Nappy bags - features to look for?

[chikabelley]

Thinking of getting a nappy bag and they come in large and huge sizes with different pockets and mats and features. Some also come with large prices. :(

What features should I look for in a nappy bag that can work with a McClaren Tecno XLR stroller - it has 2 handles not a bar handle.

I've seen a Little Beetle bag that looks cute but I'm not sure if the size is right for MCNs.

What have you found that works for you?

[sweetseven]

Not too heavy.

[Teegzie]

I have a very basic shaped one made from oilcloth, so it can be wiped clean. It wasn't cheap (about 60GBP, or AU$120) because it is a Cath Kidston one (expensive UK designer) but I'm sure there are similar shaped ones around for less.
I can fit about 6 MCNs in my nappy bag along with the change pad that came with it, a terry square nappy (for general mopping up and padding etc), wipes, 2 wetbags, bibs, spoons, a flannel (to use as a wipe incase I've run out, or for face cleaning :p), some hand sanitiser and usually some snack containers with biscuits/fruit etc and a drink cup. The bag measures approximately 40x25x8cms. So that should give you an idea of how much you can cram into a mediums sized bag! :laughing:

Basically what I want in a nappy bag is easy clean (why I went for oilcloth), fully removeable change mat (ie. not the sort that is attatched to the bottom of the bag) so I can leave the bag hanging on a pram or not take the mat if I don't need it, enough pockets to keep it organised but not so many that it gets confusing, and an adjustable strap so I can sling it over my shoulder, across my chest or hang it from the pram.

My bag came with an insulated bottle holder but I rarely used that.

This (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/Teegz/051.jpg) is my bag (so you can get an idea of the oilcloth, and this (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/Teegz/054.jpg) is the bare minimum of what I carry in it. Add to that 6 nappies and any other junk DD needs for the day! :p

I know some people prefer a nappy bag that doesn't look like a nappy bag, but personally I'll take a childish looking childproof oilcloth bag over a stylish cotton one that is too big or doesn't hold what I want!

[chikabelley]

Ended up getting a normal big bag that matches my purse. ;) Have a change mat and bottle holder as extras.

[Boobycino]

With the maclaren Techno the best bags I've used is an Oroton one (not that brands matter, it was on sale for $45 from something like $150 and I thought I'd pretend to be cool :rolleyes:)

Its just rectangle, flat and basic with a long adjustable shoulder strap - its important to have that long adjustable strap with the maclaren, because so the pram doesn't tip you want to be able to always tuck it under the seat, so when you recline the baby you want to pull out the strap so the bag stays underneath - otherwise it tips over backwards in a light breeze:rolleyes:

You dont want a BIG nappy bag on the maclaren because they're so light and not designed to carry a lot of weight on the back, so I think smaller is better because it'll discourage you from over packing it IYKWIM.

Thats just my imput though - and I dont think anyone actually has ever noticed that my nappy bag is Oroton, so brand on nappy bags is completely irrelevant.

Also, to take up less space with MCNs I used the huggies disposable change mats, because they take up nearly no room whereas the change mats that come with the nappy bags take up the space of 2 MCNs... and you can reuse the disposable ones until they get soiled and you can chuck them away.

Also, one great thing about the maclarens is you have a spot for your mobile phone/wallet/etc at the top so no worries about extra pockets on the outside of your nappy bag - unless you want them for dummies and nappy pins or spoons etc - but I find that with my nappy bag it has 4 little compartments on the inside and I stuff little things in there and that works fine for me.

[MagicalLeopluradon]

Definitely a bag that isn't too heavy, my son is currently in a Maclaren and I have an OiOi nappy bag...I hang it over the handles but have to make sure its not too heavy or when I take him out and the bag is still attached to the pram it tips over.

[Emi]

im not sure about the pram...

but i would first be looking at the size of the nappy bag... (whether it will fit under the pram in the basket, if there is one)
depending what your planning on using it for... will it fit several changes of clothes, nappies, cream wipes, dummy, blanket, comforter, toys etc...

my next thing to check for would be the weight of the bag... some nappy bags i found were quiet heavy, even without anything in it!!!

the next...
what are the handles like? does it have just hand handles?, a strap for over the shoulder? or is it a backpack style bag?

then...
how does the bag close up? is it zip? buttons? Velcro? etc... (i always like making sure things will stay in the bag... but also making it easy to open one handed if need be...)

then... the general quality of the bag... the material, how its sewn etc...

then the extras...

do want different compartments??? do you want a change mat attached, do you want pockets on the inside for all the nick and nacks you'll take with you...


just remember though.... the bigger the bag... the more things you bring with you!!!