Diaper Bags

Important Diaper Bag Features

Before you begin your search for the perfect diaper bag, you'll need to decide what features are important to you. Diapers bags have certainly evolved over the last couple of decades, and moms can now have a bag that is both trendy and practical. Still, there are always certain features that are essential.

Size of the Bag

When your baby is just an infant, you'll probably carry lots of baby supplies, including formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, a change of clothing, blankets, and other accessories. Once your baby becomes a toddler, you'll still need room for his toys, books, snacks, and other accessories. Some women prefer keeping a larger diaper bag in the car, while they might take a smaller one with them into stores and other places.

Bag Closure

How does the bag close? Does it allow for easy, one-handed access, or is it more difficult to open? Although large buttons and zippers might look appealing, Velcro or snaps usually offer easier opening, especially when you are holding onto to a wiggly baby!

Material=

With so many designer diaper bags on the market today, material choices are endless. One thing is for sure, however. Be sure the diaper bag is washable. Vinyl or faux leather is usually easy to clean. Spills just wipe right off. Many women prefer fabric bags, so choose one that can be tossed into the washing machine.

Compartments

What would we do without all of those diaper compartments to store everything? Look for at least two compartments on the outside of the bag for easy access, as well as several compartments on the interior to store diapers, wipes, snacks, bottles, and other accessories.

Additional Accessories

Many women love insulated bottle holders, as well as detachable key clips, and changing pads. Be sure the changing pad is removable and washable, as well as the insulated bottle holder.

Types of Bags

Now that you have some idea about the features to look for in a diaper bag, it's time to decide what type of bag you prefer. Are you looking for a dependable diaper bag that just gets the job done, or would you rather make a fashion statement? Another key question is how much money do you want to spend? You can pick up a basic diaper bag for as low as $15.00, but you can also spend over $100 for a designer bag. If you have a particular bag in mind, but it doesn't quite fit in your budget, you can always place it on your baby wish list for any showers that friends or family might be holding for you. Consider the following diaper bag styles:

• Trendy Diaper Bags-You can special order trendy diaper bags made of designer fabrics, complete with baby's name embroidered on the outside. Some bags are embellished with rhinestones, feathers, ribbons, and sequins.
• Daddy's Diaper Bag-Dad doesn't have to feel left out. There are lots of more masculine diaper bags, some of which are in the form of a backpack. They may feature sports themes, or they may simply be made out of sturdy canvas, vinyl, or cotton material in tan, navy, hunter green, and other guy colors.
• Get the Job Done Bag-Many hospitals give diaper bags away as a promotional product for formula or other baby supplies. Although these bags don't feature trendy or designer looks, they do get the job done, and they're often filled with supplies and coupons.
• Cute Diaper Bags-Some parents love the cute bags patterned after favorite characters, such as Winnie the Pooh, or decorated with boats, flowers, bears, or choo-choo trains.

Where To Buy

There are many places to search for diaper bags, but don't forget to look for some good used bargains at consignment sales, yard sales, consignment shops, and on Ebay.

Other popular Websites include the following:

• Stella Maternity
• Baby Catalog
• Bella Blu Maternity
• Diaper Bags
• Dream Time Baby
• Pottery Barn Kids