Baby changing bag, worth the money?

[WantingBaby1]

Is it worth buying a baby changing bag? I've got lots of big handbags which are a lot nicer than the affordable changing bags, and I'm wondering whether to just use one of those rather than a designated changing bag. Surely if I have a slip in divider a large normal handbag would be fine? If not, do you have any recommendations? Looking to spent less than £100. Thanks

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Hello, this thread is quite old so some of the product recommendations are a little out of date. There are lots of differing opinions on whether changing bags are really worth the investment. Some MNners recommend using an ordinary backpack, or like the OP, a handbag they already own. Whereas others swear by their trusty, multi compartment, wipeable changing bags.

Having a baby is expensive enough, so there's no point in shelling out money for something you don't need, but if the idea of a designated changing bag appeals to you, then take a look at our top changing bag recommendations. We tested the top 10 most popular bags to find out which ones really are worth the money.

MNHQ

[CatBean]

If you are breastfeeding, definitely don't need a seperate bag, plus they are not very nice at all.

Just get a changing mat to put in your normal bag.

[welshweasel]

Completely up to you. I like the multiple compartments in mine for putting bottles, clothes, calpol, dummies etc in. And the fact it's waterproof so any leaks can be wiped out. Also like that it velcroes on to the buggy handle.

[strawberrypenguin]

Nope. I just use a backpack. Easily fits in everything I need and is more comfortable to carry

[user1487776842]

I couldn't live without my pram bag... Don't think I've owned an actual bag in 5 years since I had dd1 I get mine on ebay paid less than £20 and I love it, more than big enough and came with a change mat

[NoArmaniNoPunani]

They are a waste of money, I just use a rucksack

[welshweasel]

I've got the old version of this.

www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/babymel-tweed-slouchy-bag-b7555.html

[NapQueen]

I used old satchel sized bags for both of mine - the cloth type. Sizeable and machine washable. Didnt buy one specifically. Ikea do a great foldy change mat.

[MargaretCabbage]

No. I use a rucksack or a tote. You can get fold up changing mats with a pocket for nappies so you can just grab what you need easily when changing.

[Lules]

I spent about a tenner on one from boots. There's no need to spend loads. It's annoying having to pack and unpack a bag and it's useful having different compartments but if you've got a spare bag that's the right size then use that.

[welshweasel]

It's bizarre. On mumsnet everyone always says they use a rucksack/their normal bag but all the people I know with babies the same age as mine have a changing bag, every single one! All my usual handbags are way more expensive than my change bag and not really suitable for minging baby clothes/snotrags and also my husband wanted something that he would feel stupid carrying either.

[Squidgling]

I breastfed and loved the changing bag! We still use it now sometimes and DD is almost 2! They have lots of handy compartments for spare clothes, bibs, snacks, drinks, nappies, wipes etc. They also have a small fold up change mat which is very useful. I just found it easier to have it all in one place and one thing to make sure was stocked before we went out.

[arbrighton]

I've bought an £18 changing bag. Messenger style as I'd like DH to be happy using it.

He could not believe how much some of the bags cost. Of course, we then ended up with another as a freebie with the travel system but not a bad thing to have two. That one apparently has a £40 tag....

They have a waterproof lining/ mat included- you're not going to want to put bottles/ wipes/ bits of food in a nice handbag, really, are you?

[MrsOllyMurs]

As PP said, I wanted to have a bag handy that either of us could grab and go. Personally don't like carrying a rucksack and found it handy to have loops to attach it to the pram......

[Spudlet]

I use the free one from the Boots Parenting Club. It's not stylish but it serves a purpose.

[Glossolalia]

I have a Pacapod. I love it.

[MrsDustyBusty]

I wouldn't. I spent a lot of the changing bag with the compartments and other features. It weighed a ton when fully loaded, was bulky and really unwieldy. Now that my daughter is coming up for two, we don't bother with it at all.

[wobblywonderwoman]

I didn't. I used to bring out a towel for changing baby on and used a pretty large holdall I already had. Then I used a picnic basket when I had two and left that in the car with just a nappy/wipes/bottle in my handbag. At one stage I had two under 15 months and didn't miss having a proper change bag.

[billybigballs]

I didn't have a changing bag, I used an longchamp let pilage I already had with long handles which was fine.

Next time I'd consider getting one though as I recon the extra pockets would be handy

[Flipthebirdy]

The pros of my changing bag are- large but lightweight, waterproof throughout, both handle straps and a shoulder strap and velcro tags for hanging from buggy, looks like a changing bag- rather than an ugly handbag, outside bottle compartments useful.

[SockQueen]

I didn't have any appropriately sized handbags, and I just bought a cheap one off Amazon for about £15. It has lots of compartments for nappies, wipes, cream, spare outfit, a folding change mat, sanitary towels/breast pads (for you) plus one section which is my "grown-up" bit of phone, money, keys. It's pretty ugly but absolutely functional and better than having everything all jumbled in together. It also had an insulated bottle bag included, which I don't use as I breastfeed, but might come in use once we start weaning soon.

[NerrSnerr]

I either used a rucksack or a big handbag. I breastfed so no need for bottles and managed to travel light.

[Sparklyuggs]

I've got one of these which I'm currently using as my day to day commuting rucksack and the coordinating changing mat is somewhere in the house.

www.tibaandmarl.com

I don't think you can tell it's technically a changing bag, IMO it's a non-ugly backpack that stands up to being bashed on the tube. I have back problems so I knew a shoulder bag was a nogo.

If you want one and think you would use it, then treat yourself. DH is happy using his own rucksack so we'll buy pacapods to move between our bags.

[Sparklyuggs]

And before anyone says it, I know it's a very expensive rucksack

[jessm2109]

I have this one:

www.jemandbea.com/collection/marlow-navy

Its lovely. Comes with a changing mat and a compartment for keeping bottles if you are bottle feeding.
Also great for my partner as its so plain.

[nonameinspiration]

Depends really. If you drive everywhere stash nappies and spare clothes in the car and take the minimum out with you. If you are going to sling carry you need a rucksack. I bought the generic black Mothercare suitcase. It was shit. Except when it was consigned to the loft some nice made a little nest in it. That was its greater purpose!