Do I really need a changing/nappy bag?

[Hermioninny]

Just that really, FTM due in 10 weeks and I'm going round in circles!

I've bought a fold up changing mat that has pockets for a couple of nappies, spare babygro and wipes. Planning to BF so hopefully no need for insulated bottle pockets. Am I being naive in thinking I don't actually need a full on changing backpack and when baby is older I can just use a regular backpack to throw some toys/snacks/spare clothes in?

If it is a genuinely good buy then what backpacks would you recommend? I was looking at Pacapod which just looks like a normal backpack with organisers and Tiba & Marl cos I liked the fancy silver one Help me not fall into the baby-world-of-consumerism trap!

Of course you can use a regular backpack, or even a carrier bag. I used one I had already, which probably came from Blacks or similar.

If you can see yourself continuing to use it when it's no longer needed as a changing bag, why not treat yourself to the silver one you fancy!

I didn't. If I was using a pushchair/pram things went in a drawstring bag, a sling and I had a cross body handbag which was enough for a nappy, wipes and snacks/water later on.

Personally I don’t think you need a fancy changing bag - although it is big business! I much prefer practical stuff over “oh wow where’s your bag from” type stuff so have a Berghaus backpack which we use like a grab-bag with toys, clean clothes snacks etc in it, we’ve had it since DS was born and it’s been super useful (and v reasonably priced!) and DH is quite happy wandering around using it too. It also has those elastic cords on the front which were great for carrying stuffed toys!

A regular backpack or big handbag is fine

Each of mine have their own small backpack with nappies, wipes, spare outfit etc in but we don't have a 'proper' nappy bag. Especially now add is walking more, she carries her own backpack and I find them much easier to fit under the pushchair

I've bought a fold up changing mat that has pockets for a couple of nappies, spare babygro and wipes.

That's all you need then so don't worry. Maybe find some room for sudocream/bepanthen

Have you got a pram yet ? Sometimes they come with a bag anyway

I just used a backpack I already had. Changing bags are a waste of money.

I used a standard backpack but that was only cause DD had reflux and needed several changes of clothes and about a million muslins. Now I just shoved some nappies and wipes in small pouch and shove it under the buggy.

Definitely don't need a specific change bag, any is fine as long as you put what you need in it :)

I just used a normal backpack. I don't think I know anyone who had one of those "change bag" things, and tbh I think it's all a bit of a marketing gimmick.
Wouldn't you just end up with two bags - one bag for you and a separate change bag for the baby? Weird.

You don't need a special changing bag. Just a foldable changing mat and a massive bag to carry around the surprisingly huge amount of stuff you have to carry around when you have a baby. I still have a big rucksack that I carry around when the dc are with me and the youngest is 7!

No. I breastfed and used cloth nappies. For a trip into town or to meet friends for a few hours, I took one spare nappy and a couple of wipes, plus a muslin (use as cover on a baby charging table / to cover yourself when breastfeeding / wiping dribble or sick.

Once weaned, I also took a small insulated lunchbag with food, sippy cup and a bib.

I never bothered with spare clothes and 300 spare nappies. If caught short, I'd have popped to Boots / Tesco for extra nappies and / or a clean babygro or asked a friend to borrow their DC's. But it never happened.

I've bought a fold up changing mat that has pockets for a couple of nappies, spare babygro and wipes.
2 kids and that’s all I’ve ever had. I just chuck it in whatever sizeable bag I fancy, usually a large Longchamp, along with sippy cups and emergency snacks. I’ve also bottle fed and unless your baby is on prescription formula the easiest thing to do is to take a ready made carton and an empty sterilised bottle out with you. You don’t need insulated pockets or any of that nonsense. Baby consumerism is about right!

I don’t think you need a fancy one but I think when you’re carrying a lot it’s better to have something separate than your handbag. I had a fancy studded leather look thing that I imagined I’d use but once I had all the shit in it was heavy and I didn’t want to leave it on the pram / pushchair because a) it was expensive b) it had my purse etc in. I ended up defaulting to the free bag I got from Boots ( god alone knows if they still do it) that I stuck over the handle of the pushchair. That way I didn’t mind leaving it unattended at classes or soft play etc. Everything else I carried in my regular bag - you decant one or two things across it need be.

I didn't even take a changing mat when I went out as I just changed baby on my knee!

I have a changing bag but a normal backpack would have been fine.

I always make sure I have several nappies in there (so I don’t have to stock up every time we take it out and in case of poo explosions immediately after changing), nappy cream, spare outfit and baby grow, a bottle and ready mix formula (FF baby), muslin and bibs, snacks. There is a pocket on the back to put my purse as well.

@ididntevennotice

I didn't even take a changing mat when I went out as I just changed baby on my knee!

How does that work when you have a toddler?

i used a towel to place baby on for changes and a drawstring bag as nappy bag. Towel fit inside the drawstring bag and drawstring bag could be stowed lots of places. it is nice if things like wipes/cream/nappy sacks are in their own pocket.

I had a changing bag (twins) with medical issues so the amount of stuff needed for just a walk was ridiculous. It was massive, heavy and as soon as I could ditch it for a backpack I did!

More than one change of clothes though! One explosion is often followed by another.

I never had a changing bag or a changing mat either. Just a normal backpack.

The one thing an actual “changing bag” is great for is the way they attach to the pram. So much handier than a normal backpack etc. But if this doesn’t bother you then any bag you like is fine! Definitely more than 1 change of clothes though!

I had one with my first, by my 2nd and 3rd I was stuffing a few nappies and a pack of wipes in my handbag.

Any bag is fine, I did buy a change bag and it was useful when my baby was tiny and we went out for a day but other than that I've used the pram/any other bag!
I found that at most I needed a couple of nappies, wipes, spare bottoms plus food and water (milk in the younger days) However if we're only out for a couple of hours, water and a snack is the most I'll think about!
But every single mum at my baby class turns up with a huge stuffed change bag every week for a 45 min class, with their car parked right outside so I'm not sure if they would tell you something different!

Any bag is fine but get a waterproof pouch for inside it, you will need that!