Backpack for mum of Toddler

[Skate82]

I need backpack inspiration please, I'm a mum to a toddler who's pram/buggy is almost redundant now. I haven't used a bag (other than the obligatory matching pram changing baby bag) for a very long time as the pram was basically my one stop for everything. I'm looking for a backpack that can easily facilitate all toddler requirements but can also double up as a bag for me to use should the occasion ever arise that I leave the house on my own to do something outside a park or playgroup. I've trawled the Internet but without testing them it's so difficult to chose. Any recommendations very welcome. My budget is upto 100 but less would be better. As a side note if its also water proof that would be a bonus.

Have a look at Fat Face, I'd buy one with a wide opening and wipeable insides and two drink bottle holders on the outside - although Cath Kidston bags are good for being wipeable although I don't find those ones particularly comfortable to wear all day.

As you've got a healthy budget I'd get two, one always packed with adult supplies and the other with toddler + parent(or buy some packing cubes from Amazon which are great at sectioning off bits)

Waterproof type tarp back packs https://www.eastpak.com/uk-en/backpacks-c120/day-pak-r-pEK-0A5BG4-3O7-OS--1-.html

https://upsobags.co.uk/collections/birch-backpack

I have an Upso bag for my laptop. I love it. There will be more colour options in after post Christmas restock.

I’ve got a Roka that I use as a changing bag and bag for me. They’ve got a lucky dip at the moment so if you aren’t fussed on colour you could get a bargain.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/insulated-backpack-20-l-nh-arpenaz-500-insulated-grey//R-p-309210?mc=8844396&c=blue&utmmterm=8844396-5045653&gclsrc=aw.ds&&utmmedium=cpc&utmmsource=google&utmcampaign=gbbt-intbract-shopppn-pb-termsts-proof-cvo-roassspd-mspspu-msppsp-msppt-pbbpnl-coml-ennpp-gadsbm-roaapr-cpc&utmmterm=n-pb-termssts-prospd-msppspu-mspsp-mspppt-pbl-ennLowPerf&keyword=&network=g&placement=&gadsource=1&gbraid=0AAAAADygKq0jtynlrSPq670pNE9CK6hKF&gclid=CjwKCAiAg8S7BhATEiwAO2-R6p6D8BtefzGvxH4uKwoblkRod4P8ntbaJXyyRDO5whr8MLaoMIbGxRoCaL0QAvDDBwE

The one I linked has an insulated cooler compartment. I put a small ice pack in when I'm carrying things like yoghurts, snacks, etc for toddler.

Oh it also comes with a compartment at the bottom which has a little groundsheet in it. Has been invaluable on wet park benches.

How old is your toddler? By age 2-3
I had one of those backpacks with reins for each of mine. Within, they carried their own sippy cup of water, a snack, a ziplock bag with a few wipes and a single spare nappy / pair of pants etc.
I didn't really carry much else so just used a normal backpack / handbag for myself. I never really understood the need to lug around 'just in case' Calpol / full change of clothes etc. We kept spares of these in the car and a supermarket is never far away should you suddenly need medicine or emegency trousers when out and about.

Same. I just bring my own bag with a drink, snack, wet wipe, and tissue for my toddler.
She was potty trained by two and two months, so nappies aren't essential anymore. We have change of clothes, activity books (in case we eat out) in the car if we need it.

I have a 3 year old and since the age of two have been buggy-less. Even now I need a rucksack with:

His water
My water
One, or sometimes two, changes of clothes for him (west coast of Scotland is wet and miserable)
3 pairs of socks (again, wet and miserable)
Pair of waterproof trousers
Water wipes and a little hand sanitiser
Lunchbox if we're out for a long day and not going to a cafe
Small first aid kit (he cycles everywhere and is quite wild on the bike, and I know one day I'll end up needing it and not having it)

I also usually have a couple of small books or a sticker book for if we're ever stopping in a cafe.

Depends how active your family is but we are outdoors a lot and for long days. We don't take the car and there's no way I could manage everything without a good rucksack.

@prrrmeow As my username suggests, I also live in a climate that's very wet and rural. With decent waterproof clothing (we swore by JoJo Maman Bebe and Muddy Puddles stuff), we rarely ever needed a change of clothes when out for the day. My kids could sit in deep puddles and stay bone dry! Good wellies tucked under waterproof trousers (ideally with elastic stirrups) will keep feet dry too.
A first aid kit could be replaced with a plaster or two in your handbag. Anything more serious would need medical attention anyway, surely?
No need to pack for an expedition every time you leave the house.

Just giving my experience. I don't understand why you're telling me what I need or don't need to pack.

I pack what I need because I use everything often enough to know that it's essential. Barring a very small first aid kit because that's just incase, things like changes of trousers or socks are needed regularly. Of course I might need the first aid kit for things that don't necessarily mean I need to rush to the hospital. I've removed ticks with it and there are wipes for bad grazes that I wouldn't just want to stick a plaster on. I also have his inhaler.

My son must surely deserve a job as Chief Tester for Muddy Puddles as we have all the waterproofs going and he has still ended up with wet trousers and socks. But when you have a 3 year old who flies about on a bike like mine does through all the mud going, or rides his bike through the burns in the woods, maybe it's inevitable. Waterproofs for us keep him not soaked to the bone. They rarely keep him completely dry. A couple of changes of trousers and socks isn't much for me to carry to make sure he's comfortable if he gets wet.

The idea of carrying a handbag on mountain bike trails with my toddler is a great image though. Like I say, it depends on how active your family and your toddler are. I'll stick with my rucksack and our expeditions. Different people live different lives and my rucksack is packed for what we need, not for a wander down a shopping centre.

I use a Kipling rucksack, plus a separate small Uniqlo bag for valuables. If I'm going out on my own I just take the small bag. Keeping them separate means I can leave the rucksack on the buggy or on the floor when I'm doing stuff eg in a playground, but keep valuables with me.

Personally I still carry a lot of stuff on days out, because we're in London and don't usually use a car, so we bring changes of clothes and wipes etc with us and can't leave it in the car, and usually bring a full packed lunch for all 4 of us, plus some books/toys, so a little handbag isn't going to hold everything we need.

We’ve always used a Pacapod backpack. Loads of room/pockets and the pods that come with are still handy for snacks. DD is 2.5 and we’re almost there with potty training so still need the occasional change, plus we’ve just had DS so it’s useful for both.

Oh I hadn't thought of fat face great call. I'll have a look. Thanks

I've seen a few Roka that I quite like. It'd just a minefield getting the right one for the toddler needs. I'll look more into the Roka ones now.

I have a Fjallraven kanken and it's great - big enough for everything you need for a day, plus has a separate laptop pouch at the back so I use it for travelling to work as well. Keeps things dry in the rain and loads of colour options too.

Don't over think it, compartments are the most important thing and the biggest different between a 'Changing bag' and regular rucksack.

Create your own compartments using packing cubes, cheap from Amazon,
1 one for change of clothes for tot and new top for you
1 nappys and a foldable changing mat or even small hand towel
1 for snacks for you and tot
1 for colouring book and crayons
2 X water bottle holders on the outside

That way you can take out stuff easily if you won't need it that day or if you need something specific you aren't taking random loose bits out and bits of crud/sand/mud whatever it is that ends up in the bottom of bags

I've got a Matt and nat rucksack that I use for my two year old and love it. Use it happily if I'm by myself too. But I am realising from this thread I take less stuff than other people.
They are lovely looking bags though 😊

I use the large Canfield, there’s a laptop space at the back I put the changing mat in and a couple of inner zip pockets (like you’d get in a handbag). I bought a few cheap make up bags from primark and stuff babyfood/bin in one, nappies/wipes/cream in another and a change of clothes in the third. There’s still plenty of space for packed lunch etc and there are 2 x water bottle pockets on the outside which I find a bonus!

He's just over two, not potty trained yet ( that'll be another thread soon too 🤣 ) I don't drive so leaving spares in the car isn't an option I need something that can last me a day out. But, I won't take unnecessary things like the kitchen sink.....snacks, change of clothes, water, coffee flask, nappies, wipes and a colouring book and toy etc.

I've looked at this and it's definitely got everything I'm looking for, we spend alot of time outdoors, long days, I was just hoping to get one that could be versatile for me to use of ever the chance arose I could go out for lunch with a friend withoit LM ( pipe steam know🤣 ). But at that price I could get a second bag, although I am trying to buy less this is a definite contender. Thank you....

Sorry that was for the Quecha recommendation.

I've looked at this and it's definitely got everything I'm looking for, we spend alot of time outdoors, long days, I was just hoping to get one that could be versatile for me to use of ever the chance arose I could go out for lunch with a friend withoit LM ( pipe steam know🤣 ). But at that price I could get a second bag, although I am trying to buy less this is a definite contender. Thank you....

I've looked at this and it's definitely got everything I'm looking for, we spend alot of time outdoors, long days, I was just hoping to get one that could be versatile for me to use of ever the chance arose I could go out for lunch with a friend withoit LM ( pipe steam know🤣 ). But at that price I could get a second bag, although I am trying to buy less this is a definite contender. Thank you....

I've got that Quechua bag too, and just use a different bag when I'm doing stuff without the kids.