When I was pregnant I remember browsing Amazon in search of the perfect diaper bag. You know, something cute but also functional. Something that said “cool mom” but still had room for a million baby related items? Yeah, that’s what I wanted. Lucky for me, there are so many trendy options available, so us modern mammas don’t have to sacrifice style for function. Huzzah!
I ended up picking the diaper bag that was the Amazon best-seller because I’m a sucker for a good customer review. But just like many things (read: everything) in parenthood, the unexpected changed my perspective. Don’t get me wrong, I love the diaper bag I got and I still use it, but I found that it didn’t compliment my on-the-go lifestyle as well as I had hoped. Why? 1 word: baby-wearing.
I started wearing Piper a lot. On walks, out shopping and even at restaurants. When I had Piper in the stroller, the diaper bag was great! It clipped onto the stroller easily and stored literally everything I needed. But when I had Piper in a wrap or a structured carrier I found the diaper bag always sliding off my shoulder and really getting in the way. My friend and fellow blogger Jane suggested I look into backpacks and I’m so glad she did!
After months of trying to get my hands on the Target Oh Joy! Backpack Diaper Bag ($39.99 USD) my husband scooped one up for me! This diaper backpack was created by blogger and mom of two, Joy Cho. She has the best style and her whole Target line is so bright and colourful. This backpack sells out quickly whenever it’s restocked. It’s affordable and I love the pattern and the pop of coral!
The Oh Joy! Backpack Diaper Bag has all the staples you would expect from a traditional diaper bag. There are several pockets inside including one large zipper pouch. It has hooks that attach to your stroller and a hidden changing pad in a separate back compartment.
There are also pockets on each side for your cell phone or a water bottle. The backpack straps are adjustable but I find they loosen very easily – that’s my only qualm with this bag! I will tighten the straps and a few minutes later they will loosen and the backpack will be hanging super low. I think the hardware that the strap gets fed into needs to be smaller so that it can’t slip through as easily.
If you are planning on baby-wearing, I would definitely consider a backpack in place of a diaper bag. It’s all about finding little life hacks to save time and energy when you have a newborn. Now that Piper is 6 months old and much more wiggly and active, I feel like a backpack keeps things more secure and less likely to slip off my shoulders.
Would you like me to share a post about my favourite baby wraps and carriers? I’m no expert, but I have several that I could write about! Let me know!
Colleen says
Hey Megan – love this post – IF you put the straps where you want them, and then wind an elastic under the buckle, it won’t be able to slip….
SherriAnnelle says
Great tip Colleen! I got the same bag a few months ago because it sells out so fast, but baby doesn’t come until Feb. I’ll remember that quick fix!!
Nancy says
This diaper bag doesn’t’ even look like a diaper bag! I love how stylish it is – and can totally be used for non-mom’s. So snazzy!!
Megan Joy says
I know right? I get compliments on it from people who just like it as a backpack!
Katie Garvin says
I have seriously been considering switching to a backpack instead. I love that I can just sling it onto my shoulders and have more room to handle my little girl. My current bag that I use for when we’re out is getting close to being done, and now I’ll definitely be purchasing a backpack to replace it!
Megan Joy says
I hear you girl! It was 5 months before I made the switch. I still use my diaper bag sometimes if we are going on a long walk with the stroller. But when I am carrying Piper it’s just waaaay easier for sure.
You’re little one is so cute! xo
Asja Anderson says
I don’t have any children but this was brilliant! I never thought about a backpack for a diaper bag but it makes so much sense. I would think being completely hands free is ideal when caring for a baby so this would be the best option in my mind; and it seems like you could fit much more.
Megan Joy says
For sure! Oh Joy! is such an awesome designer and I’m so glad she thought to design something that’s pretty and also super practical 🙂
Lauren says
I love this backpack so much!! It reminds me of the Lily Jade diaper bags. Functionable and easily versatile!! So glad you got your hands on one 🙂
Megan Joy says
I just googled Lily Jade diaper bags and they are so cute!
Annie says
That’s my only complaint about this bag too! But I’m totally trying that tip that the other reader commented above!!
Megan Joy says
Right? I wish the straps would stay in place. But I don’t even care because I love everything else about this backpack 🙂
Nathanielle says
Thanks for sharing and IK love the bag as well.
Elaine (@elainelovesblog) says
That bag is so cute! I knew I would want to be hands free so I got a backpack one right away from Skip Hop. It also straps on the stroller handle! It does feel weird for me to be without a purse though lol!
Stephanie Fusco says
After reading the comments…I feel less bad about the fact that I’ve been coveting this for personal use since it came out. Such a good mommy-hack!
Ursula says
I love your stylish baby bag/backpack…esp free up your shoulder to take care the important person in your life!!
Ursula
http://www.blueridgebeautyblogger.com