Do I need a nappy bag?

[Talia*L]

Hmm, as the title says

I can't find any that I like, and I'm wondering if I could just use, say, a large Longchamp tote bag?

I figure I will need these things:
- 4 nappies
- Change mat
- Cloth nappy / burp cloth
- Bib
- Wrap
- Nappy cream
- Wipes
- Cloth wipes (tablets)
- Toy or two
- Plastic baggies for soiled things
- Spare onesie
- My own wallet, phone, keys, lipbalm.

Apart from a few extra compartments, what is so special about a designated Nappy Bag?

[{sarah}]

Nothing! If you're happy to use a regular bag then go for it Really the only thing special about a nappy bag is that it has lots of pockets to organise things & there is usually a thermal pocket to keep bottles warm, but if you're breastfeeding that's not a concern

[Bathsheba]

I found that my nappy bag fitted on my pram better than any other bag i could find... this was important to me because i don't drive though and used my pram usually several times a day. It was a satchel that had special studs on the shoulder strap to keep it in place on the handle. I learnt with my first baby that shoving the nappy bag (or any bag) underneath in the cargo basket was really inconvenient.

I also liked all the extra compartments in a designated nappy bag... I don't like rummaging.... I loved the external pockets that I could pop things like my phone in without having to delve into the depths of the main part of the bag.

[farmgirl77]

Hello,
Go with what works for you. A girl in our mothers group has a crumper bag that works well for her. I have a nappy bag, plus bought a katmandu over the sholder bag as my 'baby handbag', so I still have a separate place for 'my stuff' in case I get to leave baby with someone else...saves me forgetting stuff and leaving stuff in nappy bag with baby (ie fav lip balm) - also I found that I dont take the nappy bag with me all the time as a great friend got me one of the small change mat things that just holds a nappy or two and wipes. It is great for putting on the pram when I duck into town and dont need a change of cloths etc etc.

Pockets/dividers are great, but I have found that I need a big space as well in the bag for the bulky stuff to go eg cloth nappies or towels if you plan to go swimming. The Royal Childrens Hospital in Melb have a great bag that I got as DS 'overnight' bag if you want another option - and it was not exy at all. It should be on the web if you do a search.

Good luck.

FG

[Bathsheba]

A Crumpler satchel would make a great nappy bag I agree with FGs friend!

[Ella]

I personally would say yes. It's a life saver. I would hate to have to rummage for the things I find so easily in mine. I love that there is a different compartment for everything, and the olde DS gets the more I use the insulated section for taking food/drinks on days out with us.

I would go bonkers without mine!

[Curly]

I personally would say yes. It's a life saver. I would hate to have to rummage for the things I find so easily in mine. I love that there is a different compartment for everything, and the olde DS gets the more I use the insulated section for taking food/drinks on days out with us.

I would go bonkers without mine!

:yeahthat:

And what Bath said about the straps fitting over the pram handle. I so did not want a nappy bag and I can't wait for the day when I'm rid of it but yes the compartments do make life so much easier and I use the insulated pockets far more than I thought I would, especially when the kids are a little older for keeping drinks and snacks cold.

[{sarah}]

If my brain was working properly I could tell you of this awesome thing I bought. It's like a little pouch that has heaps of compartments & it's designed to sit in any large handbag to convert it to a nappy bag. It's really cool, comes with a change mat & all you have to do is pull it out of one bag & move it to another & you're ready to go. I cut the tag off mine so I can't get the brand off that, but as soon as I figure it out with the help of Mr Google I'll let you know

Also a good thing to get even if you get a nappy bag is a little dummy holder. Coles has one that holds two dummies & you can click it onto the strap of your bag, sooo much easier than searching for a dummy & finding it's all dirty when you have an upset baby


ETA:
I found it! Google "PouchMISS"

[fourthontheway]

when they're little it's a good idea to take a change of clothes, but by the time they're a bit older you don't need to worry about it. All I take out with me is a change mat, 2 nappies, and wipes Baby bags are just something else we've ome to believe we need, a small back pack is more convenient and cheaper too

[~Kim~]

...I own one but we never even use it....

I have a little backpack that I chuck in the car. Whatever works for you really.

IMO it's just like wedding. Yuo tell a reception place you're having a party and there's a price...but if you use the word wedding it's about 3 times the same price.

Bags are the same....just cos they're for babies they're exorbidantly priced.

[widdly]

I thought nappy bags were just a way to squeeze even more money out of expectant parents, so I went to Strandbags and bought a backpack. I used the backpack for a few months til my Aunty gave me here nappy bag to use, the nappy bag was much easier to use with all its compartments designed for baby stuff. The nappy bag was just a $20 one from Kmat and it was the best!

[FabFiona]

I have a crumpler bag and I love it.

[Rainbow_Mumma]

I just have a large bag from essential additions I LOVE it, its a regular handbag but large its not designed as a nappy bag but has space on the sides like nappy bags do that i put bottles in and different compartments I actually find it easier to use than a nappy bag and I can still keep using it when the kids dont require a nappy bag

[Nelle]

I love my nappy bag. But you can definitely do with any bag, as long as you're organised. That could be buying a few small zippered pouch bags to organise things in (like nappy stuff in one, baby food in another, dummies in another), or even clear bags like zip locks would allow you to see what you're after.

It can be done, the great thing about nappy bags is that the compartments are already there, but you could definitely work around that. The only thing it wouldn't have would be a nice deep pocket to put a bottle/water bottle but I'm sure you could think of something.

[didispunk]

I hate my nappy bag but getting a new one. .I love that everything for baby is in there and i have a purse my phone etc.. PM me i will give you some cute ones!

[AnyDream]

I've never had a nappy bag. With DD1 I had a backpack which worked well as I walked a lot and often shoved shopping etc in there as well.

With DD2, I had a $15 satchel from a bag shop, it's got three main compartments plus some smaller ones and it's just the right size to fit the necessities, including snacks & drinks & hats, etc. The strap is extendable and fits right over both of our pram handles.

[HollyC]

Hmm, as the title says

I can't find any that I like, and I'm wondering if I could just use, say, a large Longchamp tote bag?

I figure I will need these things:
- 4 nappies
- Change mat
- Cloth nappy / burp cloth
- Bib
- Wrap
- Nappy cream
- Wipes
- Cloth wipes (tablets)
- Toy or two
- Plastic baggies for soiled things
- Spare onesie
- My own wallet, phone, keys, lipbalm.

Apart from a few extra compartments, what is so special about a designated Nappy Bag?

I don't think the bag itself is so important, but compartments and pockets are very handy. I would get grumpy if DH put things in the wrong spot.

I felt the need to reply because of your list. I needed so much more! But that was also because I made the most of the flexibility of my bub when she was little. She would sleep anywhere and was breastfed, so there was no problem staying out all day. She was also dribbly, pooed a lot and her nappies always leaked.

Anyway, in addition to your list I needed:

4 extra nappies (8 total)
2 complete clothes changes
2 bibs
hat
jumper
tissues
breast pads
pads
nappy sacks
antibacterial gel (when I couldn't wash my hands or no soap in public toilets)

I'm not sure if everyone finds they need so much stuff?

[Daffodil Mumma]

I thought nappy bags were just a way to squeeze even more money out of expectant parents,

In hindsight I totally agree!! I bought a "nappy bag" while pregnant thinking I just HAD to have one and it really annoys me...Im now tossing up whether to buy another bag (crumpler type thing) or go for a boys backpack DS can use on playdates.
The bag I got was just a cheap bigw type one but now that we are in toddler size nappies...they dont fit in the "nappy" pockets". Only one bottle will fit in the insulated bit. Also most brands of dummy wont fit in the "dummy" pouch.
So when we go to playdates that go over lunch and dinner....I take the nappy bag, an enviro-bag for toys n bulkier stuff, and an insulated lunch bag for all DS's food n bottles!
Now that Ive found this thread I will be keeping an eye out for ideas on a more "toddler-friendly" bag