Upgrade my diaper bag!

There comes a time in every mother’s life when you look down at that large, heavy, tired-looking, mostly plastic feeling diaper bag under your arm and realize, “I no longer need half the stuff that’s in here!”.

Friends. I have reached this momentous milestone.

Yes, Cadence is still in diapers. But she’s at that age when diaper changes are few and far between. I can’t remember the last time she needed a diaper change while we were out and about. And Adelaide? All I need to carry around for her is a handful of extra hairbands and clips to help control her crazy thick hair.

I can’t downsize all the way back to my tiny little purse that fit exactly my wallet, keys, cell phone and lip balm, and I probably never will. But, I no longer need things like the coordinating changing pad, insulated bottle compartment, and six interior pockets full of burp cloths, butt paste, baby powder and emergency clothes (that totally don’t fit anymore—why are they still in there!?).

My search for a new “mommy bag” has begun! And I want your help! Here are my top 8 favorite diaper bag upgrades:

My criteria for this exclusive group of finalists:

• Must be a shoulder bag
• Must have either a zipper or magnetic closure top (no flaps or ties!)
• Must have a zippered interior pocket
• Leather or other natural material is a plus
• Clean design with structured sides (I don’t care for slouchy bags)
• Exterior pockets are a plus

Mostly what I NEED to carry in a bag, is my personal items (wallet, keys, cell phone, gum, hand-gel, lip balm and tissues) two diapers, a small container of wipes and hair clips. Beyond that, it’s extras dictated by the day’s activities. Sunscreen in the summer…umbrella in the spring…snacks and sippy cups for long outings, etc. All of this will easily fit into a medium sized shoulder bag.

	Relic Palomar Tote Love the yellow textured fabric Cute brown faux leather trim Drop down length: 10 1/2″ Magnetic snap closure Two exterior slip pockets Interior: center zip compartment, zip pocket & slip pocket
	Rosetti Simply Stated Colorblock Hobo Slouchy hobo design isn’t my favorite, but it works for this bag! Single shoulder strap – Drop down length: 8″ Double zip & magnetic snap closures Exterior: 2 slip pockets & 2 zip pockets Interior: 2 slip pockets & zip pocket Beautiful robins egg blue, white and brown faux leather
	Dooney & Bourke Charlston Shopper Gorgeous crisp white pebble grain genuine leather Outside zip pocket and two inside pockets Inside zip pocket and Cell phone pocket Inside key hook Strap drop length: 8.50″ Zipper closure – huge plus!
	Mondani Kiley Tote Shoulder straps – drop down length: 8 1/2″ Magnetic snap closure Interior: center zip compartment, 2 slip pockets & zip pocket Classy grey canvas & white faux leather LOVE the look of this one!
	Kate Spade Cedar Street Medium Harmony Bright robin’s egg blue crosshatched leather with matching trim Shoulder strap drop length: 9” 14-karat light gold plated hardware Over the shoulder bag with zip top closure Interior zip and two slide pockets
	Rebecca Minkoff M.A.B. Medium Tote Gorgeous bright blue leather Magnetic-snap closure Exterior zip pocket Interior zip, wall and cell-phone pockets Protective metal feet Signature print lining
	Apt. 9 Shira Perforated Tote White Faux leather Stunning lace cut-out detail on side panels Shoulder straps – drop down length: 10″ Zipper closure Exterior: zip pocket Interior: zip pocket & two slip pockets
	Dana Buchman Danny Shopper Bright yellow faux leather Shoulder straps – drop down length: 9 1/2″ Magnetic snap closure Exterior: slip pocket Interior: zip pocket, center zip compartment & three slip pockets

 

So what do you think? Do you have a favorite? Submit your vote in the poll below! Or leave a comment with a link to a bag you love 🙂