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 had an okiedog one.....still going strong 8years on.
I like the fact it had clips that clipped straight on to my pushchair.

I’ve been through 4 changing bags since I had my first in 2018 - the one that came with my pram (silver cross) was shite, barely fit anything in. Then I tried using just a normal big handbag which worked okay but not perfectly. I was gifted a Melobaby which I adored. Then I had another baby and couldn’t fit everything for two under two until I found this and it’s perfect with so many pockets! www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07J65Q6KR/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_api_i_drtbEbBE676CS?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Agree with everyone else saying just to buy a large bag - you're going go be lugging it around for months, might as well buy something you actually like! I had a "proper" changing bag, but it was ugly and I just used to lose stuff in the thousands of pockets. Now I just have a nice backpack that I'll continue using, even when I no longer need a changing bag.

I bought a changing bag but didn't use it much - stuffed everything under the buggy or used a normal handbag when out and about with a sling. I've now invested in a Kanken rucksack which is much more useful especially with a toddler who likes to walk about without the buggy sometimes. the 17" Kanken is perfect in normal times as it has a compartment at the back for laptops - or toddler books! Easy to whip out a picture book when on the bus or train.I would therefore just buy a rucksack, a nice rollup travel changing mat and make sure you have some smaller bags to stick inside your larger rucksack. Wetbags are useful for storing nappies, spare clothes etc. Also a smaller bag to put on the pram handles is useful - to hold essentials like keys etc.

I also kept my belongings entirely separate from babies so that if Dad suddenly decides to take her out, you're without nothing. Plus, I liked to keep myself separate from all their stuff. Personal opinion...

I got a backpack - much easier to carry especially when I used the baby carrier.
Then when she got too big for the carrier, just used a big bag I bought from Accessorize.

Agree on a non-official changing bag. Also are you someone who uses all the pockets in a handbag or rucksack, or will stuff in practice get lost or dumped in the main compartment?

For dc2 I picked up a second hand very desirable change bag. It had a folding change mat but otherwise was useless as no section was big enough for 3-4 used washable nappies, and I didn't have bottles.

So I went back to what I did with dc1, which was a carrier bag slung over the handle of the pushchair and keys, wallet etc kept in the back of the buggy. I did try to use posh plastic bags though!

with baby #1 i made my own so it had lots of pockets & compartments, some were waterproof lined etc, detatchable changing mat etc etc. carried a shit ton around.
19 months later with #2 i just shoved 2 nappies in my handbag and made sure i had a plastic bag with me...

I use a Sainsbury's carrier bag

You can get some great ones in TK Maxx at great prices. I got a petunia picklebottom tote for £25 that retails for upwards of £100 normally