When you’re looking for a baby bag the choices can be mind-boggling. But after consulting with over 150 mothers in our survey we’ve taken the guess-work out of the task by sharing the top 10 ways to know you’re buying an awesome baby bag.
1. It’s lightweight
You’ll be surprised how much stuff you will need to have on hand when you’re out with your little one, and it can get heavy. Avoid a bag with heavy metal frames or embellishments, they’ll just weigh you down.
Buy similar tote from OiOi $160 HERE
2. The exterior is hard-wearing.
No doubt, that cream suede tote you’re eyeing off is divine, but it just won’t cut it for the type of endurance required from a baby bag. Look for a bag made from heavy-duty materials like canvas, leather and nylon, and then, imagine it plonked on a dirty sidewalk, busy shopping centre floor, wet lawn, or wood-chipped playground. If you can picture the bag in that environment without cringing, then you’ve got yourself a winner.
3. The interior is waterproof
Babies can be leaky, and it’s the same for the things you carry in your baby bag. Ensure any spills, leaks and breakages don’t ruin your bag by looking for one lined in waterproof PVC or nylon.
4. It’s got a couple of zippered pockets and compartments
You don’t need to go overboard with compartments and crannies within your baby bag, this can just end up being confusing. One or two exterior pockets or zippered areas are handy for fast access, and internally, the standard zippered pocket, mobile phone pocket and interior divider are the only features you really need. Then, compartmentalise your items with removable bags like Bourne Naked bag liners from $24.95, or simply use zip-lock bags.
Buy similar giraffe print diaper bag $39.99 HERE
5. It has a long strap
Keeping your hands free to attend to baby is paramount, so make sure your bag has a strap that’s long enough to be used a number of ways – over the shoulder, across the body, and slung across the back of your pram. Try the Stroller Bag from Stylish Little Me $199.
6. The strap is adjustable
Having the flexibility to adjust the strap means it can be adjusted to suit your height – and changed to suit your partner’s too.
7. It’s roomy
The perfect baby bag will have space for you to include the essentials, and room to throw in a bunch of extras ‘just in case’.
8. It’s not rigid
Once you get into the swing of things with baby, and as they get older, you won’t need to take so much with you. A great baby bag will have a rigid, flat bottom so you can easily find things, yet will have softer sides. This way, it’ll look great when it’s bursting at the seams, but when you’ve got less to carry, it can collapse into itself and still look stylish.
9. Your partner wouldn’t mind if his mates saw him carrying it
If your partner is around, it’s only fair to share the load – literally. When you select a baby bag, consider how he might look, and feel, when he’s carrying it. While those orange polka dots may seem cute and whimsical to you, he’ll look pretty naff carrying it. Look for a classic styled bag in a neutral hue like black, navy, taupe, or army green. Leather features add interest and an air of sophistication. Try the gr8x Jack Dad Bag $99.95.
10. You love it
You know you’ve bought a great baby bag when it suits your personal style, and you’d use it regardless of whether it was chock full of nappies or not.
A practical bag that suits your style will become an all time favourite
I just loved this (fake) PRADA that I picked up in Shanghai. Perfect baby bag for my style at the time. Used it till it fell apart. Farewell old friend! 😉 Andrea
For more ways to shop savvy for baby bags – and more shopping links, click here.
Was your baby bag awesome? What did you love about it? And where did you get it? (Feel free to share a pic!)
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Parts of this article were originally written by
Fox in Flats editor, Andrea, for Birth.com.au
