If you love talking about bags and want a safe space on the internet to do so (without the unsolicited judgment and snide comments people sometimes love to offer), you’ve found the right place. I’ve never claimed that designer bags are the cure for anything or the most important aspect of my or your life, but I will also say that having something that brings joy and happiness is not a bad thing. This was my long-winded way of saying that if you want to continue talking bags, join the PurseForum and chat with everyone there!
A lot of what I’ve learned over these past 15+ years when it comes to bags is from members of the forum, people from across the globe that share this common passion, and many who know more than the sales associates at the stores. News breaks on our forum constantly, and countless people from around the world, including brand representatives themselves, use the forum to learn the latest happenings. On top of that, there are discussions to help one another pick the best bag for different situations, and I stumbled upon a thread the other day where a member was asking which size Hermès Birkin would make for a good baby bag.
The comments came in with many sharing that you simply don’t want to risk spills in a bag like that, and while I agree with that, my other biggest grievance with using a Birkin as a baby bag is the heft. There is a lot of ‘stuff’ you need to move around, from the baby to the carrier to all the necessities you travel with, and the weight of a Birkin plus the lack of shoulder strap really makes it a no-go for me when it comes to a newborn.
But someone chimed in and shared this honest and helpful opinion: “Neither are good diaper bags. The best diaper bag from Hermès is the Grooming Bag in the equestrian section. There are numerous large pockets, water-resistant canvas (lighter than leather), and a shoulder strap. It also comes with a removable drawstring liner for easy clean-up (machine washable) and reorganizing. Full-time mom using this with my 13-month-old. Also, when you’re done, it would make for a good travel bag.” I was SOLD.
Let’s take a look at the Hermès Grooming Bag as a baby bag, travel bag, and all-around practical bag. Hermès started as an equestrian brand, and this bag ties back to the House’s roots, as it’s a true grooming bag in canvas. It is designed to carry saddles, boots, and brushes as a riding and grooming bag for horseriders. The color scheme here is dark; a navy and brown combo crafted from durable, water-resistant canvas or a grey (Acier) and brown combo crafted from wool. Here is where this bag really starts to become super functional: there is a removable inside pouch that is machine washable, 3 interior pockets, including 1 zipper pocket, and a removable shoulder strap. The only thing I’d like to see in person is the weight of the bag, as it’s a heavier canvas, it might add a bit of heft, and I prefer any bag intended for carrying more items to be as light as possible. Dimensions are 21.3″ long x 6.9″ wide x 13.4″ high, so this is a sizeable bag. I also think the price is rather fair, at $2,150 for the canvas version (blue) and $2,325 for the wool version (grey).
After my love fest with this bag, someone else pointed out that you could just opt for one of the actual Hermès baby bags – the Hermès Passe-Passe Nappy Bag. These come in more playful variations (and light colors), with a small animal popping its cute little head upon the design. Of course, this is far more on the nose with striped cotton canvas and printed cotton poplin interior. The bag is most likely lighter as well, and the animal motifs designed by Morgane Bellec play a game of hide-and-seek and appear on different essential baby items. Like the Grooming Bag, there is a removable bag bottom that is water-repellent and interior and exterior pockets. Dimensions are a tad smaller, 19.7″ long x 12.6″ high x 7.9″ deep, but still plenty of space for your baby items. Price is also less at $1,850.
Sometimes, a bag that was not even intended as a baby bag makes the best baby bag. And in the case of the Grooming Bag, it doesn’t read ‘small child’ as much as an actual diaper bag, so you can easily use it for years to come.
