Favorite Everyday Bag w/ Newborn or Small Kids

[boobkue]

Hi! What is your favorite bag you tend to grab and carry/use when you had/have a newborn or small child?

I know with the diaper bag, many use that as their purse as well or throw in their wallet in there. But I'm wondering if maybe there's a great handbag that makes life with the diaper bag, newborn/small kid just much more efficient.

I have a wide variety of styles in my closet right now and plan to test them out once the baby arrives, but wanted to gauge the experienced mamas too! Right now I am definitely leaning towards using most of my belt bag/bum bag styles since it's small, light, hands-free and just seems functional, practical, and would make life more efficient. Then my Goyard or Neverfull for when I don't want to use the backpack style diaper bag. But also wondering about when I'm using the baby carrier, would the belt bag/bum bag still be as functional/practical?

Please share all the pictures! I've been scouring the IG tags - #WIMB but mainly found other pieces I liked that were not for this purpose haha. I would love to see which bags you love to carry for quick day outs with the kids. A full day. Functional pieces, etc. I'd love to continue adding to my luxury closet pieces, but also open to any other brands as well if they seriously live up to the hype.

Thank you in advance!

 

[A bottle of Red]

Is there a baby carrier with a pocket for wallet/phone/keys this way you don't need a separate bag when you're carrying the baby?

 

[jpark2]

I actually use the Lululemon belt bag in conjunction with a diaper bag (usually a backpack). Recently, I've been looking at WOCs to upgrade the belt bag, now that I know that this combination works for me. The belt bag was great because I often stash the diaper bag in the stroller, and I can park the stroller at the park/wherever to play with my kid without worrying about my leaving my wallet behind. Even when I don't bring the stroller (like at the library), it's nice to just leave the big diaper bag in a corner while I follow her around. My toddler is about 21 months old now, and I have another on the way, so I'll be carrying a diaper bag for a while.

I carry a small Caraa Sport backpack for most trips out. It looks like they don't have the small size anymore, but I'll include a link to the medium one in case you're interested. They also have baby backpacks: https://caraa.co/products/studio-bag-medium-gunmetal-hw

When I need more space, I use an MZ wallace metro tote deluxe: https://www.mzwallace.com/products/magnet-rec-small-metro-tote-deluxe

There are also companies that make diaper belt bags: https://kiboubag.com/
Caraa also makes one: https://caraa.co/products/baby-changing-sling-nylon-clay

 

[boobkue]

I actually use the Lululemon belt bag in conjunction with a diaper bag (usually a backpack). Recently, I've been looking at WOCs to upgrade the belt bag, now that I know that this combination works for me. The belt bag was great because I often stash the diaper bag in the stroller, and I can park the stroller at the park/wherever to play with my kid without worrying about my leaving my wallet behind. Even when I don't bring the stroller (like at the library), it's nice to just leave the big diaper bag in a corner while I follow her around. My toddler is about 21 months old now, and I have another on the way, so I'll be carrying a diaper bag for a while.

I carry a small Caraa Sport backpack for most trips out. It looks like they don't have the small size anymore, but I'll include a link to the medium one in case you're interested. They also have baby backpacks: https://caraa.co/products/studio-bag-medium-gunmetal-hw

When I need more space, I use an MZ wallace metro tote deluxe: https://www.mzwallace.com/products/magnet-rec-small-metro-tote-deluxe

There are also companies that make diaper belt bags: https://kiboubag.com/
Caraa also makes one: https://caraa.co/products/baby-changing-sling-nylon-clay

Thank you so much for this valuable insight! Love seeing what works for each person.

 

[boobkue]

Is there a baby carrier with a pocket for wallet/phone/keys this way you don't need a separate bag when you're carrying the baby?

There is! But I also wanted to see if some people still had other options in case their carrier didn't have it. Or if they had a way to not rely on that, especially if they only wear the carrier for a certain amount of time.

 

[A bottle of Red]

There is! But I also wanted to see if some people still had other options in case their carrier didn't have it. Or if they had a way to not rely on that, especially if they only wear the carrier for a certain amount of time.

That makes sense! I only used an inexpensive diaper bag way back when

 

[jayohwhy]

I’ve tried so many bags over the years (mom of 2 over here) but my absolute favorite bag with Newborns was the palm Springs mm backpack. I really love how light it is, easy to get into and fits more than you think. I would wear it in conjunction with my phone on a bandouliere phone case so I could wear it crossbody.

As my kids grew I ended up also carrying a small cooler bag with their food/ milk and would only keep dry snacks in my backpack. If we were going out for a longer day, I might have a tote with more supplies stashed in the car or under the stroller with the cooler bag inside.

 

[boobkue]

I’ve tried so many bags over the years (mom of 2 over here) but my absolute favorite bag with Newborns was the palm Springs mm backpack. I really love how light it is, easy to get into and fits more than you think. I would wear it in conjunction with my phone on a bandouliere phone case so I could wear it crossbody.

As my kids grew I ended up also carrying a small cooler bag with their food/ milk and would only keep dry snacks in my backpack. If we were going out for a longer day, I might have a tote with more supplies stashed in the car or under the stroller with the cooler bag inside.

OOH I have been eying the Palm Springs for awhile.... I might need to put in an order. Thank you so much for your input! Would you mind sharing a picture or example of the small cooler bag? did it go inside the Palm Springs?

 

[Sa26]

I have two sisters with babies and I can tell you The wallet on chain is always a great practical choice, it’s slim and fits your essentials. keys, money and phone.

now there is a new choice phone pouches of phone bags.
with the difference of wallets on chain, the phone pouch is vertical and many of those have extra space for a little Wallet or card holder and your keys.


the best phone pouches are from longchamp check them up

 

[boobkue]

I have two sisters with babies and I can tell you The wallet on chain is always a great practical choice, it’s slim and fits your essentials. keys, money and phone.

now there is a new choice phone pouches of phone bags.
with the difference of wallets on chain, the phone pouch is vertical and many of those have extra space for a little Wallet or card holder and your keys.


the best phone pouches are from longchamp check them up

Thank you for the rec!! I'll def go take a look at the phone pouches from Longchamp. Been awhile since I've shopped with them. I have their original tote and then just kind of never looked at what new products they launched.

WOC, I actually don't have many of these in my closets. I'll consider it! Thanks again!

 

[boobkue]

I’ve tried so many bags over the years (mom of 2 over here) but my absolute favorite bag with Newborns was the palm Springs mm backpack. I really love how light it is, easy to get into and fits more than you think. I would wear it in conjunction with my phone on a bandouliere phone case so I could wear it crossbody.

As my kids grew I ended up also carrying a small cooler bag with their food/ milk and would only keep dry snacks in my backpack. If we were going out for a longer day, I might have a tote with more supplies stashed in the car or under the stroller with the cooler bag inside.

did you consider the Mountsouris backpack vs the Palm Springs? I was doing some research and saw the Mountsouris and I'm liking the style of the Mountsouris as well. Wondering if it's a good contender but the opening straps will be annoying since its a buckle (I think)?

 

[Sa26]

Thank you for the rec!! I'll def go take a look at the phone pouches from Longchamp. Been awhile since I've shopped with them. I have their original tote and then just kind of never looked at what new products they launched.

WOC, I actually don't have many of these in my closets. I'll consider it! Thanks again!

Your welcome, I understand the importance so much of having an extra bag when you have a baby, something for your own stuff and a bag to make you smile.

for WOCs take a trip to your nearest outlet mall, there are many options in those malls. Tory Burch has the best WOCS and they are much better priced than and more practical than retail Tory Burch.

the phone pouches from longchamp look really nice and practical.

 

[cathavenicethings]

Baby, Not Walking Stage:
Any bag that you can also fit a diaper, some wipes, a change of clothes and a favorite stuffed animal or some small toy(s). I would keep the diaper bag in the car and only take it out for longer outings. (For the diaper bag any bag big enough will do but maybe get something your partner won't be embarrassed to carry in case they need to carry it on occassion. Lightweight a must, backpack style helps.) My favorite bag during this time for short outings was probably the YSL medium puffer which is super roomy--I feel like it looks massive though. But if you are out and about a lot and know you will be doing diaper changes keep in mind you may have to set your bag on the floor--I would not do that with my puffer.

Just Before Walking to Early Walking and Lazy Walker Stage:
I think about 8 months-ish to maybe a 16 months (I can't remember when exactly) one of those ugly belt bags with a built in seat for kiddo to sit on was fantastic. Not attractive but fantastic for easy off and on and helps to lighten the load if your kid wants to be carried all the time. I used it a lot because I felt like it was either that or have my arms feel like spaghetti.

Walking and Running But Occasionally Wants Carrying Stage:
If you're going to carry a fancy bag say no to delicate bags like suede bc they may kick your fancy bag with dirty shoes--also, darker bags are slightly less stressful. Something big enough to fit 1 extra diaper and 4 wipes in a tiny baggy until potty trained and maybe some small toys if going to dinner. Again, leave the diaper bag in the car and reserve for longer outings. My favorite have been my YSL small loulou and small loulou puffer--I love the loulou and loulou puffer lines because it is so convenient to switch from shoulder to crossbody easily. But I also use my Mulberry zipped mini bayswater, Want Les Essentiels nano piper backpack (discontinued, similar to LV palm springs mini), and some nylon Lesportsac bags (daniela crossbody and the classic hobo) a lot. Basically I want light bags that fit a lot for their size and weight and that I don't have to baby too much.

If you are pregnant already then congrats! Motherhood is the best! But it's very difficult! So I say get whatever bag (or bags plural!) you want (even if it's not for mom life) because you deserve it!!!

 

[Sa26]

Hey found another suggestion again from longchamp that is the XS energy lepliage.

okay that is a very small but spacious take on le pliage and it’s nylon to easy to wipe if it gets dirty. that Bag looks like fits all your essentials and it’s very lightweight

 

[boobkue]

Baby, Not Walking Stage:
Any bag that you can also fit a diaper, some wipes, a change of clothes and a favorite stuffed animal or some small toy(s). I would keep the diaper bag in the car and only take it out for longer outings. (For the diaper bag any bag big enough will do but maybe get something your partner won't be embarrassed to carry in case they need to carry it on occassion. Lightweight a must, backpack style helps.) My favorite bag during this time for short outings was probably the YSL medium puffer which is super roomy--I feel like it looks massive though. But if you are out and about a lot and know you will be doing diaper changes keep in mind you may have to set your bag on the floor--I would not do that with my puffer.

Just Before Walking to Early Walking and Lazy Walker Stage:
I think about 8 months-ish to maybe a 16 months (I can't remember when exactly) one of those ugly belt bags with a built in seat for kiddo to sit on was fantastic. Not attractive but fantastic for easy off and on and helps to lighten the load if your kid wants to be carried all the time. I used it a lot because I felt like it was either that or have my arms feel like spaghetti.

Walking and Running But Occasionally Wants Carrying Stage:
If you're going to carry a fancy bag say no to delicate bags like suede bc they may kick your fancy bag with dirty shoes--also, darker bags are slightly less stressful. Something big enough to fit 1 extra diaper and 4 wipes in a tiny baggy until potty trained and maybe some small toys if going to dinner. Again, leave the diaper bag in the car and reserve for longer outings. My favorite have been my YSL small loulou and small loulou puffer--I love the loulou and loulou puffer lines because it is so convenient to switch from shoulder to crossbody easily. But I also use my Mulberry zipped mini bayswater, Want Les Essentiels nano piper backpack (discontinued, similar to LV palm springs mini), and some nylon Lesportsac bags (daniela crossbody and the classic hobo) a lot. Basically I want light bags that fit a lot for their size and weight and that I don't have to baby too much.

If you are pregnant already then congrats! Motherhood is the best! But it's very difficult! So I say get whatever bag (or bags plural!) you want (even if it's not for mom life) because you deserve it!!!

Thank you so much! this is very insightful!

I'm going to assume you're referring tushbaby for the ugly belt bags with the built in seat!

Oooh I did not think about the suede part! I have quite a bit of suede purses, I will now definitely keep that in mind. Especially if the little one ends up spitting up....