Is there such a thing as a 'nice' changing bag?

[VWGolfmk2]

I'm a FTM expecting twins and have no idea what to do about a changing bag. Need some tips from experienced mums!

I would like a nice quality bag that doesn't scream 'changing bag' but not sure such a thing exists! It has to be big enough for twins, neutral enough so DP can use it and practical, but also something hard wearing that I'll be happy lugging about for the next couple of years.

My normal bag style is I tend to buy a quality expensive handbag and use it for years, my current is an oak mulberry bayswater, sometimes an amberley or Alexander McQueen etc.

Is there such a thing or am I being naive that you can still have a smart looking bag with twins? Am I better just getting an actual changing bag for the practical design and sections etc, or would a large bag work if I use separate storage bags or the like inside?

I prefer cross body type strap but would consider backpack style at a push.

So far I like a couple of the Elvis and Kresse bags that look hard wearing and Suit DP. Not sure what size I would need, don't want to go too big!

Are there any other suggestions anyone has about what other actual changing bags or other bags which might fit the criteria?

You don't need to buy a change bag, just find a unisex backpack you like that has lots of space and pockets.

Honestly you don’t need a special changing bag.

I had a fold out changing mat from skiphop (jojomamanbebe also did them), a thin packet of wipes (use the full ones at home, swap them into your bag once there’s only a third or so left), a couple of nappies, and a spare babygrow in whatever bag I wanted to use that day.

@GoldenGorilla yes, I did the same. The Skiphop change mat is excellent.

We literally never used our changing bag. I ended up just shoving stuff into my own bag as I preferred it. Eventually I got a sort of pouch with foldable changing mat and room for a couple of nappies and minimal change of clothes which I left under the buggy.

I had a backpack one from Baby Bjorn (? long time ago DC2 is 25!) Used it as a sports bag afterwards. I found it easy to use, so did DH. The unisex backpack is a good idea- I didn't like shoving nappies etc in my handbag etc.

I didn't use a baby changing bag, I bought a big beautiful bag with a long strap strap that would hang on the pram to use instead.

In it I could fit everything I needed with a foldable changing mat/wipes/change of clothes etc.

Tiba and Marl. I still use mine now for day to day and my son is 6.

tibaandmarl.com

A backpack will be much more convenient with twins when you're trying to hold their hands and walk them places. A cross-body bag will swing round and clonk them. Speaking from experience!

A skiphop folding changing mat holds nappies and wipes. Stick a wet bag of spare clothes in the backback.

I had a skip hop bag designed for twins. You will be amazed by how much stuff you have to carry around for two babies at once. You’ll need something big, preferably with lots of pockets because it’s tricky enough finding something with one baby in your arms never mind two - easier if everything has its place!

I had a nice leather bag and used a muji washbag as a ‘changing pack’ with all the nappies etc in. It worked fine.

@SkyeT

https://tibaandmarl.com

These are lovely!

@DaffodilDandilion

I had a skip hop bag designed for twins. You will be amazed by how much stuff you have to carry around for two babies at once. You’ll need something big, preferably with lots of pockets because it’s tricky enough finding something with one baby in your arms never mind two - easier if everything has its place!

This is my worry, that I'll end up with something on the small side and then when the babies are actually here will realise it's totally impractical! Especially when they get older and need snacks, drinks etc.

I'm an older FTM so all my friends are well passed the baby stage and none have had twins so hard getting real life information. I just remember they all seemed to lug massive bags with them.

Thinking the backpack idea is probably best, then it's out the way.

It’s really hard to predict actually - with my eldest I couldn’t breastfeed so ended up needing all the formula stuff as well, plus he had bad reflux so I had multiple changes of clothes (for both of us!) and a wet bag for the wet clothes.

My second breastfed like a charm and had no reflux so needed much less stuff.

So for us using normal bags and just loading up what we actually needed worked best as it varied so much.

I had several bags (bag obsessive) when mine were small. 2 years between my two.

I personally really don't like backpacks in any situation- this is just me, I hate the way they feel. The changing bag was pretty much permanently attached to the pushchair, which was useful when wanting to get stuff out of it as well.

I really liked my pacapod bag, with the two separate pods for changing things and food/bottles. I breastfed but the feeder pod was useful when they grew older and needed meals/snacks/water bottles. I loved how organised it felt, but I did also find that there wasn't much room for anything else once the pods were in. You can buy the pods separately though, and would recommend them even for using inside another bag. I've just looked on their website, and if you aren't averse to backpacks the picos one is the they recommend for using with twins- I reckon it would have loads of life in it for using as the kids get bigger too.

www.pacapod.com/collections/changing-bags-for-twins

I personally would avoid a leather bag because of the weight. I can imagine it would be so so heavy with everything inside it.

how about a longchamp pliage with an organiser?

I’m super happy with my paca pod - good suggestion PP.

Buy a nice backpack.

I didn’t have a changing bag, honestly they’re bullshit marketing.

I didn’t have twins just singles and I breastfed so no bottles, just nappies, wipes and a change of clothes. I have a medium mulberry Cara.

I've just bought a Storksak st james in black leather, which looks a bit less like a changing bag. They do a few leather ones that are nicer than your average changing bag.

Maybe have a look at www.jemandbea.com as they're nice quality and stylish.

Jem + bea baby bags are lovely, they are more like large totes.

Honestly just buy a rucksack you like from Primark. It'll get bashed around so don't use anything you're precious about. The 'baby changing bags' are just a rip off.

This style, and when you have finished using it as a baby bag it makes a perfect weekend bag

I only used a changing bag for the first couple of months and won't be using one again (currently pregnant). Instead, I just use my Neverfull bag and throw in a couple of nappies and wipes and maybe a change of clothes. When I was bottle feeding I had a small cooler bag with a couple of bottles in there that fit in my tote. I don't carry snacks for my toddler, I feed him before we leave the house. I always have a bottle of water with me and I just share with my toddler.

Rucksack for me. Had a proper change bag with my first, with a long shoulder strap and hated it, always bashed me as I walked and felt lop sided.

Brought a Roka rucksack with my second. Frees up hands and it’s unisex plus I’m happy to use it when I’m child free (very rarely!). It lacks pockets but I use wet bags and nappy pods to separate stuff out.

I’m a fan of a Totsbots happy mat too - soft & washable.