Like many soon-to-be-moms, I’ve been thinking about how to maintain my personal sense of style, despite the mountains of diapers, wipes, bottles, snacks and other baby gear that becomes a necessary part of daily life. My friends stared at me in shocked disbelief when I recently wondered if I should turn my Céline tote into a diaper bag post-baby… so I decided that it was definitely time to start the search for a real diaper bag that would combine fashion with true function. After finding a lot of bags that met only one of those criteria, I finally met my match: kate spade new york’s Nylon Stripe Stevie Baby Bag has all the stylish elements that I’d look for in a handbag (baby or not), while providing everything I could possibly need as a mom-on-the-go. The nylon fabric wipes totally clean of any messes (a must), and it comes with such necessities as a changing pad and stroller straps…plus pockets for every bottle, toy and paci that baby might need when we’re out. Hop over to kate spade new york to check out the other chic bags in their baby collection, and keep reading to see all the items I’m planning to pack in mine!
32 weeks along, and my bump is about the same size as my bag! Here are some of the things I’m planning to stock up on… (diapers also made the list, but I figured that was a given.) And all you moms out there, I’d love to know: what great little items are must-haves in your diaper bag?
{1} Honest Company Hand Sanitizer. Jessica Alba’s all-natural baby company stocks the cutest, most practical necessities. I was never that concerned about using organic personal care products until I got pregnant – when everything I put on and in my body suddenly seemed a lot more important. This sanitizer will be a must-have for pre-meals, post-diaper changes, and when strangers inevitably want to touch my baby.
{2} Mini-Suzette the Fox. There’s just something about the blabla line of stuffed animals that makes me smile. I’ll keep one of them stashed away for on-the-go cuddles.
{3} Nature Baby Drawstring Booties. To keep baby’s feet warm when we’re out and about. I’ve heard that socks often slip right off newborns’ feet, and these have an ingenious drawstring that adjusts to fit any size.
{4} Peeled Snacks. Baby won’t be able to eat these until she’s a lot older, but I’ll be snacking on them in the meantime. A nutritious, organic serving of fruit in each pack.
{5} Giraffe Changing Pad. Though my bag comes with a changing pad in it, I’ve heard it never hurts to have an extra on hand for on-the-go diaper changes. This Giraffe printed version is so cute and has a slightly vintage look.
{6} Children’s Books. I’m a total sucker for beautifully illustrated children’s books, and baby’s bookshelves are already brimming with ones that I can’t wait to read to her. This Alice in Wonderland Color Primer is so vibrant and happy.
{7} iPhone 4S. No explanation necessary.
{8} Honest Company Wipes. See {1} for why I love this company. Also, these wipes are infused with pomegranate & grapeseed oil, soothing cucumber, and moisturizing glycerin & honeysuckle. The only time a wipe has sounded downright yummy.
{9} Baggu Zipper Bags. I’m a huge fan of this functional-meets-chic line, and this set is the perfect size for organizing smaller items inside the bigger diaper bag so they don’t get lost.
{10} Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick in Magnolia. ‘Cause mama’s still got to look put together.
Aunt Gail thinks this is so precious.
Camille, you are the cutest pregnant woman ever! Your baby girl will be just as stylish, no doubt.
xo,
Ashley
Beautiful bag (and mama)!! I want it about 11 months ago. Add to it: disposable changing pads b/c sometimes it’s easier (and more sanitary) than the pad that comes with the bag (http://www.diapers.com/p/munchkin-arm-hammer-disposable-changing-pads-10-pack-36097); plastic bags to seal in wet items (like wet diapers or bathing suits) when you’re on the go; and Mari’s favorite distraction that works in the carseat, at restaurants, in the stroller – links (http://www.diapers.com/p/bright-starts-lots-of-links-38036)! Enjoy the last 8 weeks!
Such great and practical suggestions!! Thanks Alison!
It’s a great bag – I have one too – it’s really functional and stylish. Some of the other stuff that I carry in mine (I have a 14 month old) – extra clothing, baby bottles, water bottle, sunscreen, disposable bags for dirty diapers, burp cloth, extra bibs, a baby hat, light blanket and my camera
Happy motherhood!!! You will be a great stylish mom 
Oooh, yes! All fab suggestions, but excited to realize that my bag will be big enough to tote around my camera. I have a feeling that my photo-taking is about to hit an entirely new level…
LOVE this post (I’m 34 weeks pregnant with my first little girl too!) I just discovered your blog and I’m smitten! In regard to balancing fashion vs function with diaper bags…I too had this same dilemma. I ended up getting the LV neverfull tote as a gift from my MIL and was nervous it wouldn’t have enough compartments! I’ll be investing in those cute baggu zips for sure as this tote has NO pockets etc. I’m a first time mama so I can’t offer any advice from experience but I’ve heard having an extra change of clothes (for the bibi) is an absolute must! Good luck with your pregnancy and thanks for the tips! xx
An absolute must – gallon sized Ziploc Freezer Bags for toting home those things that get “wet” and yucky while you’re out (clothes, bibs, etc…) – you definitely need a place to put these when you’re on the go! Just carry a couple of these at a time and you’ll be good to go…
Adorable! The navy stripe bag is amazing!
I love that diaper bag. My sister bought the MZ Wallace bedford bag and has found it be a great diaper/baby bag. Lots of pockets and it even has a pad to change your baby on that rolls up. http://www.mzwallace.com/mzwshop/product.php?products_id=881
That bag is adorable, but on the pricey side. Were there any less-expensive runners-up?
You need a Sophie La Girafe in that bag, too!!!!
I am ALL set with that one… all my friends with kids say its every baby’s favorite!
What a stylish diaper bag! I so wish I had one of these 2 years ago! Love it!
I totally agree with the disposable changing pads and bags for things that get wet and dirty. I got the Arm & Hammer kind that came on a roll and were lined with nicer smelling baking soda to keep any bad smells out while in your bag. Also very courteous if throwing away messy diapers at someone else’s home or even in public to toss them in a smell-minimizing plastic bag first.
Other great things to keep on hand are the mommy necessities as well: Lara Bars or healthy snacks for you while on the go, especially if nursing – you will need to keep up a healthy appetite and sometimes you are so sleep logged you honestly forget. Nursing covers or pads, even a shirt or tank top change for yourself if you are breastfeeding. Water bottles. A very small stain remover spray just in case spit up happens somewhere inconvenient.
A change of clothes for the little one and cozy socks. LOVE your sweet baby booties.
I also would carry a small battery operated CD player and a CD of either lullabies or white noise like rain, etc. for napping on the go or at the grandparents house. Very helpful at gatherings when it may be noisy in the nearby family room.
Enjoy your last weeks, Camille! So excited for you and I enjoy following your styling’ mommy tips on your blog.
Kirbi
Ahh, too cute! I hope one day I’ll be as stylish a mom as you are!
I love the explanation for #10! And those drawstring booties are adorbs
so sweet. little girls are the BEST!
down the road try boogie wipes (unscented). i love them for runny noses and sticky hands.
henri’s walk to paris is a great book (the pictures are the best)
I love children’s books, and that one sounds right up my alley… can’t wait to check it out!!
I didnt know that was a diaper bag..would have used it as a normal handbag. Cool!
Do you plan to buy two bags? This one I don’t think your husband would want to be seen with;-).
I’ve read that men bond significantly with their babies if they diaper change (not kidding;-)) – and the one bag I chose, he said: “over my dead body”. So now we’ve opted for an old school army medic bag. My husband doesn’t call it a diaper bag though but a “stand by alert bag”.
Ha! That’s a great question… I may have to get him his very own!!
Lansinoh cream for you (right after each breadtfeeding) its miraculous! And burp clothes for you to put on your shoulder when taking out the baby gas. Love your selections!
Adorable post! I’m 24 weeks along with my first little boy and that diaper bag is one of the bags I have my eye on. I’m also considering the nylon one from Marc Jacobs because you can throw the entire thing in the wash, and I figure that if I get the black one maybe the husband won’t mind carrying it too! After all, mama’s gonna need some helping hands!
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/MARC-by-Marc-Jacobs-Pretty-Eliza-Baby-Bag-Black-diaper-bag/prod137010031___/?isFilter=&icid=&searchType=MAIN&rte=%252Fsearch.jsp%253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253Ddiaper%252Bbag%2526_requestid%253D18317&eItemId=prod137010031&cmCat=search
I’m obviously not a mom yet, but I think you might also need a blanket, burp cloths, and an extra outfit. I also like the suggestion of the ziploc bags for items that get wet. Lots to think about!
There was no doubt in my mind that you would put together the most fashionable diaper bag ever! Uber cute!
I would add a bottle of water (for you) and some toy-like items for the little one.
My son started to teeth around 3 months so you will need something.
Mostly things that can pose as a distraction.
An extra, light blanket might also be a plus.
Cute bag! I’d use it, and I don’t even have kids.
-Lindsey
Et tu, tutu?
I totally feel you on wanting to turn your old bag into a diaper bag. I held out on a real diaper bag for months before I finally caved and now I have the same Kate Spade. The black and white stripes won me over. Nature Baby things are the softest. And stripes! We have a blabla doll also that my baby has grown attached to. And stock up on those Baggu zipper bags! They are perfect for storing mini things for both you and baby. (We use cloth diapers and even use them for holding dirty ones.) Don’t forget a light blanket and burp cloth (Aden & Anaiis), a teether/toy (Sophie the Giraffe), and a reusable water bottle. If you decide to nurse, you will be super thirsty all the time.
I also keep a small clutch in the diaper bag that holds the important cards/keys/lipstick/etc. so that if I’m just running into a shop real quick, I can grab the clutch and leave the diaper bag in the car. It also makes it easy to switch bags if I am heading out without bebe.
This is amazing! I’m only 23 but I want to keep this list for the future
Congrats on your happy future!
Camille,
Looooooove the bag! Curious which stroller you and Adam decided to go with?
Thanks Kristina! Since we plan to do a lot of active jogging and walking with the baby (and don’t live in an urban center where we’ll be walking in our daily commute) we went with the Bob. I’ve given it a few test runs around the house, and it seems great!!
A hooter hider is a nice addition if you plan to breast feed, or not! I used mine for in-a-pinch shade for the stroller, shade for a sleeping babe in my arms, a blanket for an impromptu picnic… I used that thing constantly!
Don’t forget an Aden & Anais blanket (http://www.laylagrayce.com/b/Aden-and-Anais-Swaddling-Wraps.aspx). They’re the absolute BEST! They’re the perfect weight for covering baby in the car when the AC is chilly and big enough to cover you for on-the-go feedings. They’re thin and roll up really small to fit in your bag.