Changing Bags

The Art of Choosing the Perfect Changing Bag

Every parent quickly learns that when you have a baby, it’s like a mini-expedition every time you leave the house. The essentials seem endless. Your changing bag will be your sidekick through those early years. Ready to shoulder the load of parenthood’s practical demands. There are so many changing bags to choose from.

Are you ready to dive into the world of changing bags? We’ll shed light on how this seemingly ordinary accessory can transform your life as a parent, making it not only more manageable but also more enjoyable. This might sound sad, but boy did I love researching changing bags. When you find that perfect one it can change everything. No exaggeration.

A Parent’s Essential Companion

Set the scene. You’re on a day out with your little one, and there’s a poosplosion. You run to the changing room, but wait, where are the nappies and the wet wipes? You strap your baby to the changing table and start rummaging through your bag. All of a sudden your baby starts fidgeting and crying, and everything starts getting overwhelming. You end up in a puddle on the floor.

That’s not what you want. Let’s fix it.

A well-chosen changing bag is the key to streamlining your parenting journey. It turns chaos into order, frantic searches into quick finds, and stressful outings into cherished moments. With the right changing bag by your side, you can step out of the house with confidence, knowing that you have everything you need to tackle whatever parenthood throws your way.

Assessing Your Needs

Size and Capacity: Are you a minimalist who takes as little as possible or are you someone who packs for every eventuality? I didn’t think I packed a lot, but somehow my bag is always heavy. Not just with the boys’ stuff, may I add, but with my stuff. I can’t go anywhere without a notebook or two. Plus sometimes I take my laptop.

Style and Comfort: How will you be carrying your changing bag? Do you prefer a backpack or one that goes across your chest? Will you be baby-wearing or using a pushchair? These are things that affect the bag you will choose.

Accessibility: Think about how easily you want to access items inside the bag. Do you prefer an open-style bag or one with multiple pockets? How organised are you? When I had my second I found the perfect bag that had so many pockets and a laptop compartment, it was heaven. Well, with so many pockets sometimes I forgot where stuff was, or that it was even in there, but you win some you lose some. In hindsight should have written a guide to my bag. Haha

Material and Durability: What is the weather like where you are? What sort of adventures will you be going on? Will it mostly be indoors, or do you plan to take it on outdoor adventures? The material and durability of the bag should align with your lifestyle. Is it essential for your changing bag to be wipe-proof or water-resistant?

Budget: Setting a budget is essential. Changing bags come in a wide price range, and having a clear budget will help you narrow down your options without overspending.

Parenting Style: How do you envision spending your days with your baby? Will you be out and about all day or will you only be doing quick necessary outings?

Work or Travel: If you’re a working parent or frequently travel with your baby, consider a bag that can accommodate both baby and work essentials or travel-related items. Versatility is key.

Fashion Sense: I am not really fashion-conscious, but if you are then this is important. When you become a parent you can feel that you lose your identity and being able to keep your style while accommodating your child can really help.

Types of Changing Bags

Tote Bag: Though highly fashionable and with quite a large space for everything, they are not ergonomic. When full they can be heavy and uncomfortable to carry—causing shoulder pain. They are also inconvenient in terms of being hands-free. They are likely to slip from your arm and become a problem. The large compartment, though spacious, also lacks any ability to organise sure to few pockets.

Backpack: I swear by my backpack. Not only is it comfortable and hands-free, but it also has so many pockets. It makes keeping things organised and accessible a doddle. Backpacks aren’t everyone’s style, but for those who like a long walk while baby-wearing, they are perfect.

Messenger Bag: These bags are stylish and offer a compromise between tote bags and backpacks. You don’t need to remove the bag to easily access items you require, however, the capacity is usually less than that of tote bags and backpacks. Though the cross-body helps the distribution of weight, the single strap can be a problem on the shoulder, especially for extended wear.

Every changing bag has its place, but you need to be thinking about which best suits your lifestyle and how you wish to parent.

Size and Capacity

We brooched this further up. However, there is a lot to think about other than just how you are going to plan your day. How old is your little one? Will you need multiple changes of clothes and nappies? How many children do you have? Will you need to pack lunches for older children and yourself? Is there anything of yours that you will need to pack?

Have you thought about keeping empty space for unexpected items while you are out and about?

Organisation and Compartments

I never really thought of myself as an organised person. So when I had my first I did not really think much about what my changing bag should be like and if it should have separate compartments. I just bought the cheapest messenger bag style one. I soon realised the mistake I had made. Within a few months, I had bought a backpack with multiple compartments and pockets.

Think about the type of person you are. Do you like having things organised? But also, do you forget that things exist if you put them in a pocket and don’t see them every time you open your bag? Well, I have just the thing. This free, My Changing Bag, printable is the perfect thing to slip into your bag so you know what you have and where it is. Print it out once and organise your bag the same way every time, or print it out as many times as you need if things aren’t working out.

Material and durability

Your changing bag has to grow with your baby. You don’t want one that is going to be broken in a couple of months. You don’t want one that is hard to clean and look after. Everyone should be trying to think about the environment when they are making their purchases.

Durability: You want something that can stand the test of time. A bag that you can chuck on the floor and not worry about holes and rips. You want to be looking for something hard-wearing but within your price range.

Easy to Clean: We all know that babies can be messy. We also know that they are like cats, always knocking things off. For example, that cup of coffee that just happened to be placed above your changing bag. So, you want to be looking for bags that are made from materials that are easy to wipe clean or wash. Nothing too strenuous.

Water-resistant or Waterproof: It doesn’t have to be raining for you to have a water-resistant or waterproof bag. Think about general day-to-day spills.

Zips and Stitching: The worst thing to happen is a zip breaking. Making it hard to carry your bag and protect your belongings. Your bag is going to be used and used, you need to know that the stitching can hold no matter what is thrown at it.

Comfort

You’re going to be using your changing bag every day for a good few years. It not only needs to fit into your style but also be comfortable.

Straps: The correct straps can make a world of difference when it comes to comfort. Padded straps can help reduce the strain on your shoulders, neck and back, as they help to distribute the weight. Adjustable straps allow for customisation to not only your body but others who might need to use the changing bag.

Ventilation: If you opt for a backpack-style changing bag, ventilation channels on the back can help keep you cool and comfortable, especially during warm weather.

Style

Comfort is important, but so is style. You don’t want to look at your changing bag every day and hate taking it with you. Parenting should be enjoyable, so include a bit of your style.

Colour and Pattern Choices: There are so many different changing bags on the market, that you are sure to find one that is the right colour for you.

Accessories: Why not snazz up your changing bag with something that screams, this is me? Add some keyrings or badges to make it individual.

Matching Your Lifestyle: Ensure your bag’s style matches your daily routines. A sleek, compact bag might be perfect for city life, while a rugged, outdoorsy design suits more adventurous families.

Additional features

When looking for a changing bag, there is a lot to think about. There are additional features that can really help your day-to-day parenting.

Insulated Pockets: These are helpful for keeping bottles warm, should you require them.

Changing Mat: Some changing bags come with a changing mat that fits in perfectly.

Foldable Cot: There are some changing bags that come with a built-in foldable cot. These do take away some of the space within the bag, but if you are baby-wearing, they can be great if you need to put your baby down somewhere.

Conclusion

While choosing the right changing bag seems daunting, it should also be fun. Choosing the right changing bag for your parenting journey can make a world of difference to your day-to-day life. It is not just an accessory it is a reliable companion.

As you navigate through your parenting journey, your changing bag will be by your side to simplify your life.

Remember, think about your comfort, organisation, durability and needs, and don’t forget to download your free My Changing Bag printable.