Top 5 Essential Features To Look For In A Diaper Bag 

The diaper bag is every new mom's best friend and a constant companion. The diaper bag regains the top spot since it is a never-leave-home without it-accessory and the baby stroller comes in second place. For new parents, the diaper bag is one of the most used pieces of baby gear to invest in. While preparing to head out for an outing, you'll need diapers, wipes, pacifiers, toys, and other things. New moms often find themselves breaking out in a sweat even before heading out, with all that preparation. But the right diaper bag can make a whole lot of difference. However, there are several types of diaper bags to choose from, each with its own set of qualities to consider.

What Is A Diaper Bag?

A diaper bag is a multi-functional bag used by parents to put all the necessary items for the infant. Also known as a nappy bag, it has a multifunctional compartment and sections to organize various baby items.

Types Of Diaper Bags

• Messenger Or Sling Diaper Bags

These bags generally have one long strap that can either be worn crossbody or over your shoulder. New mommies usually prefer these. These diaper bags come in various patterns and designs, making them look trendy and like designer bags. The super cool and stylish look won't make people realize it is a nappy bag. It is the best bag if you need to carry them for an extended amount of time. Since these bags have a lot of pockets and zippered compartments, they are easy to organize. You can put diapers in one pocket, new clothes in another, snacks in the third, and so on. Since this diaper bag has a padded cross-body strap, it is secure and gives your back and shoulder extended support. Although, it can be tricky to access your bag's contents easily. The foldover front style of the messenger bag can aggravate opening and closing for some parents.

• Backpack Diaper Bags

These types of bags are a popular choice among parents. These functional diaper backpacks are designed in such a way that it looks more like a laptop bag. They enable you to comfortably carry everything you need for your baby while keeping both hands free, which is a huge plus point. They generally have a lot of space, which features pockets and sections for extra storage. They also come in a wide variety of styles and patterns. One drawback of a backpack-style diaper bag is that it can get in the way of babywearing. Although carrying the baby and backpack is doable, it can sometimes bring heavy. A backpack is also less accessible than other diaper-style bags since you have to take it off to reach inside.

• Tote Bags

These bags are ideal for a day out or a weekend getaway since they are incredibly spacious. The tote bag hits the mark of function and style since it is a diaper bag that doesn't look like a diaper bag. It is also large and open, comes with open storage space, and is a one-shoulder carry. It is perfect for parents who like the look of a traditional bag or want a bag that helps as a work or laptop bag. One of the things to consider in tote bags is that since it has an ample, versatile storage space, it makes it easy for items to get mixed up and fall to the bottom of the bag. That can be frustrating when you're trying to find that pacifier for the fussy baby. Also, since it doesn't have a cross-body strap, there are always chances of the bag slipping off the shoulder.

• Minimalist Bags

These bags are perfect if you have a toddler who needs less stuff, is out on a quick errand and doesn't feel like carrying a regular diaper bag. Diaper clutches can be used as regular bags as well as an inside-your-diaper bag portable changing station. Belt-style backpacks are easy to clip on when you want to carry a few must-haves but also need your hands free. However, these bags need more storage space. In addition, these bags are always tethered to one wrist and hence can be a bit annoying to carry.

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Top 5 Essential Features To Look For In A Diaper Bag

Choosing a diaper bag for the first time can be pretty tricky since there are a variety of bags to choose from with different patterns and styles. So if you are purchasing a diaper bag, here are a few essential features to look for in a diaper bag.

• Lots of storage space

It takes a lot of preparation and planning when parents go out with their babies. It is challenging to keep them happy and satisfied; babies are very high maintenance. You need to bring a lot of diapers, wet wipes, and a great deal of baby food and toys when on a trip. There are also many other things, such as towels, pacifiers, garbage bags, and a small basin to wash them. So storage should be essential if you purchase a diaper bag for the first time. The bag should be able to handle a considerable number of items without being cramped and disheveled.

• Easy to clean

Since these bags are prone to get dirty, they need to be cleaned easily. Since you will be putting a lot of stuff in the bag, which is mostly baby food, there may be times when they get spilled or break inside the bag. Sometimes you may also have to store soiled blankets or bins inside the bag; hence, the bag may get stained or smell bad. So it would help to choose a diaper bag made from a tough yet easy-to-clean material. The pockets, sections, and straps should also be easy to clean and have few crevices or tight spots so that cleaning can be easy.

• Easy to organize

Apart from having a lot of storage space, a diaper bag should also be easy to manage. Since you will bring a lot of stuff, a diaper bag should have suitable compartments. This way, it will not get disheveled or disorganized. Ensure that the diaper bag has the proper compartments and pockets if you're serious about purchasing a diaper bag for your baby's essentials. The pocket should be vast and easy to open. However, they should also be tightly locked once you close them. The compartments should be well-partitioned and easy to organize and memorize. There should not be any unforeseen spillage when you head outside.

• It should have a great ergonomic design

When you purchase any diaper bag, ensure it has a great ergonomic design. You do not want to spend on a bag that is difficult to hold. If your bag is poorly designed, it may cause a great deal of discomfort if you have to carry it for hours. It may even lead to developing chronic shoulder and back problems. This is the worst scenario. So do your research before purchasing a diaper bag. Look through the product reviews and check which ones have the best ergonomic design but are inexpensive.

• It should be durable

Durability should be a top priority while purchasing diaper bags since they take a lot of abuse. They get thrown, spit on, spilled on, and stained by many things. They are also packed with enormous amounts of baby essentials, and if the diaper bags lack durability, they will most likely rip in a short time. If you are strolling outside with your baby, it can be a massive hassle. Consider a scenario when your diaper bag gives out unexpectedly, leaving you in the unenviable position of picking up diapers and baby food off the floor and your baby while trying to stop your baby from wandering away. Make sure your diaper bag is made up of the best material before choosing a diaper bag. Some diaper bags can be expensive, but that's only because they are made of superior materials that last longer.

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Some other features are as follows:

• Can be attached to strollers

While most diaper bags are easy to carry, they can still be cumbersome in the long run. So make sure they can be easily attached to strollers. For example, some diaper bags have specialized belts that enable them to be strapped to the handlebars of strollers. Other diaper bags are designed to be more compact and can be strapped underneath the stroller.

• Provides insulation

Since you are going to store a lot of milk in the diaper bag when you go out with the baby. So you should purchase a diaper bag that provides insulation since most babies prefer to drink warm milk. A diaper bag with proper insulation will keep warm things warm and cold things cold, enabling you to feed the baby with minimal fuss and effort.

Diaper Bag Essentials

Many moms make a list of things to carry. However, mentally walking through everything you need for a baby is challenging. So here is a list of items required for any diaper bag.

• Diapers

Diapers need to be changed every two hours. So if you are heading out, carry a few extra to be safe.

• Wipes

Purchase a decent travel bag or keep the baby wipes in a wet sandwich bag. They are multi-taskers of all diaper essentials since they are used for wiping the baby's bum, your hands, and the changing pad after use in a public washroom.

• Baby cream or lotion

Carry a travel-sized tube since they are handy to use.

• Changing pads

These generally come with a diaper bag; however, you might need to find something larger.

• Small empty sacks

These are used to carry soiled diapers or clothes. Throw them if disposable or wash them if they are made from cloth fabric.

• Pacifiers

You must store pacifiers and extra bottle nipples in a clean, sanitary bag if you use them.

• Wash clothes/ burp clothes

Carry as many as you require.

• Hand Sanitizer

Always use hand sanitizer in public places since you don't know who else has touched what you've touched before you feed the baby or change their clothes.

• Baby food

Figure out how much you need to pack. From baby formula and bottles to pumped breast milk or baby food, it is essential to carry them in sufficient quantities. Make sure to carry some water too.

• Change of clothes

Always carry an extra pair since you might need to know how many you need. You might also need more than a pair, from spit-up to blowouts and leaky bottles. Add some socks while you are at it.

• Cap or a hat

Whether it is warm or cold, babies need an appropriate topper to block out the sun or cold.

• Light baby blanket

It is always good to carry a blanket, no matter the season. They are helpful in shade babies from the sun or unexpected breezes.

• Toys

These things keep the baby engaged, from board books to rattles or teethers; throw them in the bag. However, remember the toy straps.

• Light snacks

These are essentials for older toddlers when their next meal is in the far-off future since they can be hungry.

• Band-aids

With toddlers, playing in the park, even if you are going out for some time, may need band-aids. Even if it is a small bruise, they will want them, making them feel better.

You may also need some extras for yourself. Some of them are:

• Nursing covers

It is essential to carry if you feed the baby in a public place.

• Extra clothes for yourself

If the baby has to spit up or blow up all over you, it is good to carry a different shirt or dress.

• Nursing or vaginal pads

These are essential for new moms after the first few weeks of delivery when your liquid output is too high.

Conclusion

Diaper bags have come a long way; they come in different styles with multiple shades and look stylish. Remember to balance comfort, functionality, and aesthetics before purchasing any diaper bag. All parents have other preferences, so it is essential to choose the right bag according to your baby's needs and stage of the baby.