What to Look For in a Baby Bag: A Mum's Honest Guide

I've always chosen my handbags based on how easily I can find what's inside. Ideally, I want to reach in and grab what I need without even looking. With a little organisation, that was usually pretty achievable.

So, when I was preparing to become a mum, I knew my baby bag was going to be important. What I didn't realise was just HOW much I'd rely on it, day in and day out, or how many little frustrations one bag could cause!

After researching and asking family and friends for advice, I'd pretty much established that I needed:

• A backpack. Definitely a backpack.

• Bottle pockets.

• Plenty of compartments for clothes, nappies and all the other baby essentials.

• A change mat.

Well, that was pretty much every baby bag I came across!

So I bought one that had all the things, looked nice and seemed to tick the boxes. Although, if I'm being truthful, I never felt overly confident about my choice.

Then Penny was born, and it was time to put all that planning into action.

Here's what I discovered I actually needed from a baby bag.

PART 1: THE NEWBORN DAYS

1. Bottle pockets that actually fit your bottles

I was mainly breastfeeding and expressing, which meant Dad could help with feeds too. An absolute lifesaver when I desperately needed a little kip before the next night shift!

What I quickly discovered was that bottles come in all shapes and sizes. Short, wide, tall, slim, and eventually much bigger toddler bottles.

What to look for: Generously sized bottle pockets that accommodate different shapes and sizes, not just standard newborn bottles. Insulated storage is a bonus, although you'll still need to follow safe milk storage guidelines.

2. A change mat that's practical AND hygienic

Here's something I'd never considered before becoming a mum.

When you're changing nappies out and about, you don't want to place your baby's head where their bottom was during the previous change!

And having to machine wash a change mat after every outing? No thanks!

What to look for: A generously sized, wipe-clean change mat with a clear indicator showing which end is for baby's head. Simple, practical and much easier to keep clean.

3. Easy access to the essentials

Nappies. Wipes. Change mat.

These three things are used CONSTANTLY in those early months, often while you're juggling a baby in one arm.

The last thing you want is to unpack half your bag onto a public change table just to find the wipes!

What to look for: Dedicated, easy-access spaces for your most-used essentials. Bonus points if you can access wipes without even removing the packet.

4. Don't forget about YOU!

Carrying a baby bag AND a handbag quickly becomes annoying.

So naturally, my wallet, keys, phone and everything else ended up living in the baby bag.

Problem solved! Until Dad took Penny out, Granny was babysitting or I wanted to nip to the shops alone.

Suddenly, I was digging through the baby bag to retrieve my belongings or searching for a handbag I hadn't used in weeks.

What to look for: A dedicated space for your personal belongings, ideally with a detachable handbag you can simply grab when heading out without the baby bag.

5. More pockets don't necessarily mean better organisation

This was one of my biggest frustrations.

Deep pockets become bottomless pits, small items disappear beneath bigger ones, and before you know it, you're rummaging around trying to remember where you put something.

And when everything is stacked on top of everything else, finding what's at the bottom becomes a mission!

What to look for: Thoughtfully designed compartments where everything has its own place, is easy to see and can be accessed without unpacking everything else.

Clear or mesh storage pouches are particularly handy because you can see exactly what's inside.

A well-organised baby bag shouldn't require a treasure hunt!

6. Make it easy for everyone, not just Mum

I might have known exactly where everything was packed, but that didn't mean Dad, Granny or anyone else caring for Penny did!

And handing over the baby bag shouldn't require a five-minute guided tour.

What to look for: An intuitive layout with clearly defined storage areas. Labelled compartments and removable pouches make it easier for everyone to find what they need.

Because a baby bag should support the whole family, not just the person who packed it.

 

PART 2: BEYOND THE BABY YEARS

7. Think beyond nappies and newborn bottles

Babies grow, and their needs change surprisingly quickly.

Before you know it, you're packing snacks, water bottles, toys, spare shoes, wet swimmers and the occasional collection of rocks that absolutely MUST come home.

What to look for: Flexible storage that adapts as your family grows. Removable organisers and versatile pouches mean you can change how you pack without needing an entirely new bag.

8. Somewhere for the wet, dirty and messy stuff

Wet swimmers, muddy clothes, leaking bottles and unexpected nappy situations.

Family adventures can get messy!

And you definitely don't want those things sharing a compartment with your clean clothes or snacks.

What to look for: Separate, water-resistant storage pouches that help keep wet and dirty items away from everything else. Removable options make cleaning and repacking much easier.

9. A backpack is great, but what about when you stop?

Backpacks are fantastic when you're on the move. But what happens when you arrive somewhere?

At Granny's house, on a weekend away, camping or even just visiting friends.

Suddenly, your backpack is on the floor, and you're back to rummaging through it every time you need something.

I remember thinking, wouldn't it be great if I could just unzip my backpack, hang it up and have everything right there? Organised, visible and easy to reach, without unpacking a thing.

What to look for: A backpack that's just as functional when you arrive as it is on the move.

Now, I'd love to tell you there are plenty of baby bags that do exactly this...

But I couldn't find one.

So, I designed one! 😉

And that's how The Medley Bag came to life. A backpack that transforms into a hanging organiser, with everything staying in its place and just as accessible in either mode.

10. Choose something designed to last

Baby bags are often one of the bigger purchases we make when preparing for a new arrival.

So why should they only be useful while our children are in nappies?

As your family grows, your adventures change. The bag that once carried nappies and bottles might eventually carry lunchboxes, swimming costumes, snacks and everything you need for a day outdoors.

What to look for: Quality materials, comfortable straps, durable construction and a versatile design that can continue to support your family well beyond the baby years.

 

THE BIGGEST THING I LEARNT?

It's not about how much your baby bag can hold. It's about how easily you can access what's inside.

Before becoming a mum, I thought choosing a baby bag was about finding something with enough pockets, bottle holders and a nice design.

But what really matters is how it works in everyday life.

When you're tired. When you're in a hurry. When you've got a baby in one arm. When someone else is caring for your little one. Or when you're heading off on your next family adventure.

It's about having a place for everything, knowing where to find it and being able to get to it without unpacking half your belongings.

Because the right baby bag should make getting out and enjoying life with your family that little bit easier.

YOUR BABY BAG CHECKLIST ✓

10 things to look for before buying a baby bag!

✓ Generous bottle pockets – Room for bottles of all shapes and sizes.

✓ Practical change mat – Wipe-clean, generously sized and a designated head end.

✓ Easy-access essentials – Nappies, wipes and change mat within easy reach.

✓ A place for YOU – Dedicated personal storage, ideally with a detachable handbag.

✓ Smart organisation – Visible, accessible compartments. No bottomless pits!

✓ Easy for everyone – An intuitive layout that Dad, Granny and other carers can navigate.

✓ Flexible storage – Removable pouches that adapt as your family grows.

✓ Wet & dirty storage – Separate, water-resistant compartments for life's little messes.

✓ Functional on AND off your back – Easy access to everything, wherever you are.

✓ Built to last – Quality materials, comfortable straps and versatility beyond the baby years.

Remember: It's not just about what your bag can carry. It's about how easily you can access it!

Happy adventuring!

Lydia ♡
Founder & Designer, OUT YNDR CLUB