For moms who wouldn't dream of buying a Kate Spade bag at $300 a pop unless it was in the $5 pile at a garage sale, these are your bags. You want to make your dollar stretch but you don't want to have to sacrifice. The solution is one of these bags that costs less but still looks great.
This bag looks like it should be on my trendy diaper bag list (some of which have price tags over $300) but this one is more like $50. This bag is simple and can be worn over your shoulder or over your stroller. Both moms and dads will appreciate its no-frills looks. It has plenty of pockets, a changing pad and comes in a variety of colors.
This bag is pure function, but it's also a bit funky. It's not a bag so much as a sling. It's got separate compartments for diapers, wipes, bottles and more and it easily attaches to a stroller. Moms and Dads alike will like this space-saving and economical bag.
If you give birth at the hospital, consider using the freebie bag. They've gotten a lot more stylish and practical over the years and if you're formula feeding then they're loaded with samples that will come in handy. If you're nursing, donate the samples to a women's shelter or toss them out, but keep the satchel. I can't think of a bag that's easier on the pocketbook.
Kalencom makes quite a variety of bags and they're quite good for the price. It comes in a variety of colors including orange and pink -- great for a summer baby or if you're just partial to that color like I am. The bonus with this set is that it's got a large tote and then a smaller bag for quick trips. It also comes with an insulated bottle bag.
This bag is a classic "little black backpack." It's cute, light and just one of several good Samsonite bags. When you're done, it's fashionable enough (and durable enough) to convert into a regular backpack for travel, child care or school use.
Craig's list is amazing. And if you're patient enough, you can probably find someone giving a diaper bag as well as clothes and toys away for nothing. (I've seen brand new washers and dryers go that way) And if you can't find it for free, it's going to be pretty cheap. Just click on your closest major city and choose your category. You will be surprised at all the things you can find, including diaper bags.
The last bag was for the minimalist mom, but this bag is for the mom with tons and tons of stuff. And not just baby stuff, either. Working moms have their own section for files, papers and even a laptop -- I was able to slip a 12" iBook inside with room to spare. Your baby's compartment zips away so you can take the bag to the office and leave your baby's bag at child care. The price is right for this 2 bags-in-one combo.
Yes. eBay. It's like a garage sale, but you don't have to get up at the crack of dawn Saturday morning and the stock is always changing. As of this writing there are a ton of handmade bags you can "buy now" for around $10. There are also name brand bags like Kate Spade, Coach and Ralph Lauren that sell for way less than what they were retail.
If you bike or camp a lot, you might already have one of the sturdy Kelty K.I.D.S. carriers like the Kangaroo (rated #1 by Consumer Reports). This bag is compatible with the entire Kelty line and no matter how many kids you use it with, they've got you covered with a lifetime guarantee. The best part: It's got a pricetag of about $25.
Do you have one of these bags? I'd love to hear what you think about it. Let me know the good, the bad and the ugly. Or do you know of a good, inexpensive bag that should be on this list? Drop me a line and let me know.
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