Practical stuff ...

[LavenderStar]

Hi all
Boring practical question. Does anyone have any advice on what the best changing bag is? I'm going to be a first time mum and have no idea what sort of bag to get or when I will use it or what for etc! My friends are getting me one as a present. I don't want one with cartoon characters all over it!

changing bag as in nappy bag for once the baby is born? If so, personally I thought them the biggest waste of time and money. Get yourself a really nice big handbag instead.

yes, agree, nice big handbag, or a rucksack. Have you got your buggy yet? Get one that will fit in the basket or on the handles easiest

allerhand. I love, love, love mine is it just perfect.
the right size for fititng everything I need in, lots of actually useful pockets that fit thigns like drinks in them
nice colours.
clips to attach it to a pushchair.

someone bought it for me and I have used it every day for about 2.5 years now and I love it

If you join the Boots Parenting Club then you get a voucher to claim a free nappy bag when you buy a pack of newborn nappies. The nappy bag is worth £25, i think and we claimed it and it seems quite good (although baby not born yet so haven't tried it to see how practical it is in use) As you will need the nappies anyway why not do this and ask your friends to get you something else?

Thanks guys. What (if anything) is the difference between a nappy bag and a changing bag?

Has anyone else used the free Boots one, will it last do you think?

PS Thisisyesterday, which Allerhand bag have you got? www.allerhand.com/english/products.php

I had this one with dd - it was great but I have to say that I don't use it now and probably won't use it when no.2 pops out in 3 weeks time: skip hop

I now use a bag like this and one of these to hold nappies and wipes.

I didn't have one with ds1 as decided it was a waste of money and just used lovely beach/summer bag I had - used to drive me nuts as I could never find anything! when expecting ds2 dh bought me a bababing one as a present and I love it - loads of little pockets so you can grab exactly what you need and clips inside for keys and dummys, will be wearing it out by time used it for dc3 as well

if you get one consider what nappies you are using, I have washable ones and most bags are designed for disposable (also not possible to put a couple of washables and small pack of wipes in your handbag when dc gets older like with disposables so change bag worth the investment)

i have the carry-on one.

on your link if you click babycare, it's the fourth one down on the pics on the right-hand side

I think you should get a cheapo bag for the first few weeks until you work out exactly what you need it for. There are loads of bags on the market and all have different pros and cons. Personally, I have never had a proper changing bag. I just never felt the need for one. I have a large-ish handbag and also use the basket under the buggy to hold stuff I may need.

Boots Parenting Club do a free one if you join.

I had one where the pockets folded out to the side and there was a nice little mat in the middle for changing ON. Rucksack style.

Brilliant for changing in places where germ-phobia is triggered cos baby doesn't have to touch anything.

Sadly, I sent it to the local homeless family shelter and have to start searching again for this one!

I started (DS is 6 months old) with a lovely pretty
Cath Kidston one, but it is very big, with a bery small inside! I now have a Caboodle across-the-body rucsac one, which is perfect! It has a pocket for everything, come, with chnaging mat, insultated pocket for bottle of baby milk/water for Mummy, is just the right size. It is very comfy and stable for walking with too.

I also have the Boots freebie, which is really not bad at all. I'd use that to start with, then decide what would really suit you and baby.

Changing bag - Big waterproof bag to carry around gear to change baby.

Nappy bag - small bag like a sandwhich bag to out soiled nappies in.