Diaper Bag Dilemma

When I was pregnant I was sure that my diaper bag would be a passing problem and that I would resume the use of my beautiful designer bags with haste. The reality is that the diaper bag is designed for more than diapers, it holds everything: bibs, toys, baby food, emergency formula for the longer than expected quick trip to the store, lip gloss, my clutch, cell phone, first aid kit, and yes stuff for a diaper change.

When I registered for my diaper bag I originally planned on picking a Vera Bradley bag. But, I wasn't sure I wanted to commit to a pattern and as of late I haven't been as happy with how the corners of my Vera bags have been wearing (they just don't make them like they used to); so in the end went for a less expensive more my 'style' carters bag. (Black, white turquoise what's not to like)


 I also received a JJ Cole bag (a brand I've been raving about).

After using both I have some critiques. The Carters bag- I wish the outside pocket that had the fold out changing pad would stay closed, basically you cant store anything in this pocket. Further I wish it had more interior pockets. JJ Cole is a great bag with a lot of pockets but the seams needed reinforcing. I still would recommend either depending on your price point, size requirements and style.

I subscribe to a few other blogs with new mommy's and one bag that has caught my eye is the petunia pickle bottom bags (some pictures below). At the time I thought these expensive bags were a waste of money, though really not more than a Vera Bradley bag. In retrospect, I may have underestimated the importance of the diaper bag.

We use the carters bag as our daycare bag as it seems to hold her day to day needs well. As with the numerous pockets of the JJ Cole holding my emergency items for our shopping trips for our around town travels. Is one brand better than another? One shape better than another? Must you have the most expensive bag? I can't answer these questions as I think its very personal. But, I will say this: you will carry this bag everywhere you take your child. Whether you like it or not. And, when you have bags of groceries, shopping bags, recycles/ garbage as your walking out the door, the dogs on a lease and a baby in your arms or in a carrier, you will no longer be willing to add your purse to the mix, at least I'm not. So pick wisely, you will use this bag long after your baby swing, rock n play, momaroo, and all the other highly researched items you purchased/ registered for. (Note I have a coach diaper bag that I've had for years and use as a briefcase type bag, it has held up well but I wasn't willing to let go of its use at work to return it to its creator's intended purpose)

Maybe this is a good place to splurge. Maybe you think I'm crazy and throw all your baby gear in a canvas tote. Either way, think about it because it will be something you use day in and day out for years to come.

PS- get a bottle cooler. You can thank me later.


UPDATE: I am having some issues with the durability of the jj-cole handles. The coating is coming off, very disappointing. I saw my friends this weekend with Vera diaper bags and I'm not wondering why I was so turned off. I noticed the piping on my newer Vera bags fraying but was it so bad? I just don't know. If someone has a recommendation, I'd surely take it. I also heard good things about pottery barn diaper bags but I don't have any first hand experience.
*I am not the owner of these images, they were found on Google images.