Changing bag - what style to go for?

[VirgoPeanutPending]

Not sure if this should be in pregnancy or parenting, so will post in both.

I'm torn between getting a backpack style changing bag and the other flatter kind that go over the pram handles.

What have people found most useful? My thinking is backpack may be best so if we are out without the pram and just the carrier, it'll be more convenient but others have mentioned they like the other flatter style.

Does anyone have a tried and tested preferences/tips please and reasoning as to why?

TIA

I have strong views on this 😂

I am firmly in the anti-backpack camp. They are so impractical to keep opening and closing, on and off your back. You can't just reach in to them if they're under the pram.

I like a large, slightly structured tote style bag that can sit open like a bucket so I can pick things out and chuck things in.

Needs a zip top and over the shoulder handles (bonus if they fit over pram handles too).

The only time I'd ever use a back pack is if I was going on quite an intense day trip where the pram would have to be put up and down multiple times so I would definitely need my arms free to carry baby. Has probably occurred 2-3x in 2 years.

Definitely a back pack! We have a gigil one and I love it

If you have a shoulder type and have it over your shoulder and bend down to pick up your child in their car seat, either you or they will get hit by the bag as it swings round.

1st child had a shoulder type bag. 2nd child a backpack style.

I have 2. A backpack that has a fold out changing section (although we don't use this anymore) and also one that goes over pram handles.
Both types have been brilliant for us, backpack for out and about with only a carrier and the flatter type for use with a buggy.

We had a backpack - I quite liked it, but DP didn't (fitted her less well, things inside digging into her back, I think). I still pack it to take for a day out, and put my own stuff and the nappy changing stuff in it. I think it depends how you plan to use it - PP saying it's annoying to keep taking it off to get stuff out maybe wants one bag for everything, but you could get a smaller pram handlebar bag or console thingy to keep a few bits and pieces in (wipes, drink, snack) and just use the backpack for things that don't need to be accessible all the time.

I have a backpack style but do attach mine to the pram handles 🤔 It has a structured opening so it's easy to see everyone in there and find what I need quickly. It's large so can fit both baby's things as well as my older child's bits (snacks etc.).

I've used a Cath Kidston shoulder strap style bag before but didn't find this nearly as practical.

If you plan to wear your baby a lot then a backpack or even one of each style. If you don’t think you’ll carry baby much then just a clip on one would be fine. To be honest I have just a backpack (I carry baby a fair bit) - but I only use that when I’m going out for a while or farther from home. Day to day I Chuck the basics in a tote bag under the pram but I ebf so don’t need bottles etc. Depends on what you need to carry too!

Definitely backpack, mines a vicloon one that's got front zip pocket with 3 insulated bottle holders, perfect when want a warm bottle when out and about. Also got zip on back so instead of opening top you just go through the back. I find it much easier when dealing with holding baby etc

I got a convertible bag, so could be worn as backpack or over one shoulder. I got one from Storksak.

Honestly I haven't used it much and my baby is almost 18 months. We used the little stroller organisers near constantly though storksak.com/products/stroller-organiser-luxe-black-scuba Just enough space for a couple of nappies, an outfit change, a drink, phone and purse etc.

The bigger bag has come in handy for holidays however, but we found you actually don't need much stuff for babies and toddlers

Iv actually got a caddy bag, one that goes over the pram handles it's really compact and honestly it stops me taking too much excessive crap out with me. It's from bellaboo boutique and I love it. Have used it every day since my daughter was born 10 months ago. Only used the rucksack I bought when I was in hospital!

I think you need both, but neither needs to be fancy. I used the free one you got from Boots baby club (I don't know if they still do this) when I took out the buggy. It came with a folding mat and had enough room for 2 cloth nappies, a bag of washable wipes, a wet bag and a change of clothes. Then if I was using the sling (which I used far more often than the buggy) I used an ordinary backpack and put things in bags inside it so it stayed organised.

Definitely a backpack but just go to a high street sports shop or Amazon. Anything advertised as being for babies will carry a price premium and be a waste of money

Clearly I am in the minority 😂

I do also love my tiba and marl buggy organiser and sometimes only need that and nothing else especially when DC are past needing bottles in the day.

Had a flatter style one that clipped on the buggy and had a shoulder strap. If I was carrying little one in a sling just used a standard rucksack if needed a lot!

Do not get a messenger style one with a big flap that closes with Velcro. Because if you have it hanging on the pushchair, with a sleeping baby, and you need anything out of it it’s a nightmare!

I ended up using a small rucksack we already had a lot. But also had a flatter one on the pushchair.

Having the essentials in a pouch that swapped from bag to bag was handy.

Backpack with lots of compartments was so much easier to access than flatter one that came with stroller for us.

I have bought a backpack one which also goes onto the pushchair handle

I too have strong views! Get a decent backpack, not one marketed as a nappy bag. Make sure it has at least one side pocket that will fit a bottle/ coffee cup (but pref two) and perfect the art of getting it in and out without taking the bag off. I love Deuter bags and they're almost affordable when there's a sale on!

We had the skip hop changing backpack and really liked it.

And we also had a buggy organiser which was super useful.

Hey @VirgoPeanutPending thanks for your thread! We have a round-up of the best changing bags, according to Mumsnetters that might have some good options for you. If you have any thoughts or feedback on the article, do get in touch 💐

I have both - a handbag changing bag and a backpack. Used the handbag until baby was 12 months old then switched but now go between both depending on what we're doing.

We had one of the smaller Tiba & Marl ones when DS was a baby - he didn't need much stuff when we went out (nappies and clothes are small, I was mostly BF and he didn't need much entertainment at that age).

Now he's a toddler we have a backpack that can be worn as a backpack or attached to the pram to accomodate the snacks/books/entertainment that needs to accompany us everywhere.

Obviously feel free to ignore this and do what you like, but my opinion would be: definitely don’t buy a specific changing bag! Such a waste, plus anything targeted at babies is priced at a premium. I’d suggest re-purposing a bag you already have, or at least getting a bag you know you’ll use in the longer term. I mainly use a carrier rather than pram, so a backpack works best for me. My husband and I have a Fjallraven Kanken. A cheap changing mat slots in the laptop space, I use an old cosmetic pouch to hold about 6 nappies, and a small fabric drawstring bag for a change of clothes. Side sections hold a water bottle and a brolly. Plenty of space for a few books, toy, swim kit, bag for life, my stuff… I’ve had it since before my eldest was born, it washes well and and is still going strong for days out with a toddler and a newborn.

I got a second hand Babymel one on Vinted. It’s a backpack style but you can also wear it over the shoulder and it attaches to the pram handle.

I used to have a tote style bag (that came with the pram) but always found it irritating to have it falling off my shoulder any time I had to bend down to pick up my daughter. I also used a sling a lot so preferred a backpack for this.