Cloth Diaper Bag Or Plastic - Which One Should You Choose?
Every new parent needs a bag to carry their baby's necessities while they're out and about.
Diaper bags come in many shapes and sizes - from cheap plastic totes to expensive designer models.
With so many options on the market, how do you choose one that's right for you? First you need to consider the capacity of your diaper bag.
It needs to hold at least one diaper for every hour you're out, plus all your other baby essentials.
A good bag includes lots of extra pockets for storing formula, diaper rash cream, baby wipes, food, drink, first aid items, a toy or game, as well as your cellphone, wallet and keys.
If you have two children, you'll need an even larger bag! Always consider what you're going to be putting inside before choosing a baby bag.
You can't research bags without being caught up in the plastic verses cloth diaper bag debate.
On one hand, plastic bags are wipeable and more widely available, while cloth bags (especially those made from natural fabrics) are more environmentally friendly, lighter, and more comfortable to carry.
One mother said "I carried a plastic bag around the desert for months, it was terrible! The plastic diaper bag was heavy and I hated wiping it clean - gross! I made the switch to a cotton canvas bag and I've used that for all three children.
Whenever it gets dirty I just pop it in the wash.
I'd never go back to plastic diaper bags.
" Many plastic baby bags use zippers, clips and rings to hold their extra pockets shut.
If you're using the bag on a change table in a tiny restroom, these fastenings can catch and scratch your baby's sensitive skin.
Cloth bags use pockets that close with a fold or button, eliminating the risk of scratching.
A number of plastic bags on the market contain built-in changing pads.
More often than not, these pads are useless - they're too small to use once your child grows bigger.
There's barely enough room for you and baby on changing tables in public bathrooms, let alone your diaper bag and changing pad! You might find that the purchase of a separate changing pad kept rolled up inside your bag is a better alternative.
Since most children remain in diapers for at least a couple of years (and you may have more than one little one) your diaper bag needs to be comfortable, durable and wearable.
Choose a diaper bag with a style that matches your personality - your diaper bag becomes your main fashion accessory, so choose a bag that coordinates with your outfits and makes you feel chic.
If your partner will be spending time running errands with baby, search for a trendy 'Dad bag' in neutral, camouflage or pirate prints.
Many Dads prefer backpacks or messenger bags over the traditional over-the-shoulder or purse-style bag.
Choosing a diaper bag shouldn't be a chore.
Plastic bags are not the only option now that natural fabric alternatives are more readily available.
Just remember you need to carry your diaper bag everywhere over the next few years, so choose a bag that's durable, comfortable and looks great.
Diaper bags come in many shapes and sizes - from cheap plastic totes to expensive designer models.
With so many options on the market, how do you choose one that's right for you? First you need to consider the capacity of your diaper bag.
It needs to hold at least one diaper for every hour you're out, plus all your other baby essentials.
A good bag includes lots of extra pockets for storing formula, diaper rash cream, baby wipes, food, drink, first aid items, a toy or game, as well as your cellphone, wallet and keys.
If you have two children, you'll need an even larger bag! Always consider what you're going to be putting inside before choosing a baby bag.
You can't research bags without being caught up in the plastic verses cloth diaper bag debate.
On one hand, plastic bags are wipeable and more widely available, while cloth bags (especially those made from natural fabrics) are more environmentally friendly, lighter, and more comfortable to carry.
One mother said "I carried a plastic bag around the desert for months, it was terrible! The plastic diaper bag was heavy and I hated wiping it clean - gross! I made the switch to a cotton canvas bag and I've used that for all three children.
Whenever it gets dirty I just pop it in the wash.
I'd never go back to plastic diaper bags.
" Many plastic baby bags use zippers, clips and rings to hold their extra pockets shut.
If you're using the bag on a change table in a tiny restroom, these fastenings can catch and scratch your baby's sensitive skin.
Cloth bags use pockets that close with a fold or button, eliminating the risk of scratching.
A number of plastic bags on the market contain built-in changing pads.
More often than not, these pads are useless - they're too small to use once your child grows bigger.
There's barely enough room for you and baby on changing tables in public bathrooms, let alone your diaper bag and changing pad! You might find that the purchase of a separate changing pad kept rolled up inside your bag is a better alternative.
Since most children remain in diapers for at least a couple of years (and you may have more than one little one) your diaper bag needs to be comfortable, durable and wearable.
Choose a diaper bag with a style that matches your personality - your diaper bag becomes your main fashion accessory, so choose a bag that coordinates with your outfits and makes you feel chic.
If your partner will be spending time running errands with baby, search for a trendy 'Dad bag' in neutral, camouflage or pirate prints.
Many Dads prefer backpacks or messenger bags over the traditional over-the-shoulder or purse-style bag.
Choosing a diaper bag shouldn't be a chore.
Plastic bags are not the only option now that natural fabric alternatives are more readily available.
Just remember you need to carry your diaper bag everywhere over the next few years, so choose a bag that's durable, comfortable and looks great.
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