Diaper Bags

I wrote about the Rebecca Minkoff Knocked-Up Baby Bag last week for PurseBlog Savvy, and ever since then, I’ve been on the lookout for some kind of not-awful baby bag to write about for you guys. What I’ve realized in that time is that what might not pass for a cool handbag will often be totally awesome, compared to the other available bags made for the same purpose. That’s kind of how I’m feeling about The Chaiken Diaper Bag. (Side note – has anyone ever seen Chaiken make a handbag? I’ve never seen them for sale anywhere. I checked their brand website, and this bag is literally the only thing they have in their online store. I’m perplexed). If this were just a regular tote bag, I would think that’s it’s decidedly “meh,” despite the fact that it’s made from lambskin. But call it a diaper bag, and it’s suddenly the least offensive diaper bag on the planet (well, nevermind, I still like the less-expensive Minkoff version better). With the addition of a baby bag being possibly the most significant handbag adjustment of a woman’s life, why aren’t there more good options out there? Buy through Saks for $550.

Chaiken Diaper Bag

It has felt like eons since I have discussed a diaper bag on Purse Blog. Reason being, I do not have a baby, I am not nannying, and it is out of sight out of mind. But while browsing Saks I ran into what seemed a really cool diaper bag. Nothing overly amazing, nothing too designer oriented so as to loose the usability a diaper bag needs. The Chaiken Diaper Bag is spacious and does not scream out “I am a diaper bag!” like so many others do. The bag is designed with soft glazed lambskin and is available in the perfect array of colors; camel to be neutral, navy for a boy, plum for a girl (if you want to follow tan is neutral, blue is for boy, pink is for girl trend). The bag also sports a bottom zip compartment, which will come in handle, and cotton lining which is easy to clean. The inside features ample compartments and separators to keep the diapers from the cream from the wipes. There is that tiny bit of rugged feel, like a Chloe bag, but it is still subdued. Dimensions are 12″H X 18″W X 6½”D. Buy through Saks for $550.

Last night, as I was getting Baby B ready for bed, I realized that spit up is my nemesis. Sure, it is natural and there are no hard feelings toward the baby, but boy does the spit up stink and boy is it hard to clean up! After 3 onesies in a period of 1 hour, I realized ease of cleaning it the most important aspect when buying baby products. The Prada Nylon line is known for practicality, which makes the Prada Tessuto Baby Bag the perfect baby bag. The nylon can be wiped up with a wet cloth, and this bag has a high usability factor, with a front and side zippered pockets, a changing pad, and a cross body strap. Dimensions are 13″W X 11½”H X 4½”W. Throw in a change of clothes (or two or three), diapers, wipes, cream, and you are on your way. This is one of those great baby bags, that can be thrown around, spilled on, spit up on, and still make it through the storm. Via Saks for $1100.

Just because you have to carry a diaper bag does not mean it needs to be a) drab, b) overly flowery, or c) flat out ugly. I know many moms do not have time to primp everyday, so their wardrobe is a tad more laid back. For the mom’s who love designer but also are still just trying to make it out the door without rice cereal in their hair and spit-up on their shoulder, the Burberry Denim Diaper Bag reverberates laid-back chic style. Blue denim on the outside is paired with the well-known Novacheck pattern on the inside to make a stylish messenger bag. As far as pockets and other baby essentials go, there are two side pockets, a patch pocket on the flap, and a terry cloth changing pad. While this diaper bag is not filled with tons of compartments, it is surely chic if it packs enough room for you (11″H x 5 1/2″W x 11″D). Buy through Saks for a reasonable $229.

When I have a baby I intend to travel with him/her/the whole family clan. All over Europe I have seen families on vacation and baby in tow. What I realize from carrying my Chloe Paddington Tote is two things: a) it is heavy and b) poor moms having to carry the diaper bag. I will hunt down the perfect man diaper bag when the time comes, because there is no way that I will carry the baby and the bag at all times. But you know me, I will travel in style, just like the rest of you Purse Bloggers should. The Louis Vuitton Monogram Mini Lin Diaper Bag is trimmed with grained calf leather and features all the hoots and whistles needed for a posh and practical diaper bag. You are guaranteed to need to change your tot, so there is a washable embroidered changing mat. Then the list just goes on and on, and I can’t think of anything LV has forgotten to make a mother happy. There are flat handles that are adjustable, a removable padded shoulder strap, an address holder which can be stamped with baby or mother’s initials (never put your full name, initals works perfect!), and a key ring holder. But then there are the compartments, TONS of them. On the outside you will find two pockets for baby bottles, one large front pocket with two interior flat pockets, one zip pocket, and one flat side pocket for mat. And on the inside you will find two flat pockets for diapers, two interior compartments, and an elastic band on each side for baby bottles. So there you have it. A posh perfect pair. Measurements are 17.7″x 11.8″x 6.7″ . Available for the stylish mom in you via eLuxury for $1870.

Edit: I must have mid worded myself; I am not a man, but I intend to have my man carry a diaper bag so I am not the only one carrying something!

Seems like many women on the Purse Forum and many women I know are pregnant right now or have a brand new little bundle of joy already (congrats LucciBag on her new mini!!)! The perfect diaper bag is a must have and there is a way to look fashionable and still be practical. The Bumble Bags do just that, implement chic momma style with practical pockets, easy cleaning, changing pad, and every other add on that is a necessity for a baby. The feminine pink paisley print on the Bumble Bags Kimberly Diaper Bag enchants the eye while the practical stain resistance, water resistant lining, zipper pockets, bottle pockets, and changing pad, add everything imaginable for your tot. When traveling with your baby, you need a bag that accommodates all needs, but also appeals the eye. Measurements are 17.5″L x 13″H x 6 “W. For a little girl, I love the pink paisley, but there are numerous other options. $128 via Diaper Bags.

It has been a while since I have paid homage to the momma’s with babies out there. It is kinda funny, because you would think I pay more attention to it all- seeing that I am a part time nanny of sorts. I watch the most adorable little girl who has a baby brother or sister on the way. Ask me about all the latest DVD’s, toys, and craze for the life of a 2 year old, I know it. Right now I am starting to think of a baby bag for the expecting mom. For a late spring/early summer baby, a bag adorned with flowers is practical and fun just like the Petunia Pickle Bottom Dogwood Blossom Bag. All that is packed into this bag is what is truly important for a mom with baby on hip, but the color arrangement is beautiful, including a brown/teal/raspberry/tan floral brocade. The slue of add-ons include a shoulder strap with a cell phone holder, a key clip, front and side pockets, a detachable stinky diaper pouch (we know how bad the smell gets), water-resistant liner making it easy to clean, four bottle pockets, a wipe case, a changing station, and ample room at 14″H x 15″W x 4 1/2″D. The price is right ($175 through Neiman Marcus), and in my opinion the bag has all a mom could want. What do you mother’s think?

While so many of the accessories we lust and obsess over are not essential, when you are a new mommy a diaper bag is essential. You have to be prepared at all times with diapers, bottles, food, toys, wipes, pacifiers, and whatever else I am leaving out. For the new mom who does not want to spend too much and wants a stylish yet casual bag the Burberry Denim Messenger Diaper Bag is a bull’s eye. Rather than overpowering the outside, the inside of this diaper bag is lined with the signature Novacheck pattern while the outside shows off practical and casual blue denim. Because this bag is all about practicality, there are two side pockets, a path pocket on the front flap, and a terry cloth changing pad included. The dimensions are 11″H x 5 1/2″W x 11″D. I may not be a mommie but I am half tempted to buy this bag for everyday use. Casual chic Burberry style is available through Saks for $229.

Just because you are running on 1 hour of sleep, look disheveled, and just want to collapse, being a mommie is a great thing. For bag loving women, being a mommie means needing a great diaper bag. The Timi & Leslie Hardware Mommy Bag is designed from durable leather and lined in waterproof metallic bronze which helps baby proof the bag. Inside there is also a changing pad and a matching Chinese brocade wristlet. On the outside you will find enough storage room with two front and back open pockets and side pockets. While some baby bags scream out ‘this is yet another baby bag’ this black bag is a little more edgy with gold hardware and a hanging gold heart charm dangling from the front. The bag closes with a magnetic snap and measures 16″ x 13″. Buy it for yourself or a mommie to be for $400 via Shop Intuition.

Oh yes, it is here. I have always raved about Coach producing new lines constantly. As if handbags, coats, glasses, and watches were not enough- Coach is now proud to be producing baby goods. I, for one, am thoroughly excited. Not that I have a baby, or even plan on having one anytime soon- but because when I do have a baby, I plan on dressing it in ridiculously cute clothes and buying ridiculously cute accessories. Now, my mom has always told me how impractical it is to spend big bucks on baby clothing and shoes, because they grow out of them so fast. So I do plan on listening to my mom; I will not buy them the ridiculously cute designer gear. I will let her do it.

For starters, every new mommie needs an adorable baby bag. I’m going to opt for the corny yet always classic and cute pink if it’s a girl blue if it’s a boy combo. The Coach Optic Signature Baby Bag is actually stylish to be worn even if you are not toting new baby. If you are looking for pocket space, this bag features an inside zip pocket, five open pockets, a back snap pocket, and two side gusseted pockets. I’m gonna bet that with all those pockets and all the baby stuff you have to carry, you might be lovin’ the pocket to ‘baby stuff’ ratio. Along with the pocket party, this diaper bag contains the ever needed changing pad for the dirty clean ups. I love the simplicity of the bag but the fun touch of the optic signature jacquard fabric. The inside is lined in fabric. For you dimensions junkies, which come in handy, the straps are 21 1/4” while the overall bag is 15 1/2 (L) x 11 3/4 (H) x 5 1/2 (W). Turn your mommie changing woes into designer fun for $398 via Coach.

I always want to dress my baby in cute hats. I have to give props to my mommie because she always had all 4 of us dressed so cute. I am in love with the softness of the Coach Baby Pom Pom Hat. I’m actually wondering if I pulled, tugged, stretched, and wore it long enough just maybe it would fit my own head. This hat is made of cashmere and there is only one size available. Again, I wonder if it is one size fits all expandable type of hat. Probably not. This adorable little thing comes in light blue and pink also. For $98 through Coach any baby can be stylin’ and warm all at once. Now, if you have a hat, you have to get some matching mittens. What could be cuter than a baby with matching accessories? Umm… I venture to say just about nothing (oh, maybe that English Bulldog puppy I want soo bad!!). The Coach Baby Mittens are so cute that I want to fly back into the past and ask my mom to get them for my little baby hands. Made of none other than the softest imported cashmere, these mittens can make any little finger feel warm and cuddly. If any of you are looking for baby shower gifts, don’t you dare leave out the mittens if you get the hat or vice versa! Just for an extra precaution, the mittens have an attached string to help you keep from losing one out of the pair. These little guys also come in light blue or pink and are on sale for $98 at Coach.

Now it is time for the itsy bitsy tiny 10 little toes. We are looking for cuteness and warmth for this season, and Coach sure has it. For starters there is the Coach Baby Booties. These booties are simple and cute- just the way I like them. Like the hat and mittens, these booties are made of cashmere and are offered in light blue and pink. Grab these baby treats for $98 via Coach. But if you want your baby to really stand out with some fashionable tootsies, you need to opt for the material of the season- shearling. Ah yes, shearling is even being used for little baby feet. The Coach Optic Signature Shearling Baby Slippers scream out ‘Stud in the making’ or definitely ‘Diva in the making’. These little slippers show off the Coach Optic Signature fabric pattern. There is even more. The leather strap has a stylish turnlock detail and the slipper gleams with its shearling trim. To finish this petite treat off is a suede outsole. Hey, if you are buying stylish shoes for yourself, why not do the same for your baby (this is where my mommie would come in handy JK). Buy these through Coach for $128.

And finally, what childhood isn’t complete without a teddy bear? I know I have had the same bear since I was about 3. My sister’s teddy bear has made it through so much in life it is ridiculous ‘Barf Bear’ is still alive (don’t ask about the name, that was so her choice). We had surgeries performed on our bears numerous times, and I don’t know where I would be today without ‘Bear-Bear’. The Coach Baby Bear is ultimately cute and topped off with a little Coach Signature fabric satin scarf bow around the neck. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you much about the bear itself or its dimensions (knowing our designer luck it is probably a beanie baby- I will have to look into it this weekend). Nevertheless this teddy bear is quite cute. Buy this pink or blue themed bear with its matching colored nose for $58 via Coach.

If you still haven’t found what you are looking for, try the Coach Baby Cashmere Blanket (for $198), the Coach Baby Bear Suede Picture Frame (available for $98), or the Coach Enamel Teddy Bear Keyfob ($48 through Coach).

Oh how I’d love to be a Coach Baby kid!!