A diaper bag is an essential purchase for all new parents. Choosing one, however, can become a daunting task when faced with the incredible selection of diaper bags available. In the past, the diaper bag selection was very limited, consisting of boxy shapes and cutesy patterns. Now, however, parents have choices with a wide variety of shapes, materials and styles.

No longer is a diaper bag just a diaper bag. Moms and dads can now use a diaper bag as another accessory that complements their whole style, whether choosing a sleek, elegant black leather bag as a diaper bag or a folksy, colorful one. Diaper bags can come in traditional styles, backpack styles or messenger bag styles. Some can be comfortably used by both mom and dad while others are geared toward one or the other.

While style is quite important when choosing a diaper bag, it is even more important to choose one that is functional, with many features designed to make life easier for on-the-go parents. The ideal diaper bag is one that is suited to the family’s lifestyle, and this is one thing that parents must consider when selecting their diaper bag.

Functionality

Hands-free diaper bags might be the best choice for very active families who do a lot of traveling or enjoy outdoor life. This type of diaper bag can also be a great choice for parents of multiples or with additional small children, who can always benefit from having their hands free.

However, parents with more than one small child might prefer the larger, more traditional totes or messenger bags with many pockets and additional space for the larger amount of supplies needed. Multiple pockets make it easier for parents to organize all the supplies so that they are easy to reach when needed.

Some parents might prefer a smaller diaper bag, that does not seem like a diaper bag at all. This can be a better choice for parents of toddlers who no longer need as many supplies as they did for a baby, or also for those parents whose diaper bag plays more than one role: diaper bag and personal purse.

Comfort

A diaper bag should also be comfortable to carry, particularly when full of baby supplies that can weight down a mom or dad. No matter the style, a good diaper bag will fit snuggly and easily on the shoulder, without pulling too much or leading to pain in the shoulders later on. Depending on the bag, the shoulder rest can be padded for additional comfort.

Organization

Another feature that parents can look for in diaper bags are the additional, specialized pockets. These include special pockets made for carrying bottles or separate pockets that can be used to carry a parent’s personal items, eliminating the need for another bag. Some bags even include a separate insulated section that can be used to store pre-prepared formula or breast milk as well as juice or water.

All diaper bags should include a changing pad, but not all changing pads are the same. A good diaper bag includes a nice-sized changing pad of durable, washable material that folds up easily to fit into its own compartment in the bag. The changing pad should not take so much space that that it makes it impossible to fit the rest of the baby necessities.

Construction

Parents must also take into consideration a diaper bag’s construction. Is the material sturdy and easily washable? While some diaper bags can look stunning when new, if they cannot be cleaned easily, parents might find that they become soiled and unattractive very quickly. Are the zippers used sturdy enough to withstand the constant pulling that a well-loved diaper bag experiences? No parent wants to find himself with a busted zipper in the middle of a trip, so testing the durability of the bag is quite important when choosing a diaper bag.

Price

Finally, there is price. Prices for diaper bags can range from about 30 or 40 dollars and upwards of 100 dollars. A very simple diaper bag will run towards the lower end, however, the material for bags at this end tend to be of lower quality and the styles less appealing. Normally, the higher the price, the better materials used and the more aesthetically pleasing the styles and features of the diaper bag. A diaper bag is a long-term investment for most parents so it is recommended that they buy the best option affordable to them.