Why Carry a Ton?

They sell diaper bags in every shape, size, and color variety.  Each one has it's own perks.  You can even have one for every outfit, but do you really need to spend that much, and do you really need to carry that much?

You are already carrying a baby why carry a 10lb diaper bag to top that off.

Most people who have a large bag fill a large bag, so my suggestion is to down size.  Even if you use cloth diapers, formula feed, and take the bus this is possible. 

I used the Eddie Bauer mini tote for my first son's entire first 3 years.  I could fit 3+ one size fits most cloth diapers in it along with a package of wipes, a small toy, a cup of snacks, a burp cloth, and a small receiving blanket was easily tossed on top if I thought I might need one.  On each side pocket I could fit a bottle or sippy cup, and in the back pocket I could fit my take n toss disposable dinner mats, as well as a thin changing pad.  Unlike us babies don't care if they are laying on hard plastic.  On the inside pocket I kept an extra set of breast pads for myself when I was breastfeeding, and some feminine hygiene products.  The front pocket was all mine.  I kept my money, bus pass, keys, check book and just about anything I would need while I was out in that front pocket.

I could get on a bus and be gone for 5+ hours and not need anything more than what fit in my bag.  On occasion I would need to toss in some extra snacks, or you could fit a jar of food, and if you breastfeed you could even put a bottle of your preferred beverage on the side. 

All of that in such a tiny bag.

Now the problem came into play when I had a second baby and needed extra cloth diapers for those long outings.  I ended up with a backpack.  It is daddy friendly like the tote, and fits everything in it and some quite a few groceries to boot, and it fits perfect on my back while I wear baby on front. 

These were not my only diaper bags.  I managed to go through tons of others wasting lots of money to find things that worked.  I had a Graco bag, a larger Eddie Bauer bag, a really cheap plastic like diaper tote from a Dollar General, and I had an adorable quilted carters diaper bag.  The larger bags with a shoulder strap are a real pain in the neck, and the super cheap Dollar General bag was too too small, it held a diaper and that is about it.

You might even find with a vehicle and your schedule you can save that $20 for a nice toy for baby and skip the diaper bag all together and just use something you have around the home.  

I hope you find this insightful and maybe your diaper bag search will end well with a few new thoughts in mind as you search.