Changing bags?

[New2020]

I've been looking around for changing bags and really like the skip hop changing bag

But I just can't justify spending so much having spent so much already (and who knows how much of it we will use!)..plus with coronavirus I'm not sure we will be going anywhere soon :(

Which bag did you go for? Any cheaper alternatives or is skip hop really worth it?

I say this as someone who is a merchandisers dream, if it's fancy I'll buy it: honestly any old bag will do. I've bought loads of change bags, expensive ones, cheap ones, but really all you need is something roomy. I've actually been using my longchamp bags which don't have any pockets at all but I use zip lock bags to keep things separate, one for nappies, one for creams, one for snacks etc etc. I like them because they are light and tbh once you fill up the change bag with stuff it's gets quite heavy so you don't want a bag that is heavy to begin with.

We had the silver cross bag that matched the pram. I wanted everything to match so that's what we had.
Truthfully it wasn't the most practical but it matched so I wanted it and used it.

I started this recently lots of replies
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/3964610-Best-changing-bag

@New2020 I got this and love it! Also not girly so fine for my husband too

www.johnlewis.com/bababing-mani-changing-backpack-black/p3855041

@New2020 I was wondering the same as you!! I’ve just ordered the Skip Hop Forma based on other reviews I’ve seen. So it should arrive tomorrow. Figured I can have a look at it and see what the quality is like and can send it back if it’s nothing special 🤷🏻‍♀️ Got it for £56 instead of £70 so not much of a saving but still a little cheaper! Is it a specific Skip Hop one you had your eye on? I seen some really good deals on some when I was looking!

I always say this on these threads, get a nice bag that you (and preferably DH too) will like carrying. I think a backpack is best, especially if you’ll be using a sling. You don’t need a specific “changing bag”, there’s no magic to it. You can buy smaller separate bags to go in it if you think that will be useful. I really recommend the Skip Hop pronto changing mat because you can put that into a bigger bag or use it as a stand-alone nappy bag.

I had a storksak bag that I got from John Lewis for +£100 and it was bloody useless.
Recently changed it for a skiphop backpack that I got from online 4 baby and paid £30. It's absolutely fantastic and I wish I had this one from the beginning!

I had a skip hop it was practical for a newborn over the buggy but not suitable for the toddler stage as I need more of a rucksack as he doesn’t sit in the buggy majority of the time and wants to walk. Just bought a paccapod it’s amazing comfortable straps etc and bag is stylish might use it for myself afterwards

We started with an expensive one, that broke. Replaced it with one of those £20 backpacks from amazon which was tbh better.
At 18m I now use my normal backpack, with a wash bag inside for nappies etc.
As with a baby related stuff, you can spend a fortune if you want but the cheap stuff works just as well and it's not like you use it forever.

I also think you should just get a normal bag that you will like.

With my first, I just had a normal handbag that had metal rings on that I hooked to the pram with some straps from amazon. Now I've got my second, I just put a clean sleepsuit some milk and nappies/nappysacks/wipes in my own black leather backpack.

Don’t get one called a baby changing bag - they are more expensive than any regular bag. Try backpacks from Amazon or Decathlon. Much cheaper and more practical.

'changing bag' is a descriptor added to the title to enable companies to charge you more

The best bag I've ever had - a backpack. It hangs on the pram as well as my back and usually leaves room for that pint of milk or loaf you've forgotten to pick up.

Personally I don't see the fuss with changing bags - it's to hold spare nappies, sanitary pads and baby wipes FGS, they're hardly a fashion statement.

I still use a tiba and mark backpack as my own backpack/change bag four years on! It's a normal looking backpack but I liked the change mat and pouch it came with and the insulated pockets.

Rucksack is so much easier than a shoulder bag, and you can get clips to attach it to the pram.

I use a ruck sack that has now transitioned to her nursery bag. I wanted a compact ish one that I could carry on my back whilst carrying dd on my front in sling or baby bjorn so I didn't have to bring the pram everywhere I went.

www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/fjallraven-kanken-rucksack-E2114260.html?colour=1023

It's been great and much more practical and longer lasting than a changing bag.

We bought a rucksack, but to be honest I use my over the shoulder tote handbags more, I bought an insert that I keep ds's changing stuff in and that gets moved bag to bag depending on what I'm up to.

The rucksack gets used for day trips but that's about it.

I got this one from Amazon and really like it. Loads of room, good quality and lots of pockets to keep things separate.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07LBQJHMD/ref=cmswwrcppapiii_uuHqFbQZC70GP

TK Maxx often sell skip hop changing bags for much less - do a search for the brand on their website. As everyone else says, a cheap backpack is actually the best thing to get. Much more practical and can have a life after the baby stage, it can even go off the nursery and school with them later (much better environmentally).

I preferred to use a backpack. I used a sling a lot and a rucksack is easier to carry. It's also easier once your little one is walking.

I have two changing bags and never use them. I use an old rucksack (from Amazon) for bigger days out and a XL size makeup bag (from Home Bargains) for smaller trips. The home bargains bag fits my changing mat folded up, three nappies, a change of clothes, a mini pot of sudocrem, wipes and some nappy sacks.

I throw that in the rucksack with any extras I'll need for a longer trip out.

I got a changing bag from Ikea which was cheap and it has been great.

I just brought a nice rucksack and then used some old toiletry bags I had to put baby items together. It was useful as you can fit loads it so was great for carrying shopping and going on holiday too. Probably only used it for about 1 year full time as we stopped needing as much stuff then and I've just been taking nappies, wipes etc in whatever bag I'm using.

I have a Skip Hop (the convertible Greenwich) and love it. If you can afford a "fancy" changing bag, get one. Yes, they probably aren't any better than a standard backpack from a functional point of view but I wanted something that looked nice too...there isn't much glamour in the early days of motherhood so grab it where you can if it's important to you

I love Pacapod ones. I think they are much better than just a normal bag.

Have you looked on TKMaxx website? They usually have skiphop ones reduced.

Thanks for the replies

I think I'd prefer a backpack style changing bag as I'd just find it easier with the separate pockets and wanted an insulated pocket for food/ milk

Tbh I'm not that bothered about things matching or a fancy bag though I'm told to prepare for mum envy when I see other mummy's with their cool baby gear.

Had a quick look on tk maxx but no backpack style bags this time!

@RWK29 I was also looking st the skip hop forma...looks good but functionally it's a lot like other bags on amazon for a lot less so struggling to justify the spend

I spent £60 on my babymel changing bag and it was well worth the money; it essentially became my handbag and I normally spend £100+ on handbags so it was similar to that. It’s also lasted to use for my second baby.