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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Baby Changing bags

74 replies

Member33874 · 05/12/2016 14:12

Hi guy's, I'm 31 and I am struggling to find a baby bag that looks good and one bae can wear too, one that looks like a fashion bag (I had to make do with baby no1). Does anyone else fell like they're making do with their baby bag and just bought the best out of a bad looking bunch?

OP posts:
MrsHathaway · 05/12/2016 14:17

I started off with coordinated baby bags and it was a complete waste of time.

A good normal bag (you can get inserts if you like having organised bags) is far better. You can get separate wet bags etc if you're concerned about having dirty clothes in with your nice things.

Why can't your partner have his own bag? TBH when my DH takes the DC out he leaves most of the gear in the car, and prefers a normal 15L daysack type back for anything he can't leave behind.

ElphabaTheGreen · 05/12/2016 14:18

We use a rucksack we got for £10 from Tesco. 'Changing bags' are yet another way of fleecing expectant parents.

crazyoldc4tlady · 05/12/2016 14:19

never had a changing bag - most look revolting. I always used normal bags with inserts.

MissMooMoo · 05/12/2016 14:20

Pregnant with dc1,planning to use a rucksack.

Mishegoss · 05/12/2016 14:21

I honestly wouldn't bother. I've had a pacapod with all separate compartments and things, a Maxi Cosi one and a Cath Kidston baby bag. I end up getting rid and going back to a normal bag. I didn't need all the insulation bits and bobs as didn't need to carry bottles so that was wasted. It's easier to chuck a few nappies and a snack or whatever in a big day bag.

NapQueen · 05/12/2016 14:23

Never used a "change bag" for either of mine.

A black canvas messenger bag with a bands logo on the front for dc1 (my old uni book bag), and for dc2 a canvas messenger bag from eBay (cath kidston). Foldable change mat from ikea and then just whatever else shoved in.

farfarawayfromhome · 05/12/2016 14:23

I never bought a baby change bag and didn't miss one!

I have lots of lovely handbags and just used those. What I had was a changing clutch that rolls up nice and small and fits inside the handbag. Game changer!

Youremywifenow · 05/12/2016 14:23

I just use a normal bag (le pliage large size works well, sometimes a canvas one the same shape from tesco).
I have inserts to put in it, so a huge clear plastic make-up bag with folding change mat, nappies, wipes, nappy bags, change of clothes, a smaller one for food, spoons, dummies etc. Dummies, hats etc. go in the pocket.

I had a change bag for child 1, but they are bulky and waste space.

Just treat yourself to a nice bag that you like and get stuff to organise the contents.

Whynotnowbaby · 05/12/2016 14:24

Had one with dd, filled it with crap and lugged it everywhere. Now I have ds it is kept ready to give to anyone who is looking after him but I just stick a nappy, some wipes and a spare babygro in my normal bag. Usually have a little box of raisins secreted about my person too, none of it requires a whole bag to accommodate!

NapQueen · 05/12/2016 14:24

And yep to dh using whatever bag he has. Dh just shoved a handful of nappies, a pack of wipes and o remade bottles into his backpack.

Note3 · 05/12/2016 14:24

I use a normal bag and have a little material bag I put inside with a change of clothes and wet bag in. Then I had a mini bag for snack and drink then nappies and wipes in main compartment and I'm good to go :)

welshweasel · 05/12/2016 14:24

www.babymel.com/changing-bags/big-slouchy-tweed-grey

We have this one. Both me and DH like it, and I do actually value having all the pockets etc and the fact that it velcroes on to the pushchair.

buggerForTheBottle · 05/12/2016 14:24

bae?

Best thing we did was use a LowePro camera rucksack.

Amazingly awesome with its pockets for organisation and pretty stylish too.

Fruitboxjury · 05/12/2016 14:24

Hi, I really like pacapod. They're expensive but I've used mine continuously for three years and it still looks like new. I save my nice handbags for child free evenings and trips out.

I like the two separate feeding and changing pods so I always know where everything is and can just take it what I need quickly.

I have the Firenze in putty and the leather has kept beautifully, it's coloured a little but that can be wiped easily and other than that there's barely any sign of wear at all. Would highly recommend if you're going to look after it and use for a period of time.

Mine stays packed and ready in the hallway, just add bottle or fresh snack if necessary when we go out.

Soubriquet · 05/12/2016 14:26

Bae Hmm I hate that word

Any bag works

I've got the plain black one you get for free with nappy purchase from boots. It's done the job

GashleyCrumbTiny · 05/12/2016 14:26

£6 canvas satchel. Does a grand job.

BumWad · 05/12/2016 14:26

I looked and looked for the ideal changing bag. Wanted a beautiful leather one. Ended up spending a fortune on a Storksak Elizabeth. Used it a couple of months and got pissed off with it, old it on eBay for a fraction of what it cost. The rest of the bags look crap with pvc and pics of ice cream on them Hmm

I ended up using the freebie one from Boots or my usual handbag.

What's a bae anyway? Baby?? Confused

BumWad · 05/12/2016 14:27

The babymel one looks alright welsh. Wish I'd stuck to something like that in the first place.

plimsolls · 05/12/2016 14:28

I have been using my rucksack but find it gets disorganised quickly (my fault obviously) but also I'd like something I can loop over the pram handles rather than carry on my back. I want something that looks like a handbag bit with more pockets/organisation inside than something that looks like a baby changing bag. So, I e been investigating pacapod and babymel, if that's any use.

backtoworkblues · 05/12/2016 14:29

I like the Babymel changing bags, they look more like normal handbags. DH has always used it too. Ours is now being used for child number 2 and has lasted well.

plimsolls · 05/12/2016 14:29

bumwad what was it that pissed you off about the storksac? Would like to know what things to avoid!

formerbabe · 05/12/2016 14:29

I used my normal handbags. I had a changing mat that rolled up like a yoga mat which I put in my bag.

Motherhood took enough from me...I wouldn't let it take my handbags too Wink

idontlikealdi · 05/12/2016 14:32

I had a massive skip hop double when my twins were tiny. When they got a bit older I changed it for a nice rucksack - so much more practical and hands free.

sycamore54321 · 05/12/2016 14:33

I have never understood why changing bags are padded - can anyone suggest a reason that makes sense?

I loved the bag that came with my Uppababy pram, it clips on neatly which frees up more space in the basket if I am grocery shopping and has a handy zip top as well as flap opening so you can grab things without unhooking it. It's plain black canvas.

The one feature in changing bags that I think is most useful is the insulated compartment for keeping formula or pumped milk chilled - also handy later for yoghurt etc at weaning time even if you don't bottle feed.

HeddaGabbler · 05/12/2016 14:34

I just use an oversized handbag. When DH takes him out he uses a satchel.