Need advice on a new diaper bag

Hey everyone,
I am getting rid of our diaper bag and looking for something more practical and not as bulky. I now have 2- 12 mo. olds and a 27 mo. old. I was looking at the Columbia Trekster but not set on it. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

Maybe you can post a link to it? I just used my bag till I started using canvas bags and stuff!

 

QUOTE(~* dfaut *~ @ Feb 23 2009, 12:12 PM) [snapback]1201470[/snapback]
Maybe you can post a link to it? I just used my bag till I started using canvas bags and stuff!

I am dumb about that stuff. How do you post a link?

 

Is this the one you are talking about?

 

I got both kidlets a small backpack and make them haul their own stuff.

I have packmules! (Actually, they only really carry the diapers and small toys in their backpacks, I still carry sippy cups in my purse.)

 

I nearly always have a backpack (I never outgrew my student days) or a large purse anyway. So when my twins were about 2, I finally realized it was way easier to just carry a large Ziploc bag with a few diapers, a small pack of wipes, and some small Ziplocs to put dirties in. Then I would also toss a change of clothes into my bag.

The official diaper bag was way too bulky and had a lot of "features" I didn't need anymore, like a detachable changing pad, bottle holders, etc.

 

QUOTE(Kyrstyn @ Feb 23 2009, 12:20 PM) [snapback]1201482[/snapback]
Is this the one you are talking about?

Yes!

 

I like to travel light, and use only 'diaper bags' that would not look like diaper bags and be unisex enough that DH would feel comfortable wearing/bringing with him.

I switched to a sling-style backpack once the boys were about 9m old. It was big enough to hold 2-3 diapers, wipes, a ziploc with bibs, utensils, disposable placemats, and a small make up bag with mini toiletry/first aid/sunscreen, and a lightweight change of clothes.

I recently upgraded to an even smaller 'diaper bag' once we started potty training. It's a mini-messenger type bag and is big enough to hold a small pkg. wipes, two pair of underwear, a pair of lightweight pants, my wallet, cell phone, and keys. I love this bag...it's the closest thing to a purse I am comfortable with.

 

SweetpeaG, I love that mini messenger bag! Do you bring sippy cups or water bottles with you? If so, is there room in the bag?

 

QUOTE(idril @ Feb 23 2009, 10:29 AM) [snapback]1201679[/snapback]
SweetpeaG, I love that mini messenger bag! Do you bring sippy cups or water bottles with you? If so, is there room in the bag?

It's fantastic; I have it in red, which I see is now sold out (and if you order from REI you can get free site-to-store shipping).

I can fit two of The First Years' Take & Toss sippies in there (since they stack well). Usually we have our Nalgene grip n gulps, which can be carabinered on to the straps so as not to sacrifice space, or fit inside (it's tight, but it fits) if you can travel light like me.

I use this as my gym bag too...I can fit a 16oz Nalgene, ipod, wallet, keys, pair of shorts or light- to mid-weight pants, and the kids backup underwear/pants. I've even managed to stuff a fleece pullover into it and still can put wallet/stuff into the outer flap zipper. There's a handy ipod pocket on the side I use for my cell & keys. There is also a mesh pocket on the other side that is big enough to stretch and hold one narrow-ish sippy (think 16 oz bottled water), or two empty ones, stacked inside one another.

It's like Mary Poppins' carpet bag.

 

I started keeping a separate bag of diapers/wipes in the car and just carry a large purse that I can toss their sippies into.

 

Last summer, I used my Ju Ju Be Mini Be and LOVE it. I haven't used it so much since dd has been potty trained, but this summer once we start going to the parks & playdates more I'd actually like sell it & get the Be Right Back , so I'll have room for towels & swimsuits.

 

I am a Skip Hop fan. I went from the skip hop duo and switched to the Skip Hop Backpack when they were about 20 months. I love having a backpack now!