How to choose a nappy bag

There are so many gorgeous nappy bags available, how do you make the right choice that will go the distance and will meet your needs, as well as those of bub?

If you pick a nappy bag using the same method for picking a new handbag (as a fashion item) you might find that you have an expensive bag that you don’t want or like using. What a waste.

This is the one thing that I wished I splurged on but unfortunately, the pragmatic part of the brain won out and instead of a colourful signature designer bag that I was over the moon about, I ended up with basic black, very plain and entirely serviceable number.

Whatever you decide on, it needs to work. That’s why I’ve put together this list of what to look for in a functional nappy bag – hope it helps:

How does it work with your pram – Think about it, you’ll be using your nappy bag when out and about with bub who will generally cruising in the pram. So how the bag works with the pram is paramount. It needs to fit either neatly in the storage area when full or hang over the pram handles. Ideally take your pram to the store to try for size or alternatively ensure you can return it if it’s not a good fit. Try to get the bag out or off in a hurry with one hand (picture a poo disaster) to really test the fit with your pram.
Change mat – these are durable, generally match the bag and fit neatly inside and will get hundreds of uses in all sorts of situations. I carry a few of these disposable mats in addition to the mat that comes with the bag for those really messy occasions when you don’t want to be wiping down your lovely one.
Sections – great for sorting all the gear you have to carry so it’s easy to find. When you have one hand on baby for stability, it needs to be a one-handed job to reach in and find what you need quickly and easily. Snap lock bags help keep things neat inside.
Insulated compartment – perfect for bottle that is already cooled or heated to maintain temperature while out and about.
Mum’s essentials area – So you don’t have to manage a handbag as well, nappy bags with a special secure area, for wallet, mobile and keys etc are really handy. This is often on the outside of the bag, but they need to be a little tucked away or well secured with a sturdy strap to prevent pilfering.
It is you? – Finally, does this bag express your personality? Would you be happy to carry and use if for the next two to three years or so? Hope so! Because you just never know!

Happy shopping!

Check out the latest nappy bag trends at www.pregnancypanache.com.au.

Do you have any tips and tricks on how to choose a nappy bag?

Image courtesy of Isoki

157 Comments

- - ditto said
  - 26 Aug 2013
    11:53 pm
dont go overboard it is just a bag to carry nappys and bottles and you wont have to carry it for to long

- - missangela said
  - 21 Aug 2013
    11:00 am
Oioi nappy bag was the one I picked it was great.

- - earthlydelites said
  - 20 Aug 2013
    4:09 pm
save your money, try them out in store, have a list of what you think you might need and whether pockets, zippers etc are going to be a positive or a hindrance and trial and error!

- - elmo77 said
  - 14 Aug 2013
    8:57 am
I need to find a new nappy bag but am finding them all to be so expensive. They are so handy though, especially with sections that are useful. Having a 2 year old and a newborn I wouldn’t want to confuse the nappies in a hurry!! 🙂
- earthlydelites replied
  
  26 Aug 2013 , 2:52 pm
  oooh no you want to keep them separate for sure!
- - kmwalters said
  - 07 Aug 2013
    11:55 am
If I had my time over again I would get a nappy bag that doesn’t look like a nappy bag, I would love to have had the options when my kids were babies

- - tammykilby said
  - 01 Aug 2013
    6:45 am
some really goid tips here on what to look for.. i love a nappy bag with lots of different parts for things.
- a-edwards replied
  
  04 Aug 2013 , 12:09 pm
  Indeed they say we take everything but the kitchen sink! True hey
- - yyon4699 said
  - 31 Jul 2013
    5:00 pm
make sure the bag itself is light…I was given one by a friend and the bag felt like a little luggage…heavy and silly

- - kjgarner said
  - 30 Jul 2013
    8:08 pm
I need to find one that is big enough to put 2 lots of everything in it as I have twin daughters

- - rachkap said
  - 22 Jul 2013
    3:30 am
I’ll keep this in mind for the future! Thanks

- - hopefullyheidi said
  - 19 Jul 2013
    9:31 pm
Nappy bags have changed in the 7 years since I had my son. They are now about style and function

- - rachkap said
  - 03 Jul 2013
    3:40 am
Some great tips I will keep in mind!

- - ella12 said
  - 02 Jul 2013
    11:56 am
Really great tips and points to consider here. Thanks!

- - natct said
  - 28 Jun 2013
    11:31 am
I would have loved a good one but alas before your first arrives you have no idea what will be required

- - kefry said
  - 28 Jun 2013
    10:44 am
Compartments are a must! I have storksak which I received on trial and it is THE best!

- - jodimummy said
  - 27 Jun 2013
    2:43 pm
My nappy bag was given to me as a present… Luckily it ticks all the above boxes! And black matches my pram and doesn’t show up dirt!

- - lynzstevo said
  - 23 Jun 2013
    9:10 pm
Love black nappy bags, they go with everything 😉

- - dannielle japp said
  - 23 Jun 2013
    4:51 pm
nappy bags are hard to choose but id definitley base my decision on pockets and space

- - jodie80 said
  - 22 Jun 2013
    7:59 pm
Me to oroton with the matching baby mat was my favourite bag..

- - mstar said
  - 21 Jun 2013
    10:55 pm
Loved my oroton baby bag. A gift from my sister

- - meros said
  - 19 Jun 2013
    3:27 pm
When I was getting a nappy bag I really didnt care about the way it looked. As long as everything fit I was happy. Today there are so many groovy nappy bags.