Changing bags have historically suffered something of a bad reputation with bulky, unwieldy styles dominating the market.
Nowadays things are on the up with fashion-forward options as well as the more traditional buys on the market.
From designer luxury to everyday basics, here’s our roundup of the best.
1. Pacapod Mirano bag: £99, John Lewis
Described as the Mary Poppins of nappy bags for its innovative organisation, this may look fairly standard but a zip-open panel allows you to get a good look inside without the hassle of rifling around, plus the multiple compartments and handy symbols means there’s a place for everything.
2. Tiba + Marl backpack: £120, Harrods
The brainchild of fashion industry insiders who saw a gap in the market for bags that ticked style boxes as well as functional ones, this style comes with all the handy accessories but is fashionably packaged in a rucksack shape.
3. JoJo Maman Bebe Whistable tote: £42, JoJo Maman Bebe
Despite its name, JoJo Maman Bebe isn’t actually French, although if the Gallic look is what you’re after this blue and white stripy tote will do the job. Carried as a tote or over the shoulder, there’s also the option of buggy clips included.
4. Tutti Bambini Riveria bag: £39, Kiddicare
Tutti Bambini may be better known for its nursery furniture but as this style demonstrates it clearly has a keen eye for accessories too. It may look deceptively like an ordinary satchel but open it up and you’ll find a pull-out toiletry pouch, changing mat and bottle bag.
5. Bellamy Baby Gazelle bag: £295, Bellamy Baby
Crafted from luxury leather, the emphasis of Bellamy Baby’s styles is on giving that designer feel to an otherwise functional bag. This one comes with the added benefit of zip detailing which allows you to make the bag bigger or smaller.
6. Babymule backpack: £85, Hippychick
This clever, three-in-one design means you can wear it as a backpack, over the shoulder or hook it to the pram. With multiple compartments and an impressive set of accessories it’s a highly practical purchase for no-nonsense parents.
7. Jem + Bea Marlow bag: £79, Jem + Bea
The co-founders of this up-and-coming boutique changing bag brand have backgrounds in handbag design, including stints at Burberry, Anya Hindmarch and Mulberry. The Marlow style is a small but perfectly formed everyday bag in the perennial chic shade of navy. Its unisex look means it won’t appear out of place on dad’s arm, either.
8. Cath Kidston spotty bag: £110, Cath Kidston
The spotty navy and nude pattern of this changing bag will prove irresistible for fans of Cath Kidston’s vintage-inspired, print-heavy wares. The larger size is ideal for those who don’t travel light, and there are compartments for bottles, nappies and a quilted changing mat.
9. Mamas & Papas Ellis bag: £54.95, Mamas & Papas
This is a good buy for those looking for something compact, and the bottle holder and changing mat mean you won’t compromise on function. It’s relatively budget-friendly, too.
10. Storksak + Bugaboo bag: £250, Storksak
Storksak is well known for its expertise in bags while Bugaboo is renowned for its prams. This bag is a luxury style; it’s not exactly cheap but you’re getting bang for your buck with all the handy organisational compartments you’d expect, plus the luxurious leather exterior in a sleek design that even dad will want to carry.
Verdict
When once having a baby meant throwing all your best handbags out the window and resigning yourself to only the very basic of accessories, nowadays things are thankfully quite improved. If trend-led styles are what you’re after, Tiba + Marl has you covered with a bag that’s both practical and comes in the on-trend backpack shape. If organisation is still a big priority you won’t go wrong with a Pacapod bag, which manages to be market leader in functionality without dropping the ball on aesthetics.
IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing
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