As I’ve mentioned before and am embarrassed to admit again, I splurged on a $400 expensive over-the-shoulder diaper bag before I had my first child, only to quickly realize that a backpack is a much more practical diaper bag design.
So my stylish diaper bag went into storage and you can find me these days lugging my son’s diaper gear around in a black backpack that has already begun to fall apart.
If I could have a diaper-bag do over, however, I’d opt for the more stylish, relatively inexpensive and extremely functional backpack design that is today’s hint – the JJ Cole Backpack. JJ Cole is giving away one of the $79.95 bags to one lucky Hint Mama reader – details below.
The bags first caught my eye when I saw them on display last fall at the ABC Kids Expo. They’re stylish, available in new black & gold, blue iris & heathered colors that make them look much more expensive then they are.
Plus, they’re more versatile and functional than regular backpack designs, given that they work as over-the-shoulder bags too, have a flap opening and are the perfect size to work as a laptop, gym or work bag once the diaper days are over.
The bag design, which JJ Cole first launched in fall 2013, also comes with stroller attachments, has many pockets and is made of an easy-to-clean material. And so far, reviews for the bags on Amazon.com are very positive.
What diaper bags do you recommend and why? What are your tips for saving on diaper bags? What are your diaper-bag related hints? Share your thoughts below, and enter to win a JJ Cole Backpack (your choice of color: Black & Gold or Heathered), a $79.95 value.
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My biggest struggle with diaper bags is how to pack them such that you don’t need to take everything out to access the ONE item you need, especially when packing for a baby and toddler as we are. I’ve resorted to small zip bags to help sort like-items but I’m not sure that’s the final solution either!
I”m a soon to b new mom, so I’ve never used a diaper bag to make a recommendation. This JJCole bag looks great though, I’ve been looking for a stylish and affordable backpack diaper bag.
I have loved the Jj Cole Caprice bag. It’s so spacious. A mom of 4 kids, that bag is a must. It’s so durable and stylish too. The huge, insulated bottle pockets are great too!
I recomend petuna pickle bottom I jus wipe her out
I am going to be a mom for the first time this spring, so I haven’t tried a diaper bag yet, but have had my eye on the JJ cole designs. This backpack style looks great!
would love to win due date is soon
I am on my 4th diaper bag. I currently have a JJ Cole, but it’s very cumbersome because it’s so big. I had a Petunia Pickle Bottom with my 1st child and loved it because of the backpack and it was cute. I also had a Coach diaper bag and it was just way too big. My 2nd favorite bag is my skip hop, but that stays with grandma for when she takes care of the kiddos. I like this new back pack design, it looks structured and roomy enough to put my newborns stuff and toddlers stuff inside.
It would be great to get the blue flare diaper backpack! Wish 2 kids it would be really helpful, and stylish!
I recommend the skip hop brand of diaper bags. They are roomy enough to fit all of your baby needs and are extremely durable…. My bag survived 2 babies
i love the backpack style. These JJ Coles look very similar to more expensive brands. I would love to win one.
I have my first child and she is 8 months. I have found that it is better to invest in a diaper bag….now you dont have to go with the ones that are upper $200. JJ cole is great because its not super expensive but the quality is there. The also have a 2 year warrinty which is great if anything happens to you bag besides normal ware and tare. JJ cole is sold at placed like Babies R Us and we always get coupons so you can get a good diaper bag and save on money. This summer we will be trying for baby number 2 and I love that the back pack would be hands free with a toddler and a new born….I would love to have a diaper bag like this especially one that doesnt look like a diaper bag and that daddys would be ok carrying too!
Oh my goodness. This would be perfect! I opted for a Uber cheap diaper bag that doesn’t even zip. It is the worst. Everything is always falling off. Me and my little man would love this! I’ve had my eye on one of these for awhile now. I would love to win.
I am not a parent yet so I am clueless about diaper bags.
My best tip is to look for diaper bags right after Christmas to hit up Christmas clearance!
I’ve never used a diaper bag (I’m not a mom yet) so I don’t have tips for others, but I’m all ears for the suggestions experienced parents are doling out.
I recommend the JuJuBe BFF because it opens from the front so you don’t have to dig all the way to the bottom of the bag. Also, if you are just planning on buying one diaper bag splurge a little.. you get what you pay for! Sites like babysteals.com run great deals on JuJuBe and PPB bags, so that’s a great way to save.
I have a backpack since I’m a dad, but my wife loves JJcole and Petunia Pickle something backpacks. That’s why I would love to win one for her.
JJ Cole is the best, I would know, I have a diaper bag fetish! 😉
I love diaper bags that zip with a wide and very flexible opening at the top so you can really get most things you need down into and out of the bag with ease. I like to be able to make at least 2 “columns” or stacks of items: diapering on the right along with spare clothes and on the left all of the other essentials like extra paci, small toy, later on baby food, water, juice, puffs, etc. With room to spare for Mom’s wallet of course. At least 3 interior slip pockets are wonderful for holding liquid tylenol or motrin for infants/kids, a thermometer, and things like bandaids and sanitizing wipes. Also, outside large slip pockets on either end to hold sanitizer and water bottle or phone, etc. Flap pocks on the front that securely close to hold a phone or small camera are great. One other major plus is a zippered pocket that is large and runs the length of the entire bag on the back- perfect nursing cover storage! Later on it’s perfect to hold coupons and any documents you want to keep safe. My favorite ever is the retired Cargo Sling by Vera Bradley! It is the most functional diaper bag, travel bag, and everyday purse that can grow with your family. Tip, if you have a long adjustable strap on your bag, the heavier the bag, shorten the strap so you’re holding the weight closer to your body and not throwing your center of gravity, shoulders, and back off more than necessary. When it’s lighter you can stand to let out the strap and carry cross body or behind you without feeling the pain.
Hi there! As a first time mom, my son now being 10 months old, I have gone through only two diaper bags! The one that I bought for myself trying to save money was just a tote bag from thirtyone company. That didn’t last too long when I realized that I needed a lot more space with a lot more storage pockets and such! I was then gifted a Vera Bradley diaper bag and love it so far. It has a bunch of pockets on the inside, changing pad on the outside, and a zipper which my thirtyone tote didn’t have. However, I am a very tiny person and it is difficult for me to carry my son in his infant carrier and the diaper bag and my keys and my purse all at the same time lol. So the backpack sounds like such a great idea and would love to win it! Hopefully you will consider me! Thank you 🙂
buy one that you can throw in the washer
I tried a few before I decided on the Skip Hop Versa. I loved the wide zipper opening, outside bottle pockets and stylish design.
I like to have 3 diaper bags in regular rotation- a small diaper clutch for quick runs, a pretty one made from coated canvas (PPB are great for this), and a sporty one that my husband won’t mind holding.
A bag that comes with a wipeable changing pad is good. Some come with satin changing mats that have to be washed to get clean.
I love diaper bags that are large but not overbearing. I definitely recommend something that has several pockets, and changing pad. Having a zipper close keeps things from falling out. I like something with long straps or backpack options, hand carry is not the best when your juggling a baby. These days there are some really great looking bags.
I’m just about to have 2 little guys in diapers. Usually I just bring one diaper and wipes in my purse as soon as my little one is a little less needy. But I won’t be able to pull that one off for the next little while. I love a bag that’ll clip onto strollers and keep a water bottle or baby bottle in a side pocket, the more compartments, the better!
I love how easy these bags are to clean off.
I really like bags that include lots of pockets, washable changing pad, and inserts are even better as you can move them to other bags. I love bags that can be worn as handbags or backpacks. I really love that so many diaper bags are now much more stylish too. My favorites right now are Lily Jade and Petunia Pickle Bottom.
I am expecting my second child and I decided not to use a diaper bag this time.
I had one with my first daughter and it was heavy to carry, it always had unnecessary items in it and made the stroller tip backwards. I see moms with just a ziplock bag containing wipes and diapers at the bottom of their stroller, kids drinks go in the cup holder and snacks can go either in your purse or small stroller organizer with your keys, wallet and phone.
I actually look forward to trying this more minimalist approach and not be bothered by a heavy bag full of hard to reach stuff. But, that being said, I’m a city mom who doesn’t drive and takes the subway and bus with the kids, so this approach might not be necessary if you drive.
I just used an old backpack! with 2 in cloth diapers i need the space and being on a really tight budget i needed something that would be simple and efficient that i already owned. its also great for babywearing since you can wear on front and carry on back and still have hands!