I’ve mentioned it on here more than once, but I am obsessed with my non-diaper bag. To be honest, I did choose a diaper bag out and was gifted it at my shower. It was so much bulkier than the photos and it was simply… not me. When you become a mom, you do lose some pieces of your previous self (it’s not a bad thing, but it was a little sad for me at first). Life is so much more beautiful with your baby, but why sacrifice your personal sense of style? If there was one thing I wanted to savor, it was my style choices. I just could not see myself carrying around that lug of a diaper bag. Of course, a lot of women love their diaper bags! Which is awesome, because whatever works best for you, that is what you should always do. But the ones marketed as diaper bags were just not for me.
I quickly exchanged the bag in for something that was actually cheaper, chicer, and vegan-friendly. I can’t even tell you how much I love it. It goes well with everything, isn’t too big, and easily holds all of my own things and my kids.
Just to give you an idea – I am pretty minimal when it comes to what I carry in my diaper bag. You can see exactly what I put in it below after the bags.
Some people think that it will be tough to use a non-diaper bag because it doesn’t have a specific place for a bottle. I actually use a gallon ziplock bag usually, and it works fine for me. But if you want something more, you could always use a bottle bag.
NOTE: This post contains affiliate links, which means that I’ll receive a commission if you purchase from this link. This will not change or increase the cost of your purchase. This extra income provides for my family and keeps The Friendly Fig running strong.
1. CLASSIC BLACK HAND/SHOULDER BAG (this is the one I have!)
I am obsessed with it. It has a middle zippered pocket that acts as a barrier. I use one side for my things, the middle zippered area for anything cloth (extra clothes, burp rags, hat, socks, etc.), and the other side for Willow’s diapering needs. There’s plenty of pocket space available, too. I can’t say enough about this bag.
I bought it in black to hide any dirty stains (and I love black) but am going to also purchase it in brown or light coffee. I can’t decide which yet. They have 6 different color options, so you take your pick!
Once I had two kids, I upgrade to a backpack. Mine is similar to this one. I loved this the best… and I used it way beyond kids. It’s great for airports even without kids!
3. BOHO TOTE
This bag is just gorgeous. If you love bright and lavish colors with a bohemian flare, this bag looks to be a great size to fit it all. The only downside with this bag is that there are not many compartments, but you could buy an organizer.
Gorgeous colors and patterns. Like the above, you may need an organizer for this, or you could use small pouches to organize smaller items. Either way, it will definitely fit a bunch!
5. FRINGE TOTE
This bag has only one large compartment with some side pockets, so you may need an organizer for inside, but other than that, it looks very spacious and can be worn on shoulder or cross-body.
What’s In My Diaper Bag (0-6 Months)
Blanket: whether it is cold or used to clean up a mess, it is necessary and cozy.
Burp cloths/wash cloths: I have a burp cloth from Burt’s Bees as well as a cloth diaper insert. Two seems to work.
Diapers: I carry about 3-5 extra diapers in a cute pouch I scored for free in my Amazon baby registry gift box.
Wipes: These are necessary always – for bum, hands, and face.
Diaper rash cream: You never know when you’ll need it, so I keep a small one. I love this brand.
Diaper trash bags: the Munchkin Arm and Hammer bags are perfect for soiled diapers and super convenient.
Wet bag: for soiled clothes or anything else that is wet/dirty.
Extra baby outfits (2): I toss in whatever works for the season, just in case.
Hat: in case it gets cool.
Socks: again, just in case.
Bib: just one clean bib.
WubbaNub pacifier + clip: She really loves this Wubbanub pacifier. It’s a must-have for us, especially on the go.
Teether: for fussy days.
Tissues: mostly for me.
Nasal aspirator: just in case.
My things: wallet, keys, sunnies, protein bar, tissues, and a pouch with make-up, chapstick, hair ties, nursing pads, pen, Advil, etc.
What’s In My Diaper Bag (Baby & Toddler)
I upgraded to a chic diaper backpack once my second daughter was born. Here’s a look at what’s inside.
Diapers: A given. I have a few in my trunk, too.
Wipes: Small pack of wipes with more in trunk. (Note: I forgot to include these in the pics! Oops – but rest assured, they are the small travel pack and slide right in.)
Diaper rash cream: Just in case.
Aquaphor: Willow’s skin gets a bit irritated after eating sometimes, so I have this at all times to keep it moisturized.
Diaper trash bags: For the smelly ones.
Tissues: For everyone.
Toy or Book: Or both. We have toys in the car, but I like to carry a small animal figure and a small board book for when we go into stores and whatnot.
Water bottles: For mama and Willow. We like Camelbak for her. Not pictured, but I keep mine in one of the outside side pockets.
Snacks: Usually some sort of bar (she loves Nature’s Bakery fig bars or Kashi fruit bars) or raisins.
Wet bag: In case clothes get wet or something. We have these.
Band-aids: Small necessity that takes up no space at all.
Washable bib: For when we go out to eat. Love the bibs by Bumkins because they are lightweight and take up virtually no room. (Also not included in pic, because it was in the wash. But folds up flat and easy to pack.)
Fork and spoon set: Again, when we go out to eat.
Placemats: I have a couple disposable ones that stick to the table. They make it really easy when we go out to eat (which is rare, but still good to have).
My things: wallet, keys, sunnies, snack bar, chapstick, lipstick, cover-up, hair ties, pen, Advil.
Swaddle blanket: Good for anything and everything – chilly weather, messes, burp cloth, carseat cover, etc. I also keep another extra one in my trunk.
Burp cloths: I carry about 2-3 with me. I keep extra in my trunk, too.
Bottle: Another given – always carry an extra bottle of milk when going out. You just never know (unless you are breastfeeding) but I plan breastfeeding and pumping again with this little one and I always felt it easier to bring bottle.
Bibs: For feeds.
Pacifier and clip: If baby girl takes to a pacifier like Willow did, I’ll have it on hand.
Teether/toy: Something small in case she needs something to chew on or be mesmerized by.
Nasal aspirator: I like to have it just in case. Just the bulb. (Not pictured – need a new one for her.)
Nursing pads: I will add a couple to the “my things” category because you don’t want to be caught dead with leakage, right?
There are so many large tote bags out there – you just have to look and figure out what size will work best for you. If you are more of a “I just want a regular diaper bag” person then that it fine, too! But if you are like me and want something that is a bit more practical for use at any time (with or without baby), then I hope you are inspired by one of the above.
Anyone else a fan of non-diaper bags? I’d love to see what you are carrying. xx bianca
