Choosing your baby’s change bag is not as easy as you would first think. Having been used to your own particular handbag one often makes the mistake of choosing a change bag because you like the design. Pause for a minute and consider what you actually need the change bag for?
A baby change bag is somewhere where you would put all the items you would need during the day and you’re out and about with your child. This will include feeding bottles and food jars, nappy changing items including some bags in which to store the dirty nappies, change of clothes, extra layer if it’s required due to weather and possibly your own personal items to save you carrying your handbag as well.
Bearing in mind that clean and dirty nappies should be separate from food, and eating and feeding equipment you should examine possible change bags from the viewpoint of hygiene. Make sure there are sufficient compartments to make it easy to find items in the change bag, even in the dark. Food stuff may me full on departure from your home but during the day you might have opened the jar, still have half left to use later, and this will require careful storage. Equally the baby may have had some milk or juice, bottle and quite possibly may have lost the top of the bottle during the day. Again you should be able to store your bottle upright and without spilling in your change bag.
Most mothers would combine the change bag as their personal handbag too. This means that you’re going to have your keys, your mobile, your wallet or purse and some make up. Your own personal belongings should definitely be kept separately from the baby items. You will also need quick and easy access to your personal belongings when out and about. Again make sure that there is a section within the change bag plus plenty of pockets on the outside of the change bag for you to keep your keys and mobile.
The good tip is to check if the change bag you are considering buying has a waterproof lined internal bottom. Should anything spill it will make it easy to clean for your next day trip. Equally soft fabric outer change bags quickly get dirty and if you happen to spill something onto them it is better to have a white clean surface, preferably waterproof.
For obvious reasons black is the most popular colour for change bags as it does not show the dirt and can also be mistaken for a normal handbag. However it is worth bearing in mind that your partner quite often has to carry the change bag. They are not going to be too thrilled to carry about a bag which is definitively girly. Should your partner be very considerate and help with the baby care then it would be equally considerate to choose a change bag that a man would not be ashamed to carry.
If money is no object then by all means enjoy the luxury of buying more than one change bag. This gives you the opportunity to have a small one for short outings and a larger one for the day trip or perhaps the weekend away. When choosing a small change bag there is no reason why you should not indulge yourself in something pretty and cheerful.
The cost of change bags varies wildly and can often be equated with the amount of storage and thought which has gone into their design. Remember when buying exactly what you are buying a change bag for and make sure it fills all your needs. There is nothing more frustrating than being unable to put everything you would need for the day into the change bag.
Also take into account the kind of pram or stroller handles onto which you will be hanging the change bag. Make sure it can provide sufficient ease of movement for you was pushing the pram. You do not want to be bashing your knees against the change bag. Some handles do not offer the right height for your change bag.
