| Every new parent needs a bag to carry their baby's | | | | catch and scratch your baby's sensitive skin. Cloth |
| necessities while they're out and about. Diaper bags | | | | bags use pockets that close with a fold or button, |
| come in many shapes and sizes - from cheap plastic | | | | eliminating the risk of scratching. |
| totes to expensive designer models. With so many | | | | A number of plastic bags on the market contain built-in |
| options on the market, how do you choose one that's | | | | changing pads. More often than not, these pads are |
| right for you? | | | | useless - they're too small to use once your child |
| First you need to consider the capacity of your diaper | | | | grows bigger. There's barely enough room for you and |
| bag. It needs to hold at least one diaper for every hour | | | | baby on changing tables in public bathrooms, let alone |
| you're out, plus all your other baby essentials. A good | | | | your diaper bag and changing pad! You might find that |
| bag includes lots of extra pockets for storing formula, | | | | the purchase of a separate changing pad kept rolled |
| diaper rash cream, baby wipes, food, drink, first aid | | | | up inside your bag is a better alternative. |
| items, a toy or game, as well as your cellphone, wallet | | | | Since most children remain in diapers for at least a |
| and keys. If you have two children, you'll need an even | | | | couple of years (and you may have more than one |
| larger bag! Always consider what you're going to be | | | | little one) your diaper bag needs to be comfortable, |
| putting inside before choosing a baby bag. | | | | durable and wearable. Choose a diaper bag with a |
| You can't research bags without being caught up in | | | | style that matches your personality - your diaper bag |
| the plastic verses cloth diaper bag debate. On one | | | | becomes your main fashion accessory, so choose a |
| hand, plastic bags are wipeable and more widely | | | | bag that coordinates with your outfits and makes you |
| available, while cloth bags (especially those made from | | | | feel chic. |
| natural fabrics) are more environmentally friendly, | | | | If your partner will be spending time running errands |
| lighter, and more comfortable to carry. | | | | with baby, search for a trendy 'Dad bag' in neutral, |
| One mother said "I carried a plastic bag around the | | | | camouflage or pirate prints. Many Dads prefer |
| desert for months, it was terrible! The plastic diaper | | | | backpacks or messenger bags over the traditional |
| bag was heavy and I hated wiping it clean - gross! I | | | | over-the-shoulder or purse-style bag. |
| made the switch to a cotton canvas bag and I've used | | | | Choosing a diaper bag shouldn't be a chore. Plastic |
| that for all three children. Whenever it gets dirty I just | | | | bags are not the only option now that natural fabric |
| pop it in the wash. I'd never go back to plastic diaper | | | | alternatives are more readily available. Just remember |
| bags." | | | | you need to carry your diaper bag everywhere over |
| Many plastic baby bags use zippers, clips and rings to | | | | the next few years, so choose a bag that's durable, |
| hold their extra pockets shut. If you're using the bag on | | | | comfortable and looks great. |
| a change table in a tiny restroom, these fastenings can | | | | |