Diaper Bags

I am in search of the perfect diaper bag but feel like I might as well be searching for the Holy Grail. I'm looking for a bag that isn't too big or too small, can be carried over the shoulder and convert to a backpack, is fashionable enough to pass a purse, fits over my stroller handles, isn't a "bottomless pit", is easy to clean and doesn't show dirt. Oh, and I don't want it to look like I raided a geisha's closet. Nothing against Chinese silk, but it's just not my style. So is that too much to ask? After searching diaperbags.com, amazon, etsy, and my local stores, the answer seems to be "yes".

For the past 2 years I've been carrying a Baby Kaed Sanya Diaper Bag in black that I got as a shower gift. It has served me well, but after 2 years of daily use it is threadbare and ready to be retired. Now that I've been searching for a new bag I am really starting to appreciate it's design. The main compartment is wide, but not too deep so it's easy to keep track of all your stuff. I kept 3 or 4 diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, a receiving blanket, sippy cup, snacks, first aid kit, hat, sunscreen, bib and some small toys in there and never had trouble finding any of it. There are several other pockets on the outside of the bag that I used to keep wallet, keys, phone and my personal items. I got compliments on the bag all the time and several people mentioned that it didn't look like a diaper bag. On the downside, it doesn't hang well on my stroller, it can be hard to keep on my shoulder when running after Baby M (and he runs fast now!) and the cell phone pocket is too small for my new iPhone.

A few weeks ago I found a SKIP HOP Dash Diaper Bag online for $30 and decided to give it a try. It's okay, but not great. The main problem I have with it is that the zippered pocket, intended for wallet, keys, etc. It is at the top of the inner pocket and as soon as I put my wallet in it it flops over and makes getting into the main compartment very difficult. It also doesn't hold nearly as much as my old bag and since the main pocket is narrow and deep items get lost easily. On the plus side, I like the option of wearing it messenger style and have even converted it to a backpack on occasion, albeit somewhat uncomfortably. The stroller hooks are great and it is something my husband can carry without feeling embarrassed.

So my quest for the perfect bag continues. Perhaps it doesn't exist and I'll just have to get a few bags to meet my needs. But if anyone out there has a bag they really like, let me know.