Do I need a changing bag?

[firsttimemum090]

Is a changing bag necessary? Or can I get away with just a rucksack and bung a changing pad in?

I find the separate pockets of a changing bag useful but yes a rucksack will be fine.

I preferred just chucking bits in a bag - a ziplock with a clean nappy, wrap and wipes in it kept everything together and fitted in a cross body bag.

I've got this:
www.amazon.co.uk/Skip-Hop-Pronto-Changer-Chevron/dp/B00B7XUVOE

And just put it inside a normal rucksack. Best of both worlds as it has compartments for nappies and wipes, you can take it by itself if you don't need anything else and it's small enough to fit in another bag.

I’ve always used a rucksack with a fold up changing mat bunged in. I never really understood how an official changing bag was different tbh.

A rucksack with a changing pack in it (has an integrated mat) works for us.

I was given a backpack style changing bag and I only really use it when we go away for overnight stays (my family live 130 miles away) so load it up with nappies wipes and clothes. but it's massive so it's too big for everyday use. if going out for a few hours I chuck a few nappies, wipes and bottle in my handbag

No no no no . I used a backpack for all 4 of mine . It's all a gimmick this parent bag malarkey . Just buy a decent quality bag with a few pockets . Those yummy mummy bags are a complete con and more a look at me and what I can afford symbol

No, you just need any bag. A rucksack is great cos it's more hands-free. Might want to think about how waterproof it is at this time of year.

I like my changing bag - it has loads of pockets and clips to attach to the buggy. It’s amazing how much stuff you need! Not just nappies, wipes and mat - also spare clothes for leaks, cardigan and blanket, muslins, sunhat and cream, tissues, teethers, toys, bib, food, dish and beaker, spoon, plus your stuff such as purse and phone etc. I have a Pacapod bag and it all fits in the various compartments.

I'm with bigbluebubble The clips to attach to pram were a god send, and as my DH took care of DC too it was handy to have a bag ready packed that either of us could grab. That said, I guess a ruck sack would do that too, but if you use a pram or pushchair make sure you can attach it easily.
I'm amazed at those who just throw a nappy and a few wipes in their handbag - we had loads of nappy malfunctions that required change of outfits and multiple nappies! I also wanted to have enough with us to be able to last if stuck in traffic or locked out of the house (yes, we did lock ourselves out on one occasion 🙄)

I have a changing bag backpack that also attaches to my pram. I really like having it as I always keep it on my main pram and make sure it is packed and ready to go at all times. A backpack is also handy to use for when I'm carry dc without the pram

A rucksack with a folding change mat here as well.

And it was a £6 cheapy from new look that lasted aaaaaaaggggeeeesssss until the zip went

Yes, any bag that fits your needs will work. What you need going out depends on your baby to a large degree, I think!

My first had bad reflux, so I needed at least 2 heavy duty towels (muslins didn't cut it with him), 2 changes of clothes for him and a spare top (or two) and a bra for me leaving the house. I'd also have more spares in the car. I liked, no I NEEDED we'll designed pockets to keep stinky, puked-on stuff separate from the clean stuff, and having protected pockets for phone and money.

But with my youngest, I'd just stick a nappy in my regular bag. Didn't even need a muslin for her.

I use my changing bag that came free with my travel system, but we have a huge basket under pushchair so it fits.

Love all the pockets etc and woukd hate to have to carry a bag on me all the time.

Big longchamp holdhall (one with a luggage strap so I can hang it over the handlebar of the pram if needs be) and a changing mat here. Definitely no need for a changing bag unless you want one. Any large-ish rucksack and mat will do just fine.

I’ve had a few ones over the years. To be honest any bag will do, but I like the proper changing bags with lots of pockets and waterproofing. I currently have a backpack style one and have some clips to attach it to the buggy. With a toddler and a baby I need to have my hands free as much as possible. I also like packing up the change bag on an evening and then when I want to go out it’s ready by the door. One less thing to worry about in the chaos.