The Graco Sporty Bag is one of Kiddie Kingdoms best sellers and with a 31% saving off the RRP I am not surprised that it is so popular.
The bag comes complete with a changing mat, a zipped messy nappy bag, large central compartments and two end pockets which are suitable for carrying bottles.
Priced at just £22.89 it represents great value for money at an affordable price. This is also a bag that dad would feel comfortable using too…
Packing and preparing a baby changing bag might not come naturally for many new dads. As well as ensuring that they have everything packed and ready to take baby out, they also have to contend with the awkward feeling of carrying a baby bag that looks more like the wife’s handbag.
Pretty floral designs and bright colour pinks do not do much for the proud father and manly image. Mum’s who pack changing bags also do it “their way” which will often mean dad can’t find the item he is looking for but it doesn’t have to be like this.
Baby changing bags for dads are not hard to find, manufacturers are now producing a wide assortment of dad friendly bags which is good new all round. Most baby bags designed for dads look more like backpacks or messenger bags; in fact you probably would not be able to tell it was a baby changing bag until you opened it up.
Having a second baby bag just for dad is becoming quite common and it is one option you should consider if dad is likely to be taking baby out and about on his own.
When looking for a baby changing bag that dad would be happy to use make sure you apply the same rules for finding one as you would for mum. It still needs to have enough compartments for everything you need to carry, ideally it should be waterproof and an insulated compartment for the baby milk bottle is always a bonus.
You will no doubt realise by now that the market place is vast when it comes to baby changing bags. With bags ranging from deluxe to basic and designer to one for the dads you are spoilt for choice but that isn’t a bad thing, at least it makes them affordable to each and everyones pocket. Before you rush out and make that purchase, here are a few tips for you to keep in mind before parting with that cash.
Pockets and compartments – How many does it have and now many do you need? It is nice to keep the dirty nappies and clothing separate from the feeding bottle and do you really want to carry a baby changing bag over one shoulder and a handbag over the other? Wouldn’t it be nice to use your baby changing bag as a complete replacement for your handbag when going out and about?
Durability – Does the changing bag have a wipe clean surface? No matter how careful you are, things can and do get messy inside the bag. Some bags are washable and many have waterproof linings (which must not be confused with a pvc lining). Many of the deluxe top end designer bags are more about fashion than function, make sure you buy a changing bag that is durable as it is going to be receiving a lot of use.
Extra’s – Does the bag have an insulated pocket? This can be a great feature and useful for keeping food cool or the milk warm. Detachable changing mats are another great feature to have. Your life will become a whole lot easier when you are looking for a suitable place in which you can change the baby’s nappy if you have a detachable changing mat to hand.
Watch out for the added accessories, many companies are using them as an extra selling point, great if you need them. Ask yourself if it is extra money well spent, do you really need a matching dirty bag for separating the nappies from the main bag and a dummy holder or Pacifier pod.
Once you have the baby items and necessities carefully packed ready for your outing, it is quite likely that your baby changing bag is going to feel pretty heavy. Does the bag have an adjustable shoulder strap, do you think it is going to feel comfortable hanging over your shoulder and what about the design? Would ‘dad’ feel comfortable going out with it over his shoulder?
You might love a pretty bag covered in a floral pattern or a chic style yummy mummy one but would dad use it? If he wouldn’t feel okay using the same bag remember to budget for a second changing bag that dad would be happy to use.
