There is no greater joy than having a new addition to your family – your own tiny bundle of joy. But having a baby comes with lots of changes to your schedule, lifestyle, and things you consider important. An important essential and new companion is your diaper bag. This becomes your latest accessory and your must-have at all times.
| So, what exactly is a diaper bag? It’s a small and compact bag that typically can hold your baby’s diapers, bottles, a swaddle, wipes, clothes, and many other things, just to list a few. This is one of the most used baby equipment for new parents because it carries everything you will need to take care of your baby when you are out. They also make a little room for mom’s things too. |
The only problem is: there are a lot of diaper bags in the market, all available in different shapes, sizes, and designs. This makes it difficult to zero in on choosing the best diaper bag for your needs. Besides, they have transitioned from the conventional design to more stylish bag types, like backpacks, messenger bags, and more offering different features.
How To Choose A Diaper Bag?
Diaper bags have been transformed into different models due to the increasing demand and importance of the baby gear. It will hold all your essentials especially when you are out of the house. The diaper bag is no longer just a bag for baby products; it has become a fashion accessory as well.
Quite frankly, choosing a diaper bag has become a thing of personal style, but there are important features to consider based on your needs and preferences.
When searching for the right diaper bag, you need to consider some important factors in addition to the style of your choice. So what exactly do you look for?
People handle babies differently; so, to each her own. You will need to give some thought to how you are going to use this baby gear.
In my experience, below are a few factors you need to consider before purchasing a diaper bag:
1 Your Lifestyle
Your day to day life is an important factor when choosing a diaper bag. You need to think of what your specific needs are, places you go to, and so on.
If you live in a city where you will have to constantly push a stroller, then you will need your hands free. In such cases, a backpack type of bag is the perfect choice for you. You can sling a drawstring type bag on your back and out of the way when you are on the move.
2 Number of Children
The number of kids you plan to have will also determine the style and size of your diaper bag. For parents expecting twins, a more spacious bag will be handy because you’ll be carrying baby items for two. Quite obvious, right?
3 Feeding
Yes, how you plan on feeding your baby will certainly influence your choice of diaper bag. If you are breastfeeding, then you might go for the more conventional type of diaper bag. However, if you plan on bottle-feeding your baby, then you will need a bag with insulated pockets to keep your baby’s food warm.
Despite the different styles and designs of diaper bags, an ideal baby diaper bag should have some of these important features:
4 Storage space
As mentioned earlier, you will need a diaper bag that can contain a lot of your baby’s things, and still have a little room for some of your stuff as well. Depending on what you intend to carry, you will need a diaper bag that can carry at least the essentials without leaving anything behind.
5 Accessibility
You need to get a bag that is compact and easy to use. If you will be carrying a lot of baby things and yours, you will want to consider a bag with multiple pockets.
Pockets help to keep things organised so you can find everything easily. They also ensure that everything is within reach and easily accessible. This makes the bag easy to use, making sure that there is enough room for all your necessities.
6 Gender Neutrality
It is best if you consider a diaper bag that is gender-neutral in colour. Now, this isn’t to say you shouldn’t get a coloured bag, but that the colour should not be specific to a particular gender.
A gender-neutral bag means you can use it for your next child irrespective of the sex. You also need to consider if someone else will be using the bag like your partner, caregiver or parents. Pick a bag that can be used by maybe your relatives or neighbors.
7 Easy to Clean
Diaper bags are prone to dirt from bottle spills, dirty diapers, spit-ups, dirty clothes, and so on. It, therefore, becomes imperative to choose a diaper bag that you can easily clean with a wipe or washcloth, or simply toss into the washing machine. This will save you a lot of stress and ensure that your diaper bag is always clean.
There are some additional features that parents look out for:
- Changing Pad: This comes in handy if you are out and you need a spot to quickly change your baby’s diaper.
- Stroller Clips: They allow you to attach your diaper bag easily to your stroller so your shoulders and back can take a break.
- Insulated pockets: As mentioned earlier, insulated pockets will help keep your baby’s bottle and its contents warm.
- Key hooks: This allows you to hook on your house or car keys to the bag so you don’t misplace them.
Other key buying factors, include:
- Personal style
- Cost
- Material
- Functionality
- Carrying style
- Weight
A baby diaper bag is not just a bag for baby diapers alone. It carries every important thing that you will need to keep your baby comfortable throughout the day, especially when you both are out of the house.
Since the bag goes everywhere with you, you can even get a designer bag or accessorize it, giving it a personal touch that reflects your style.
