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Diaper bags can be quite expensive for what you get – a bag… But I must admit, it is very tempting to go for a cool, stylish one. There are so many cool bags to choose between right now.

However, while choosing between all different styles available, you really should have a few practical issues in mind as well. Check our detailed tips on how to choose diaper bag and you can’t go wrong!

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How to Choose Diaper Bag – Detailed Checklist!

Go for Quality

skip hop diaper bag chevron high quality examplePin If you have the money, invest in a nice, quality diaper bag, like the Skip Hop Chevrin diaper bag in the picture. You’ll be using it for two or three years or even more if you plan for siblings sometime soon.

I once did the mistake to buy a low-budget diaper bag. Well, the zipper and the straps broke within a few months. Annoying and at the end more expensive than getting a good bag from the beginning.

The brand Skip Hop, for example, makes high-quality bags, that tend to last. Of course, there are many other good brands too.

Other high-quality diaper bag brands are Itzy Ritzy, Jujube, Petunia, and Freshly Picked, to mention some. All these are on the expensive side.

For a high-quality budget diaper bag brand, check out Ruvalino. They have wonderful diaper bags too!

Diaper Bag Style

This may be the hardest and the most fun part of choosing a diaper bag. In addition to different brands, materials, and sizes, there are also some different styles to consider.

Here are some of the most common and popular styles:

  • The most traditional style is simply a bag. This may be the first style you think about. The bags are usually square and have one long handle to carry over your shoulder. The handle is long enough to be able to strap it around the handlebar of your stroller. You can see an example of a traditional nappy bag here at Amazon.
  • Another style that many men seem to like is the backpack. (My husband totally disagreed with this, though, so you’d better check with your spouse if you consider buying one.) :-)
  • Sling bags are kind of a variation of the backpack, you wear it on your back, but it only has one strap instead of two.
  • The messenger bag is another available. It is designed to be worn on the left hip, with a strap across your body. It is something in between a traditional bag and a backpack.

When it comes to choosing between these different types, it is mostly a style preference. Of course, if you have problems with your back or neck, a backpack is probably a better choice than a regular bag. On the other hand, If you expect to almost always have the diaper bag strapped to your stroller, then a backpack might not be the best choice!

So, in addition to what type you like, consider what type will be the most useful for you!

Best Diaper Bag Material

Some materials stain easily, break easily, and are hard to wash. Consider buying a bag that won’t give you a headache by looking old and dirty too soon.

Dark colors are better than light ones and coarse fabrics are more durable. On the other hand – if you completely fall in love with a light-colored one, check the washing instructions.

If you live someplace very sunny – a lighter shade will keep its color longer in the sun. In a rainy place, fabrics that can stand a bit of rain is a good choice.

Diaper Bags for Dads

Buy one that dad likes too! This is something I hadn’t thought about if my husband hadn’t commented on it. When our old diaper bag broke, and I talked about buying a new one, my husband said:

“Whatever you do, don’t buy one that looks like a makeup box!”

He meant those hard shell nappy bags that were popular a few years ago. Of course, both parents should be comfortable with carrying the bag around. Otherwise, buy one each. :-)

Fitting the Handlebar

Get one that can be strapped onto your stroller’s handlebar. This is very convenient and will save your back.

If you plan for siblings pretty soon, check if the bag also fits on the handlebar of a twin stroller. Mine did by pure luck, and that is very convenient!

A Padded Strap is a Must

You need padded straps to save your shoulders when carrying a fully packed diaper bag. This is particularly true if you choose a sling model, but is the best for all models.

A Foldable Changing Pad

Buy a diaper bag that includes a foldable changing pad (or buy one extra). This is very convenient when you’re out somewhere, not to mention when you’re traveling with your baby.

When controlling the quality of the changing pad, check that it is not too small and that it can be wiped clean easily. It is also nice if the changing pad is a little bit padded, to make diapering more comfortable for your baby.

Pockets, Lots of Pockets

You’ll also need plenty of both inside and outside pockets on the bag. Outside pockets are very convenient for bottles, both for you and your baby. One pocket for each of you to put a bottle in is a minimum.

Inside pockets are good too, for pacifiers, spoons, baby food, etc. Little things that you don’t want to disappear in the middle of all diapers and clothes.

Easy to Close

Also make sure you choose a diaper bag that you can close properly and easily, for example with a lid or a good zipper. This is particularly important for rainy days!

Fab Online Stores to Buy Your Diaper Bag

This probably goes without saying. By just searching for a few seconds on the web, I found an online shop selling Skip Hop diaper bags at some 20% lower prices than our nearest baby store does.

Since quality diaper bags are quite expensive, do consider shopping online.

Some online stores that have nice selections of diaper bags are:

A tip! A diaper bag is perfect for your baby registry! Find a list of great stores for your baby registry here.

Now you know all about how to choose diaper bag! :-)

Good luck!

If you need tips on how to diaper a baby, click here.

And which is YOUR favorite diaper bag? And what are your thoughts on how to choose diaper bag? Share your views below! :-)

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