I think I may ditch the diaper bag.
I love the diaper bag we received for Ian, but I’m realizing it’s not the ideal solution for my lifestyle right now. Ian and I run errands several times throughout the week, so I tote him and the diaper bag many places. But when I go somewhere without Ian, I have to switch all my stuff from the diaper bag to a purse. After all, it would look silly to take the diaper bag with me without the kiddo, and Paul might need the bag when he’s in charge of Ian. However, the constant switching of stuff is time consuming and means that I often arrive places without my coupons/camera/lip gloss/keys.
For reference, here a diaper bag that is similar to what I use now:
So I think it’s time for a change. I think it’s time for a mom purse. I’m ready for one of those giant, hold-everything-plus-a-roll-of-duct-tape satchels to tote everywhere I go. I’m sure I’ll still use the larger diaper bag for longer outings with Ian (zoo day!), but I like the thought of one bag for a some baby stuff as well as my own junk.
I’ve started keeping an eye out for the right purse. My friend Jessica recommends I find one with lots of pockets to help me keep everything organized. I’m thinking basic black is probably a good color choice. Ideally, I would love to find a fair trade bag, but I’ve checked several fair trade sites and haven’t found any that are appropriately gargantuan or particularly stylish (and while I’m succumbing to the mom purse, I still want to be stylin’, yo?). I might go vintage; that way, even if it was made by sweatshop labor, at least it was sweatshop labor a long time ago.
There are some fund diaper-bag-disguised-as-trendy-purse options, but most of them are a bit out of my price range. Here’s a cute diaper bag I found on saksfifthavenue.com, and it’s only $550! (Ummmmm…..no.)
This one at Diaper Bag Boutique is only $128! (Ummmmm, still no.)
It’s funny being at this point in my purse life. I used to pride myself on carrying the smallest purse I could, trying to be an accessory minimalist. I think becoming a smart phone junkie heralded the end of that era, since that meant I couldn’t fit my phone in my jeans pocket. Now I’m back to the level I was in 5th grade, when I carried all sorts of random things in my purse “just in case” (extra water in case of natural disaster? check).
I have a feeling I’ll be upgrading to a bigger diaper bag, too, if our family grows any time soon (no, nothing to report there). As a naive, first-time expecting mother, I figured my cute little square of a bag would provide plenty of room. Then I got introduced to babies with reflux and their never-ending need for burp cloths. Of course, now I just need room for tons of extra socks since someone likes to chew on his.
So, other mommies out there, I would love to hear your thoughts on purse vs. diaper bag, and what you have found to be helpful.
I, too, initially thought a small, cute square diaper tote would suffice. Heh. Thankfully, someone had given me a much larger bag that became the diaper bag of choice. I also tried to throw my wallet, lipstick, etc in it and force the bag to do double duty, but that started to fail when I had to pull out a diaper, changing pad, Desitin, snotty cloth and chew toy just to check out at Publix. So, enter the big “mom” purse given to me by, who else, my mom. It’s huge. And great. But beware the inherent risks of the mom purse–it holds a TON (and try as I might, I can’t keep its contents streamlined). Shortly after I started using it we went to a hole-in-the-wall BBQ place with ladderback chairs. I hung my purse on the back (because putting purses on the floors is eeeww). When I stood up to go to the bathroom, the weight of my purse pulled the chair right over, which crashed to the floor and flung the contents of the purse an embarassing distance. Thinking *maybe* the purse was too heavy. And it’s still too heavy, because it has taken on many of the duties of a diaper bag. There’s a front part where my keys, lipstick, wallet and phone ride happily, and the huge interior where small children get lost. No, just kidding. I do like it, though. And, one thing that’s nice is occasionally we are on top of it enough to keep the real diaper bag packed with essentials, which makes grab-and-go moments easier. My purse came from TJ Maxx (either that or Stein Mart) and is kind of a taupe/camel color which has been just fine for everything.
So, bottom line–go for it. Don’t hold back. Bigger is better, and more is more. 🙂
“More is more.” I love it!
Try etsy! I bought a purse from: //www.etsy.com/shop/christystudio
I love it! It has a bunch of different sized pockets on the inside.
My friend has a really nice clutch that she just drops in the diaper bag when she uses it.
But if you’re looking for a more affordable purse/bag, check Overstock.com. I haven’t gotten one yet, but I’m thinking that we may have to have two bags since we can’t agree on a single one. And there are lots of great bags that look like purses.
For baby number 2 I got a ju ju be diaper bag. I hated carrying around a diaper bag and a purse, and ju ju be combines both. They have some very cute prints, and several sizes. I like to be minimalist, so I got the smallest one. I love all the pockets and organization stuff that comes with it. It’s also machine washable. The only downside is they’re pricey. Over $100…
These are some great options! I need to remember to check Overstock and Etsy any time I need anything. I’m still tempted to try thrift and vintage stores as well.
My knowledge of diaper bags is limited, but you might like the options at Clair V ( http://www.clairev.com ). They make beautiful bags and support the local economy in Cambodia. Although, at the moment, I’m not seeing their diaper bags. Hmmm…
I have a tote from lands end with a little mama clutch that goes inside to be removed for mama only outings. It holds (barely) my keys, my phone, my very small wallet. It has served me well, but is less than stylish. Good thing Jessica hasn’t gotten ahold of me yet! 😉
Hobo purses do hold a lot of stuff – of course it would still need to be removed or hauled anyway when Ian is not in tow. There is also a purse insert that is sold along side purses in some stores. It is a purse insert. It’s made to be the container for all of your “purse” stuff that cn be easily moved from purse to purse or diaper bag. It might help. just thinking – kaye
I vote for this purse in black. It’s stylish, it’s large, it’s crossbody and super trendy, and it’s only $74.95. 🙂