Changing Bag - Cheap or Treat?

[Kellyjdancer]

I can't decide which direction to go with a changing bag. Should I just use the free one from Boots? After all, I'm just going to be chucking clothes with baby sick and poo in there... But at the same time, I would imagine I won't also carry a handbag... so should I splurge on something I love and makes me feel good?

I had a boots changing bag to hang on the pram, and a small handbag for my valuables. When DS was a toddler and stopped using the buggy before he was two, I started using a rucksack. Only just stopped using a rucksack, now he's at school, and pregnant again! Will probably do the same this time, but I'm looking at a large kipling bag as well. (Not their changing bag)

With Dd 1 I bought a longchamp bag which is still as good as new. It doesn't have masses of pockets like a standard change bag but I didn't want to buy a bag that I wouldn't really use after a 18 months+. Tbh most days I used a leather tote, then had a little waterproof pouch for nappies wipes and dirty bits etc.

Babymel bags are brilliant, look good and the details are really useful (straps to attach to pram, zipped bottle pocket on outside)

nearly died with jealousy when sil purchased gorgeous changing bag for nearly £300!!! have had some nice ones over this past 2 years for DD1 & probably spent 300 odd quid anyway! Hers is hand held tote & right pain in the arse when trying to carry liads if stuff!

I've now settled on the fact that an across body one is best. have a lovely canvas nautical type one, babymel with tan leather piping. it does weigh a fair bit at times but less than the £120 leather one I had!! across body just leaves you hands free for carrying car seat/child/pushing trolleys pushchairs etc whilst having everything on you.

DH used to use free boots one - again across body & light!

Just upgraded to a peppa pig little rucksack for DD1 but when I'm with her for whole day its just easier to use changing bag! use normal handbag now & again (one if my large ones) but even thats a faff having it in my shoulder... its forever falling down and wacking me /DD

DD2 due in May. SO having a new changing bag. not that its needed but it'll be a nice treat. think I might go for cath kidson this time as they are mostly across body. .. but they are a bit plasticy & not sure if it'll crack & look shabby after a short while.

Bottom line after huge post - across body & light worked best for me but get a nice one that you'll actually like. But then I'm a bit of a bag lady

That's interesting mrs rv, I've gone for a handbag type one (pacapod Sydney) but planning on having it attached to pram most of the time, don't think I could bear the weight of one on my shoulder all the time! I'm going to get a smaller messenger type bag to use for my purse etc as wouldn't want them in the changing bag on pram

DH just bought me a kath kidston one for an anniversary present I have had a handbag of hers for 2 years now and it still looks great so hoping the change bag will do as well. I had really horrid change bags with dd1 and dd2 and promised myself I'd get a nice one this time so I felt like i had a handbag. DH has been smirking for days that I thought he'd got me a handbag.

I'm undecided at the moment wether to purchase a traditional changing bag. I have brought a spare Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM which will be large enough for everyday use or I will use one of my large Birkins.

I'm not really a huge fan if changing bags at all so carrying around two handbags seems like a good compromise.

I've got a momymoo one which I love. Bought it at the baby show at a discounted price of 20 quid, result! I started carrying around a handbag as well but that didn't last for more than a couple of days as it was such a hassle. Now I just chuck purse and keys etc into the changing bag. I also love the matching changing mat which is in constant use, even at home when I can't be bothered to take baby upstairs to the proper changing table :-)

I picked up the boots one, but changed my mind & treat myself to a gorgeous babymel one (reduced in sales) it was a treat to me & figured I'll definitely get my use out of it. I've packed babies hospital things in it ready for labour. The boots one just didn't look big enough, but I might get it for DH to use.
You should treat yourself, everything you buy will be for baby, this is for you both :)