I had a steelcraft branded bag for baby #1 and it was only around $40, but it barely lasted the first year. I brought a Baby Taft brand one when he was 8mths old for $80 and it lasted me for the next 6 years! I decided with baby #4 though that I would treat my self to a gorgeous OiOi bag. I gave the baby taft bag to charity, it was still in that good a condition - no tears or signs of wear and only the slightest fading of colours. The OiOi is still going strong too and again, no signs of wear or tear with it. I think that the more expensive ones are made with better quality materials so they do last longer and they have to otherwise you wouldn't buy one. if you DH is prepared to let you spend that much, then I would buy it LOL.