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

- - mich000 said
  - 23 Apr 2013
    6:01 pm
at first I had a cheap nappy bag it fell apart so hubby brought me a large handbag and I use it now

- - claret said
  - 23 Apr 2013
    5:41 pm
I found the most important things how it looks (do you love it, as it’s going to be your staple accessory for at least a year!), how it fits on the pram, then compartments. Personally the insulation was not a priority as I just wrapped my bib around my warmed bottles and the change mat – I never used the bags one just used Huggies disposable ones (chopped in half because they’re way too large) in case the got soiled (which happens often in the early days).

- - addylou said
  - 23 Apr 2013
    4:38 pm
When I had my first, I went shopping the day before I spent the night at hospital to bring him home (he was a premmie) I bought the first bag I could find and it was what I thought was big…boy was I wrong. I did not have enough room for some of his stuff and had to carry around a second smaller bag

- - premmiemum said
  - 23 Apr 2013
    4:31 pm
I bought my first one from big w and then when my second lil one came along I needed a bigger one. I got a much bigger and better one from target and loving it. Its nice brigh one and has plenty of room and extra spots for my mobile and etc.

- - traceyi said
  - 23 Apr 2013
    2:55 pm
For no1 I used an old satchel I used to take to work. Plenty big enough.
Then with no2, hubby had this brain wave that he would buy one unseen. I hated it but felt obligated to use it. You know when it’s their idea, it’s brilliant !@!@!@#

- - allisonbriggs said
  - 23 Apr 2013
    2:26 pm
we had a nappy bag for our first but i ende up just putting the things in my hand bag for my 2nd as it was easier

- - fengari said
  - 23 Apr 2013
    1:12 pm
I think it’s worth it to pay a little extra for a good nappy bag, especially if you plan on having more than one child. A good quality one will last much better and be more functional.

- - sapshu936 said
  - 23 Apr 2013
    11:41 am
These are great tips. I don’t have a nappy bag and use my handbag to carry my baby’s things………..I would love to buy one…….

- - sraluca said
  - 23 Apr 2013
    11:39 am
I just use a shoulder bag the ones that r usually used for school. Its not so pricey and I can use it for many other purposes as well.
Cant imagine me paying over 100 dollars for a nappy bag

- - missyboo9 said
  - 23 Apr 2013
    11:17 am
always hard deciding on the nappy bag. never thought to try it out with the pram before buying. I also looking for one that would be ok for my hubby to use and not look to girly. I think safe colours like black, brown beige are good for this. I know he would never take bub out anywhere if he had to carry a decorative nappy bag.

- - sisterhood27 said
  - 23 Apr 2013
    11:11 am
Nappy bags can be expensive and I find that they intend not to last long, that is why i would go for a much stronger type of handbag and you can always use it later for yourself

- - angelbabies said
  - 23 Apr 2013
    10:10 am
Great tips! I put no thought into buying my first, then second nappy bags and of course our relationship didn’t work out and I had to get a third! A great bag is just so handy in helping you get out and about, you have to have the right fit!

- - nadia said
  - 23 Apr 2013
    10:08 am
I stupidly brought myself a new handbag while I was pregnant because I didn’t realize my nappy bag was now my handbag. silly me what was I thinking that I might go somewhere without my baby haha

- - dreamer1495 said
  - 23 Apr 2013
    9:41 am
Wish I thought a lot more about my nappy bag choice with my first …
I thought a “backpack” would be perfect, I could keep this on my back and keep my arms free …
But really, how often did I go out with just me and baby minus the pram?
For me it, would have been nice to buy a baby bag that I could hang over the pram handle (so I was free of any bags on me) …
Personal preference really …. I just found that the satchel type bag was soooooo much better for us and thankfully I ended up with one of these and used it all the time =)

- - riss_whatever said
  - 23 Apr 2013
    6:50 am
I sure didn’t put much thought into choosing a nappy bag 🙁 The time for bub to arrive was drawing near so I went to Target and grabbed a nappy bag off the shelf and bought it. Unfortunately my personal items don’t fit in it and so I have to take my handbag as well 🙁