This has nothing to do with the actual lugging around of the thing; nope, this is more a vanity issue.
A lot I had seen in stores earlier on in my pregnancy were covered in huge (I'm talking Texas-sized) neon polka dots or, far worse, monkeys and hippos or something comparably kitschy. I want, nay - NEED - something chic and classic. Basically, I'm looking for something that looks more like a purse than a preschooler's tote bag.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that many a designer has heeded this fear of the "big, stupid diaper bag", which many of we mommas experience. And, bless their hearts, they've designed some pretty chic options for those of us looking for something a little more sleek.
Here are a few I've found that may just make the final cut:
1. Kate Spade "Stevie" Bag - here (also in striped - Bag #4) // 2. Skip Hop Diaper Bag Duo Onyx Bag - here // 3. Timi & Leslie Marie Antoinette Bag - here // 4. Kate Spade Striped "Stevie" Bag - here // 5. Timi & Leslie Charlie Bag - here
We are going with the Britax B-Ready Stroller with the coordinating Britax Bassinet (both seen below) in black, so that it's gender neutral (you know, in case we opt for a second bambino later...which of course, we probably will.) Ergo, I want an equally simple diaper bag to coordinate. Capisce?
To the moms out there: how did you decide which diaper bag to carry? Where did you find one that fit your style specifications?
I have a Petunia Pickle Bottom backpack style diaper bag that you can also carry with a shoulder strap in a gray and white design. I love that it is easy to clean and has a zip-down changing pad too. I love all of the options that you posted!
ReplyDeleteGreat options!!! Love them all!
ReplyDeletewordsaboutwaverly.blogspot.com
I have the black Kate Spade Stevie diaper bag and the Britax B-Ready stroller in black... When I polled bloggers, every single one that I respect and find are a lot like me recommended the Stevie and either the B-Ready or B-Agile... You can't go wrong with them! So classic, classy and clean looking!
ReplyDeleteI have no children...nor am I pregnant, but my husband says if Im lucky in the next 10 years we will have a mini-me, but I am dying over theTimi&Leslie Marie Antoinette Bag...it is adorable and so chic!
ReplyDeleteI'm in the same boat momma. There are just so many bags that look "babyish" or too busy for my taste. I actually ended up ordering the Marc Jacobs Eliza diaper bag because of it's light weight, easy cleaning and it still looks chic. I was able to get it from e-bay for 1/3 of the regular price so I might also purchase the Timi & Leslie "Charlie" since I was so savvy with the first purchase cost. ;) A momma's gotta have options.
ReplyDeleteLindsay
LindsayJEveryday.blogspot.com
#3 looks FANTASTIC and I say non-fabric bag that easily wipes clean is a smart pick.
ReplyDeleteBlack is classic and you can play it up with accessories ;)
I have the Timi & Leslie and I love, love, love it! It's on the big side though, so just a caution, but I bought it when I had two kids, and I loved that I could fit everything I needed in it (and more) and that it has plenty of pockets on the inside. I use the changing pad that came w/ it, but not the bottle insulator (b/c I breastfeed). I also love that it has a little clutch with it b/c I didn't need to carry a real purse. I just paired down (a lot) and I use the clutch all the time. My one complaint, is that the stroller strap buckles have broken- they sent me one replacement pair, but I think my bag is just too heavy to have the weight supported on the strap- I can send you a picture of what i'm talking about though if you'd like. My fix for that was to purchase a stroller clip - like a carabiner-http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=13040190&gcsct=0ChMIwIuvv7HwtwIVBNPmCh3EWAAAEAM
ReplyDeleteAnd I just clip the bag onto it and it works fine. Hope that helps!
Oh, and I have tons of friends who have Petunia Picklebottom and they love theirs!
Mine is the Charlie- forgot to mention that!
ReplyDeleteSo! I have to ask...did you go with the B-Ready specifically because of wanting a second child? Did you not think it was heavy? I am really struggling between the B Ready and the B Agile!!!
ReplyDeleteCurly Girl - I truly just liked the look of it better! I really didn't think it was that heavy and a couple friends that have it liked it a bit better than the Agile. I think they're probably both great though : )
ReplyDeleteI know you said that you're already set on a black carseat, but I wanted to point out how hot the carseats can get, and with a black one, it will attract even more sunlight. My son's gray carseat gets stifling when the temps hit 80* or more. I have the "Stevie" bag and love that it doesn't look like a diaper bag.
ReplyDeleteI picked the diaper bad that looked the least like a diaper bag. If I have to see one more Winnie the Pooh DB I'm going to scream!!
ReplyDeleteOne thing you want to keep in mind when you pick one if how it's going to fit in with the stroller. Will you be able to easily store it under the stroller or will it be to big and take some struggle putting it in and out? Are the strap long enough to fit over the handles of the stroller? If you're planning on using a baby carrier is it comfortable to carry with the baby?
My suggestion is to get one with pockets so you cans tay organized but one that's not to big otherwise you'll feel compelled to fill it with crap you don't need.
I have the Timi & Leslie diaper bag in red and so far it's been great! I get a lot of compliments on it. I chose it because of the color and also for the fact that it was like 70% off at a children's boutique that was closing. Can't beat that! ;)
ReplyDeleteI have been doing some research on this as well. And I actually think I am going to carry the loandsons OG bag. I have emailed with them and they said they have had many customers purchase for use of a diaper bag. And I just love the look of it! http://www.loandsons.com/shop/the-og?product=42
ReplyDeletesorry make that the OMG bag, i think the smaller one will have plenty of room.
ReplyDeleteI feel ya! I went with a black nylon Kate Spade diaper bag that coordinates with the gold linked bags in their collection. It literally looks like a pocketbook. It's a bit smaller than several others (but that's probably a good thing because I can get a bit carried away with taking the kitchen sink with me). :)
ReplyDeleteLove the choices you selected! :)
I LOVE the "Charlie" bag but I will say it is HUGE! It is comparable to a small overnight bag. Timi & Leslie make another great bag the "Hannah" that is a bit smaller but still just as chic.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.zappos.com/timi-leslie-diaper-bags-hannah-pewter
I have the Marc by Marc Jacobs pretty eliza nylon diaper bag and I love it--it's simple and black: http://veronabrit.blogspot.com/2013/06/upgrades-worth-making-schick-hydro-silk.html
ReplyDeletethat's my post about it---it fits a ton and can later be used for travel or as a gym bag :)
I have this Skip Hop Duo bag I ordered from Pottery Barn. http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/skip-hop-duo-onyx-diaper-bag/?pkey=bdiaper-bag&
ReplyDeleteIt's the same fabric you chose but messenger style so Hubs looks okay carrying it. I love THE PRICE- $58, roomy, and goes with every outfit- sold! Seriously this bag is so well made with tons of compartments, a changing pad, and the ability to monogram. I didn't want a diaper bag/purse because there are times I leave the house without him so I need my purse separate, but if I want to throw my wallet, lip gloss, etc in his diaper bag there is plenty of room for his stuff and mine.
Mine is very similar to #2 (Skip Hop's brand for Target), and it has been great! Not only is it not super kitschy, but the long strap makes it so handy to drape over the stroller handle. Plus, the hubs doesn't mind lugging it around when he takes her out. :) All of the above seem to be great options, though. By the way, I love reading about your pregnancy and sweet Caroline!
ReplyDeleteI have the Kate Spade Stevie bag and love it! For my first I had another Kate Spade diaper bag that wasn't wipeable and it got so gross by the end of the diaper carrying days. I couldn't reuse it even if I wanted (but let's be honest, I wanted a new bag anyway).
ReplyDeletei know exactly how you feel! i registered for this bag: http://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/skip-hop-reg-grand-central-take-it-all-diaper-bag-black/1040721613?Keyword=skip+hop+grand+central+take+it+all+diaper+bag at buy buy baby. i found several designer bags that i liked a lot more, but my one complaint- they were all so heavy! this one looked classic enough and went with our other baby gear without breaking the bank!
ReplyDeleteohmygoodness, I cannot tell you how far and wide I searched for a functional-but-does-not-look-like-a-diaper-bag diaper bag!!
ReplyDeleteI went through three and I love the Matt & Nat Hopper bag. It's awesome. great pockets, lies flat, stays on your shoulder! (that was a huge one for me, you'll have enough things to juggle) and looks awesome. I'd highly recommend trying to track one down!
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/matt-nat-dwell-hopper-diaper-bag?ID=560766
I totally agree! I am expecting as well, and feel like my most anxiety has come out of a diaper bag...ha! Have you heard of Storksac bags? They are fairly trendy and less preschool looking. They come in leather or nylon faces, and are nylon inside which I think is a great option for spilt milk :) Good luck!
ReplyDeletei have a Timi and Leslie and love it!! Everyone always thinks it's a purse which is a huge plus! I hate diaper bags that scream " diaper bag" lol!!
ReplyDeleteAlso I have the Britax B-Ready and have LOVED it! We had a Chicco with my first daughter and never used because it was so huge and clunky and ended up selling and just using our BOB stroller. But anyhow, we have the B-Ready now for Finley and its great!
ReplyDeleteI used the Kate Spade bag. Mine was a black leopard print.I loved it! It was big enough to fit everything in it that I needed but the bag wasn't too big. I also liked that the lining was purple with yellow polka dots (tiny tiny dots). Now that we are in the toddler stage and don't require as much stuff I have retired the Kate Spade bag till the next baby.
ReplyDeleteI completely skipped the "diaper bag" and just bought a big bag (it was coach) that had a lot of pockets. I bought the Skip Hop Pronto Changing wallet (it has a changing pad, place for diapers, and wipes container.) Once my first daughter was older, I used the bag to cart stuff to and from work. And with my second one, the bag became my diaper bag again. Don't feel like you need a diaper bag, if it has pockets, it works!
ReplyDeleteDon't forget that there will be times (probably not too many) where your hubby will have the baby on his own and will need to carry the diaper bag. Unless you plan on getting him his own "daddy diaper bag" I would go more towards one like #2 that looks a little less like a purse, ya know? Just my two cents. Also, I agree with the earlier commenter about the black in regards to the heat. Just a thought. :)
ReplyDeleteGet the one with the most pockets!!! And one dad wouldn't mind carry around too! That would be my humble advise.
ReplyDeleteI got a navy blue one that had tons of pockets and my husband said he'd carry. When we went out if I had the baby, he had the bag. And, when he took the baby out alone, he had the bag. It was super important that he be okay with it and that it not look too "purse like" for him to carry....unless you get your husband his own bag. Many backpack style diaper bags can be great option for the daddy bag...hands free, can tell it is not a purse, etc..... I love your choices you posted for you. I think go bigger than you'd expect. It is mind blowing how much "stuff" gets toted around for a baby. You will not be disappointed nor think it is too big! Good luck and please show us what you end up with!
ReplyDeleteI love the striped Kate Spade one!
ReplyDeleteI love my Kate Spade Stevie bag. It's pretty large but I've used it for 6 months now and it still looks brand new. It's all black and goes with everything!
ReplyDeletemy boys are 7 and 10 so it's been a while since I've carried a diaper bag but when I did, I had a great black Kate Spade one. I wanted something that was still sleek and didn't scream "baby." I did get a smaller little tote that was more kiddie (in fact I got a cute one as a gift with my son's name monogrammed on it) and it was perfect for leaving in the church nursery, etc.
ReplyDeleteAs for car seats...you can NOT go wrong with Britax. When we did our homework, it won all sorts of safety awards. We had the Britax Marathon Racer and my youngest still have a big Britax booster (I think it's the Regent).....goes to 100 pounds and he has to use it until age 8.
Good luck! All very exciting decisions!!
My son is 5 months old now, and I had the same fear when I was pregnant...I didn't want to be carrying around some sort of..."mom looking beach bag" or worse one with children's characters on it. Luckily, I found the most perfect Johnny Cash diaper bag that suits myself and sweet son so much more!
ReplyDeleteOne thing to keep in mind when choosing a bag is that your husband will be carrying it sometimes, too. We mostly used one when our youngest was in child care. You leave the bag there during the day.
ReplyDeleteWhen it was just me needing to carry things when I was out with my baby, I just carried an oversized purse and put what I needed in there.
Heather
Http://www.themommyhood.com
PS -Britax all the way!
I had a Vera Bradley diaper bag with my first but hated carrying it. So, with my second, I just got a really big purse that I liked and put a small "Thirty-One" bag inside the purse. That bag carried all the baby essentials and I could pull that out and put it under the stroller or whatever. And then if I needed more items and some mommy stuff, I had the purse too :) BTW, I have the Britax and love it!!
ReplyDeleteSkip Hop Versa is what I have and love. I have had random people ask me where I got my purse before. It's big enough to hold everything, but doesn't feel like a duffel bag and isn't ugly.
ReplyDeleteLoving my Kate Spade Stevie...classic black, functional, and plenty of room. Hint: I was able to get mine at the KS outlet in Dallas for $150! I also got my hubby the Eddie Bauer backpack diaper bag (which made him feel very official and is actually GREAT for travel). Such a fun time... Enjoy every minute of it!!!
ReplyDelete-Mallory
www.charmingincharlotte.blogspot.com
When the baby comes and you have to take so much stuff with you to be prepared to take care of the baby.... You'll be glad to have it.
ReplyDeleteI am obsessed with my Marc Jacobs diaper bag (eBay!) and was the best baby purchase. It's sleek and black, but also soft and comfy. Not to mention, with the messenger strap the hubs will wear it and I can be hands- free to carry the babe. Can't recommend it more!
ReplyDeletehttp://m.nordstrom.com/s/3166879/
Plan for plenty of space, so size up, not down on your bag! Mine this go around is smaller than I prefer, but if I can keep W & A's stuff out, I am better! Good closure on top so it doesn't spill forth and a bottom that will sit flat helps too! As far as car seats, I agree with the person who said black was hot and considering you are in AR, blazing may be more appropriate. Just a heads up. Also know car seats expire. Since all our babies are so spread out, no infant carseat was reused! Most babies grow lengthwise out of an infant seat before they out weigh it. Even my peanut Sarah was too long before too heavy. The seats that go to a higher weight tend to be heavier. A good friend who can give you "what is worth buying and what isn't worth buying " advice and one who has breast fed are both nice for this time of life! You will need the second, promise!
ReplyDeleteOh stink. One last thing. Mark has NEVER carried my diaper bag. He has an essential smaller bag he carries on the occasion he has the kids solo!
ReplyDeleteI was also overly concerned with looking stylish on my strolls. I have 3 strollers all in black and all serve their own purpose. I wouldn't change the quantity but maybe would have gone with another color. Having a black stroller is like having a black car. It shows everything. Babies are crazy messy and my once chic strollers are now covered in white smudges. Plus, the stroller does get hot.
ReplyDeleteJust one little note on the bassinet because I thought I had to have one too. If the baby is riding in the car and asleep, you will not wake her up to put her in a bassinet to stroll around. You will want to put the car seat directly into a Snap & Go Stroller and then back into the car when you are ready to head home. You can buy them for $40 - $100 that fit all models of car seats. I highly recommend looking at a second hand shop. I know you want everything sparkling new for your baby but you will see what a colossal waste of money that is in just a few short months. I only mention this because the stroller you have posted does not look as thought the car seat will snap into the frame of the stroller. I could be wrong but just wanted to make that suggestion as a new mom that juggles a car seat, diaper bag, purse and sometimes a crazy dog.
Good luck with everything. Caroline was also my girl name but we were surprised with a little boy.
I have the Timi and Leselie Bag in Cream. I LOVE IT!!!!! The pockets make it great for carry cups, bottles, ect. Lots of pockets for the organized momma. I am sure black would be just as pretty. I wear a ton of brown so I opted for cream thinking it would go with anything. The stroller straps make using the stroller easy peasy. Fair warning.... you will want a new bag with each kid. If that effects your price range. I try to be clean but something always explodes in the bag occasionally. Especially with toddler grabbing stuff in and out. After about 2 years, you need to upgrade. For me that with each kiddo.
ReplyDeleteyou can't go wrong with the black stevie bag...that is what we have and LOVE it!!! gender neutral, fashionable, and i love all the compartments and storage,too!!
ReplyDeleteas for the britax stroller, it's another one of our favorites and it's easy to use, too!! LOVE LOVE LOVE
You have great taste! ;) I have the Kate spade diaper bag and love it. We also have the B-ready! The stroller is my favorite thing ever. Our stroller clicks in and out of it and makes running in and out of stores a breeze! Baby shopping is the best!
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