Forget bears and bunnies. Todays diaper bags are all aboutmom and her needs: The need to be organized. The need tofeel stylish. The need to have daddy lug the thing aroundonce in awhile.First, some general guidelines from veteran moms:1. Always, always, always try it on first. And if possible, stuff it with as much junk as you plan tocarry on a regular basis. This is the only way to tell ifits everything fits, if its too heavy, and if it will beeasy for you to carry.2. When in doubt, make it black. Yes, the new Kalencom Retro Tall Diaper Tote in pink poodlesis awfully cute ($39.90 at Oh BabyGift.com), but choosethis, and you dont have a prayer of getting your hubby tocarry it for you. Ever.3. First functional, then fashionable.It is wonderful that there are so many new designer diaperbags out there. But cool doesnt cut it when youre in themall with a screaming baby, and you cant find the pacifierbecause your diaper bag has no pockets or compartments.Whats New, Whats Cool, Whats Right For YouFor the super-organized, highly-functional mom, check out:1. The Lands End Do-It-All Diaper Bag ($29.50)This bag is practical, well-designed and wont break thebank. It has an extra long changing pad, an adjustablestrap and a "parent pocket" to hold your sunglasses, cellphone and other grown-up stuff. (http://www.landsend.com)2. The L.L. Bean Diaper bag ($36)Roomy enough to carry everything youll need, but not so bigthat youll feel like youre carrying a suitcase, the L.L.Bean diaper bag is designed with function in mind. Forexample, it has a large zippered front section with the keyclip, so you can easily find your keys. Even more neat: Thelining is in a contrasting fabric color to make it easy tospot whatever youre looking for inside.(http://www.llbean.com).3.The Functionally Arranged Diaper Bag ($119.99)This has to be one of the most innovative diaper bags Iveever seen. It has a removable lightweight organizer insertwith compartments designed to carry diapers, bottles, etc.It also has a place for keys, cell phone, wallet, etc., anda strap that converts the bag from a shoulder bag to abackpack. Plus, you can buy slipcovers in differentfabrics, so you can change the look of the bag withouthaving to buy a new one. (http://www.babyuniverse.com).For the Cool Daddy4. The Skip*Hop Duo Diaper Bag ($50)What makes this messenger-style diaper bag cool is that itcan attach to the handlebars of a stroller, leaving youprecious storage space in the stroller basket. It has twointerior organizer pockets, a cell phone holder, pen holdersand two zippered pockets. Its a great diaper bag for dads,because the style doesnt scream, "Im a pocketbook!"(http://www.babyuniverse.com).5. The Diaper Dude Bag ($49.95)Another sporty, messenger-style bag, the Diaper Dude bagcomes in several manly colors, including black, gray andcamouflage. Its designed to wear across your chest, so itdoesnt look like a purse. It has handy clips for keys, apadded changing pad, three exterior pockets, and a removablecell phone pouch. (http://www.babystyle.com).For the Ultra Hip and Super Stylish6. Carters Diaper Bag tote ($9.98)Stylish and affordable, the Carters Diaper Bag tote hasplenty of room, but no special compartments. Whats niceabout it is the sleek, microfiber styling, which makes itlook like a stylish tote, rather than a diaper bag.Currently on sale for 50% off at Babycenter(http://www.babycenter.com).7. Amy Michelle diaper bags ($195-$225)Amy Michelle makes two diaper bags: The Camellia and theJasmine. Youd never know these were diaper bags. Theyjust look like elegant black purses, yet they have many nicefeatures for moms, including internal and external bottlepockets, a quick-release pacifier holder, an easy-to-findkey ring, cell phone holder, compartments for diapers,wipes, etc., a removable wet bag and a large side pocket.(http://www.amymichellebags.com)8. The Pursonality Messenger Bag ($120)Fun and sporty, the Pursonality Diaper Bag in Sugar andSpice comes in a cotton candy color that will make you feellike a star. And its practical too. The fabric is stain-resistant and easily wipes clean. You can convert it from ashoulder bag to a backpack, and its designed so you canaccess all the pockets with one hand.(http://www.diaperbags.com).
About the Author
Stephanie Gallagher is Author of "The Gallagher Guide to theBaby Years" (http://www.gallagherguide.com). Get a f*reecookbook when you subscribe to her ezine, The Shopping MomsWeekly Tip. Send a blank email to theshoppingmom@aweber.com.
Category
Times Read
Date