toting for two: diaper bags

By the time you are in your last month of pregnancy with Baby #2, you'll have downsized your diaper bag significantly. No more of the giant-ass baby diaper bags where you haul everything in God's creation + the kitchen sink. You're likely down some to a swank Skip*Hop diaper wallet in a cute bag.

When Baby #2 arrives, we're sad to report you'll probably have to upgrade again since now you're toting for two.  

There are an assortment of diaper bags out there in every size, shape and color. It can be overwhelming, but we're guessing since you probably already have a bunch on hand from Baby #1, you'll know a bit more about what goes in and what you can leave behind. (Note: Always have wipes, diaper, change of clothes in the car, too.)  I'll admit to going through about four different bags during my first year of Baby Bunching, always trying to find the right one to go with my ever adjusting assortment of crap. We've put a few suggestions for our favorites at the end of this post.

There are a few things to consider if you're in the market for a new diaper bag:

1) Find the smallest bag possible to hold all your stuff. Lay everything you need in your bag out and find one that fits everything and gives you enough room to stuff a baby fleece in if you need to. You're not going ANYWHERE without a stroller so in a pinch that can hold excess stuff. Why do we recommend small? Because you are already juggling a baby, toddler, a stroller, some kind of carrier/sling and some carseat. Don't weigh yourself down with a big giant bag, too. Believe me, when you're physically balancing it all, a lighter bag is better!

2) Don't be fooled by tons of pockets. You need to know how you use your stuff. If you're like me and you just toss everything into one bag, don't fall for the pocket or compartment gag. It just means you'll have to look in more places than necessary to find the binky. If you love having it all organized, go for it. (Secretly, I wish I could be you).

3) When things fall into the deep, dark cavernous crevices of your bag, it's because it's dark. Get a bag with a light (or better yet white) tinted interior. Yes, I may show all the Goldfish crumbs, anyone who judges you by the tidiness of your diaper bag interior is not your friend anyway.  All my diaper bags except for one were black inside and it was impossible to find anything. With a light interior you're 50% more likely to find things quickly. (Yes, I made up that stat. Sounds good, huh? But I bet it's true!)

4) Finding the perfect bag is like find the perfect stroller. It depends on what you do and where you go. If you're leaving it at the sitter's house, then a big giant bag may not make a difference. But if you're an urban girl maneuvering through narrow streets, something smaller is going to be better. Consider these two things a) Find a bag that attaches in some way to your stroller. Even if it means buying an after market hook to keep it there. b) Find a bag that you can throw on your back or across your chest like a messenger bag.

Now, I personally don't have any great recs for diaper bags. I used a Maclaren bag for a while and I liked it enough to use it a second time around. Cara loved her Skip*Hop which was big enough, yet small enough and coverts from messenger to stroller bag.  She also used an Eddie Bauer Sport Sling Diaper bag, now only availalble on eBay probably, but beware the dark interior!  Lands End also makes a smaller bag called The Little Tripper. I bought their bigger version with my first baby (which ironically they don't make anymore) and it was so huge I could use it as an overnight bag. I ran across the Ju Ju Be "BeLight" bag which really says it all. You probably aren't ready for something quite this little, but it's quite possible if you're packing light this could do it. I love that the inside is also light colored (they're reversible, too).

Now, you know we only endorse things here at Baby Bunching that we think are really, really great for Baby Bunchers. I have not tried this one out, but think this is quite possibly the coolest thing ever. The Kemby Sidekick Diaper Bag/Infant Carrier Combo is a diaper bag that converts to a carrier in a pinch. Some mom was definitely thinking. Wow! I'm not sure how long you'd get use out of this, but it says it holds a baby up to 35 pounds so if granny wants to get a another gift for Baby #2, perhaps this is the one to get!

We're all about fun, funky baby stuff. So we'll leave you to pick out those on your own. Just a few tips here from us on what to keep in mind when toting for two....

Comments

[BananaBlueberry]

these are great suggestions!!!!!! I went with a black baby bag by Kate Spade (I have a boy) BUT !!!!!!!
THE INSIDE is pink- I never had to look for anything !!!!!

[Jennifer]

I kept only one diaper for my older kiddo in the diaper bag. I always keep a small bag in the car with diapers, wipes, change of clothes,etc.. for the older kids. It makes it easier if your kids are going to be in two different places. I went through a ton of bags. I think I only had 4 bags that were meant to be used as diaper bags. The rest were totes. Happily, now that my kids are 3,4,6,and 8, I have moved past diaper bags and can carry a nice purse without any food in it.

[melissa]

For $165 that last Diaper Bag better convert to a carrier! I am planning on using an Allerhand Messenger Bag for a while. I travel on public transportaiton and do not have the option to put extra items in the car. :(

[Baby Bunching]

They say it converts to a carrier to hold up to 35 pounds of kid! I haven't
tried it, but the concept is great!

Linda

On Wed, Sep 30, 2009 at 1:37 AM, wrote:

[Erin]

I LOVE the diaper bag I bought for baby #2. Carter's messenger diaper bag: it's a messenger bag style, very open with just a couple pockets inside (perfect for wipes and diaper cream) and two side pockets (perfect for bottles). it's comfortable, the suede helps it stay on my shoulder, and i think it's stylish.

here's the link (though mine is black outside, green interior): http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2622056&CAWELAID=107510433

[royann]

Has anyone tried the Skip Hop Duo Double Deluxe?
http://www.skiphop.com/product/23000.html
I know it's a big bag, but son will only be 15 months old when his brother arrives in December, and I use cloth diapers. I'm currently using a diaper dude messenger bag,and have that pack to the gills.

[Rachel O.]

Please keep posting comments everyone! I'm in the market for a new diaper bag and have no clue where to start... does a nice-looking bag even exist?

[Lindsey]

I've loved the Pottery Barn Kids diaper bags, especially the Ultimate and the Messenger, both of which we got for a steal at Pottery Barn Outlet (~$20 each). The Messenger is quite a big smaller and fits on our BOB Dually stroller. It's comfortable to wear as well. The Ultimate is what we take to church nursery and the babysitter, since it has tons of room. Seriously, these bags rock

[Miranda]

Nestle is/ was giving away a FREE bag on the nestle baby site. It's a small black back pack with white waterproof inside. Side mesh pockets, cell phone pocket, changing pad! Dad won't mind carrying it. And with the back pack straps my arms and shoulders are free.

I use it now for both kids, 7 months and 27 months (but out of diapers). Good for short trips out of the house.

You got to request the formula samples to qualify, as if nursing moms dont deserve a bag! All my friends got one even though we breastfeed only!

[jenni]

I have a JP Lizzy tote diaper bag in tangerine w/a pink giraffe print on the inside and I LOVE it. It's big enough for 2 changes of clothes, and entire package of wipes, diapers for two, two sippys, my own stuff, AND it isn't obnoxiously huge or diaper bag-ish.

[Alisha]

I have the JJ Cole Mode Tote in the cocoa tree pattern for my two boys and I LOVE it. It's big enough but not too big and looks way cute. Plus, the inside is bright green so I can see everything.

[Drea @ Monkey Monkey Underpants]

I bought a Diaper Dude Diaper Bag for my husband and I ended up making it my main diaper bag because I love it so much! It's lightweight, I don't have to try to balance it on one shoulder, is suprisingly roomy inside, has a pocket on the strap for my phone, a pocket for water bottle or sippy cups, and a few large pockeets in the front which are the perfect size for the baby's bottle or a dirty diaper that you need to hold until you find an acceptable trash can. I use the changing pocket pad on the interior as a divider for my 2 different size diapers. The strap is also long enough to hang comfortably around the arms of my Combi double stroller. Great bag! http://www.diaperdude.com/

[Cris]

I have a Lands End bag. I like it a lot to travel with my 3 under 3 bunch. Its a backpack with four separate large pockets. The best part is the very large mesh drink pockets, which fit upto 4normal sippies or two 1 litter bottles. Its awesome. No chance of the sippies falling out. It comes with an extra large diapering pad, with a zipper for wipes and a wet bag. I use the wet bag to store food in one pocket, which is my big problem. Not having a mess in the bag. I use another pocket for clothes. The very back one is where the pad and wipes and diapers go. The last large pocket is open with a snap to keep it closed. I put umbrellas and wipes bottles and rolled up blankies in it. The las front pocket I keep my cell and wallet in. We got our bag monogrammed and we love it. The only two cons, are that the straps are a bit stiff and the colors of the bag, kind'a limited and prissy or way too serious. Overall though an excellent buy for under $50.

[kerrin]

i have the skip hop duo...it is exactly what i need but i wouldnt say i LOVE it...but it fits everything i need for the entire day...

[West21CAROLYN]

This is cool that people can take the mortgage loans moreover, this opens completely new possibilities.

[kids T shirts]

Every family has a different lifestyle, but there are some constants that apply to all diaper bags. Perfect diaper bags have a lot of pockets and a lot of space.

[Kim]

I have a Twinneroo and love it. It's huge! Use it every day. (I have twins and a 3 year old that still needs me to carry around her toys and snacks. :)