Can you recommend a lovely changing bag that doesn't look like a changing bag?

[louloubellamozzarella]

It's my 30th birthday in Feb and I'm having my first baby in March.

DH is going to get me a handbag for my birthday pressie. I'd like this to be usable as a changing bag but would like it to be as stylish as possible. Budget is £300-ish max.

I like simple, laid back styles - black or tan leather maybe? Something classic and well made that will last 5+ years ideal. Think as far away from Cath Kidston as you can get :)

I'd definitely consider a non-changing bag that's roomy and practical to be used as one… just not sure whether this is realistic?

Quite like the look of BabyBeau and Storksac styles if that helps… e.g. www.johnlewis.com/babybeau-ellie-leather-changing-bag-brown/p587645?navAction=jump

TIA for your help!

Oioi Australia

I have had a leather maroon one from them that I have loved

Oh I hate any kind of changing bag! They're too bulky and seriously, if you're BFing all you need is a spare nappy and some wipes in your own bag.

I've got a lovely vintage Orca bag that I stuff everything into. It doesn't have a million pockets but i like that.

Pacapod are very good - I think they do a bag which looks more like a handbag, not a patterned changing bag. DSIL has one and she's an incredibly stylish woman.

However, if you can get away without a section for bottles then you could always do what I did. Buy a self-contained changing mat, eg Skip Hop and then you can turn any decent-sized bag into a changing bag.

Avoid pacapod would be my tip. They don't last and customer services not interested if over 1 yr old. V expensive if they only have a 1 year life span (most kids will need nappies for at least double that!)

I got a scaramanga messenger bag like this www.scaramangashop.co.uk/fashion/leather-satchels-and-bags/for-women/leather-messenger-bags/large-wide-leather-messenger-bag-17-inch/prod_4.html , its roomy and has got better looking with age.

For my next baby I am going to buy a lovely big handbag and just get one or two of the pods from pacapod for the baby clutter.

I got a plain black Babymule rucksack type change bag to use on days or and can be worn by dh or me. It comes with a pouch that can fit nappies, wipes, cream, spare vest and change mat included. I take this everywhere in a normal (large) handbag. Pacapod do nice pouch things that will go in a normal bag too.

www.linandleo.com/tan-leather-babybag.php

I like this in tan. It is reduced today too (but maybe only today, not sure).

I have a big black leather bag from osprey. Love it, will carry everything I need it to and just looks like a normal, if slightly large bag.

I have the Elizabeth storksak in chalk, for a leather bag it's not that heavy even when it's stuffed with baby and toddler bits. I looked everywhere for a non changing bag but in the end I came back to the storksak. Sugarjack do some lovely looking bags, but the styles I liked didn't come in the colours I liked. The Elizabeth is pretty neutral so goes with everything. Hth

With DS1 I ditched the bababing bag I had bought within about 2 weeks of his birth. Instead I treated myself to a Massimo Dutti large messenger style handbag which had a shoulder strap - gorgeous, large and practical. And I bought a Skip Hop roll up changing mat with pockets for wipes and nappies: here
With DS2 I just use the Skip Hop thing and shove any changes of clothes etc into a plastic bag which I tuck into whatever handbag I'm using/under the pushchair.

Basically, I would strongly suggest spending the money on a nice handbag which you love, and using a portable mat plus wipes which you can just shove into your bag.

I breastfed both of mine and needed a lot more than a spare nappy, a few wipes and water for ne to drink whlst feeding. Both my girls would frequently leak out of their nappies with poo. I carried at least 4 nappies, 2 spare sleep suits, muslin, and wipes. I would avoid anything that is too heavy when empty as when filled with aforementioned it will be very heavy. I am expecting DC3 and seriously considering the marc jacobs elizababy.

I wish I could be a sling a nsppy and done wipes in a normal bag girl I need a lot more than that too! All 3 if my dc bf but I do still carry my purse/ phone/keys/lipgloss etc and spare pants for dc2, first aud kit, snacks, tissues, spare clothes, muslin, bib etc.

Storksak Eluzabeth are great, I have black quilted leather one and it takes a right old battering, been in hammering rain, slung on the floor, not too heavy to carry even full a great bag. Second Sugarjack, I have a Hannah, satchel style and shoulder bag but they are quite a heavy leather. I dud buy a two new handbag fir going back to work but personally I love my non-baby-bag looking bags fir all the pockets I hate stuff slung in a bag and facing to rummage!!

Thanks for all of the suggestions. Will have a look around for a normal bag that I can add an organiser and mat too as that might be the best solution… however, I do like the idea of that all being included in the bag and the bag being wipe clean with a washable lining if possible.

Still leaning towards the BeauBaby Ellie as my favourite but will take a good look through your suggestions.

Or BabyBeau rather...

Mulbery Rosie bag. You can puck them up at the outlets. They do a Rosie changing bag but they do sell a similar bag at the outlets which is below your budget.

Storksak everytime!!