Ju-Ju-Be Packabe

I started looking for a rucksack style changing bag when DS was about 18 months old. I was chasing him everywhere and it was quite hard with a satchel style bag hanging off my shoulder which I had to cling onto to avoid dropping.

I started out with normal rucksacks, but I never found one that I was happy with, so I looked online for something more practical to hold all the stuff you need for a toddler.

These aren't cheap, but looked really good, so my friends clubbed together and bought me one for my birthday. I love it, and haven't needed anything else since. The side pockets are great for bottles and cups. Everything's wipeable and the fastenings are magnetic (but beware - you do sometimes get stuck to cars!) which is a great idea cos I hate fumbling with catches.

It can be carried satchel style or as a backpack, and there are enough internal pockets to be able to stash everything and find it again. I use the top front pocket for mummy stuff (and the key holder is great - DS cannot get the keys off it to hide them) and the front bottom pocket for emergency plasters and colouring pens. The rear large pocket I put books in for him (I don't use the changing mat at the mo, although have another one on the way so will do soon) and inside is plenty big enough for spare clothes/nappies/wipes/snacks all all other manner of paraphernalia.

I like the fact its a light colour inside and wipes easily. The fact it has tiny holes to 'let out crumbs' seems a bit pointless - it doesn't actually do that, but hey - tip it upside down - does the same thing!

I found the design of the backpack straps a bit awkward at first - because you can swap them about they aren't as comfortable as perhaps a 'dedicated' rucksack might be. But they're fine - I got used to them.

Overall I'm really pleased I got this and actually wishing it would show some wear so I could get a new one, but no signs of that happening!