Pros/Cons of Diaper Bags

Kristin - posted on 03/18/2009

I have a Vera Bradley diaper bag and I love it but would love one about 1/2 its size for just running to the store or out for a short time. I just need to hold my wallet (instead of carrying a purse too), 2 diapers (1 for each twin), sippy cups and a snack.

Joy - posted on 03/18/2009

Quoting Leah:

I think something that would be different from anything I have seen is have a bag that can zip another part of a bag onto it. Sometimes I don't need all that much stuff but if I am going out for a long day, I need something bigger! I think it would be cool if it had a part of the bag for bottles that has the thermal lining stuff.

That's a really good idea!  That's how my suitcase is that I took to the hospital when I had my son...only on a bigger scale.  I used the big part for clothes and books and the smaller part for bathroom stuff.  I really like that idea though because you're right, for a quick trip I don't need a ton of stuff, just a diaper, a sippy and some wipes.  But for a bigger trip just attach the two bags and pack it all.  Sorta like a "two in one" diaper bag.  If they made one like that, I'd buy it.

Leah - posted on 03/18/2009

I think something that would be different from anything I have seen is have a bag that can zip another part of a bag onto it. Sometimes I don't need all that much stuff but if I am going out for a long day, I need something bigger! I think it would be cool if it had a part of the bag for bottles that has the thermal lining stuff.

Jana - posted on 03/17/2009

  I used a diaper bag that went over my head (the strap was diagonal across my chest from shoulder to hip)  It stayed on my back verses along my hip. I LOVED this style because it would never fall off my shoulder no matter what I was doing or carrying.  Aside from the style, It really didn't offer anything special. 

 Since you asked for imput, my perfect diaper bag would include...1. one big space with different size pockets along the outside (some inside), opening from the top. The items that I carry around in the small pockets never seem to change, but sometimes I need a big space to bring extra clothes or toys.  I don't have much flexiblity in what I can put in the diaper bag because each pocket is designed for something but not much extra space.

 2, a "cooler" pocket/area for bottles but also big enough to hold a yogurt or baby food for when the baby gets a little older.  Because mine "cooler" only holds a bottle I had to start toteing around another "cooler" to hold my daughters food because I couldn't fit an ice pack and a yogurt in the same spot. 

3. I second the pull out piece for when you just need diapers/wipes! 

4. I also second the "grown-up" look, I don't need a "baby" diaper bag, I'm carrying it, I would like some style since it is hard it enough to dress stylish post-baby! 

5. I would also like a medium pocket that has a large strip of velcro on in to keep it closed...once my daughter learned how to open zippers, cell phone, camera, pacifiers all get shoved in my pants pockets because I don't want her to have them but I can keep things closed with zippers. 

That's all that I can think of now, I hope you get lots of ideas because I think depending on the mom, there are lots of different needs that aren't being met with current diaper bags.  Unfortunately, we don't know what we don't like about diaper bags until after we have spent money on them and they can't be returned.  Good luck if you do start a line of bags, I think it would be fun!

Kelly - posted on 03/17/2009

Quoting Bethany:

My most recent bag (Columbia Vertical Glide- I have at least a half dozen by now, though, haha!)has lots of pockets on the inside which I thought was great- except that if you put anything in the pockets it takes up all the interior space so there is barely any room for the larger items you would normally throw in the main part- like an extra shirt or your wallet. What I love about it though is that it has an easy to get at zippered part on the outside for your keys or a soother...the stuff you definitely want to get to fast without having to search!

So ultimately- inside pockets are great but I'd rather have a wide open space if I had to choose. Bottle size pockets (either interior or exterior) are also a big sell for me so that the bottle doesn't tip and leak. A way to hang it on the stroller is nice too- either with separate straps or just a longer main strap that will fit over the handle and drink tray. My favorite bag has two shorter shoulder straps so I either have to put it in the basket or hang it on my mommy hook.

I'm also not a fan of baby-ish diaper bags- I don't see why it has to look any different from what I'd normally carry just because it has diapers inside. But I'm also the scroogey mom who hates cartoon characters on anything- including baby stuff! haha!

Good luck with your business!

I agree w/ the comment in baby-ish looking bags.  My backpack/diaper bag looks like any other backpack.  It's green denim w/daisy pattern accents on the top flap side bottle pockets.  Then when they are no longer in need of a bottle, you can use it for water/drink holder.

Kelly - posted on 03/17/2009

Quoting Amy:

BACK PACK!! Either a 2 or 1 strap one. I never used anything else once I found one. It is great to have an insulated part to keep pre-made bottles in too.

I use a backpack, too.  With a toddler to hold onto and chase and an infant to hold/carry, I need hands free.  My mom sews and made me a nice one.  It has pockets on the sides to hold bottles and a pocket on the outside for small stuff so it does't get lost (first aide kits, hand sanitizer, tissues, certain toys.

Lori - posted on 03/17/2009

Lots of space.  The one I have now is too narrow.  But it is lined with clear plastic inside.  I like that I can see the design but easily clean it out.  I also have say that I applaud you for going right to the source and asking us what we like!  So many things are made without consideration to the buyer.  Good luck! Hats off to you!

PS let me know when you are ready, I'd love to buy one!

Heather - posted on 03/17/2009

My dream diaper bag would be a bag large enough to hold supplies for an entire day (I am sometimes gone on long day trips and need enough diapers and milk/juice to last the whole day).  However, I hate having to take the whole bag in with me if I only need a diaper, wipes, and a bottle/cup, so I'd LOVE to have a bag with a pull-out piece that I could just grab when I needed it.  I also like to have a super organized bag so I can find things quickly so having lots of pockets would be great.  A place to store cold items would be beneficial for me.  I'd prefer a stylish bag with a secure closure (zipper, velcro or snap) that is easy to carry (carrying a baby/toddler is hard enough on the back).

Bethany - posted on 03/17/2009

My most recent bag (Columbia Vertical Glide- I have at least a half dozen by now, though, haha!)has lots of pockets on the inside which I thought was great- except that if you put anything in the pockets it takes up all the interior space so there is barely any room for the larger items you would normally throw in the main part- like an extra shirt or your wallet. What I love about it though is that it has an easy to get at zippered part on the outside for your keys or a soother...the stuff you definitely want to get to fast without having to search!

So ultimately- inside pockets are great but I'd rather have a wide open space if I had to choose. Bottle size pockets (either interior or exterior) are also a big sell for me so that the bottle doesn't tip and leak. A way to hang it on the stroller is nice too- either with separate straps or just a longer main strap that will fit over the handle and drink tray. My favorite bag has two shorter shoulder straps so I either have to put it in the basket or hang it on my mommy hook.

I'm also not a fan of baby-ish diaper bags- I don't see why it has to look any different from what I'd normally carry just because it has diapers inside. But I'm also the scroogey mom who hates cartoon characters on anything- including baby stuff! haha!

Good luck with your business!

Amy - posted on 03/17/2009

BACK PACK!! Either a 2 or 1 strap one. I never used anything else once I found one. It is great to have an insulated part to keep pre-made bottles in too.

Fran - posted on 03/17/2009

stroller straps, stroller straps, stroller straps. that is the reason i got the carters messenger bag and used it for two years and then bought a baby bag by kate spade (great deal at the outlet). and as always a separate changing pad. let us all know when they come out! good luck!

Joy - posted on 03/17/2009

Quoting Jenny:

sturdy, easy to clean, lots of pockets...I agree with Christine mesh pockets are good, make sure there are a couple of bottle pockets, i never minded it being big...the bigger the better....because i packed the whole nursery....lol....also the design, I wanted it to be babyish...cause it's a baby bag...not a purse...but you would probably want to offer both...

My whole reasoning of having the diaper bag look more like a purse is simply because I don't like having to carry both.  LOL!  Like I said earlier, before I had my son I didn't like carrying a purse period.  So having a bag that is both stylish and practical and not too expensive would be nice.  Funny thing is though, with everything else we TOTALLY babied out...his room, his bathroom....everything, including the car.  It was just this one little thing I was like "HEY, what about ME?" lol 

Jenny - posted on 03/17/2009

sturdy, easy to clean, lots of pockets...I agree with Christine mesh pockets are good, make sure there are a couple of bottle pockets, i never minded it being big...the bigger the better....because i packed the whole nursery....lol....also the design, I wanted it to be babyish...cause it's a baby bag...not a purse...but you would probably want to offer both...

Maurine - posted on 03/17/2009

I need a bag that can sit up when I put it down so I don't have to hold it with one hand and sift with the other (all the while holding baby half the time!). Also a zipper or something that closes the bag completely...so that when it does fall over, everything doesn't fall out. I also like something that distributes weight across my body and not just on one shoulder. Right now I"m using a backpack half the time (though my stuff falls out and it is huge and bulky) and a messenger bag the rest of the time (that goes diagonally across my body). And of course, pockets pockets and more pockets!

Joy - posted on 03/17/2009

Well, I don't like even having to carry a purse, so I always got the smallest one I could get away with and still have everything I need.  A friend of mine got me a diaper bag for my baby shower and of course I said I loved it but...truthfully I can't stand it.  It's so big that if I use it as a purse / diaper bag, my stuff would be all mixed in with his stuff and it would be a mess.  The other thing I don't like about diaper bags is, unless you have a ton of money to spend, they all LOOK like diaper bags...mine has Winnie the Pooh on it.  There are some "stylish" diaper bags but they are pricey.  So what I did was...I went to Target and got a nice purse that isn't too big.  It's got JUST enough room for me to put my wallet, keys, a tampon, a few diapers, a spare onesie and a "to go" wipe case (one of the skinny ones).  That's what I take with me at all times.  If he's spending the night at Grandma's I use the regular diaper bag.  Anyhow, if you're gonna start making diaper bags....keep style in mind for the Mom.  They don't all have to look like diaper bags and they don't all have to be pricey.  Good luck in your new business! 

P.S.  If you need someone to do "market research" or "product testing"...ooohhh mememememeMEEEEE! lol

Julie - posted on 03/17/2009

I'm still using freebie ones from the hospital ... I don't like the cheap zipper or cheap zipper pull, cuz', let's face it, you need them to be sturdy! one bag lost a tooth in the zipper within a few weeks, and my zipper pull just busted on the same bag (using it lightly since July 08). I like my bag with pockets on the long ends for a water bottle (mine) and a regular bottle -- these are especially handy if they are mesh and have a bungee or other draw-cord-like containment at the top.

Christine - posted on 03/17/2009

Lots of pockets... I love mesh pockets throughout the inside of the diaper bag, this way things are organized, but you can see where everything is. Small and compact ones I prefer, enough to hold one bottle, a bottle of water, a formula container, change of clothes, bib, changing pad, 3 diapers, and a small wipe container. Thats my dream bag : ) Good luck!