Searching for Bigfoot. Does a NON UGLY Diaperbag Exist?!

Updated on September 07, 2011
C.J. asks from Frisco, TX
47 answers

WANTED:
Diaper bag. Nothing fancy. Standard shape and size.
Compartments for bodily fluid filled messes to be contained as well as pockets for keys, phone, and other random necessary household items (hair-ties, matchbox cars, goldfish, lovies, expired coupons, etc.).
Physical attributes should NOT include: bows, bells, cockrell shells or anything baby related.
Nothing loud. Nothing that announces "I'm toting poop supplies & boob juice!" to the rest of the world.
If I'm carrying the bag, I'm obviously carrying the baby - why does the bag have to look like the baby?
I'm a grown up & I want a grown up bag! (Uhhhh, but NOT one that breaks the grown up piggy bank!)

C'mon.... show me yours!

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Featured Answers

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A.G.

answers from Albuquerque on

I bought a coach diaper bag ( used on craigslist) it just looks like a giant coach tote...no one but me knows its full of poop and poop related supplies!

4 moms found this helpful
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L.S.

answers from Spokane on

I just use an oversized messenger bag. It's tangerine and I get compliments on it all the time. It holds everything I need for my 3 girls (9 months, 3 and 5) and I for a day out of the house including the diaper clutch, juice, water, snacks, wallet, cell, sunscreen, hats, toys, even a change of clothes for the baby! I love it! It's made by Fox.

3 moms found this helpful

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M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi C.,

Go to ROSS and look through their computer bags and large purses. I've often thought that a lot of them would make an attractive diaper bag. Most are inexpensive, less than $20, and their are a variety of colors...Buy a few! Coordinate!

God bless,
M.

4 moms found this helpful
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J.D.

answers from Dallas on

Honestly, I bought a huge leather purse and found the other accessories I needed separately. I had a small insulated zip bag for bottles, a changing mat, a change of clothes, diapers, snacks, and a wipes box. All this fit on one side and the other side held my necessities.

4 moms found this helpful
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S.P.

answers from New York on

I treated myself to a petunia picklebottom when I was pregnant (on sale). I LOVED it and got compliments on my "purse" all the time. But when it came time for a summer bag, I went into marshalls and scanned their tote/large purse selection. I got a sportsac tote, with two main compartments, a large zipper pocket on the outside (holds the petunia pickelbottom diaper pad a wipes), and two small zipper pockets inside. It is great, and cost me <$30.

3 moms found this helpful
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M.A.

answers from Dallas on

I bought the Skip Hop Studio Diaper Bag for all the reasons you listed. It looks like a purse I think! I've been very happy with it.

In Black: http://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Studio-Diaper-Black/dp/B00...

3 moms found this helpful
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S.M.

answers from Dallas on

My girlfriends got me a gift card to Clutterbags for my 3rd baby, and I had a nice diaper bag that wasn't baby-ish. You can pick your fabric and style of the bag. It was made well, held up, and I really liked it.

I just did a quick search and she's selling on etsy - www.etsy.com and then search for clutterbags to find her. Good luck!

3 moms found this helpful

T.K.

answers from Dallas on

I used a sleek looking black bag that would probably be considered an executive tote for a laptop. It had a divider down the middle. No other bells and whistles and I loved it. Nothing about it said baby and my husband wans't embarassed to carry it for me. When you get a laptop bag, they are even waterproof inside.

3 moms found this helpful
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K.F.

answers from Dallas on

Ha ha, thanks for the laugh! Love your post and your sense of humor!! Love 31 Gifts - they have some great bags and you can pick your fabric.

2 moms found this helpful

J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I just used a small over night bag that had a cool design. I bought it at Ross for 20 bucks. It fit easily over my shoulder and just looked like a large purse.
Now that she's a toddler, I carry a smaller, but still oversized purse, and she carries her own purse/backpack. She doesn't carry much (usually just her travel toys), but every little bit helps. :)

2 moms found this helpful
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E.B.

answers from New York on

I know this is not the norm, but with 2 toddlers I NEEDED a backpack because I did not have a free hand. I just bought the new IKEA family backpack. IT IS PERFECT!

2 moms found this helpful
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A.D.

answers from Dallas on

Etsy.com specifically Hot Mama Handbags. Her fabrics change so I don't see my specific fabric but they are handmade and gorgeous and I get compliments on mine every day. I have the toddler version. Also loved my Jujube bag when the boys were smaller and had more stuff to haul.

2 moms found this helpful
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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

What about a Vera Bradley quilted tote bag? I loved mine. Good luck!

(Yeah...just what a new mom needs, duckies on her bag!)

2 moms found this helpful

H.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

thirtyonegifts.com you will find a few bags there that a perfect for using as a diaper bag. The organizing utility tote serves as the ideal bag you are describing.

2 moms found this helpful

L.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Didn't read all the responses, and I know Denise P. is good for recommending Vera Bradley bags, too, so this may have already been mentioned. I don't know if you like the look of Vera Bradley bags, but ever since I discovered them, I don't carry anything else because I'm so spoiled by them.

They are quilted cloth bags, with lively prints on them in a million different colors/patterns, since they're cloth, they're super-light (nice to not have the bag add to the weight, since we mother's carry around the kitchen sink as it is), they're machine washable (and come out looking like new), and they have so many styles to choose from, if you can't find one to meet your individual needs, well then, I feel for ya!

They do have a Baby Bag, that has all the things you described. There are a ton of prints to choose from, and although the newer prints are $99, they have a bunch on sale for as low as $39.99. Click on the sale tab for the sale prints...
http://www.verabradley.com/product/Collection/Signature/B...

But for me, I've always preferred the Vera style bag for it's compartments, size, function, etc. (I like an opened top bag, and the slip in pockets fit bottles and sippee cups perfectly.)
http://www.verabradley.com/product/Collection/Signature/V...

But there are other styles, even, that would work as a diaper bag, depending on what your preferences are for size, type of closure, number of pockets/compartments, etc.

So that's what I recommend! I LOVE them.

UPDATE and let us know what you choose! :)

2 moms found this helpful

S.R.

answers from Kansas City on

How much are you wanting to spend? I went through about 5 diaper bags before I realized that I needed to spend more for what I wanted in a bag.

Kalencom, Skip Hop, Ju Ju Be, Coach, there are alot of nice diaper bags out there that don't look like diaper bags. You just need to spend a little more to get them. The plus side to that is they last forever and are made much better.

2 moms found this helpful
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A.L.

answers from Charleston on

WHAT? You don't want Winnie The Pooh or Dora on your diaper bag????

Ha ha - Neither did I.

Here was mine, but I had it in black:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-KALENCOM-DESIGNER-ORANGE-MESS...

It's by Kalencom, and because of the vinyl exterior, it can be wiped down, hosed down, etc... ha ha

Loved it and got lots of compliments, and the husband would actually carry it. :)

2 moms found this helpful
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S.H.

answers from Detroit on

I use backpacks for my diaper bags. Columbia has a great back pack diaper bag I have used on and off for 5 years now... still holding up strong and does NOT look like a baby anything (but it is about $50!). I also really like the medium size Adventure Tote from LLbean (they have free shipping all the time now)...it is on sale right now for about $15! I LOVE the pockets around the outside... you have to like a colorful bag (although it does NOT scream baby), but it is a fantastic bag at a fantastic price!

2 moms found this helpful

C.C.

answers from San Francisco on

http://www.dooney.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?sectio...

The above link was my "diaper bag." No, it's not actually a diaper bag, but it's huge, fits everything (I just took along a gallon-sized ziplog bag for anything oozing/stinky), and best of all, looks nothing like baby. In fact, my "baby" is 6 and I still use it as a purse! ;) The outside pockets are just the right size for sippy cups or bottles (or now that my children can drink out of real cups, I use the pockets for cell phone, sunglasses and keys!

Yeah, I know, it's a little bit of a budget-buster, but hey... like I said, my baby is 6 and I am still using it. Year for year, it's a better deal than any diaper bag I ever had before that!

2 moms found this helpful
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L.M.

answers from Seattle on

Yes,
Go to diaperbags.com
The brand Oioi. Is super stylish as well as functional. I bought the black one. With grey circles.. It has lasted 3 years.. Also it cleans like a dream! Just wipe with a clorex wipe.. Even inside because sometimes stuff spills.
L.

1 mom found this helpful
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B.

answers from Augusta on

I had one that was a backpack
spent maybe 40$ on it and it was really great, heck my youngest is almost 7 and I still have it , it's still in great shape too.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.C.

answers from Dallas on

I actually hated every diaper bag I saw---the bag is for MY convenience, just filled with baby things...I used the large purses designed for things like laptops. I even found a couple at target that I used until they were falling apart because I liked them so much. You can put smaller waterproof bags and diaper carrying travel bags inside without sacrificing style.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.G.

answers from Chicago on

Skip Hop makes some great ones.

1 mom found this helpful
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B.M.

answers from Dallas on

etsy.com
If you can't find exactlt what you want you can find someone who can custom make it.

1 mom found this helpful

J.I.

answers from San Antonio on

I use my old diaper bag as a purse now - a backpack purse. It looks just like this one. Mine says "baby innovations" on it and this one says it's made by "California innovations." Maybe in the past 3 years they changed their name. http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3144094

1 mom found this helpful
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C.P.

answers from Albuquerque on

I vote for a backpack! Why did I ever think that a diaper bag was required for baby?! Backpacks are great for everything, from newborn (multiple changes of clothes, diapers, a small lunchbag/cooler for milk) to teen years (current book-in-progress, towel for the beach, water bottle)! Fits in the under-stroller basket or over the handles of a small umbrella stroller. Perfect side pockets for the little one to put her sippy cup or favorite toy. Little pockets for keys, wallet, etc...

1 mom found this helpful
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M.Q.

answers from Dallas on

I found a pocket book (purse) at Dillards on sale with 2 side pockets for the bottles and fit every thing else in the tote part. It is a Betsy Johnson bag, so cute but a bag not a diaper bag!

1 mom found this helpful
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M.A.

answers from Dallas on

Ju Ju Be! They have the best quality bags for sure. You can machine wash them and they look great! My favorite right now is the BeHip: http://www.shopjujube.com/Product.aspx?l=0001000300000000...
They do have some out there prints, but they also have some more sophisticated ones too.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.C.

answers from Dallas on

I love my Lands End diaper bag backpack! It comes with everything, it's well designed, and it doesn't scream diaper bag. We're on our third child, and we've never needed another.

1 mom found this helpful
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R.J.

answers from Seattle on

I used a backpack. Occasionally a Timbuk2 messenger bag. Worked great. Doubles as an actual backpack or messengerbag. Washable, because they aren't waterproof. Ziplocks are waterproof. Used ziplocks. Easy to carry. Comes in hundreds of colors and various sizes. 1/2 as much as a diaper bag, carries twice as much. A cooler lunch box lobbed inside keeps cold things cold. Easy.

1 mom found this helpful
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H.F.

answers from Dallas on

My wonderful mom made me a big red bag from fabric that I picked out. It had pockets on the outside that were great for bottles, pockets on the inside that I put my wallet and other flat items in, a key ring hook, and tons of space. My DS is now 5 and we still use it when we take trips, go to the pool. I loved it!

1 mom found this helpful

K.L.

answers from Cleveland on

If you are up for treating yourself, get a Big Bag from Miche and buy yourself a diaper bag shell to go along with it. That's what I did, and I LOVE it!

1 mom found this helpful
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A.S.

answers from Miami on

Even the 'nice' diaper bags are kinda ugly. That is why i'm making my own. I've made a couple for a couple family members, too. It's not super cheap to make, BUT at least i can get exactly what i want as far as looks and even size and types of pockets/compartments.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

I had a really cute Sally Spicer tote and a Petunia Picklebottom backpack in an Oriental green fabric. Two of my favorites once they got a little bigger and I was down to wipes, snacks and a pull up or two have been a Target black Eddie Bauer shoulder tote and a durable, cute shoulder bag I found at REI.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.C.

answers from Chicago on

When i had my daughter my husband left the hospital and returned with a gift. A black Coach Hampton Diaper bag!! I know pricey, but for something you use everyday well worth it. Compartment for evertyhing. Plain black outside and coach logo inside. It even came with a coach diaper change pad :). It was an extravagant gift but come on after all that labor...well deserved!!!!!! ;-)
4.5 years later i still use it because it looks nothing like a diaper bag!!

1 mom found this helpful
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E.S.

answers from Lubbock on

I loved my Petunia Pickle Bottom bag! It was a messenger style that also had straps to turn it into a backpack. I chose a subtle black on black print with red piping (Texas Tech colors) and it was non-girly enough that my husband didn't have any problem carrying it as well. If you check out their website, they have multiple styles that do not look like a diaper bag at all! Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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J.A.

answers from Denver on

I also used a backpack. Great to have your hands free...

1 mom found this helpful
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H.T.

answers from Dallas on

I LOVED my Kate Spade black diaper bag...got it at Neiman's --- gift from my husband actually. :)

1 mom found this helpful
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J.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

Can't agree more there are a lot of ugly ones out there! I have a Vera Bradley super tote. I love it because it is so light (I don't need to carry around any extra weight with two little ones) and you can pick your pattern bc they have so many to choose from. They also have lots of sizes to pick from depending on your need for space.

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M.L.

answers from Philadelphia on

Would try a used Coach or Vera Bradley big bag -- on ebay or Craigslist. You would never know they were baby bags!~~

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K.B.

answers from Chicago on

kate spade has come cute ones

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T.J.

answers from Seattle on

I love my skiphop, storksak, fleurville, ju ju be, and petunia picklebottom bags. Plus I've seen a lot of cute other ones out there! Look at consignment shops, ebay, craigslist to save money on these or other nicer brands. There's a petunia outlet online, I got my skiphop new, one at Ross, but my others all at consignment. I love the ones that look like big purses, I still carry them years later! I also got a really cute one at target once that still also looks like a purse and came with a changing pad and wipes case. I also still use my ju ju be diaper clutch as a smaller purse..

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P.K.

answers from New York on

Vera Bradley Black Microfiber. Love it.

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M.T.

answers from New York on

I was never into the duckies and bunnies either - while it was a bag for baby stuff, I was the one carrying it (or DH was). When I had my first, I got a Graco one, I think. It was a messenger style and light gray. I didn't love the setup of it. For my second, I got a big black faux leather tote bag, worked just fine.

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D.B.

answers from Dallas on

I've always used backpacks. I love that both arms are free and not having to worry about a swinging bag attack. Also, a backpack can hold a decent amount of stuff. I have always found diaper bags to be deceptively small. They look like they hold a lot, but really don't. My current backpack has 3 main compartments plus 3 smaller pockets. 2 of the smaller pockets on the sides are tall enough to hold sippy cups. The backpack was especially indispensible when I had a toilet-training toddler and an infant (they required a TON of STUFF!). Now my youngest is 2, so I can get away with just keeping his stuff in a big purse. But when we go on a full-day outing with all 3 kiddos, it's all about the backpack!

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