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Diaper Bags
There's no denying it, babies require a lot of stuff. A well-stocked diaper bag is a necessity, but the bag should also be comfortable to carry and suit your style. When selecting a bag, keep in mind that you'll be toting more than just diapers.  Your diaper bag should be durable and roomy enough for necessities like a change of clothes for the baby, toys, baby bottles, water (especially important for breastfeeding moms), baby wipes, a changing pad, and burp cloths.
What to Consider
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Messenger Diaper Bags sling over one shoulder and across chest. - Gender neutral bags offer extra weight distribution and support.
- May drape uncomfortably for bustier bag carriers (like a nursing mother, for instance).
- Doesn't work well with marsupial baby carries like the Baby Bjorn.
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Shoulder Diaper Bags are easily accessible. - Some of them are stylish enough that you can turn it into a purse in its off time.
- Make sure the straps are thick and strong enough to withstand punishment.
- Work with most baby carriers and with strollers.
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Backpack Diaper Bags are easy on the shoulder.
- But you will have to put the bag down every time you want to get something out of it.
- Work with most baby carriers and with strollers.
- Leaves your hands free for strolling or tending to your baby.
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- Price -- Unlike many products, price does not directly correlate to quality.
- You can spend $20-$500 on a bag. More money is usually needed for a designer label and/or a fancy fabric (like weatherproofed leather).
- Size -- Are you a pack rat or a minimalist? Make sure your bag will hold all of your gear and ask yourself...
- Should the bag double as a purse?
- Will you have a car to store extra gear or will you be on foot for long periods of time?
- Material -- A diaper bag must be easy to clean! Baby vomit is stinky and leaves a yellow mark. If stains don't wipe off quickly, your bag could be ruined.
- You can get bags in rip-stop vinyl, polyester, leather, faux-leather, plastic-coated cotton fabric.
- Print -- Can be, as expected, anything. Just remember that the style should endure across years and users. You may want to opt for two less-expensive bags and alternate them with the seasons.
- Closures -- These affect the accessibility of your bag and can prevent items from spilling out of the bag and getting lost.
- Large zippers offer easy one-handed access (test out the zipper before you purchase a bag).
- Velcro is great for speedy retrieval of items, but can snag delicate fabrics and fibers.
- Snaps are nice and fast but won't keep in spills. Magnetic snaps are more effective than traditional metal snaps.
- Drawstrings are hip and fairly secure but can get tangled. They could also be a potential choking hazard for a curious baby.
- Pockets -- Do you want lots of internal pockets for organization, external pockets for easy grabbing, or no pockets for space and flexibility? Some pockets are helpful as small items tend to gravitate towards the bottom of the diaper bag making them tricky to retrieve.
- Extras -- Some bags come with all the bells and whistles. Here are a few options.
- Changing pads come with most bags and should be easily washable.
- Dirty diaper holding bins should be well-sealed and waterproof.
- Insulated internal or external pouches can keep bottles cold.
- Removable straps make any bag more versatile.
- Zip-off pockets allow you to change the size of your storage.
- Key, pacifier, and toy hooks let you access your gear quickly.
Major Manufacturers
Additional Links- About.com -- Before you buy a diaper bag.
- Baby Zone -- A readable and helpful guide to diaper bag fashion/function choices.
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