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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Changing Bag

26 replies

finallypregnant · 15/02/2008 16:17

Hi,

Do you have any recommendations. It will need enough room for all the stuff that goes with a baby and a changing mat.

It will be very well used so needs to be long wearing and sturdy as well as unisex!

Did you guys get anything specific or just an extra large bag.

Budget is decent as it will be used lots.

THanks

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SoupDragon · 15/02/2008 16:19

Something with lots of pockets. I had a "proper" changing bag for DSs and a laptop bag from Gap for DD. The laptop bag was far superior to the changing bag!

Original poster

finallypregnant · 15/02/2008 16:25

that's a good idea. thanks

OP posts:

MrsBadger · 15/02/2008 16:26

oh yes, get a normal bag (with a long shoulder strap to hang over pram handles) and put a travel change kit thus or similar in it.

I'd consider getting a non-investemnt (ie cheaper) bag (max £40, say) so you don't feel bad about buying a new one when you're fed up of carrying it all day every day for a year and want a change.

Playingthewaitinggame · 15/02/2008 16:42

There are some good changing mats/bags here. Also this may sound like a dumb question but if its your bag why does it have to be unisex? Its for you not the baby?

imaginewittynamehere · 15/02/2008 17:05

Skip Hop are great - they are great as they have special straps to attach to pushchair as well as a sholder strap & loads of compartments. I have this in charcoal

I have a unisex one so DH will be happy using it too

There are some offers out there on them - can't remember where I got mine though

Playingthewaitinggame · 15/02/2008 17:21

Would your DH really not carry the bag if it was pink? Surely not, mine carries my Pink and Choc stripe baby changing bag even when it is simply being used as an overnight bag, doesn't bother him in the least.

mellymooks · 15/02/2008 18:11

Do you know what? I looked at loads of specific changing bags and got so pissed off with how pricey they were because they were selling themselves as being "special" that I ended up getting a really funky rucksack that was lined and had loads of pockets and compartments. I have found this so much better because I spend a lot of time out and about just me and LO and I can just chuck rucksack on my back and forget about it leaving both hands free to lift carseat in and out, push pram etc etc
As a first time Mum, it is def. what I would recommend for ease of use and one of the best pre-arrival decisions I made!

MrsBadger · 15/02/2008 18:15

oh and sod unisex

get a glam handbag you'd be proud to carry around and if dh is fussed make him buy his own. £3 Primark canvas satchel or similar would do fine.

Buckets · 15/02/2008 18:26

Backpack style - hands free! You just don't want a shoulder bag flopping in your way all the time.
Esp vital if you have a toddler's hand to hold while pushing the pushchair with the other. Or baby on your front, backpack on back and toddler napping in pushchair and a very triumphant 'I can do anything' feeling .

jeanjeannie · 15/02/2008 18:58

I'm with Mrsbadger.....forget unisex - get yourself something you like - it'll be stuck to you for years! DP splashed out for a storksak for me....and I LOVE it. It's practical, fits over pram handles and looks like something I'd actally carry in real life . My DP just uses a laptop bag - or a resuable bag from Tesco

dolly1 · 15/02/2008 19:39

Can I highjack quickly and ask if a normal large handbag with a toilet bag inside it would do? Can't face carrying something that looks like a school bag with a big strap!
Planning to use normal one and just hang it over the hooks on the side of bugaboo rather than over the handle if you see what I mean?
Has anyone tried that?

flowerybeanbag · 15/02/2008 19:41

I have this Lin and Leo one which I always recommend on these threads. We have it in turquoise, DH is more than happy to carry it.

V handy having all the pockets, matching changing mat, bottle holding pockets etc

Onlyaphase · 15/02/2008 19:42

Yes Dolly, I have just used a normal bag for the last 16 months. For the first 10 months or so it always seemed really full, now I tend to take out less.

It was a Boden bag, with straps just long enough to go over my shoulder, in cheetah print. Cheered me up after looking at hundreds of washable wipeclean change bags.

spugs · 15/02/2008 19:43

i got the bugaboo one and its crap, lots of poclets and looks huge from the outside but tiny on the inside id stick to a big normal bag and save the cash

Peachy · 15/02/2008 19:46

Agree it ahs to be something you like- unisex can be handy if you want your Dh to use it BUT ultimatel;y a carrier will suffuice so if he has an issue, take him to Safeways and grab him a freebie.

I have just bought the cath kidston cowboys one, its lovely- sturdya dn will cope with babies needs AND the changing gear fro ds3 (SN so still in nappies)- not cheap but I amde it my big PG treat.

lovetIngles2 · 15/02/2008 19:54

At work yesterday, I saw a woman with the most adorable Oilily Russian Doll changing bag. It was GORGEOUS! I would even entertain the idea of having another LO JUST to get the bag!
It was £100 though..
Don't know whn or where she got it, but you can buy them here

grannyslippers · 15/02/2008 20:23

Second the rucksack/backpack - you need both your hands.
I have the Phil and Ted's one because it clips on the pushchair but a GBP10 (sorry the pound sign lost off my keyboard) reebock rucksack was fine for the first year.

Basically you need 3 compartments.

Dirty stuff: Nappies, foldup mat, wipes case, plastic bags
Clean baby stuff: food, drinks, bottles, spare clothes
secure section for your own purse, keys etc

Mobile phone pocket is always on the strap.

These are great for insulating bottles, much more space efficient than bulky zipped things.

If your pushchair has 2 handles, the backpack straps will go over them, if it has one handlebar then a messenger bag would be better.

grannyslippers · 15/02/2008 20:25

Should add that I asked the same question recently (tired of carrying that scruffy grey rucksac around now!) and was directed to an OiOi Hobo. Veeerrry nice see

sweetkitty · 15/02/2008 20:32

I got a Denim Samsonite Rucksack changing bag from TK Maxx bargain £15 has loads of compartments, changing mat (good for babies rubbish for toddler), bottle insulator thing, nice inside pockets that hold juice beakers, it's great really.

cmotdibbler · 15/02/2008 20:39

For longer days out I use a cheapish rucksac, for 2 nappy length occasions, I have a smallish shoulder bag.
Dirty stuff goes in a washable nappy bag, so don't feel the need to have a divided bag, and DS never stays on a changing mat, so don't need one. When he was small enough to stay still, I carried round a terry square.

charlotte121 · 15/02/2008 21:27

i got a free 1 from boots!!!! i joined the mother and baby club and got sent vouchers i got it when i bought a pack of huggies nappies and it was pretty gd... didnt last long but now my little boy is older i want something smaller just to use when im out and about. I ended up buying a nice trendy one from Animal which fits all my bits and bobs in but still has space for a bottle and a few nappies etc when im just dashing out to the shops. I dont think its worth spending a fortune. Make sure u get something that has a wipeable surface or can be put in the was tho. I was forever spilling milk in mine. Char x

Buckets · 16/02/2008 08:48

I would say go unisex for the first baby - you don't want to give your OH any excuse not to be useful. By the time 2nd child comes along he'll be quite oblivious to Cath Kidston florals because he'll be on autopilot.

BabiesEverywhere · 16/02/2008 09:13

As I used a sling, I try a few bags and ended up with a waist pack...it is a crosas between a rucksack and a bum bag.

i.e. Big enough for all the stuff yet only straps around waist (no shoulder straps)and fits great under the slung baby at the front or on your back...totally hands free travelling

Original poster

finallypregnant · 16/02/2008 10:36

Some gorgeous bags you have given me. Thank you.

As for unisex, well, he will be our baby not mine and I wouldn't force a pink bag on DH just because I liked it!

OP posts:

Sunshinemummy · 16/02/2008 10:40

I have an Oioi Messenger and it's been fasntastic and DP had no problems carrying it.

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