I personally would just get a large tote bag if I had my time over. I wouldn't spend money on a "nappy bag" as such but rather a large handbag style with lots of pockets and compartments. Early on in particular you really do need alot of stuff, lots of nappies, wipes, creams, nappy disposal bags, spare clothes, nipple cream etc and the list goes on and it really is good to have it all in one bag. As bubs get older I adapted and ended up with a smaller but still large bag that I was able to put nappies etc in. I don't take nappies with me anymore but my handbag is big enough to put a drink bottle and some snacks in but most of the time even now we go out with one of the kids creche backpacks with us. Lots of people I know did that too - they kept their handbag as their bag and would take a backpack with all of bubs stuff in it.
I always kept my handbag separate from the nappy bag because there were times when I didn't need to take the nappy bag with me. I used a tote bag for the first 3 kids - they were all really close in age so I needed clothes and nappies for 2 kids at a time. But when I had #4, the other 3 were much older so I only needed stuff for the baby so I brought an OiOi hobo bag and I still use it even though he's nearly 4. It was the perfect size and I could fit so much in there!
Trill you have just reminded me that even though I had the nappy bag I always took a hand bag as well for that exact reason that there were times i went out without needing the nappy bag(not too often!).
I'm going to be honest and tell you I've owned several, but never really used one. The majority of the time it lived in my car unused. I'm going to get a nappy wallet or tiny ouch this time. I'm not a packer for all occasions but I've never been caught out. That comes with a disclaimer though. Both my kids were BF forever and neither were spewy kids.
I had a nappy bag but the main section busted second use. I stopped using an actual nappy bag for DD about 12 months ago and swapped to a small messenger bag. I will however need a larger bag with the 2 kids so Mum found me a larger Guess bag and I'm buying one of those compartment inserts from Ebay to let it actually have compartments
For the first year, I found bigger was better! That way I could cram everything possible into my bag. I have an OiOi Messenger and found at times even that wasnt big enough for me, lol! But now, I just use a large handbag and carry a nappy wallet, snack box and drink bottle with me when I am out and about with DD.
Having had DD as the Queen of Spew, bigger is better. Because I usually managed at least 2 changes of clothes for her and a spare top for me, plus all the other stuff she needed.
I do like the idea of having a separate smaller bag for wallet, keys, phone etc as well as a baby-bag - might have to ninja that one, specially since for some reason the phone is ALWAYS at the bottom underneath all the other stuff when it's ringing, or the keys aren't in the same spot you left them when it's raining. Or is that just me?
I found when DS1 was born i needed a bigger nappy bag to fit everything in- cause of all the just in case situations. The bag i got actually had a small bag attached on the front which could be unzipped off and used separately. When DS1 was about 17months i decided to switch from disposable nappies to MCN's- so still needed the large bag for longer trips - i would just use the small one for quick trips out.
Then when DS2 arrived i found i needed an even bigger bag- especially as i had 2 in MCN's. But then a few months later i went back to previous larger bag (ended up getting a new one about now) as not as many nappy's were required for DS2 and DS1 had begun toilet training.
Now my boys are 17 months and 3 years old i usually just take the smaller bag out- which i have 1 nappy, spare undies & pants for DS1 and the usual essentials like tissues and wipes. I then give DS1 his favourite little backpack which i put 2 small waters and snacks in and keep a spare nappy's and clothes in the car (unless its a bigger trip out and i haven't got easy access to the car easily- then i take my larger bag).
All my nappy bags have been backpacks and plain black ones. My original was my most expensive one- it was about $90 from a baby store - i can't remember the brand though. The larger fell apart pretty quickly (eg straps and clips broke and started to fray) but the smaller one is my one still going strong. All my other bags have been bought for under $30 on ebay- they have been my longer lasting ones. I think my most recent one is a Swallow (its in DH's car so can't check, sorry).
So i would suggest if you like the small/medium handbag style ones maybe get one for yourself that you can use for short trips and get a general larger one- thats not too 'girly' for longer trips and for DH and/or other babysitters to use.
You definitely dont need to pack the kitchen sink every time you go out. I have a mid size bag (peg perego borsa cos it had to match my pram lol) and it only ever gets half packed when we go out. Actually, i also have a GR8X bottle pack bag and sometimes i only take that out with me on short trips, i pack 2 bottles in the front and in the back pocket i put 2 nappies, nappy sacks, wipes travel pack, cream, 1 outfit, a bib and a dummy, and it has a shoulder strap, and that works well for short trips. If we go out for longer, i pack all that plus extra bottles and a blanket and another change of clothes and my wallet and phone. I have a Mr spewy too.
Get the bag you love, im sure it will be big enough
I always have a separate nappy bag to handbag.
I have had the same nappy bag since DS1, so that's coming up to 8yrs now and it is still going strong.
It's one of the GR8X ones. It's great as it folds out and you lie baby on it while changing them..a God send in baby change places that are not the cleanest
I can carry around 5-6nappies, wipes, creams, a change of clothes, nappy saks and wraps. Mine also came with a bottle keeper attachment as well.
A GF is looking at them at the moment and the styles are amazing now....lot's of pretty colours. If you google GR8X nappy bags you will get alot of sites that sell them.
They are practical.
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