Before you register for or buy that diaper bag, read our What To Look For guide on choosing a diaper bag.
Tigerpixx/Flynet -
Jason Priestley's wife
Naomi Lowde Priestley carries daughter Ava and
Bumble Bags' Madeline backpack
According to
Ali Wing, of
giggle, and author of the new
giggle Guide to Baby Gear, when shopping for a diaper bag, there are quite a few factors to take into consideration. First, what basic style do you prefer: messenger bag, backpack, and over-the-shoulder. Then consider the following:
Comfort is key. Look for cushioning and adjustability, especially if you're sharing the bag with someone with a different body type. Also, Ali reminds us, "plan for the fact that you won't need to carry as mich as your baby grows from infant to toddler... when you have a newborn, you're usually carrying the baby and the bag; when you have a toddler, you're usually carrying the bag and chasing the child."
Will this be one among many bags? Some people, Ali says, "consider the diaper bag an accessory, and want to have several to choose from, just like their handbags."
Easy cleanup. Ali says to avoid bags that can't get wet or dirty, and look for bags that are either washable or wipe clean easily.
Are you using cloth diapers? Unlike disposable diapers, cloth diapering requires hanging onto the dirty diapers the rest of the day instead of throwing them out so your bag can be as heavy or heavier as when you left your home. You may need a bigger bag than you originally thought.
Are you a parent of twins or do you plan on having another baby soon after? If so, you'll want a bigger bag because "multiples means some of your supplies must multiply too," says Ali. She also points out that parents of special-needs children often find they have more to carry along and will probably need a bigger bag.
Style. This is your new purse and you'll be carrying it with you whenever you go out with your baby. Now's the time to indulge a little and choose a diaper bag you'll be happy to carry with you day in and day out.
Also, remember that the diaper bag is your diaper bag, not your baby's. Just because you have a boy doesn't mean your bag can't be pink and girly. After all, you're the one carrying the bag, not your son! That said, Will you be sharing with your partner? If so, he may not want the bubblegum pink bag you think is so cute.
Bauer-Griffin -
Jennifer Garner preferred North Face Recon daypack to a typical diaper bag
As we mentioned, diaper bags come packed with features, but you may not need all of them. Here are some features to look for, but not all are required.
Cargo space. Are you a pack rat or a minimalist? You won't need a huge bag if you just carry the bare bones, but if you like to carry everything with you, you will definitely need a bigger bag. If you're not sure how you'll be, Ali advises that, "what you prefer in handbags will bear a lot of resemblance to what you'll like in diaper bags. Do you tend to overpack or travel light? Do you have one great bag or lots of bags to mix and match with your outfits?" Our Ciaran adds, "if you are a heavy packer, bag weight is a bigger factor so weigh the bag because if you carry a lot of stuff, a heavy bag is going to be a real drag."
Changing pad. Most diaper bags come with one, but the luxe ones are often more padded. If you don't love the one your bag comes with, you can always buy another.
Insulated bottle holder. If yours doesn't come with one, and you will be bottlefeeding, you can usually purchase a
separate one.
Easy and quiet access. Avoid complicated latches and loud Velcro closures that can wake a sleeping baby. We love magnetic closures but they do add to the overall cost.
Stroller compatibility. Will it hang from your stroller or fit in the storage basket? If not, you'll need to carry it. Many strollers nowadays come equipped with stroller straps so they attach to your stroller but you want to make sure that the stroller will never tip when it's attached.
Pockets. Many pockets make a bag easier to organize but not necessarily easy to locate things. External bottle pockets are nice to keep baby's bottle or sippy cup handy, and you can even tote your own water bottle in it. Some bags also have pockets made with waterproof or antimicrobial pockets to store wet or yucky things. Ciaran adds, "if you are someone who likes to change bags a lot, you might prefer a clutch over a bag with tons of pockets. If you bring your own organization to a bag in the form of pouches, you will probably not need as many pockets."
Parent compartments. Quick access to your cel phone, wallet, and keys makes finding
your stuff easier.
Flynet - Carrying
Jimeale's Emily Bag while fiance
Isla Fisher carried daughter
Olive, new dad
Sacha Baron Cohen was not afraid to express his softer side.
Celebrity baby chic gear
Alastair Macpherson/Splash News Online - Mary-Louise Parker with daughter Ash and 
