Changing Bags

[Cheffie100]

I'm looking for something really nice and a bit cool -would pay up to £80. Any recommendations welcome? X

[Flisspaps]

I would wait until the baby is born, and is a few weeks old so you have an idea of what you actually need.

You might buy one with lots of pockets but find that you'd actually find it easier to have everything in one place, or you might get one with one big compartment and find it'd be easier to have lots of pockets!

Will you need one with a strap that you can hang over your buggy or shoulder, or one that you need to wear on your back?

I got the free Boots bag with DD 3 years ago, and used that until I got a lovely Radley oilskin bag, which I asked for without thinking about what I actually needed it to do. It's a lovely looking bag but is useless for what I need (no long strap, too big to sit under the buggy properly) so have gone back to the Boots freebie!

[sophiad]

I've got this one ready and waiting to be used

pasitoapasito.es/index.asp?Idioma=EN&opc=26&IDP=286&IDC=14&IDF=109

[butterflybuns]

Have got a Pink Lining one which I've used for 3 years and is still going strong for dd3 due next month. I think they're great bags but have had to resist the urge to get a pacapod as I think they look fab too.

[phoenixrose314]

My SIL spent the extra money and got herself a Yummy Mummy bag from John Lewis - they're gorgeous!! Look like a slightly large handbag, has spaces for bottles and wipes etc, and once my little one is here I will also be getting one!!

Seriously, check them out. Totally worth the extra money for something you could use beyond babyhood x

[christinarossetti]

Agree with the use holdall for a few weeks then decide what you need school of thought. I did this with dc2 and ended up just carrying on using the holdall.

A fold up changing mat will be useful though.

[Yannah2006]

Yummy mummy bags are massive! My step-sister turned up with one, i thought she was staying over night. They're about the size of a weekend bag- totally unnecessary. They get grubby very easily (light colours, canvas material) and ss says they're not the easiest to clean.

I have a skip-hop dash. Great design, holds everything we need (i have a 6yo DS, i'm a childminder and new baby will be joining us in May), wipe clean and not too huge.

I almost got a pacapod, as i think they're great if you have just one or two children.

[PureedGoodness]

mama et bebe bag from john lewis. mine is excellent. similar to the yummy mummy.

[forevergreek]

Melo baby. Is small compact mat/ nappy/ wipe pockets. Will fit in any current bag you own, or just thrown under pram/ in rucksack etc etc

[Notmyidea]

look up a company called Sew Nicely Done on Facebook! She makes an oilcloth changing bag for about £65 and you get to choose your own pattern combintions. I've been dropping heavy hints ready for mothering sunday.

[IcouldstillbeJoseph]

IMO I would avoid Pacapod - myself and close friend bought one each with first babies and both of our zips bust. Luckily mine was still under warranty but my friend not so fortunate. Since then I've heard lots of others say same.
I've just had DD2 and bought an Orla Kiely shoulder bag in sale - perfectly serviceable as change bag and now I have a nice bag when I no longer need baby detritus....

[bananananacoconuts]

get an oilily changing bag. simply gorgeous

[riskit4abiskit]

I'm going to use a large Kipling bag I already have as they are so washable and just buy a changing mat. Unless I'm missing any key features I desperately need?

[FoofFighter]

SkipHop bags are lovely and usually can find them in TKMaxx at a very good price.

I'm just going for an oilcloth satchel that's not a changing bag really, just a handbag.

[Camwombat]

We faffed about with changing bags, until I bought a SkipHop, and wish I'd found it sooner.
DS is now 20months and he carries it or it pops in the bottom of the buggy or in another bag.
Perhaps one of the best buys I have made!

[ButteryJam]

I'm planning to buy a large leather handbag (maybe even go as far as Mulberry) and use that, with a folding changing mat inside. I don't see why it can't be a two in one bag that I can use post-baby too! :)

I am thinking of also getting a smaller bag like a radley cross bag that I can stick into the big one, and take out easily.

[Yannah2006]

I think it's important to remember that changing bags will regularly have vommity, wet, pooey items in. Also, leaking bottles, leaking snacks, leaking baby food. You'll probably also be frequenting parks, woods, sticky soft play areas, dusty village halls for baby groups and will be around many small people that seem to sweat jam, snotter a lot and stagger about with pens/paint/food.

I think they key thing aspect of a changing bag is that it needs to be very washable!

[northerngoldilocks]

Interesting re pacapod zips breaking- mine too but out of warranty and the company didn't want to know. Terrible customer service so best avoided

[nomoreplease]

Storksaks are supposed to be good, like a big posh handbag but changing bag.

[Littlemissexpecting]

I've just bought a pacapod

[MewlingQuim]

I just use an old rucksack

[Rainbowbabyhope]

Agree with just using a rucksack - don't see the point of special changing bags especially ones which just go over one shoulder which is both bad for posture and means you never really have your hands free. Plus needs to be something that both I and DH can use so handbag type bag is not going to work.

[seekingpeaceandquiet]

I just used the free boots one with dd and will probably do the same this time too. Its black and grey too so dh did actually use it and take it out with dd.

[fairimum]

I have had a pacapod for almost 2 years and never had a problem with it, used daily and love it! :)

[notso]

I love skip hop changing bags, I love the idea of pacapod but I don't like the bags.

Yannah2006 indeed, just cleaned out my changing bag and found three woodlice among Ds2's 'treasures' from the park!

[Paradisefound]

I bought a pacapod a Portland one as its bigger... The problem with the smaller ones is they are too small and get crammed full, then the zip goes. Haven't started using mine yet..so we shall see. The Portland is good as hubby can carry it..works well as man bag! He won't carry anything floral or pink and fluffy...let's face it I'm gonna want him to be involved and having the wrong bag..can be a great excuse for him not to help. Go for something plain and simple in my opinion.