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Ruth
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| Posted: Oct 13 2007 at 10:17am | IP Logged
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Does anyone have any suggestions on diaper bags, and where I can purchase one? I'd like to get one which would hold baby items as well as items in my purse. I do not like carrying a purse, so if I could combine the two, I'd be so greatful. I don't like backpack type bags, and as much as I like the VB bags, it's not in the budget.
4 weeks away and all I have is a carseat and some infant clothes. Time to go shopping. 
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Ruth
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jdostalik
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| Posted: Oct 13 2007 at 10:41am | IP Logged
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Ruth,
I'm a big fan of the Lands' End diaper bags. I have all three versions, actually!  And, I use them all...But, since you said you don't like backpacks, I would recommend this one:
Do-it-all Diaper Bag
Prayers for you and your little one...not much time til she's here! 
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Jennifer in TX
wife to Bill, mom to six here on earth and eight in heaven.
Let the Little Ones Come
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: Oct 13 2007 at 11:56am | IP Logged
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I hate huge bags.. I found looking in luggage for the carryon style of bag got me what I wanted.. I found one on sale and so didn't spend all the much on it.. it has one big pocket for the diaper bag part.. and then I have the front pockets that hold my wallet and keys and such.
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mary theresa
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| Posted: Oct 13 2007 at 12:37pm | IP Logged
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Ruth
I was gonna ask the same thing. 
I want to combine my purse and diaper bag too. I have this big black diaper bag that is clumsy and not cute at all. I want the diaper bag to be cute, something I'd LIKE to carry around. But my husband says if I get one that's flower-y (like Vera bradley -- which is too expensive for me too) he won't be seen carrying it. 
Anyways, I'm glad you started this thread. 
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Mary Theresa
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Mary Chris
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| Posted: Oct 13 2007 at 12:38pm | IP Logged
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I loved the Land's End diaper bags back when I was carrying one. I also had one of each kind. I personally like their tote option. I love all my tote bags.
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Bookswithtea
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| Posted: Oct 13 2007 at 1:29pm | IP Logged
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I'm stumped, too.
I bought a Vera Bradley, but I bought a big one, and when I'm out by myself (rare, but it does happen now and then  ) it feels too big.
I have the LE backpack style diaper bag. Its almost too masculine, imho. Its just not pretty. I'm afraid if I buy the do-it-all, I am going to look like I am carrying around a weekend suitcase everywhere I go. 
I need something that is not ugly and doesn't have bears or pooh or ducks on it. I don't really care about changing pads or ditty bags on the inside...I have a billion of them from cheap diaper bags over the years. It has to zip on the top (my biggest complaint about the Vera bag), and it has to have lots of pockets and an easy way to access my enormous Franklin Covey wallet/planner and my cell phone.
I'm all ears for a different idea. I do like some of the Eddie Bauer bags I see in the baby stores, but I just can't seem to find the *right* one.
Its out of my price range (I can only afford one...and that was because I had birthday money!), but the VB diaper bag is really nice, and would probably look quite chic in basic black.
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Philothea
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Depends entirely on your style. Are you going for feminine/pretty or sporty/practical?
I like Skip Hop bags (they're like $65). They are well-laid out, hang conveniently on a stroller, and come in cute patterns, but they are not particularly feminine looking, even in the prints -- they're kind of sporty. I will probably get one of these this time -- I might as well embrace being a mom of only boys for right now and go with the sporty/practical look. I guess I'll get the pink and brown floral one just to be a LITTLE girly. :)
Vera Bradley or the Kecci Mommybag (silk brocade, like a Petunia Picklebottom, but less $$$) would be my pick for more "girly" diaper bags. My complaint with both of these bags is the potential for staining -- I spill stuff a LOT.
One classic that worked well for me with all kinds of outfits last time was a basic black Kate Spade messenger diaper bag, but it was spendy, even though I bought it used. It's also enormous, so it wouldn't work at all as a purse. I ended up reselling mine to pay for a new Maclaren stroller and had money left over! So I guess it was a decent investment after all, LOL.
I also like the quilted Eddie Bauer bags at BRU, but I want a pretty color and they didn't have any -- just army green and tan. It would be cuter in red or a deep raspberry pink.
Ruth, you ought to check out Buy Buy Baby in Springfield if you get a chance. They have a ton of nicer diaper bags that you could see in person if you wanted.
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Barbara C.
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One Step Ahead has some really cool diaper bags. One is a backpack. The next one looks like a large black purse with a compartment for credit cards, keys, etc. and it can also be expanded to double it's size. The third one is a sling bag that comes in blue, pink, or tan. There's also one that's supposed to attach to strollers real easily.
I have an Eddie Bauer back pack one that I use for big day trips because it has a side zipper that makes it easy to reach the bottom without pulling everything out. For day to day, though, I basically used the one they gave me at the hospital. I think it came with a box of Similac. I threw out the formula and kept the bag, and considering I see the same bag very often around town I wasn't the only one. I'm hoping I get another nice one with the next baby. If not, I may be ordering from One Step Ahead myself.
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SuzanneG
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What about looking for a large tote bag that you really like (there are so many out there) and then keeping "packages" of stuff in them. I would keep all the diaper changing stuff in a gallon plastic bag. Throw in clothing in a cloth ditty bag. My wallet, a notebook, etc. Everything is just all together, yet compartmentalized / separated by other bags or containers. I don't like all those hidden pockets of stuff....it's hard to find things and stuff gets lost.
Have you looked for VB bags on ebay? I got my Villager there for less (depends on what pattern, of course). For me, it functions for both purposes....with a baby and without, so it's worth the money.
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JennGM
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I've been trying to decide on diaper bags, too. If there's a chance someone is throwing a baby shower or family wants to give gifts, you could direct them into buying a nicer bag as a group gift or something. That's a possibility.
Philothea, thanks for the recommends of a lower budget type of Petunia Picklebottom.
Fleurville is a hot brand for bags. They are $$$, but the nicest thing is they have a non-PVC coating that keeps from staining. I like to drool over BabyStyle catalog, which carries several popular brands of bags, including their own exclusive patterns of some bags, making them a bit cheaper than the original. They are still no bargain...
And it's frustrating, because I know I need different sizes depending on the outing and the baby. With my son he spit up so much I had to carry multiple burp cloths...and I mean over 5, for a short outing, like Mass. He was a mess.
I travel like you, Suzanne. I like to keep my things compartmentalized -- meds in one bag, diaper stuff in another. Then it's also easier to change or replenish bags when needed.
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Ruth
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Barbara C. wrote:
One Step Ahead has some really cool diaper bags. One is a backpack. The next one looks like a large black purse with a compartment for credit cards, keys, etc. and it can also be expanded to double it's size. The third one is a sling bag that comes in blue, pink, or tan. There's also one that's supposed to attach to strollers real easily.
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This must be it I like the style, very simple and I can get rid of my purse
These are all great suggestions. It's so much fun looking at all your links. Thanks a lot.
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Ruth
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mellyrose
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I have this Kecci messenger style bag, but I didn't pay that much for it. I found it on ebay for almost 1/2 that price.
I LOVE this bag. It has multiple pockets inside, and outer pockets as well. I slip my wallet into one of the inside pockets, and keep my keys and phone in one of the outside pockets.
I also love the fact that the bottom is black - so it doesn't get dirty easily.
I get many compliments on it. I have even carried my laptop in it sometimes. (well cushioned by receiving blankets and extra clothes!)
Oh - and I have this
too for quick trips -- if you watch Amazon you can sometimes get it for much less (I paid less than $10 when I bought it.)
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Fuzzy
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I am just coming to this thread, getting ready to post, and my sister has put down all the ones I was getting ready to post about! We must be related. This has been a topic of conversation right now, too.
I carry a Betsy VB right now, and I love all the pockets. I carry wallet, wipes, and a diaper. My extra clothes (for older kids and diaper kid) are in a bag in the car. I have my eye on a Villager bag (HAS to have a zipper top (I totally agree with you, Books!) for when the next baby comes. I have to admit, I am a purse girl and have enjoyed looking for my future purchases!
When I had my DD, she did a modeling thing for our hospital and made a little money. I used it to buy a bag I had my eye on, and it was a big one, but very fashionable. It fit EVERYTHING! I still don't know how to say the name. I loved the colors!
OOh, I just love talking about purses! Anyone for a topic on accessories!?!?! (I am having a jewelry party this week, so I am feeling frivolous and silly right now! )
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teachingmyown
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Ruth,
I have had my One Step Ahead backpack diaper bag since Maria was born! I love it! They don't have the exact same bag, but this one is close.
Mine has been well worth the cost. If I were to treat myself to another diaper bag (after 8 years) I might get this one. I like the messenger style, probably more than the backpack. I don't like a bag that hangs on my shoulder like a purse, I always seem to have it hanging on my lower arm.
The prices at One Step Ahead are actually VERY comparable. I was looking at ebags.com because I had a coupon and the prices started around $60!
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Molly
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graciefaith
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I got a messenger style bag that Dh will gladly wear. It's by Combi and it's great! It can fit everything i need without it being too bulky. Lots of room. I've filled it up with diapers, wipes, change of clothing, burp cloths and my sling. I havent gotten to use cause the baby's not born yet. Dh has tried it on and he says it is the only diaper bag he'd like to wear b/c it looks just like a messenger bag and nothing more. I like it a lot.
Combi Urban Sling Diaper Bag
here it is in black at a cheaper price. I got it in black.
combi urban sling diaper bag in black
Another one that i liked but dh didnt was the diaper dudes diaper bag. It's also messenger style.
diaper dude diaper bag
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Topic: Diaper bags?
