Diaper bags: Which is best for you?

Diaper Bags: The Bane of My Existence! You can get diaper bags in all shapes, sizes and varying price tags. Three children later I have yet to find the perfect diaper bag. Perhaps you can learn from my mistakes.

Diaper Bag #1: I went for the cute and cuddly, sage green Pooh Bear bag. While this diaper bag was adorable and roomy and was really actually quite versatile and not too feminine for hubby to carry around, it did not hold up. Within a year that vinyl, easily washable interior was separating from its seams and the whole bag had to be trashed.

In the end, I ended up using a trendy nylon sport bag from Avon which held everything I needed and looked great on my shoulder. (It was Pink)

Diaper Bag #2: With the advent of our second child, I decided it was time to purchase a new diaper bag. This time, forgoing the cute and cuddly diaper bags,I shopped high and low until I found this practical nylon (inside and out) diaper bag that would easily be thrown into the wash. TA DAH! I found it, the "perfect bag". Uh, not exactly. This bag while although it is versatile and durable, it wasn't quite roomy enough for the doings of two children. However, for just one baby, I'd recommend it. It's by BABY ESSENTIALS and was purchased at HBC at around $30.00.

To its testimony though, I still have the bag and it is still in great shape. I've just learned to pack lighter.

Diaper Bag #3: With the birth of our third child I became aware of a program through Nestle where if you sign up for their baby program they send you out a "free" diaper bag filled with coupons, samples and a bottle. Who can say no to free stuff? Initially I loved this bag.  It's a backpack style with one strap. It's fairly versatile, easy to carry and doesn't look like you're carrying a diaper bag at all. Especially for young moms, I think this is a stylish solution. However, if you have more than one small child, it's not big enough.  It fits just the basics, diapers, wipes, maybe one outfit and that's it.  Any more than that and it's constantly popping open.   

This is our current diaper bag to date.  Diaper bag #2 having been retired since we only have one child in diapers left (hallelujah) and don't need to have two going at the same time.  

This type of bag can be found in a variety of colours and prices tags at a variety of stores.

To find the perfect fit for you, it is essential to determine your needs and style. Is it for just one child, will you be traveling a lot with it, is style or durability more important to you?

In the end it comes down to personal taste and what you can afford. If you are wooed by the cute Disney models, just be sure to check the interior. Is the vinyl interior thin and brittle feeling, are the seams well sewn and sturdy. Do the zippers zip smoothly? Does the color match your eyes? (Just kidding) Does it have enough pockets and accessories to suit your needs. Most moms end up using their diaper bag as a purse to save carrying two bags around, so pockets can be important.

My best recommendation is if you know you are planning on having more than one child or even twins, you may need to go for the less adorable and more practical styles. Nylon is very durable and washable and if you can find a bag with nylon inside and out, it's a good buy. You may need to spend a little more and get quality now. However, this is not always the case so be sure to be a smart shopper.

A diaper bag alternative for all you stylish and possibly sporty moms is a sports bag. These come in many different colors and styles and nowadays are quite trendy. Again, just be sure to check the quality of the materials used in its making.  Think, can I wash this if something leaks?

One final thought: Costly does not always mean better so get out there and shop smart!