Good Questions: Small Diaper Bag

2008-03-31-logic bag.jpg

As Spring (finally) approaches, you'll find yourself at the park more and more. Kalani's looking to spend time at the park with her toddler without lugging around a giant diaper bag.

I'm looking for a 'small-ish' diaper bag that I can take to the park. I have a great large bag but it's become bulky to haul, as I run around with my 22 mo. old. I need to be able to fit: camera, diapee wipees case, keys, his snack & water. Does anyone have a suggestion for a good bag that can make the rounds with an active toddler? Thanks for any help!

There's no rule that a "diaper bag" can't just be any bag you have around with so you might want to take stock and see if you already have something that fits the bill. If not, a friend of ours recently bought the Logic Bag (above) made by JJ Cole. Since it's a pretty neutral color, he and his wife both plan on using it on outings when they just need to take along a few things. The insulated bottle holder is removable if they want to further slim down. The Logic Bag is great for running around since you'll have your hands free. Available in several colors for $30 from Modern Tots.

Readers - have you found a great small-ish diaper bag you want to share with Kalani?

Comments (12)

We used the logic bag and loved it. The only thing I didn't like was that it didn't hold up for very long. After about 18 months it was worn out.

But I would buy another one in a second if we had another child.

i know a lot of moms rave about the overland donner: it's durable, sporty, has "hidden" bottle pockets, and is uber organized:

http://www.bagsbuy.com/overland-equipment-donner/23553/496791?cm_mmc=frooglebags-_-none-_-none-_-none

previous models had more subdued colors, and REI outlet has them on sale from time to time.

there's always the land's end little tripper, that is a great size and very affordable, but i can't find it on their website anymore! bummer.

The best diaper bag ever are the leSportsac bags. They have a ton of different sized pockets, they aren't heavy on their own so you are essentially only carrying the weight of whatever is in the bag--they come in soooo many varieties that you can find something chic and non-baby or cutesy depending on your preference. Also, after numerous cracker, juice spills, dirt, pb&j explosions, I throw it in the wash and it looks brand new--and it lasts forever! (I also love that the handle can be shortened to look like a "shoulder" bag or made long and thrown over messenger-style. This is the size I have and I fit exactly what you are mentioning...

http://www.lesportsac.com/store/7507_5205.html

this one looks doable too

http://www.lesportsac.com/store/7540_5205.html

You can find them at century 21, filene's basement, and daffy's for less than retail I bought mine at the Nordstrom Rack in portland, oregon for around $35

we have a mini north face back pack (pandora or paige) that we like for quick trips

It's not a bag, but I could NOT live without my SKipHop Pronto -- it's an absolute necessity for any mom on the go, in my opinion.

Try a size Small wetbag from http://www.thegoodmama.com. The main zippered pouch is waterproof (designed for a wet or soiled cloth diaper, but I use my Goodmama wetbags for EVERYTHING!) and it has a small pocket on the outside for wipes, butt cream, etc, or anything you can fit! Throw it in your purse and you're golden. :]

I use a small Vera Bradley backpack. My SkipHop diaper bag is always attached to our stroller so if the stroller isn't with us, the backpack is an easy alternative. It's machine washable and is just the right size for the essentials.

Thanks SO much for all the great advice & the links!
Kalani

I bought a back pack style purse from Target. It has a wallet type pocket on the front for my stuff and a the large portion holds a diaper or two a small pack of wipes, snacks and drink. I carry this as my main purse daily and keep the diapers, wipes and snacks in tow only grabbing the drinks when needed so that it is fresh. The bonus is that if I spill anything on myself I have a wipe at hand...and who can't use a snack here and there.