On testChanging Bags
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Baby
Bjorn |
Baby
Traveller All in One Changing Bag |
Bugaboo Changing Bag |
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About this test
Boy, do you need storage when you're carrying around baby clobber, which is why it was top of our checklist of things we looked for in the ideal baby change bag. Number two on our list of must-haves was style - you only have to look around at a roomful of mums and babies to see lots of stylish bags that cleverly hide horrible mucky contents!
Whilst style is important, mums still want value for money, a feature some of the 'trendier' bag manufacturers need to pay more attention to, our Parent Panel felt.
We tested for·
- Storage and accessories
- Style
- Ease of Use
- Versatility
- Quality/value for money
- Practicality
Buying tips
Ease of Use : A bag with easily accessible pockets and compartments is important, especially if you've got a nappy emergency on your hands in the middle of town. Our panel liked the Baby Traveller All in One as 'everything has its place and you can grab things quickly and easily whilst out and about, a real relief when you've got a screaming child in your arms'.
It's also worth looking at the style of the handles - cute, holdal-style bags might look nice but if it won't fit across your buggy or over your body, you'll soon get fed up of it. Something that hooks onto the back of your pram with extendable straps for your partner will give you more versatility and comfort, as will a bag that can be worn across your chest or back like the Baby Bjorn Dynamic.
Size: Changing bags vary massively so it's important to pick one that fits your requirements. Small, handbag-esque bags like the Hunky Dory Mother & Baby bag are great for quick trips out (especially if you're one of those mums who only carries the basics) though our panel found that they 'held little more than the bog standard essentials' and often needed 'an additional carry bag for spare clothes and other items'.
On the flip side, bigger bags can be heavy so keep an eye on size and weight. Our panel found the Red Castle Sport and Baby Bjorn Dynamic 'perfect for weekends away but for daily use they're a little bulky, plus 'the depth of the bags make it a pain to find items in a hurry'.
Medium sized bags with lots of integral storage pockets seemed to fair well with our panel and they felt that in terms of longevity, the Caboodle Classic , Oi Oi Herringbone Hobo and Skip Hop Duo were good examples of what to go for: 'these bags are a practical size, open easily and have strategically placed compartments for your baby's items - you really don't need anything more'.
Style: Changing bag designs have improved massively in recent years and there are some super-stylish options up for grabs. Our panel found the Hunky Dory Mother & Baby and Hennabecca Blue Blocks 'turned the most heads', though they agreed that they weren't as practical as some of the other bags on test. The benefit with a stylish bag is that you can use it as a handbag on those rare baby-free days, 'as long as you don't mind emptying and re-filling it every now and again'.
If your other half is going to use it, something with a more unisex look to it will keep his masculinity in tact. Our panel's husbands gave a unified thumbs up to the Skip Hop Duo , Baby Traveller All in One and Red Castle Sport.
Accessories:Modern bags often come with a few additional extras so it's worth finding out what you get before you buy. A detachable changing mat is useful to have and will serve you well on family days out or train journeys/flights when you don't want to take the whole bag to the toilet with you.
Other features worth looking for include insulated compartments ('essential for keeping milk and food at the right temperature') removable pockets ('ideal for toddler snacks or small toys'), mess bags ('brilliant for keeping dirty nappies separate') and a removable insulated bottle carrier that you can use separately.
Quality/value for money: A good quality bag should last at least two babies so it's worth investing in something sturdy with good materials. Look for strong zips, simple fastenings and wipe clean materials that will allow you to mop up any spills and accidents in the nick of time.
Our panel found that most of the bags on test were of a good standard and what the cheaper bags lacked in quality, made up for in practicality and additional features - 'the Bugaboo bag is a great quality bag that will last well but if you want something simple and easy that offers great value for money, you can't beat the Caboodle Classic'
Awards - which products won
Our panel gave the Best Buy award to the Baby Traveller All in One whilst the Caboodle Classic scored tops for Best Value. These awards were given after months of intensive testing by each of our six mums, but you may find that some of the other bags on test are more suited to your particular requirements. To find out more about each product, make sure you read the full test results.
Where to next?
- Full test results
- Read the reviews:
Baby Bjorn Dynamic Changing Bag 7/10
Baby Traveller All in One Changing Bag 9/10
Bugaboo Changing Bag 6/10
Caboodle Classic 8.5/10
Hennabecca Blue Blocks Changing Bag 7/10
Hunky Dory Mother & Baby Bag 7/10
Oi Oi Luxury Tweed Herringbone Hobo Bag 7/10
Red Castle Sport Changing Bag 6/10
Skip Hop Duo 8/10
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