Before, and even after, baby arrives you will be doing lots and we mean LOTS of shopping. Crib, changing table, stroller, pack ‘n play, high chair, bottles – lots of stuff for your little guy or gal. There’s one item mamas get the pleasure of enjoying all for themselves – the diaper bag. We know, it’s going to be filled with their stuff but it’s going to be hanging off your shoulder. It’s going to be your style statement when you may not be feeling so stylish so shop with care.

SkipHop's Versa Diaper Bag $70

So what exactly do you need to look for in a diaper bag?

• How do you like to carry your pocketbook? A short shoulder carry or long shoulder carry? Cross body or backpack? You’ll be carrying a bit more than you did pre-baby so you want comfort.
• What are you drawn to visually? What will pair best with your wardrobe? Patterns or solids? Will daddy be toting it around, too? Then be sure to consider if you want something gender neutral or something for yourself and another bag just for dad.
• Little details matter – zipper or flap? Snaps or velcro? Feet or no feet? Look at the bag from every angle to see if it will meet all your needs.
• How do you like to organize? Lots of pockets or one big space you can organize yourself with smaller bags inside? Be sure to read to the end to get a thorough list of what you need to pack in your diaper bag.
• Do you want a get-the-job-done sedan or a tricked out SUV? Simple on the details or lots of cool features? A little of both, perhaps?

Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack $168

When you’re shopping look for details that will make parenting easier. While no diaper bag can change a diaper for you or feed your kid before the hunger cries start, if a bag can keep you organized, you’ll be in tip top shape to respond to your baby’s needs. Here are some features to look for that will help you :

• It’s a big plus if a bag can easily be placed on your stroller handlebar. This will free up your hands to attend to baby and easily take things in and out of your diaper bag and from underneath the stroller.
• If you can’t make up your mind on how to carry your bag, then it’s a big plus if the strap(s) on the bag can be swapped out or changed to turn a backpack into a shoulder bag or a short carry shoulder bag into a cross-body style.
• Pockets on the outside make it easier to organize your stuff and easier to reach at the instant a poopy diaper makes itself known. Outside pockets also make it easy to put smaller baby essentials (i.e. pacifiers, teething toys, etc.) in a clean pocket all for themselves where they won’t get dirty or lost at the bottom of the bag.
• Insulated pockets are essential. They keep bottles cool so you can stay out a little longer and not worry about feeding baby.
• Babies are messy business so make sure the fabric on the outside and the inside is easy to clean.

Skip Hop Bento Ultimate Diaper Bag $99.99

Now you know what to look for but why are you buying another bag again? Because you’ve got lots more stuff to carry. If this is your first baby, then you may not realize how much stuff you need. Everyone will pack their bag differently but here are essentials every new mom would benefit from putting in their diaper bag (remember, in addition to the things you usually tote around):

• Diapers
• Wipes
• Change of clothes (x2 – for you & baby)
• Diaper cream
• Bottle(s)
• Pacifier
• Bib
• Burp cloth
• Changing pad
• Hand sanitizer
• Blanket(s)
• Entertainment (books, toys, etc.)
• Ziploc bags (for messy diapers or soiled clothes)

And don’t forget – mama has needs, too!

• Nursing pads
• Snacks
• Water bottle
• Entertainment (in the event baby falls asleep in the car)

Petunia Pickle Bottom Wishful Weekender $129

Now that you’re armed to shop for a diaper bag, come on down to the shop and find the perfect one for you! To our veteran parents out there, what was your favorite feature of your diaper bag?