Makeover Monday: Diaper Bag Overhaul

Let me paint a picture for you. You are leaving the grocery store, bags in hand and a screaming baby on your hip. You are desperately trying to recover your keys AND find something to console your wailing child. A binky, a toy, ANYTHING! Your hand rummages around into the messy black hole that you call a diaper bag. Sound familiar? Thought so! We moms are amazing. We can somehow clean our houses from top to bottom before Mickey Mouse can finish singing “Hot Dog, hot dog, hot diggity dog!” We can make sure the kids arrive at their various destinations, all in once piece (although some days are harder than others). And let’s not forget that we can juggle folding laundry while cooking dinner in high heels. So why is it so difficult to keep that tiny little diaper bag organized and functional? After all, it is just that: a diaper bag. Right? WRONG! Who are we kidding? Our diaper bags basically act as Mary Poppins bag does and fits anything and everything into them. (Seriously. How many rotten milk bottles can accumulate into such a tiny space …don’t answer that.) A diaper bag is meant to make your life easier, not more stressful. And even though it may sound like a no-brainer, this can feel like a daunting task. An accessible, organized bag can make all the difference and can either alleviate or accelerate your stress levels. SO! Are you ready to give your diaper bag a makeover? If you haven’t run screaming for the hills, let’s get started!

CHOOSE A BAG YOU WOULD BE PROUD TO PACK AROUND

First things first! Obviously the most important factor in a fabulous, functional bag is the bag itself. It is so important that you like the way your diaper bag looks. Despite what people say, looks DO matter. After all, YOU are the one that has to tote your bag around so choose a bag that you are proud to wear. As women, it is our tendency to take care of the things that are important to us. Therefore, if you love your diaper bag, you will be more inclined to keep it neat, clean and organized. I know what you’re thinking: “There are hundreds. How do I choose?” Two words: Petunia Picklebottom. If you don’t know Petunia, you should! These bags are the total package – the Cadillac of diaper bags. And, in my opinion, a MUST HAVE for moms. First off, they are beyond fashionable and hip. But these bags offer more than just a trendy exterior. They are loaded with pockets, pockets, and more pockets, for all of your baby’s “stuff.” There is a place for everything. These bags are designed FOR us moms and provide a hook on the inside for you to clip your keys. They provide you with a shoulder strap AND backpack straps to free up your hands. (This is a lifesaver!) My favorite feature is the built in changing pad that just unzips from the bag. (If you have ever changed your baby’s diaper in a public restroom then you know why this is needed.) Do whatever it takes to get your hands on one of these bags! Even if it means asking your mom and sisters to go in on one for your baby shower. This bag is not just a purchase, it’s an INVESTMENT. They also make coordinating accessories to boot. Here are a few Petunia Products I love and recommend:

Boxy Backpack:
A modern classic as striking as it is well-appointed, the Boxy Backpack from Petunia Pickle Bottom is thoughtful design and versatility dressed in an array of luxurious fabrics, radiant colors and show-stopping prints. Featuring our new whisper-quiet magnetic closure, a host of clever organizational pockets, a built-in changing station and multiple carrying options, the Boxy Backpack is the fashion-minded mother’s consummate companion. ($210.00, www.petunia.com)

Haven Nursing Cover:
This clever nursing cover is designed to fold into a compact pocket perfect for any outing with your little one. You’ll delight in details such as the shapeable design that allows you to peek at your baby, adjustable straps for a flawless fit, and Petunia Pickle Bottom branded hardware and iconic fabric that coordinates with our Original Collection prints. ($42.00, www.petunia.com)

Shopper Tote:
Go green in style with the reusable Shopper Tote from Petunia Pickle Bottom. Generously sized when open, and featuring a small front pocket for your personal effects, the genius design also folds flat for easy storage in your coordinating Petunia Pickle Bottom bag, ensuring you can say goodbye to plastic and hello to a healthier planet. ($12.00, www.petunia.com)

THINK SMALL

Did you know your local grocery store has an aisle specifically for travel size items? That is where you want to find yourself when stocking your diaper bag. Travel size items may not always feel like the economical choice but in this instance, it is the practical solution. Baby powder, diaper balm, q-tips, and baby oil. Every toiletry your baby will need comes in a smaller size and by packing these, instead of the normal size; you will double the amount of space available in your diaper bag.

RE-CONTAIN

There are a few instances where travel sized items aren’t always best. The first being baby lotion, and the second being baby shampoo. Instead of spending painful minutes smacking that tiny pink plastic bottle against the palm of your hand, re-contain. Find a friendly container that eliminates that problem and still is small enough for your bag. My favorite container to “re-contain” with is the GoToob. You can find them at the International Luggage Center in Bountiful (internationalluggage.com, $9.99).

CREATE SPACE

After you have filled all the pockets in your diaper bag and utilized the built in storage spaces, take it one step further and create your own compartments. To eliminate rummaging through your bag for extra undershirts, clothes, treats, etc., place the things that don’t necessarily have a “spot” into their own bag/compartment. This is includes having a bag for a clean change of clothes as well as the dirty, soiled clothes. (Don’t want to get those mixed up!) By doing this, not only will finding things be even easier, but also the clean-out of your diaper bag will be much more simple. These cute little bags by Sugarbooger are made specifically for this purpose and are much cuter than just a plain old ziplock baggie!
(http://www.amazon.com/Sugarbooger-Diaper-Organizer-Pouches-Cotton/dp/B000HCMUJU, $15.32)

DON’T USE YOUR DIAPER BAG AS YOUR PURSE

I think the biggest mistake that moms make when it comes to diaper bags is when they try to use them as their purse. Don’t fall into this trap! You are only creating a bigger headache for yourself because in ten minutes you will be frantically trying to find your lipstick or your credit card and it will be lost in all the other “junk.” At the same time, don’t create more work for yourself by trying to carry a diaper bag AND a purse. Instead, go for the clutch ladies! Find yourself a small bag/clutch that you can slip inside the diaper bag but keep your personal belongings all in one place. I carry a clutch that has become a lifesaver for me – it’s something I think every mom should own! It comes from the company Clava (www.clava.com) and is called the Wellie Foldover Clutch. With this accessory, high function meets high fashion. The roomy clamshell main compartment holds your daily necessities and more. It has a zip closure to secure contents and stays folded with a strong hidden magnetic snap. The piece unfolds to an exterior organizer with 4 card slots. ID window and zip pocket. It also has a removable 8″ wrist strap. Choose from 11 chic color combinations (the navy with yellow accents is my favorite!). It will fit nicely inside or on top of your diaper bag and will make life so much easier!

Wellie Foldover Clutch
www.clava.com, $55.00
Enter Promo Code: KSL20 for 20% off (good through December 31, 2012)