November 10, 2014

TOP TEN BABY CHANGING BAGS

GAME CHANGER BUYING GUIDE

I have to be honest here, when it comes to baby changing bags I have a lot of opinion right from the offset. That is I mean before I have even googled the crap out of the top ten bags on the market and alternative totes and come up with pretty much zero satisfaction. I ask myself, ‘Do I really need an actual baby changing bag? Isn’t it just basically a tote with a host of added pockets'? I begin instead for a search of pocket insert trays and I find a fairly style friendly version for £29. But that I feel is quite a lot for an insert when the pockets really aren’t quite the right size for diapers or nappy bags, cotton wool, muslins and the host of other stuff you need to carry around with you every day with a new baby. Plus then I still need the bottle warmer, changing mat etc etc etc. I’m sure I can get a better deal with a full changing bag that already comes with all those accessories that makes better buying sense. So then I go into the leather style bags. I’ll pay more for a bag that I can then use afterwards no? Let’s face it this bag is going to be going everywhere with me for the first few years so I really do need to Love it. And what’s more, I don’t want to lose my personality and personal style while carrying it either. I want this bag to match my life. Not am I willing to bend my style to fit in with the array of zoo print and pink fluffy bags that seem to still be selling out. I’m not the baby here. Besides there’s enough baby friendly toys and buggy buddies in bright shades of pink, yellow red and blue that I seem to be told I need to attach to all the other gear that comes with baby. So the google search continues… and continues….. and after actually about three months of looking and grumbling and looking again and searching in another way and going in-store to John Lewis and Mother Care, and JoJo Maman Bebe among others as well as looking at independents online, I have come up with what I consider to be the Top Ten in Baby Changing Bags out there for mums that want to be who they are and compromise less. #styletomatchyourlife

THE ANYA HINDMARCH Oakley Nylon Changing Bag Although this is top end, I had to put it in the top ten. Why? Just look at it! A classic Tote but with those essential pockets both on the outside and the inside this bag could go on for ever! This is not just a baby changing bag this is a bag for life! Also comes with the added extras you need such as a changing mat and nappy bag. If you're going to spoil yourself with just one new mama gift, then go for this! It will look good now and beyond. WHY BUY:

Open top allows easy access at all times
Patent carry handles and adjustable shoulder strap to fit your needs
Two front pockets with 'bits' and 'bobs' tags on the outside for bottles and baby essentials plus a long zip pocket for mums keys and phone
One large zip compartment on the inside plus two other pockets
Comes with stylish black changing mat and a zip up nappy bag
Wipe clean, yes wipe clean! Need I Say more?
It's got that chic factor!

THE PRICE: £595.00 BUY IT NOW: At Selfridges

THE BABYBEAU ELLIE Converter Leather Changing Bag Real Leather, Real Deal. I love this bag. It hits that button with me again for offering longevity and by that I mean that the whole kit and caboodle from the inside can be pulled out, leaving you with a simple stylish leather bag for when you're done carrying those nappies and bottles around. Or if you're having a baby free day out (on those rare occasions) you can whip out the internal bag and no need to fuss around with extra bits and bobs and changing over to other bags which always results in you losing your lip balm of forgetting your oyster. WHY BUY:

That Converter bag is a godsend!
Carry handles and adjustable shoulder strap to easily fit on your shoulder or pram
Two front pockets and two side pockets for bottles and your mobile etc
Two large back pockets, One large stretchy pocket, so basically pockets galore!
Comes with a lovely padded leatherette changing mat and leather key holder
And it has the perfect thermal insulated leatherette bottle holder and dust bag
A Timeless Piece.

THE PRICE: £199.95 BUY IT NOW: At John Lewis

THE SERAPHINE Navy Faux Leather Changing Bag This is a great buy. It has Zips and pockets everywhere and is a lovely piece to put over your shoulder. Again it mens you don't have to compromise on style or fork out a fortune in the process. WHY BUY:

It's completely waterproof and wipe down due to the faux leather
Detachable and adjustable shoulder strap plus those extra buggy straps are included too
That long zip round the bottom is a handy and separate compartment for all your personal mum essentials
Has five internal pockets for all the baby's things and has a spill proof lining (although I'm not sure what that means really)
Comes with matching changing mat
Get your hand on a piece of Parisien wipe down chic!

THE PRICE: £69.00 BUY IT NOW: At John Lewis

THE JUICY COUTURE Leopard Print Baby Changing Bag Who can resist? Not me Not me! I love the contrast of the Leopard print exterior and the Striped interior lining. Plus it's black and white so your baby will just love it too! Not to mention it can actually stimulate brain cell connections and improve concentration skills! What more do you need to know? WHY BUY:

It's educational and mesmerising for your baby. I'm sold!
It looks super cool and has all those essential pockets both on the outside for bottles and your mobile etc and well as inside for all the baby stuff, your wallet and more
Comes with matching changing mat and a bib too boot so baby can look cool too, oh and be engaged all the while!
Stylish, practical and good for baby. What are you waiting for?

THE PRICE: £220.00 BUY IT NOW: At Selfridges

THE LAESSIG NECKLINE Recycled Tote Changing Bag in Black & Coco Melange So if you want to go for something a bit more casual but without losing all the practical elements then I would opt for this truly lovely Laessig Tote. Made in Germany this Changer offers thought out compartments and useful additions. It's clean and fuss free and if you're into recycling then this bag can help you feel like you're being a bit green too as it's made form 90% recycled materials, but without losing that essential style factor! WHY BUY:

It's made from non toxic environmentally friendly materials and is a super functional yet stylish buy!
Adjustable shoulder strap and additional buggy clips so no extras needed
Wipe clean water repellant pockets for bottles and nappies and baby food jars (also removable compartments)
Comes with a matching baby changing mat and an insulated removable bottle holder and zip pouch.
Simply stylish, functional and environmentally friendly!

THE PRICE: £99.00 - £100.00 BUY IT NOW: At Zalando.co.uk and Amazon.co.uk

THE NOVA HARLEY LUXURY MELBOURNE Baby Changing Bag iheart, iheart, iheart! I do! I mean look at it! This has to be the most non-baby changing looky likey bag out there at the moment. It looks like an ordinary handbag and is total arm candy if you ask me! Chic-tastic by designer Nova Harley from Australia, there are lot's of styles to choose from but one of my faves is this Melbourne Bag. Which also reminds me of my trip to Oz and time in Melbourne - Double Bonus! WHY BUY:

Made from Premium leather with wipe clean lining
Comes with detachable shoulder strap with a soft comfy handle, as well as buggy straps to hang it on the buggy easily
Also has a thermal insulated black bottle tote with buggy clips
Includes a luxury large black padded change mat with water proof lining which is easy to clean and hygienic
It has 13 (no less) really funky picture labeled pockets and zipper storage sections so you can easily cary and find all those essential baby items
And there's an über cool 'Mother’s Section' for all our personal mum stuff like the purse, phone and other general personal accessories
And let's not forget the handy external key holder pocket for easy access - essential when arriving at the front door laden with baby, buggy, shopping and more
Faultless and sophisticated! It's a Yes from me!

THE PRICE: £240.00 BUY IT NOW: Amazon.co.uk

THE ELODIE DETAILS GRAPHIC DEVOTION Baby Changing Bag This Changer is canvas cool if ever I saw it. The Brown leather straps set off the geographic print perfectly and bring the bag to life by adding a classic twist. It looks almost like a weekend duffle than a baby changer to me. Again that black and white geo pattern can help to stimulate your little one all day long! So if you ant something that's in style, multi-functional and won't break the bank, head for the Elodie Details Changer now. WHY BUY:

It will keep baby amused and visually stimulated
Lovin' the geo print and additional premium leather details
Stroller Strappable and comes with an adjustable leather shoulder strap too
It has a hidden thermo pocket for your baby bottle and other pockets are designated for wet wipes, keys, phone and nappies
Comes with a soft padded baby changing mat
And it's big enough to hold your laptop if you're a working mum
A fashionable changer that offers a style for work and play

THE PRICE: 129.00 euros! (approx. £101.00) BUY IT NOW: At Babyshop.com

THE MOTHERCARE MULTIWAY Baby Changing Bag Innovation in a Bag. The clever multiway changing bag can be little or large. Basically with the use of poppers, you can change the shape to suit your lifestyle. For Days out it offers a bucket style bag to store all your baby's essential items including nappies, wipes, change of clothes and any feeding equipment. But if you're literally just popping ou for a few hours and don't want to take the kitchen sink, then the bag can be moulded with poppers to make a smaller more compact bag. Mothercare's multiway bag comes complete with a padded changing mat, a messy bag to keep any damp or dirty clothing, and an insulated bottle holder. The interior compartment of the bag features a wipe clean lining and has plenty of storage pockets to keep everything neatly organised. WHY BUY:

Hence the name - Multi Changer - literally! Big Tote meets compact carrier.
Durable double handle as well as an adjustable leather shoulder strap for carrying or clipping on the buggy
Comes with a padded changing mat and a messy bag for any damp or dirty clothes and bibs
Also included the essential insulated bottle holder
Cool, lightweight and perfectly man friendly to boot!

THE PRICE: A Steal at £34.99 (Previously £49.99 but get £15.00 off now!) BUY IT NOW: At Mothercare SALE!

THE LAESSIG CASUAL TOTE Navy Changing Bag Again this is a classic Shopper come changing bag. From the outside you wouldn't even know it had anything to do with bambinos and what with all the bunny and elephant prints that come with every other baby essential we carry around, it's a welcome break to find a shopper that looks as casually cool as this one does. WHY BUY:

Large main compartment and well arranged pockets for baby and mum essentials
Comes with a matching and water repellent baby changing mat and an insulated removable bottle holder
Also included is a matching zip pouch for those dirty and damp clothes
Convenient removable compartments for baby food jars
Oh an it'd got extra buggy hooks too so no need to buy more
Aaaand it looks like a normal classic everyday shopping bag!

THE PRICE: Down from £65.00 to £50.00 so grab a bargain now! BUY IT NOW: At Zalando.co.uk SALE!

THE NOVA HARLEY LUXURY BRISBANE 'Convertible" Baby Changing Bag! In at number 10! I couldn't help but sneak in an other Nova Harley bag. I carry a yellow faux leather bag around with me at the moment and I love the bright happy feel I get whenever I pick it up. Why not get a changer in the happy yellow too? Totally cool and enough to brighten up anyones day. And that's not all! This premium leather changer in fact also converts into an everyday fashion or work bag, simply by removing the internal liner which when installed is secured with heavy duty poppers. A little like where I started my search, this bag offers up that with paying for longevity for use long after your little one is out of nappies and milk. WHY BUY:

Made from Premium leather with wipe clean lining
Comes with adjustable buggy straps, waterproof changing pad, thermo insulated bottle tote, wet pack, key ring and key clip
Has that handy removable internal liner
It has 13 (no less) really funky picture labeled pockets and zipper storage sections so you can easily cary and find all those essential baby items
And again there's that 'Mother’s Section' for all our personal mum stuff like the purse, phone and other general personal accessories
Cool, casual and bright