Regardless of not being ready to grow another human in my body and already having a complete wardrobe of diaper bags, I found myself at a department store last weekend lusting for one. One of my best friends is due any day and I wanted to find a beautiful, chic bag for her to carry all those dirty diapers and urped-on clothes once her new baby arrives. I stood at the counter of diaper bags, admiring the fabric and designs and ignoring the prices and impracticalities, and I wondered if I could get away with using one as a bag for myself.
The pockets would be so handy for all the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and K'Nex I inevitably have to stash in my purse. And the laminated fabric would stay pretty, even after lugging myself, my child, his backpack, snowpants, a to-go coffee cup and three cell phones down the stairs and through the snow and in and out of the car every morning and afternoon. I admit, I was tempted.
Although I know that a diaper bag should not inspire you to parent (or is that really so wrong?...i kid, i kid), I am pretty sure my ovaries were flipping while I lingered over them that day. In the meantime, I will have to get my fixes -- baby and bag alike -- from my friend's forthcoming fortune.
I haven't decided which diaper bag best suits her just yet, but here are six that I love (and not a Petunia PickleBottom among them -- radical, I know!).
Not only do these diaper bags come in a variety of practical styles and pretty fabrics, they come laminated. Since a poopsplosion is as inevitable as changing the nasty-bottomed child on your lap, it is just such a relief not to worry your spendy diaper bag will carry a reminder stain of those moments forevermore. I personally love this brand and happily filled all the little pockets of my own Fleurville bag for a long time. $150
1154 Lill is a custom purse company that simultaneously stimulates my bag and design lust. They have many fabrics to debate and drool over, and you can count on great craftsmanship from the bag made just for you. This diaper bag is roomy and can easily double as a work, gym or carry-on bag in other hours of your busy life. I am biased about this fabric combo because I have it on a purse I carry constantly as a break-out from my regular black attire. $192
This tote is pretty, casual and you can over-stuff it with blankies and binkies and extra baby clothes and still look like you've got it together. After the kid no longer needs all that gear, you can use this bag without explanation or embarrassment. $70
No new mother wants to lug around a suitcase full of supplies you might happen to maybe possibly need just in case, but many of us are compelled to carry it all anyway. This photo does no justice to how cute the Diana bags look slung over a shoulder or stroller, nor to the texture of the fabrics that let you pretend you're still styling in those pants with all the spit up on them. The clasp is the best I've ever used on a diaper bag -- it stays closed in the hustle and bustle of being thrown from car to stroller basket and is still easy to open one-handed. $168
I know Diaper Dudes were first designed to appeal to hip daddies who were not keen on all the pink nubbiness of bags like the ones above. I love how organized these messenger-style bags are, with easy zip pockets the perfect size for bottles, wipes, cell phones and other essentials. And since even the sassiest mamas sometimes want to look a little more laid-back or rocker girl, the koi tattoo design is one of my favorites for walks to Starbucks and Imagination Movers shows. $65
OK, so my desire for this metallic diaper bag disguised as a purse may be because Angelina Jolie was spotted carrying it. There are three great reasons to have a bag like this. First, you are so tired of sitting on the couch in your pajamas, nursing a child and watching "One Tree Hill" re-runs all day and you must glam it up to feel like yourself even for a walk around the block. Second, you are happily hauling the kid to a brunch or get-together and cannot bear a hunter green Eddie Bauer backpack distracting from your fabulous outfit, big smile and spit-bubbling, adorable baby. And third, you are finally getting a date night with the daddy and do not have any extra time or energy to put all your stuff into a clutch bag for just one evening. Whatever the reason, this seems like a lovely way to splurge, especially once you return all the crap people give you at your four baby showers that you don't want or need. $175
Maybe it's that this one reminds me of my cosmetic bag, or maybe it's that it is a cheeky take on a previous generation of awful diaper bags printed with polar bears floating in hot air balloons and baby kittens in little dresses. The sock monkey fabric makes me smile. This little wonder would be perfect for stowing in the car. $150
Go on, let your own ovaries do the talking: Forget price tags for a minute! We're dreaming here for a minute. What diaper bags make you want to keep on procreating?
Is there other baby gear that makes you swoon?
More stuff to ooh and ahh over:
