Seeking Diaper Bag Design Input

I love being able to put mine around the strap of the stroller so I don’t have to carry it so something with a long, adjustable strap is nice. I have also been looking for something big enough to fit diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, water bottle and a change of clothes that I don’t have to re fill every time we go out, so variance in size and strap length is what I look for (but cant find).

Look luck!
Kryssi

PS-something that is reversible might be fun too, one side for mommy and one side for daddy so it is an all in one bag (my husband was very disappointed at the selection of male diaper bags for when he was out with the little guy.)

A bag that is cute, not too big, not too expensive, and can be worn as a backpack, with an insulated pouch or pocket for bottles.

I need a place where I can fit my phone, small camera and lipstick. I haven't found one that is small and does all these things. Maybe add padding to it incase the bag falls so that way the camera doesn't break.

Most diaper bags are too bulky. It would be nice if the weren't so obviously a diaper bag.

It would be nice to have a outer pocket that could hold a wallet and other items that we use to carry in our purses. Also a easy to ghet pocket for the cell phone and camera.

Good Morning,

I am a purse fiend and 3 years ago when I found out I was pregnant my first purchase was a diaper bag...3 more purchases later and a designed diaper bag later I was content. As a working Mom I wanted something versatile enough to throw diapers or a lap top into. I also wanted one that had both a shoulder strap & handles, AND I wanted one that was a back-pack. A must, is a hard bottom liner to keep the width. Insulated pockets for bottles/sippys, wipable lined pocket for medicine/droppers. Cell phone pocket on the outside for ease. For toddlers, a long slim section to hold books/coloring books. Zippable top, for those that over stuff, ribbon ties & magnetic closures don't cut it. A couple of zipped inner compartments to keep small children out of things. I know a lot of mom's are looking for cute designs and colors (me too), but it is nice to have an option of muted colors (brown, black etc.). I have a black standard overnight diaper bag from Babies R Us that is great, a back-pack one again from Babies R Us, a Juicy Couture one that is adorable (Pink with brown trim), and recently purchased a Coach diaper bag (brown leather) LOVE IT! It fits my laptop :o) I hope this helps.

Hi, I may be done with having any more kids but for me with the two I had as well as all my friends, our diaper bags ended up doubling as purses. If you keep that in mind when designing a new bag, and include a "purse pouch" which is meant for Mommy things to go in, maybe a cell phone pocket on the strap where it can be reached when the bag is on the shoulder.

I tried MANY bags!! I appreciated a wide opening, no velcro and longer straps so that I could access everything one-handed!! Also some open compartments inside to make some things more easily accessible so you're not fishing for everything.

I have a Loom diaper bag and love it- no zippers or snaps, it closes with magnets for easy getting into. The best part of it and I would suggest having with your diaper bag is a smaller drawstring bag made of nylon or fabric like a sleeping bag sack so it is easy to wash, which I use for dirty cloth diaper or wet clothes or other soiled baby things. I think every diaper bag should have one. Other ideas are to have a few inside pockets for toys and things, and a few outside pockets for water bottles and keys
good luck

What I look for is something that is stylish on the outside, but functional on the inside, and not so heavy that it's going to throw my back out - a back pack style is easier to carry for me than a traditional bag. I like lots of pockets inside for various things (binkie holder, wipes holder, baby food holder, etc). Hope that helps!

No Velcro!!! I have a Petunia Picklebottom bag. It was waaaay to expensive and totally non functional. The big velcro strip on the front to close the bag always sticks to my clothes. I have ruined some really nice shirts from the velcro getting stuck when I am carrying the bag. The other thing is the fabric...it is beautiful but dry clean only. That is so totally ridiculous for a diaper bag that gets really dirty and has milk spilled on it. When I was looking for a diaper bag I wanted something trendy. It was hard to find something that was pleasing to the eye regarding fabric yet could be specific to boy or girl. I would have loved a bag in the retro cowboy fabric to show it was a boys bag but also was trendy looking. Something easy to clean yet functional.

I had a hard time finding diaper bags that could be either a backpack or a shoulder bag. I like to have the choice depnding on where we are at and what we are doing. Also, it needs to be easy to attach to your stroller. That was very important to me! The bag I have now came with 2 special rubber straps that wrap around my stroller bar, and they have sturdy metal hooks on the ends. I leave those straps on my stroller at all times. Then when I need to, I can hook both corners of my bag onto the hooks. My current sytle of bag is a messenger style. My 2 biggest complaints are that I can't wear it as a backpack and that the construction seems to be poor. Since the bag cost about $85 I thought it would hold up longer. I hope this helps!

It would be brilliant if a diaper bag included a parent area. An accessible area that was secure for a parent to put their billfold/wallet, keys and cell phone. It would need to be protected from any possible leaking bottles. Parents that didn't wish to use it for their belongings could use it for baby items.

Anyway, that's my two cents. I wish you the best of luck!

When you get that design up and going I would love to sell them for you on my website. I don't have diaper bags just yet.

Here is the web address.

www.MomMakes.com

What I look for is a convienent way to hold everything. The more custom pockets the better. Then I don't have to do much organizing.Just have to fill in the pockets. Maybe labled pockets too for those who are helping out and need to find something.:)

Thanks
JD

Comfortable to carry, with some type of "hands free" strap, such as a messenger bag style or back pack style.

Depending on what you're going to offer, maybe offer various sizes because some ladies like to carry it all while others (like me) are light travelers. A lot of breastfeeding moms don't need all the space for bottles and cans of formula so when I was lugging around this huge diaper bag, it was mostly empty and I needed to find one that was much smaller....Enough room for a few diapers, pack of wipes, change of clothes and some smaller goodies. So offering various sizes might appeal to more moms although I think I'm in the minority on this one : )

Also... find local events where you can promote your new product. For example, there is an event at the Mo.Co. Fairgrounds May 3rd called Celebrate Mama! It's kind of like a fair for moms. I have the info about it, if you want contact me ____@____.com
I see you are in Soquel so not sure how far that is, but I know it's in this area! : )

maybe a compartment for a bottle of wine

Washable
Large zipper pockets on the outside to hold extra stuff
Ring to snap keys onto
Adjustable straps so it can be like a purse or over the shoulder
Able to close on the top if needed.
Not white - something that won't show stains & dirt
Heavy duty stiff bottom so it won't wear out there, plus grommets so it doesn't sit on the ground.

Thanks for letting us remember our frustrations!

lots of inside pockets...for diapers, wipees, lotions, etc...i would've liked a sling design

a backpack! there aren't many diaper backpacks out there, but that's what I need/want to keep my hands free.
I'm currently using a plain Jansport backpack, but it's not as nice because you don't have all the compartments of a diaper bag.

For me a good diaper bag needs to have a zipper to close it so I can be sure I didn't drop anything. (I'm pretty clumsy).

I love that mine has a hook for my keys.

I would love to see a back-pack design that includes a "keep cold" pocket - one that is bigger than a bottle pocket. I had one that I got for free from the hospital from Good Start and it fell apart because I used it so much. The quality was really poor and the velcro closure for the flap did not stay closed. The back pack design is great so your hands are free. Side pockets on the outside are also key to hold phone, keys, sippy cups. The bag should be easily accessible (no zipper closure to get inside). And something other than black or tan!

Everyone has touched on the things I would have wanted... how about an added puch that is insulated for food or formula to keep it cold... or where a small ice pack can be inserted...

Also... I like the more stylish bags that don't cost an arm and a leg. Mine is something I could use for other outings without necessarily looking like a diaper bag.

I also like the convertible style... shoulder bag... and back pack...

Neutral colors for dad are a GREAT idea...

Although for those looking into a DAD Bag... (you could call them that)... my husband used a courier bag... lots of space... long strap... and looks MANLY... LOL!

I really like my diaper bag because it is very chic looking. It is black and has a cute turquoise and brown pattern in front. One good thing I like about it is that it has hidden straps in a zipper that you can pull out and use as a backpack. I just wish my straps were a little bigger. I wear as a backpack all the time and it sure makes it easier to carry the my 5 month old. Having a place for your phone or keys would be great too.

I don't really have any advice on a diaper bag design.
My preschool is a fairly small one with 12 children per class.
Our website is http//www.childhavenpreschool.com
thanks-
L.

A place for my cell phone on the outside of the bag and a hook for keys would be great! I also like lots of pockets inside so that all of the items stay organized. A very cool feature would be a zipper enclosed area where I could stash bags with dirty diapers when I am not in a location where I can throw the diaper in the trash. Can't wait to see the product!

Hi Terri,

Could you design a bag for me that is backpack in style, yet small. I would love the "pad" area to fold out and stay attached to bag. I like the idea of knockoffs of Dooney & Burke, Juicy, Gucci, etc. A nice selection of the "metallic" bags without backpack style would also be great. Having a mini bag inside for our keys, wallet, lipstick, etc. would be ideal. I would love a couple of clips hanging inside for pacificer, toys, etc. A couple of easy access pockets on the side for keys, cell phone and one for quick bottle. Basically, a designer bag in disguise. I have been looking for weeks and hate all the bags I have seen and ended up buying a large metallic beach tote and sewing my own pockets in and attaching a changing pad that I covered in cool material. I guess I have been giving it quite some thought! Good luck, and I'll try any samples out if needed, LOL!

S.

Hi Terri,

I am interested in your company---what is the name and do you have a website? I have a children's product (organization-related, not a diaper bag) that I am interested in making a prototype for and was wondering if you might have some suggestions. I am hoping to sell the product to raise money for our non-profit. Any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

S. Lohn
Find a Way Foundation
www.findawayfoundation.org
____@____.com
###-###-####

Hi I am a mom of a 5 year old girl and 3 month old twin girls. My husband bought a backpack at Target that is huge and has too many compartments, made for a laptop and college books, I presume. I don't know exactly what I am looking for but what I have is terrible.

As for my needs in a dream world probably a good space for diapers/wipes/changing pad and another for bottles/and the carrier for those/and burp clothes and also space for a change of clothes and don't forget a small area for my stuff so that I don't have to carry my purse as well. Hope that helps? I feel better putting out there what I would love to have.
B.

A large enough pocket for 4-5 diapers (all sizes), a pocket for the wipes container, a sealable bag for soiled clothes, an insulated pocket for bottles/cold foods, wallet section for mom, and a place to put various meds. Great idea.

Hi!
When I had my twins I found a backpack that could hold 4 baby bottles (vs. 2). It was so great because we really had to pack a LOT of stuff to go out. It was too big though when we had a our last child so, it seems like a "twin" size and "standard" could be helpful! Also, offering a pattern that is gender neutral is nice because my husband just couldn't stand using the "cute" diaper bag I had when he took the kids out. Good luck!

Hello. One thing that I used to think about when carrying the Diaper Bag was that I wished they put a few things in the bag just for Mommy's such as a cell phone pocket and little wallet area. Also it must have a bottle or sippy cup holder/pocket for easy access. With my purse, the diaper bag, stroller etc. it really was a lot to carry, but when we went to events like the Zoo etc. We only wanted to carry one bag, or have one bag to stuff under the stroller. Also, I did buy one from Strasburg Children that had a small roll out changing pad to lay the baby on that I thought was neat and it was removable and washable and it was very soft.

I just bought a diaper bag that is black 'pleather' it looks like a big black purse. it's fashionable and functional. it's perfect. It has the pockets and compartments that I need for a diaper bag and then also fits comfortably on the shoulder. I think what I love is that since I'll be using it to also hold my personal stuff (instead of a purse) I can hold it like a purse and it looks fashionable. I asked for it as a Christmas present in case it wasn't in stock when I would actually be buying one later this year.

-expands when needed
-compartment for cellphone on the strap
-able to strap on to stroller
-lightweight
-trendy patterns/colors

You may want to post this on CityMommy a great invite only website for bay area moms. www.sf.citymommy.com invite code: newmom

I really enjoy a bag that can be used as a purse as well. So not to big...plus cute design. Good Luck!

Hi!
I'm a 32yr old mom of two who is about to potty train the second. With my first, I had a great advent diaper bag that was very classic and basic black, lots of pockets, washable lining that wasn't plastic, exterior pocket for Mom's stuff, the whole nine yards in a very reasonable amount of space. It wore out by the time my second came around, and I just haven't found another bag that's just right since. Everything is either too big or too small and by the second one, I knew what I needed and what I didn't. I keep medical stuff (their cards and shot records and some tylenol, a travel baby vicks, baggie of kleenex and maybe some sanitizer) in a ziplock baggie and it goes everywhere and stays with the kids-- just have to hand it to grandma and I know she's covered-- but everything else... I want to say that advent bag was about 2-3" deep, rectangular maybe 14" x 10" not much bigger than a midsize laptop type bag, with a zippered top, side pockets velcro'ed, thick, well done shoulder straps (no annoying handbag straps)... it looked like something you wouldn't be ashamed carrying to a business meeting.

Hi there,
I personally really like my Petunia Pickle Bottom. The only problem is how expensive they are. It would be great to get the look and all the features for a price everyone can afford. Maybe cheaper material on the outside would help - of course still in really fun/modern prints. The features I especially like are:
1. Attached fold out soft changing pad (removable to wash in case of accidents)
2. Over the shoulder strap and/or backpack straps
3. Super nice material - looks expensive (and is)
4. Big enough to stuff lots of baby junk
5. Plenty of pockets

Hope this helps

I am a mom of 2 boys now 13 and almost 10, when they were in diapers, their dad would not tote the boys with him, one of the excuses being, the diaper bag is to feminine, so I went and bought one that was a backpack type in a solid color, that seemed to work for about a minute. But to answer your question , masculine in looks and color and not bulky. Something sporty would be nice.

Good luck,
S. mom of 2 boys

I would love to see a diaper bag with a matching cosmetic bag/cell phone pocket that is easy to reach. Including all of these things, diaper bags that would match todays modern trendy style. (i.e all the Coach/Dooney & Bourke diaper bags but at a more moderate price).

I had a very basic diaper bag. What I liked about it was that it was stylish and gender-neutral (my husband would carry it) and had pockets for almost everything I needed. I guess I would have liked for there to have been a built-in cool pocket, meaning an enclosed pocket that would hold bottles/snacks/anything that needed to be kept cold. I would pack a separate lunch bag for those items, and it could get kind of bulky. Also, the bag came with a shoulder strap that could be removed so the bag could be attached to the stroller, which I really appreciated, but I also wish it had simple backpack straps for when that type of carrying was the best option. Good luck!

OKAY!!!! I am right on top of this one. I have been looking for a replacement for my current diaper bag for months because the zipper broke but I cannot find one that fits what I'm looking for!!! I have an older Eddie Bauer one, but they changed the designs now and I refuse to buy the new ones. Don't get scared. There are really only a few things that I require, but I guess the designers don't agree with me on what's important.

I personally prefer the smaller-sized bags. The huge bags are great for the early, early months, when you basically need to pack the entire nursery with you whenever you leave the house. I am talking more for when the baby is eating solid foods and you don't have to bring bottles, formula, etc. with you. Don't know what age you are designing for, so I just wanted to make that clear.

So what I have been so desperately trying to find is a smaller-sized diaper bag, about 10x8. The interior should be roomy enough to fit a few diapers, wipes, a small change of clothes, snacks, a juice box and some small toys (you know, for dinners out, etc.) This size bags are abundantly avialbable but not with the other criteria I'm looking for.

Longer straps (and strong) are a must because I put the bag across my torso and sit my son on it. It really helps with the tired arms. So maybe one of those removable padding things on the strap would be nice. I say removable because I'm sure not everyone sits their kids on their bag. But it would be nice.

I really like the pockets on the two outer sides of the bag that I believe are supposed to be used for baby bottles. I put my cell phone and keys in one and a sippy cup in the other. Very handy. Or if you design a separate pocket and/or clip for the cell phone/keys, that would be good too because my keys do fall out at times. Then you could put sippy cups and little toys, whatever, in the bottle pockets.

I like the bags that have the "wallet" pocket on the front, with the little slits for the credit cards and the smaller zipper section for the coins, etc. What I absolutely require and have not been able to find is one with a zipper on this section. They now only come with a snap. Since I keep my cash and credit cards in this section, I refuse to purchase one with only a snap since I know that things will fall out of it. My older Eddie Bauer has a zipper, and that is a MUST!!! I also like the separate sections in this pocket because I keep my kids' pediatric information sheets in one section, cash in another section, credit cards in another. . .

Also a very flat, folded changing pad would be great. The ones I have are a bit poofy and take up too much room in the smaller bags so I leave mine in the trunk. Then when I'm out shopping I have to lay down paper towels on the changy thing because I don't have my pad with me. I know it would be nice to have a little padding, but it's really not necessary. Just a flat sheet that could be put down so you're not changing your kid on a dirty surface would be great.

And I like the Eddie Bauer design for the top, how it has two zippers connected on the end by a strap so you can pull the strap and open both zippers at once. Then it has velcro at the end to keep it closed. This is great because it opens easily and you have a nice wipe opening so you can rummage around and easily find what you're looking for.

I think that's it. Except to comment that I prefer the more neutral colors. I do not like the bags with the pink and blue and cute little baby designs on them. The one I currenly have is black and looks more like a camera bag. I think the cutesy ones are okay for the park or mall. But when you are going out to dinner or a nicer party, etc., and your diaper bag is also your handbag, I think a neutral bag is much nicer. Also they grow with your kids. When your baby is no longer an itsy bitsy baby, the cutesy bags kind of lose their charm. Just personal preference.

So I hope that helped a little. I'm sure everyone has diffent ideas of what they need, so GOOD LUCK!!!!

Terri,
In response to your diaper designing ideas, I always tend to look for diaperbags that don't have a very long strap, that would be comfortable under the arm, but yet not dig into the shoulder with those very uncomfortable edges, and more importantly, one that is versitile for both sexes. One that has pockets big enough to fit everything you need of course. One thing about diaperbags that just don't catch my eye is that they are not fashionable. The majority are pink, blue, black and brown. I enjoy looking at large purses and even book bags as an alternative to the diaper bag. The straps are not that long, they are fashionable yet sturdy and I can fit just about everything in them. Good luck and keep us posted!