To ask for advice re changing bags?

[Marghe87]

Hello,

I am starting to browse changing bags and was hoping to get some advice before I purchase anything. I'd like to get something practical but also nice to wear and not over £60 ish.
I have been looking at the Babymel and Pacapod backpacks but any suggestion would be very welcome.

Thanks!

I got one from Joules! So pretty and on sale.

https://www.joules.com/Baby/All-Baby-Joule-Girls/Dinky/Baby-Rucksack?id=207148%7CCAMFLORAL%7CONE&origin=pe&CAWELAID=620016710000417206&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=15571005363&CATCI=pla-903352523509&mch=ppc&mcpt=GooglePLA&mcpn=SC-PLA-UK-%20Baby&mct=Baby%20Boys&mkw=903352523509%7C%7Bproductid%7D&$ja=tsid:96551%7Cacid:830-070-6569%7Ccid:235002123%7Cagid:15571005363%7Ctid:pla-903352523509%7Ccrid:90631179003%7Cnw:g%7Crnd:4019695878627332503%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:%7Cmt:%7Cloc:9045927&gclid=CjwKCAjw7-P1BRA2EiwAXoPWA--dMwhDN-DvWGiyTUQEbgMNv8A1CsSewsM-ojb3sBzXKlRx3f-cdhoCY8EQAvDD_BwE

I used a cheap messenger style bag from a discount shoe shop with a fold up changing mat. I also used a men's sponge bag for clean nappies.

I'd also recommend using a bag you like that's easy to carry. There's nothing special about a changing bag except the price

How will you do your maternity leave - close to home so out and about with just a pram mostly or in the suburbs so got the car to go to baby groups etc?
If the latter you can get away with a smaller bag with just 2-3 nappies, some wipes, tube of cream and a mat. I used to hold the lot together with a big elastic band. But you can get nice packs.
www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/navy-stripe-mini-diapering-mat-b6994.html
But I did like the Bbox
bboxbaby.co.uk/collections/diaper-wallets
It's good to have a smaller version that you can just hand over to someone else if they offer to change baby!!
Keep a big stash of spare wipes, nappies, bags etc in the car.

I’d recommend getting a bag I loved regardless of whether it was a nappy bag and then using a fold up mat/pouch (mine was from Tiba & Marl) which holds the nappies and wipes then using a zipped pouch (eg scamp & dude swag bag) for spare clothes etc. That way you can use the bag you love way after you stop using nappies and the swag bag makes a good spare clothes bag / toy bag when the kids are a bit older. If you bottle feed you can get a sort of insulated pouch which can go in your buggy / hang off buggy / go in your bag. The £5 I spent on a mummy clip karabina for the prom handle was money well spent though! Used it for years.

then The inner bags can go out with whoever has the baby and you can use your nice bag regardless. My husband refused to carry any baby bag and just stuffed the pouch in a tote in the bottom of the buggy. And also handy as whoever changes the baby whilst you’re out just takes the small pouch not your whole handbag.

I’ve always just used a normal backpack. Changing bags are a rip off

This. An actual changing bag was one of the most expensive baby items I bought that turned out to be totally unnecessary

*you CAN sorry!

Backpack, I bought a cheap unbranded one from Amazon and it was absolutely fine! I found having pockets inside helped so it's really easy to locate things, and an insulated bottle pocket, aside from that nothing fancy. Honestly I wouldn't spend loads on a bag that quite feasibly will end up with random bits and bobs in it plus the danger of poo. Buy a nice handbag for you to enjoy.

I've bought a rucksack changing bag off amazon, it was around £28 and is brilliant. Loads of compartments, insulated bottle holder bits and looks great.

Honestly, a good water proof backpack is the way forward. Much less fuss and easier to carry round. Now DS is older I don’t carry as much (you’ll quickly realise half the contents are pointless) and the backpack just became a gym bag instead.

I really like my skip hop back pack. Neutral style for unisex use

I started off with marvellous changing bags for child #1. By child #4, I realised I didn't need 90% of the crap I was carrying around, and got a small handbag that held 2 nappies, some wipes, a couple of nappy bags, a spare babygro and a muslin.

Thank you ladies! Backpack definitely seems to be the way forward, I guess I just have to choose the one I like without worrying too much then :)

I had a more traditional changing bag and it was used for years, first as a changing bag, then for all kind of stuff when travelling by car (it lived in the car with some essentials for emergencies) and later as a swimming bag.

I am short, hourglass shape with large boobs and a larger bag pack looks ridiculous on me unless I go hiking. Same with any large handbag. I also loved the bag being at the buggy with buggy clips, not in my way and I had nothing hanging of me. I walked for hours with the pram as well.

Mine had a top zip opening, so easy access and was fully washable.

I bought this fill up changing mat for £5 and it's great, agree with PPs to but a nice bag you can use after you don't need all the specific pockets on changing bags and the older they get the less bits you need www.ebay.co.uk/itm/362821465449

There's lots of cheaper options on amazon. I got a lekebaby backpack which I would definitely recommend.

get a nice big bag you. don't buy a changing bag. most changing bags are just fugly rip offs anyways. you will get much more due your money with a 'normal' bag.

I think when people say changing bags are a ripoff, they're not in the situation I was where my other backpacks and shoulder bags were relatively expensive without exception. I decided I'd rather chuck a £25 changing bag in the boot with the buggy for 2 years than ruin my Longchamp Le Pliage!

I have a mothercare one which Is quite large. Personally wouldn't use an actual rucksack but the bag style changing bags are nice some are quite small though.

Agree on backpack. I do like the actual changing bag ones with lots of pockets - there are plenty of inexpensive ones on Amazon.

Don't get a pink and/or floral one if you expect your DH to to be willing to carry it at any point! We had a plain grey one...

I have a backpack Pacapod. I love it. A normal backpack doesn't compare.

For a pre walking baby I preferred my handbag style Pacapod just clipped onto the front of the pram. But once they are running around I switch to backpack.

For first baby I used a cross body pacapod but it’s been used once with my second. Just shoved the bare essentials in my own bag.

I’ve got a river island back pack that I love