How To Find The Best Diaper Bag To Save Your Sanity

You need the right tool for the job, especially in parenting. Finding the best diaper bag can mean the difference between a day full of meltdowns or smiles!

(I received diaper bags in return for an honest review. All opinions stated are 100% mine.)

It’s been one of those days. You know, when every plan you put in place falls through, and here you are facing the “worst case scenario.” Today this means that I have to bring all four kids with me to my doctor’s appointment.

Some people schedule their personal doctor’s appointments for times when the kids are in school, when the babysitter is available or when their spouse is home from work – anything other than having to drag tired, cranky and always hungry kids with them.

Not me… NOPE… today the stars alined, so I have them all with me – at an appointment I have been waiting for and cannot reschedule.

Here’s to flying by the seat of your pants, taking things as they come and counting to 10 – over and over.

The five of us are crammed in the small exam room, going on an eternity already. The kids are getting impatient… when I realize that things don’t HAVE to fall apart! I have “something”… as always, I come prepared.

I grab my trusty diaper bag, my constant companion, and then I dig deep – in the darkest corners.

I find snacks for Jansen, he was hungry. Jacob gets my phone so him and Jordan can watch a YouTube video. Jonah on the other hand needs more – I find [easyazon_link identifier=”B013JL6S5M” locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]crayons[/easyazon_link], cars, a [easyazon_link identifier=”1474821545″ locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]coloring book[/easyazon_link] and his favorite [easyazon_link identifier=”0756698170″ locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]LEGO sticker book[/easyazon_link], yes – all that (and more) hid in the crevice of my diaper bag.

This is the ultimate mom-bag, it has everything we want in a [easyazon_link identifier=”B00ADGNP6C” locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]diaper bag[/easyazon_link]. Having the right bag for the job is so important for us parents to get through these sticky situations and dodge one of life’s many curveballs.

So what makes a diaper bag “the ultimate mom-bag”?

I reached out to my awesome readers to hear what they expect from a diaper bag in order for it to be their Swiss-knife of bags.

These are the some of the responses I received from new and veteran moms. Every family has different needs and taste, but check out this list for features you may not have considered helpful.

The response I got was overwhelming, but a lot of the answers were the same, so I am sharing the top features everyone wanted.

Moms’ Favorite Diaper Bag Features:

Looks:

Nothing too “girly”, so both mom and dad can share the same diaper bag.
I want it to look pretty because I get tired of looking frumpy all the time.

Pockets and Compartments:

A hard to open compartment for medicine or jewelry. A waterproof compartment on the outside is nice too.
External bottle/ sippy cup pockets that are big and sturdy enough to actually hold a sippy cup or bottle! Insulated compartment for drinks/ snacks.
Quick access to wipes. Multiple interior pockets to organize.
Pockets for bottles. Pockets for diapers. Pockets for EVERYTHING.

Diaper Bag Style:

Back pack straps. Diaper bags get heavy, and it’s nice to be able to distribute the weight opposed to carrying it on one shoulder.
It must be light weight. Some bags weigh a ton BEFORE you put 30 lbs of stuff in them.

Can’t Live Without Features:

The ability to clip my stroller is a must.
It must be machine washable.
A removable changing pad is so convenient.

Over the years I have had countless diaper bags and eventually grown tired of them for one reason or another. However, I had the opportunity to test drive three different diaper bags recently. I have had them for some time and have used them in different situations to see how they worked for me.

I am pleased to say that each of the diaper bags meets the many requirements listed by my readers – real life moms.

Check them out for yourself and see which one fits your personal list of favorite diaper bag features.

At the end of this post, you have a chance to win your own [easyazon_link identifier=”B0130HK61W” locale=”US” tag=”maminthenow0e-20″]CiPU diaper bag[/easyazon_link]. The amount of features and accessories on this bag blew me away.

Ah Goo Baby: The “Grab-and-Go Essentials” Bag:

Features:

Messenger bag style with extendable strap.
Side pockets on the outside for drinks and bottles.
Magnetic flap closure which is easy to open one-handed, yet keeps the purse securely closed.
Several compartments on the outside as well as the inside.
Easy to organize
Waterproof compartment on the outside for changing pad, soiled/ wet clothes.
Machine washable and easily wiped clean with a damp rag.
Compact and roomy at the same time.
Unisex look and design. This is definitely a bag that dad can grab on his way out of the door.

My Favorite Feature:

This is my day-to-day bag, especially now that we are potty training. I keep wet/ dirty clothes separated in the front compartment. It is lightweight and spacious, great for a busy moms who doesn’t want to be weighed down by an over-sized bag.

Check It Out Here:

Ahh Goo Baby Grab-and-Go messenger bag

Cheeky Tummy: The “Jesse” Backpack:

Features:

This sturdy backpack is incredibly roomy.
Stroller straps attached to the backpack, no accessories to lose.
Insulated bottle pocket on the side, also roomy.
Unisex design and robust enough for dad to proudly carry it.
The interior fabric is bright, which makes it easier to find things inside.
Side pocket with hole for diaper wipe container.
Removable and matching changing bag and separate diaper bag for quick trips to the restroom.
Numerous zippered pockets on the outside to store baby supplies.
Spacious main interior, great for cloth diapering families in need of the space.
Easily maintained to wipe the outside with a damp cloth.

My Favorite Feature:

This backpack has become my go-to bag when I need to bring a little more than just enough for a quick trip to the store. Our family went away for a weekend trip and this backpack was PERFECT in every way. I even wore it all day at LEGOLAND and it was really comfortable.

Check It Out Here:

CheekyTummy “Jesse” Diaper Bag Backpack

CiPU US Tote Diaper Bag:

Features:

This diaper bag is perfect for the mom who is tired of feeling frumpy.
The bag and all its accessories are stylish and down-right “pretty!”
Lightweight bags, you won’t believe just how light they are.
Bright pink interior to help you find things and the color will make you happy.
Included: matching changing bag, diaper clutch, and small accessory “purse”, two sets for straps and stroller hooks.
Nine interior pockets and four outside pockets.
Water-repellent lining and exterior.
Easy to clean and maintain.
Comfortable to carry for long periods of time.

My Favorite Feature:

This is my “dressy” diaper bag, for when I want to feel pretty and less like a luggage carrier and more like a woman. The strategically placed pockets throughout the bag are sure to get you organized. This is such a fun bag to carry.