Comments on: Beyond the diaper bag

By: Kris

Kris — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:12:51 +0000

I wonder if this would be a good mom bag? Water-proof, zip top, many outside pockets, reasonable size and VERY groovy patterns! I just was introduced to this site so haven’t ordered anything myself, but it looks intriguing.

http://www.bungalowco.com/p-112-pocket-rocket.aspx?vid=1124&

By: Andrea

Andrea — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:14:30 +0000

Big purse for me (I have twins and have needed a bug purse since day 1, even with a diaper bag). I tried moving to a mid-size purse when they got out of diapers but it was still too small for water, crayons, paper, etc that we need everywhere.

Backpack of any variety when we go walking. I can stash a drink for everyone, pick up a few groceries and still hold hands with them on the street.

Fashion be damned!

By: Want Not » Speaking of cute bags

Want Not » Speaking of cute bags — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:58:43 +0000

[...] sure had a lot of suggestions yesterday when we were chatting about bags. That’s why I like you; you’re [...]

By: Brigitte

Brigitte — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:38:28 +0000

I also, in no way, can cart around some giant bag off of one shoulder. I’d die in about two minutes. Plus it helps to have both arms free when you’re dealing with little ones!

So I go the backpack route. However, mine looks more like a purse. It’s brown pseudo-leather with a zip-top and two small velcro side pockets, and another larger zip-pocket on the front. Sorry, it was a second-hand Rosetti and I’m not sure they make it anymore, but you can see some similar-type stuff here: http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Handbags/Backpack,/style,/111/dept.html

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:16:32 +0000

I haven’t read the other comments so I’m sorry if any of this is repeat info. I have no recs on a specific type, but do look into a backpack. Distribute the load evenly. After 24 years of carrying a bag for babies and/or kids I am sorry to say that I had to learn the hard way. A rotator cuff injury from carrying a shoulder bag with stuff for several kids…3 in diapers at once…was enough to make me ditch the heavy bag carried on one shoulder. That was the most painful thing I have ever endured. I also like waist or ‘fanny’ packs.

By: Heather

Heather — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:57:36 +0000

I carry a really great fabric bag I found at an art fair – washable and indestructible! – but I also subscribe to the “let them carry it” theory, and have my 4 year old wear a backpack for big trips.

My handiest item, though, is a wristlet. It’s a zippered bag with a wrist strap just big enough to carry my wallet, lip gloss, and cell phone, and I can grab it and move it from small bag to big bag to diaper bag, as the day requires. It’s been my lifesaver since having kid #2.

And I find tons of cute bags at Etsy! Highly recommended if you’re looking for something soft and washable that still fits your style.

By: Katherine

Katherine — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:12:25 +0000

Oh did I agonize over this one when I went from one to two. Really, I spent a ridiculous amount of time on it. I was never happy with the backpack style diaper bag I had. I wanted something that:
- would allow me to carry gear,
- didn’t scream “diaper bag”
- my husband would also want to carry
- that would last
- I could use for years & years

And this is what I arrived at is a bag by Dad Gear. I bought my bag 2.5 years ago and it still looks new. I use it almost daily. It is great.

And woah – they have expanded their product line. The bag I have is the sport bag style, a mid-size bag. I kept watching Amazon and DadGear (http://www.dadgear.com/index.cfm) for sales, I didn’t pay full price. It was totally worth the money, though. (My bag is the Sport Bag – Lady Stripe – Blue Belle, $44.99.)

Hope this helps!

By: Jennefer

Jennefer — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:32:03 +0000

I usually use a large purse for general outings. If we are going to the mall or zoo or somewhere we will gone all day to, I use a backpack. It is one of those one strap ones that go across the chest. I can’t stand the two strap ones. It has a buckle on the front to help getting it on and off. That way I don’t look like a weirdo trying to figure out how to get it on and off and on and off. I have a special needs son who needs everything. A backpack seemed like the easiest way to get it all in and still be able to carry it. I have learned the hard way from carrying a big tote around. With as many appointments and day trips we take, I had killed my back with the tote. I found my backpack two years ago at JC Penney on clearance. It was shortly after school had started and the backpacks were on clearance. It is denim with a few little buterflies on it. I bought quite a few since I knew I would be using them alot. I am surprisingly still on my first one although I do think it is time to switch to a second one.
For my van I bought one of those back seat organizers. It hangs on the very back bench seat and has a lot of pouches and pockets. I keep it stocked with extra clothes for my son and the other things he might need. This way, I don’t have to carry them, but I can easily go get them and not have to go home. I don’t know how many times I have had to run home to get something I didn’t have.

By: Sue V.

Sue V. — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:11:23 +0000

AMERIBAG! (The Healthy Back Bag) I didn’t find out about these until the gift shop I worked in decided to sell them. Honestly, I was turned off at the price – they range from $48 to over $150. My boss gave me one as a gift. My youngest had just turned two, and I was sooo ready to move away from the “diaper bag Mom” stage. As a mother of 4 (all under the age of 7) I knew I needed something that could handle all the stuff. I switched to the Ameribag just before our 6 day trip to Florida – I couldn’t have been happier. It is so flexible – it will hold so much stuff, can be over the shoulder or across the body. Zippers and pockets to organize everything inside. You don’t know what you are missing until you use one of these for a day. I no longer work in the gift shop, and have no connection to Ameribag – but recommend it to everyone with kids.

By: Sherri

Sherri — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 22:16:34 +0000

My favorite purse/bag source is Sam Moon, here in the Dallas area. Check them out online. I have a bag similar to this one and it’s great for holding all sorts of things. http://www.sammoon.com/web3/items.asp?sub=sub&cat=handbag&tempcat=bagsnew&tbl=bagsnew&img=7102009img_8915&id=3854&se=512148451