By Sandra Gordon on December 26, 2012 in
Diaper bags have come a long way from the days of pastel totes with nursery characters. Although those basic, babyish bags are still an option, the latest diaper carryalls appeal to mom's sense of style and dad's desire to parent like a man. These multitasking must-haves now function as a diaper changing station, an entertainment center, a mini food court and, best of all, a fashionable accessory -- doubling as a purse or briefcase.
You won't want to hide these bags under your stroller, they're meant to be seen. Some of them even have special straps or gadgets to attach them to stroller handles for convenience. These stylish carryalls feature comfort, quality construction and compartments for everything that can make the difference between a fabulous diaper bag or a big dud. One bag doesn't fit all though. Here are six of the best-looking bags for different purposes and personalities.
Best Purse-Like Diaper Bag
Petunia Pickle Bottom Organic Cotton Convertible Sashay Satchel (*Est. $129)
Just because you’re sopping up spit-up and dealing in diaper do-do, doesn’t mean you have to give up your sense of fashion. Users like this cute satchel, which has straps for converting to a backpack, because it doesn’t scream “diaper bag.” It’s fashion-forward enough to “go” with certain outfits and otherwise blend in with your wardrobe. Style may come at the expense of function, though. Some users complain that the tapered, purse-like design of the bag makes the opening too narrow to get to diapers easily. Others say, "Who cares? It’s gorgeous." It’s made from wipe-clean certified organic cotton and is available in a wide variety of fabric designs.
Best Dad Diaper Bag
Diaper Dude Diaper Bag (*Est $60)
With this sporty messenger-style bag, dad can tote everything his baby needs without giving up his macho credentials. Its tool belt-like styling features three front zip-closed pockets for wipes, food and bibs, and an elasticized bottle pocket. Owners like the interior key clip, the removable cell phone pouch, and the masculine fabric designs, such as camouflage and black pinstripe. The roomy interior compartment includes a changing pad and has room for diapers, a change of clothes and toys. Other pluses: The adjustable, across-the-chest shoulder strap won’t take a toll on your shoulders. The fabric is wipe clean, which is always a diaper-bag must.
Best Diaper Bag for Twins/Overpackers
Ju-Ju-Be Be Prepared Diaper Bag (*Est. $180)
When you’ve got twins, small kids of different ages or you just want to be ready for anything -- diaper blow-outs, snack attacks, pre-nap meltdowns and messy restaurant meals, you need a big bag to get the job done. The Ju-Ju-Be Be Prepared Diaper Bag is designed to hold lots of stuff. Owners day it's hip and practical, and are thrilled with its size and solid, quality construction. This brute of a bag features Teflon-treated, wipe-clean outer fabric, adjustable, memory-foam shoulder straps and lots of mommy pockets. It’s also machine washable and comes in a variety of attractive fabric designs.
Best Travel Diaper Bag
Okkatots Baby Depot Diaper Bag Backpack (*Est. $109)
This diaper bag features multiple compartments so you’ll always stay organized, which is what users love most. It features a diaper station with changing pad, removable wipe dispenser, and space for up to 16 diapers. There's also insulated storage for up to six bottles. To keep everyone happy on long trips, the outside compartment features a DVD player pocket, a cell phone/MP3 player pocket, toy loop and pacifier pouch. Moreover, this bag is small enough to fit in an airplane’s overhead compartment. Owners say it can get heavy, but, fortunately, it’s a backpack so the weight you carry gets distributed through your back, away from your neck and shoulders. If you consider parenting to be akin to an expedition, this bag’s for you.
Best Portable Diaper Bag
Skip Hop Pronto! Changing Station (*Est. $30)
Don't want to haul around a tote-sized diaper bag? The Skip Hop Pronto! Changing Station is just 8.5x11.5x1.5 when closed, but that small space holds a large changing mat and a translucent wipe pack. There's space for up to four large diapers, creams and other essentials. Moms say it's the bag for those who want to keep their pre-baby purse, and just toss this in for any necessary quick changes.
Best Celebrity Diaper Bag
Storksak (*Est. $200 to $400)
Want to parent like a celebrity? Join Brad and Angie, Jessica Alba, Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson and Tori Spelling in carrying this stylish, but practical diaper bag. Storksak diaper bags come in a variety of colors and styles, from the unisex, magazine bag style (perfect for celebrity couple hand offs) to more feminine, purse-like styles and fully masculine, leather "man bags." All offer well-padded changing mats and copious pockets and storage spaces for everything you and your little star need.
