The Top Diaper Bags for Stylish and Savvy Moms

Forget bears and bunnies. Today's diaper bags are all about mom and her needs: The need to be organized. The need to feel stylish. The need to have daddy lug the thing around once in awhile.

First, some general guidelines from veteran moms:

1. Always, always, always try it on first.

And if possible, stuff it with as much junk as you plan to carry on a regular basis. This is the only way to tell if it's everything fits, if it's too heavy, and if it will be easy for you to carry.

2. When in doubt, make it black.

Yes, the new Kalencom Retro Tall Diaper Tote in pink poodles is awfully cute ($39.90 at Oh BabyGift.com), but choose this, and you don't have a prayer of getting your hubby to carry it for you. Ever.

3. First functional, then fashionable.

It is wonderful that there are so many new designer diaper bags out there. But cool doesn't cut it when you're in the mall with a screaming baby, and you can't find the pacifier because your diaper bag has no pockets or compartments.

What's New, What's Cool, What's Right For You

For the super-organized, highly-functional mom, check out:

1. The Lands End Do-It-All Diaper Bag ($29.50)

This bag is practical, well-designed and won't break the bank. It has an extra long changing pad, an adjustable strap and a "parent pocket" to hold your sunglasses, cell phone and other grown-up stuff. (http://www.landsend.com)

2. The L.L. Bean Diaper bag ($36)

Roomy enough to carry everything you'll need, but not so big that you'll feel like you're carrying a suitcase, the L.L. Bean diaper bag is designed with function in mind. For example, it has a large zippered front section with the key clip, so you can easily find your keys. Even more neat: The lining is in a contrasting fabric color to make it easy to spot whatever you're looking for inside. (http://www.llbean.com).

3.The Functionally Arranged Diaper Bag ($119.99)

This has to be one of the most innovative diaper bags I've ever seen. It has a removable lightweight organizer insert with compartments designed to carry diapers, bottles, etc. It also has a place for keys, cell phone, wallet, etc., and a strap that converts the bag from a shoulder bag to a backpack. Plus, you can buy slipcovers in different fabrics, so you can change the look of the bag without having to buy a new one. (http://www.babyuniverse.com).

For the Cool Daddy

4. The Skip*Hop Duo Diaper Bag ($50)

What makes this messenger-style diaper bag cool is that it can attach to the handlebars of a stroller, leaving you precious storage space in the stroller basket. It has two interior organizer pockets, a cell phone holder, pen holders and two zippered pockets. It's a great diaper bag for dads, because the style doesn't scream, "I'm a pocketbook!" (http://www.babyuniverse.com).

5. The Diaper Dude Bag ($49.95)

Another sporty, messenger-style bag, the Diaper Dude bag comes in several manly colors, including black, gray and camouflage. It's designed to wear across your chest, so it doesn't look like a purse. It has handy clips for keys, a padded changing pad, three exterior pockets, and a removable cell phone pouch. (http://www.babystyle.com).

For the Ultra Hip and Super Stylish

6. Carter's Diaper Bag tote ($9.98)

Stylish and affordable, the Carter's Diaper Bag tote has plenty of room, but no special compartments. What's nice about it is the sleek, microfiber styling, which makes it look like a stylish tote, rather than a diaper bag. Currently on sale for 50% off at Babycenter (http://www.babycenter.com).

7. Amy Michelle diaper bags ($195-$225)

Amy Michelle makes two diaper bags: The Camellia and the Jasmine. You'd never know these were diaper bags. They just look like elegant black purses, yet they have many nice features for moms, including internal and external bottle pockets, a quick-release pacifier holder, an easy-to-find key ring, cell phone holder, compartments for diapers, wipes, etc., a removable wet bag and a large side pocket. (http://www.amymichellebags.com)

8. The Pursonality Messenger Bag ($120)

Fun and sporty, the Pursonality Diaper Bag in Sugar and Spice comes in a cotton candy color that will make you feel like a star. And it's practical too. The fabric is stain- resistant and easily wipes clean. You can convert it from a shoulder bag to a backpack, and it's designed so you can access all the pockets with one hand. (http://www.diaperbags.com).

Stephanie Gallagher is Author of "The Gallagher Guide to the Baby Years" (http://www.gallagherguide.com). Get a free cookbook when you subscribe to her ezine, The Shopping Mom's Weekly Tip. Send a blank email to theshoppingmom@aweber.com.

---

Tips for Discreet Breastfeeding in Public

If you're a new Mom who is nursing your baby you may be nervous about doing so in public.Or perhaps you are disturbed by media reports of... Read More

How to Pick the Best Name for Your Baby

Expectant parents spend hours preparing the nursery, poring over pregnancy and delivery books and going to childbirth classes. Yet surprisingly, many decide their child's given name within... Read More

First Birthday Party: Game and Activities for Little Guests

Do you want your baby to be thrilled by his or her first Birthday Party? Then you need to come up with interesting ideas for party games... Read More

The Personality Traits of an Aquarius Baby

Your Aquarius Baby..January 20 - February 18Your Aquarian baby will be outwardly calm, relaxed and delightful and grandparents in particular will dote on her. Aquarians are quick... Read More

Baby Strollers Tips and Advice

You have just learned that you are expecting a bundle of joy and now you need to begin getting the things your baby will need. If this... Read More

Family Baby Showers

The addition of baby number 2, 3, or 10 is an occasion to celebrate for any family.Just think how exciting it must be for your littlest one... Read More

Coping With Colic

A new baby with colic is one of the most difficult problems a new parent has to cope with. Most new parents are under pressure trying to... Read More

Baby Shower Gifts

As a host, you need to consider the people that will be on the invitation list. Sometimes, finances are tight and buying gifts are tough. You have... Read More

Baby Speech Development - Lost for Words

As children are growing from todddlerhood to childhood parents are very aware and concerned about their child's development. One of the most grieved about concern is the... Read More

Why Convertible Cribs Make Sense

Who doesn't love cool gadgets that morph into dozens of tools with a twist of the wrist. Finding baby equipment that grows with your child is like... Read More

Whats With Celebrity Baby Names?

It seems that the days of naming your son or daughter with your own name and adding a second, third or a fourth sign in roman numerals... Read More

Stroller Facts And Tips

Did you know the first strollers appeared during the early 1700s? During this time having a stroller meant you enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle. Most citizens then used... Read More

Baby Expense: What To Do When Baby

As you probably know, baby expense should be high on your list of things to plan for, before the baby comes. There is no cheap way to... Read More

A History of Baby Names

The history of names is so ancient that no one know quite where it began. Oral and written history both profess people having names. Earlier names seem... Read More

Healthy Baby Food - When is the Best Time to Start Consuming Juice?

Mother's milk is the best choice for healthy baby food. However, there will be a time when the baby needs much more nutrients as they grow up... Read More

Baby Shower Centerpieces That Double as a Gift!

Here you will learn how to make and where to purchase your baby shower centerpieces. As the centerpiece is the focal point of the baby shower, it... Read More

What Happens When During the Baby Shower?

To be precise, anything can happen anytime as long as everyone enjoys it. There is no right way or wrong way-anything goes well. But the idea should... Read More

Home Remedies for Colic

You are at the end of your rope. You have tried everything under the sun to soothe your little one who is still crying non-stop. Your pediatrician... Read More

Baby Product Recall

Products are recalled all the time for posing a danger to the people who use them. Even large, established companies have to make massive recalls, and when... Read More

Potty Training Doll - How Do You Use A Potty Training Doll To Potty Train You Child?

Your heard about using a potty training doll that drinks and wets to assist in the process of potty training. Okay - that sounds good. So how... Read More

The Baby Stroller- How To Choose

You will need to begin gathering the things your baby will need, now that you got the news that you are expecting a bundle of joy. You... Read More

Popular Baby Names

Are you looking for cute baby names? This article explains the meaning and history of the 50 most popular baby names in the United States this year.25... Read More

Young Child Games-But When Do I Stop Playing Baby Games, You Ask?

As a baby matures and starts to show the first signs of independence the games that you play will change dramatically. The turning point comes as he... Read More

How to Choose a Baby Bathtub

Choosing a baby bathtub is likely one of the easiest decisions you'll have to make when it comes to acquiring supplies for the new arrival. Basically, if... Read More

Baby Signing ? 10 Easy Ways to Start Signing with Your Baby

Babies can communicate their needs and desires a lot earlier than we think. They have an instinctive need to communicate. Baby signing is a pre-verbal form of... Read More

Honor Grandma with a Baby Shower for Grandma

Throwing a baby shower for grandma could be a great way to commemorate the excitement of becoming a grandmother for the first time. There's nothing like spoiling... Read More