Changing bags

[muckywellyboots]

I'm due in October and looking at changing bags. I already have a good sized over the shoulder bag for nipping to peoples houses, going into hospital, keeping in car etc but it's too big to take to the shops/ baby groups.
I would like a nice looking rucksack style bag for going to baby groups, days out where I'm pushing the pram etc.

I love the Sophie allport changing bag that comes with changing mat and thermal bottle holder (£57) but can't find any reviews for it.. does anyone have this or know anyone with it??
Iv also looked at Gigil luxe bags (£69 in the sale currently) which also comes with a changing mat or the babymel Robyn rucksack (£65) which comes with changing mat & bottle holder.
Opinions on any of these please! Or any other recommendations that are similar to these. Really don't want to spend more than £70 though, ideally much less but I do like the more 'stylish' ones/ leather look ones. Thankyou!

Are you planning on using a sling like an ergo baby? If you're going to wear a sling then you need a rucksack type one. We use a normal north face rucksack and have a fold out changing roll (skip hop brand) which is a mat and has space for nappies wipes and creams to put in. We can then pop that in the bottom of pushchair if we don't need rucksack. Clothes go into a wet bag and we have a spare one for soiled clothes. When older we will use normal insulated lunch bags for snacks.

We bought a lovely cath kidston cross body changing bag for our first. Looked great but wasn't practical and it was uncomfortable to carry.

@thingymaboob

Are you planning on using a sling like an ergo baby? If you're going to wear a sling then you need a rucksack type one. We use a normal north face rucksack and have a fold out changing roll (skip hop brand) which is a mat and has space for nappies wipes and creams to put in. We can then pop that in the bottom of pushchair if we don't need rucksack. Clothes go into a wet bag and we have a spare one for soiled clothes. When older we will use normal insulated lunch bags for snacks.

We bought a lovely cath kidston cross body changing bag for our first. Looked great but wasn't practical and it was uncomfortable to carry.

We do similar. Fold out mat with pockets and a wet bag or two.

I have an ergo sling I plan to use too so yes definitely want rucksack style. The three I've been looking at are rucksack style but 'nicer' than a big standard rucksack.
The one I already bought early in pregnancy is a cath kidston crossbody style that I just loved the pattern on but I can tell it will be too big for day to day and not practical for when pushing pram & using sling.
This is the one I'm tempted to buy but can't find reviews, does it look fit for purpose? Anything obvious that won't work/ will be wrong? 😊

www.maisonwhite.co.uk/product/sophie-allport-zsl-elephant-changing-bag-pu54cb01/

I think it looks nice as long as it won’t get too heavy as the straps aren’t padded. Go with the bag you want. I had a Cath Kidston one and loved it, the pattern made me happy and it was totally wipe clean!

The normal (cheap) rucksack I already had from decathlon, and bought a folding changing mat kit from Jojo maman

I simply couldn't understand the point of spending much on something basically already had, and husband was happy to carry. BF so thermal bits etc weren't relevant

I got a great one from Aldi! Don't waste your money.

Buy a normal backpack and then a folding mat plus a couple of carrier bags for dirty things

A normal, wipe clean rucksack and a fold up changing mat is just as good and can be used post baby years. I have an amazing Kipling one with lots of compartments for pooey clothes and it can be chucked in the washing machine.

Get the cheapest one you can with the most amount of space.

Choose a nice gender neutral one so that you and dad feel comfortable using one.

Seriously, don't spend so much on a changing bag. A total waste of money.

@muckywellyboots I think that bag looks so impractical - small, lack of compartments and those straps look really uncomfortable. I know you want something "nice" but it's going to have quite a bit in and you need it for toddler years... food, more food and clothes, and maybe even a folding potty like the potette

Do you intend to breastfeed or bottle? I echo that a decent backpack (not designated change bag) is best. I say this because you will still be taking a bag out even when little one is 3, 4 or 5 but now it will be filled with jumpers/coats/snacks, your water bottle, colouring pencils etc and general kid stuff. I got a large frugi explorer bag. It has a waterproof cover for when it rains too.

@gogohm

Buy a normal backpack and then a folding mat plus a couple of carrier bags for dirty things

This.

Changing bags are one of the biggest scams going in the world of baby products

Buy this! change bag
Not the most stylish. But it is honestly brilliant, roomy, has back straps.

I bought this one recently for a relative who's expecting soon - they chose it and were very pleased with it.

www.amazon.co.uk/Changing-iniuniu-Backpack-Washable-Pacifier/dp/B08ZHPB4L3/ref=sr_1_18?dchild=1&c=ts&s=baby&ts_id=60244031&keywords=Nappy+Changing+Bags&_encoding=UTF8&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1630436547&sr=1-18

I have the Gigil Bambino changing bag in black and I looooove it. Yes okay there's cheaper changing bags out there but it fits SO MUCH in it, looks really really nice and is very well made so it will last me through this baby and any subsequent ones. I'm really not one to buy expensive stuff but I don't regret buying this one at all.

I decided against one of the leather type ones though as I thought the fabric ones would be more hard wearing.

Sign yourself up to the Gigil emailing list, they usually send out 20% off codes every now n then!

@blairresignationjam

Buy this! change bag Not the most stylish. But it is honestly brilliant, roomy, has back straps.

Link just takes me to general website I'm afraid. Would you mind screen shotting it so I can have a look? I'm keen to look at everyone's recommendations!

Ah it's because it says it's out of stock. But I bought mine a few weeks ago and then bought a second one the other day and there were plenty in store

I have the Gigil Bloom and although it wasn't cheap, I love it! Absolutely loads of compartments, good size but not too big and it looks good