My Search for the Ultimate Diaper Bag + A Lily Jade Giveaway!
This post was created in partnership with Lily Jade. Thank you for supporting the advertisers that keep Momma Society going! Be sure to read to the bottom for your chance to win a Lily Jade Bag!
Finding the perfect diaper bag is like finding the perfect little black dress: an eternal battle that I feel like I’ll be fighting forever. Over the course of four years I’ve tried countless diaper bags - shoulder bags, backpacks, diaper bag organizers inside a regular tote - and even though I’ve definitely found some things I like, nothing has ever felt perfect.
With a new baby on the way, I definitely need a bag that is functional enough to hold everything I need for all three (still not over saying that!) kiddos while still being somewhat compact. And if it’s not too much to ask something that looks cute, too.
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How I pick a diaper bag
Color, fabric, style, size - which matters the most? When I’m looking for a diaper bag, I have four main criteria that I consider to make sure I’m getting the most out of the bag’s functionality, fit, and style.
Functionality is key | There are so many options out there that it can feel a little overwhelming. When you’re browsing for a diaper bag, start by asking yourself how you need it to function. Are you taking public transportation or need free hands? Consider a backpack style. Are you going to be walking frequently with your stroller? Invest in a bag with stroller straps.
Select quality materials | It might be tempting to buy that super cheap bag online, but sometimes when the price seems too good to be true, it is. Materials like canvas, neoprene or leather will be able to withstand daily wear and tear, be easy to clean, and will last much longer than nylon or plain cotton.
Buy for longevity | Finding the right diaper bag isn’t something you want to do over and over again, so look for a bag that will transition from those newborn days to toddlerhood and beyond. Extra pockets, spaces for storing snacks and organizing toys might not seem like something you need right away but they will definitely come in handy down the line.
Options are a plus | Just like a purse or a backpack, different styles of bags work best for different people. If another caregiver, parent, or friend will frequently be using the bag, consider one that has several options for wear or at least has adjustable straps. Not only will that make it easier for multiple people to use the bag, but it will also give you more options for how you’d like to carry your diaper bag for the day.
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Introducing my new favorite bag, the Shaylee in Camel Leather from Lily Jade
Finding a bag that can organize mine + the kids’ life is no small task. So when I stumbled across the Lily Jade website a couple of months ago, I was immediately intrigued. This is not your typical diaper bag! First of all, it looks nothing like a typical diaper bag. I actually almost scrolled past a photo of the bag because I thought it was a cute tote! I loved the size and versatility of the bag and decided I needed to get my hands on one.
The first thing I noticed is that the leather is super high quality and felt so soft in my hands. In fact, no two Lily Jade bags are the same because they only use tumbled full grain leather. There is so much attention to detail on the exterior of this bag! The tassels are double sided leather and the beads are made of natural Aventurine stone. I also love that the two exterior pockets are held closed by a magnet to prevent anything from falling out. Just from the outside, I was really impressed with this bag!
The inside of the bag is just as gorgeous and functional as the exterior. The liner is thick and feels like it will be able to endure all the diapers, wipes, and rainboots I can throw at it. But my favorite part of the interior are the removable organizers! Every Lily Jade diaper bag includes one of these organizers, but you can also purchase them separately. The organizer has 12 pockets and keeps everything in its place - everything except my sanity, that is.
I’m planning to store all of the baby essentials in the organizer. When I’m off somewhere sans baby I can pull the organizer out and I’ll have the perfect tote. I’m a sucker for multi-functional items.
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I’m also really impressed by the zippers. My biggest struggle with diaper bags in the past has been the zippers busting. It’s truly happened to at least 3 of my previous diaper bags. The zippers on the Shaylee bag are seriously top notch.
I added on a set of Khaki packing cases for additional organization. I am obsessed with these. We’re still a solid 6 months away from baby, but I couldn’t wait to start using them. They were a game changer this past weekend for organizing my doula bag. And I’m planning to use them for travel this Summer.
I can tell that this bag and the accessories from Lily Jade are made to last and will last me well beyond the time our last babe is out of diapers. I might be slightly freaking out about how to manage a family of five, but at least I’ll look dang stylish doing it!
Have you checked out Lily Jade’s diaper and lifestyle bags? Let me know what you think + what you’re carrying in your diaper bag!
A Lily Jade Giveaway!
Lily Jade has graciously offered to give one of you a Lily Jade Diaper Bag! Enter below! Winner will be selected August 31, 2019.
