if your wallet can handle the price tag, and you want to show off more than just your baby, then go for it. After all, YOLO!
Classic
To round out the options, there is the “classic” diaper bag style, basically a spacious canvas tote big enough to fit everything that you and your little angel may need. This is the kind of diaper bag you’ll often see at a new mother’s hospital bedside, demonstrating its ability to serve as an overnight bag many nights over. You can place all sorts of baby diapers, clothes, pacifiers, formula, and bottles in it. Even with all of your baby’s things packed in, you will still have room for things that’ll serve new mamas well!
MORE TIPS FOR WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A DIAPER BAG
As you can see, some diaper bags are designed to serve in a more functional way, maximizing storage, while others focus on convenience and portability. Then there are the diaper bags that are quite stylish and wouldn’t be mistaken for a diaper bag at first look. You may find that you want to have different sizes of the same style of diaper bag for any situation that arises or a collection of different bags.
If you’re still struggling with what to look for in a diaper bag, consider a few things: Are you okay with it getting dirty? Remember, you may have to temporarily store some soiled diapers in it, which could possibly rule out the more expensive designer options. What about the fabric? Is it easy to clean on-the-go or in the laundry? Also consider your own comfort: Which feels better on your shoulders?
The longevity of your diaper bag should also be on the list of factors to consider. Wil this be a bag that you use just in the first few months or do you want something long term? Choosing a diaper bag from a company like Lily + Llama ensures that your bag will be with you for years to come. The neutral color and versatile use can take your diaper bag and turn it into a weekend getaway baby bag later on.
Finally, what about storage? Don’t underestimate how many things you’ll need to carry with you when your little one is really, really little! You may want to err on the side of caution and get the roomiest bag you can. Think about it: Even if you end up using less space within it than you thought you might, better safe than sorry!
THE BEST DIAPER BAG FOR YOU AND YOUR BABY
With all of the choices for style, function, and storage, it’s understandable that one can ponder endlessly over how to choose a diaper bag from amongst all the options out there. Not to worry, though. Chances are that Lily + Llama has the perfect diaper bag for you, bundled up with everything expectant and new parents need. There’s no reason to look everywhere when Lily + Llama has everything you need in a diaper bag, in more ways than one!
