It’s been a long time since I had a baby, so there are things that I have probably forgotten & will have to remember “on the job” when baby comes in February. But some things you don’t forget- like just how much stuff babies need!
The stuff isn’t just for at home, either. A quick trip to the drugstore requires that you pack a bottle {I nursed, but still brought breastmilk in a bottle for convenience}, a change of clothes {including a shirt for mom should spit-up occur}, at least two diapers with wipes, toys {depending on baby’s age}, a blanket and any other necessities. That’s in addition to your own wallet, keys, sunglasses, and shopping list, at minimum.
So it may surprise you that I didn’t really carry a diaper bag. I mean, I had one. &I used it for a good couple of weeks there. But it was one giant compartment, and everything got lost immediately after I put it in there. There was an outer pocket for a changing pad, so I sometimes put my keys or sunglasses in there, but then they’d slide out while I drove or get stuck under the cover. It wasn’t ideal.
That’s why I am so head over heels in love with my new Ju-Ju-Be diaper bag! I recently received their BFF bag and I can totally see this becoming my BFF in a few months. It has a ton of pockets so that you can not only store what you need, but actually find it when you need it. It seems like a trivial concept but when you have so much stuff, it isn’t always easy to keep it that organized!
The diaper bag has one large compartment that can be opened either direction, and inside is a lot of room for anything & everything. There are four open-top pockets ideal for storing larger objects or things you need to reach quickly, as well as two zippered pockets that can store smaller objects. The flap has another {longer} zippered section and above that are two photo pouches!
The exterior of the bag has several parts, including a zippered section in the front that features two open-topped pockets, a zippered pocket, a keyfob and a cell phone/sunglasses pouch. I consider this section to be the “purse” section- it keeps all of Mommy’s items in one place so you aren’t fumbling with seven different zippers heading to the car!
Also on the outside is a pocket that holds a changing pad. While the changing pad is relatively standard {and super smart} for diaper bags, I appreciate that this one has is Teflon coated, making it stain resistant & easy to clean. It’s also memory foam, making changing time super comfortable for your little one no matter where you are!
There are two pockets on the outside that are ideal for holding bottles/sippy cups/water bottles. I love that the material on top is elastic so it securely holds them, and the pockets themselves also have 3M Thinsulate lining, which keeps your drink cold or hot.
The last pocket is a thin, zippered pocket right on the front designed for easy access. They suggest toting your camera in there but mine is a DSLR so it’s too big. I haven’t decided what to ultimately store there yet, but might store my phone there.
There are three ways to carry the BFF- it has a handle right on top that is always there, so you can rely on using that. Then you can choose which straps to use: either the ergonomically correct messenger bag strap {with memory foam shoulder pad}, or the backpack straps! I use it as a messenger bag usually, but love the backpack strap option for traveling. Diaper bags make great travel bags, and using the backpack straps means one less thing to carry! &Switching which straps you’re using takes less than thirty seconds- the metal connectors are very easy to clip & unclip, but very sturdy, so I’d never worry about them coming undone on their own.
I obviously love all of the little features, but I love the big features even more. Namely, that the entire bag is machine washable {be sure to air dry}, that the whole bag is Teflon coated for stain resistance, and that it has crumb pockets! If you’ve ever had a purse or diaper bag, you know how mysterious crumbs can somehow collect at the bottom & that it’s crazy hard to get them out. With this bag you don’t even need to empty the bag- the crumbs just go through the bottom holes! Also on the bottom are metal feet to keep your bag lifted from dirty/germy surfaces.
My baby’s not even here yet & I’ve already been using this bag sometimes. Whenever I go somewhere that requires a lot of stuff {like the park, etc.} I grab it & load it up! &Since everything has a place, I am able to pack & unpack it quickly when I do decide to just use my purse. I know that this time around, I’ll actually be using my diaper bag! Now I just can’t wait for the baby that goes with it!
Buy It: Ju-Ju-Be’s BFF bag is available in 23 prints on their website & retails for $165.00.
What’s your must-have diaper bag feature?
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
That looks like a great baby bag!
Marcie W. says
I haven’t needed a diaper bag in quite awhile but I really like the print and colors of this bag, along with the different ways it can be carried!
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
I was scrolling through your old posts to see if baby was a boy or girl since I didn’t remember reading it since your last pregnancy update. After seeing this diaper bag, I’m wondering if you are having a girl?!! I LOVE the girly feel of this diaper bag and it seems really well made. I love how bright pop of pink on the inside.
Shell says
Haha, well I chose this print LONG before I found out the gender so this gives away nothing! I’m just a huge fan of black & pink together. I will be posting the gender by the weekend though 🙂
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
lol – well I will be anxiously awaiting your announcement! 🙂
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
That bag is super cute! I totally love the pattern and the colors.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
That is such a pretty bag!! I wish I had had something like that when my kids were younger.
Lolo says
I love the color and pattern of this bag!!
Robin Gagnon says
That looks like a durable bag & it’s certainly nice.
Toni says
I LOVE that diaper bag. It’s very cute!!
Mellisa says
This is such a cute bag. Much better than the one I had..:)