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.

[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?