Question To Ask your Self When Buying a Diaper Bag!

You may not get to choose your baby’s sex, control how many hours you spend in the delivery room or have a say in the bizarre cravings your body cooks up while pregnant. However, the world is your veritable oyster when it comes to many other baby-related things, such as nursery decor and infant necessities.

That, of course, includes diaper bags. Before you run out and buy one, though, it’s important to first determine your needs. Thousands of diaper bags are available for purchase, but keep in mind that not all are created equal. Additionally, what you’re looking for in a diaper bag may vary from other moms and dads. If you’re shopping around for the perfect diaper bag, ask yourself these questions before buying:

How Much Space Do You Need?

If you’re a stay at home parent who only leaves the house for short periods at a time, carrying a huge bag with room for multiple meals, dozens of diapers and other baby necessities isn't ideal. Ultimately, too many unnecessary pockets can make it difficult to stay organized. Contrarily, if you’re a heavy traveler or consistently on the go, a bag that fits everything you need is mandatory.

Make a list of items you’ll carry with you on a regular outing, then go from there. Consider whether you’ll use cloth or disposable diapers and whether you’ll use formulas or breast milk. If you’ll use your diaper bag as a personal purse, make sure there’s enough room for your things, as well (cell phone, wallet, keys, etc.).

Is It Comfortable to Carry?

Don’t forget that your diaper bag will go with you almost every time you leave the house. Two factors to consider carefully when purchasing include the bag’s weight and whether or not it’s comfortable to carry.

Soft and wide straps will cause less strain on your body, as will a lower weight. When shopping, bring a few water bottles (or items of comparable weight) and walk around the store with the items inside any potential diaper bag. Can you carry it easily with one hand? Does the strap dig into your shoulder? Is the bag itself very heavy?

Check out the OiOi Blue Ikat Messenger Diaper Bag, which features cotton web adjustable shoulder straps, protective metal feet on the base for when you need to set the bag down and a 100% organic cotton canvas with water resistant finish.

How Long Will It Last?

This question applies both to the diaper bag’s durability and whether you’ll be able to continue using it even after your little one is out of diapers. Darker materials are less likely to show stains and bags with a waterproof lining and/or exterior are also good choices.

As for fabric, your best bet is to choose a bag that can be easily wiped down or washed. Additionally, zippers are often a better choice compared to Velcro, as Velcro’s “sticking power” deceases over time.

Lastly, thoughtfully designed bags that don’t necessarily look like diaper bags may be nice for post diaper days. For example, check out this discreet Week-Ender Tote Diaper Bag by Kalencom.

Who Will Use The Bag?

If you’re sharing a bag with your partner, opt for something that’s asexual in appearance. Men will likely have no interest in carrying around a floral or frilly diaper bag, and some women may not be comfortable carrying a diaper bag that leans ultra masculine.

If the bag is primarily for your use, you’ll have more flexibility when it comes to aesthetics. However, keep in mind that babysitters, grandparents and friends may also carry your diaper bag sometime down the road. This Skip Hop Duo Essential Diaper Bag in Heather Gray, Black and Charcoal is a great unisex option.