Are you looking for a way to ditch the bulky diaper bag and start using your purse again? This guide will show you how to use your purse as a diaper bag and still pack everything you need!
Are you tired of lugging around a bulky and heavy diaper bag? I was too! It’s a pain in the butt to leave the house to run some simple errands or go out to lunch when you have to carry around a big diaper bag.
Granted, I had a backpack-style diaper bag, so it was easier to carry. Still, I was sick of it being so bulky and having to find somewhere to put it when going to places like restaurants.
Once my daughter grew out of the infant stage and didn’t need many “just in case” products anymore, I decided it was time to dust off my purse and start using it as a diaper bag.
Using a purse as a diaper bag is a game-changer for busy moms too, because using a big ol’ diaper bag can be such a nuisance when you’re in a rush or have to carry your toddler around.
Not all purses can be used as a diaper bag purse combo, but most can. I’ll give you some fantastic suggestions for purses, how to pack your diaper bag purse, and what baby essentials you should pack in your bag.
This Post Is All About How To Use Your Purse As A Diaper Bag.
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Using A Purse As A Diaper Bag
Toddler Essentials To Pack In your Diaper Bag Purse Combo
It is much more simple to use a purse as a diaper bag when your baby is no longer an infant. When your little one is still small, they do need a lot more products throughout the day. Many of which are “just in case” products for an easy and smooth outing.
Once your little one is around 10+ months old, they don’t go through as many diapers, they can eat more solid foods (so you don’t need to pack a bottle), and they start to be a little more predictable.
However, your toddler is still young and does need to have some essential items packed in your purse for a successful day out of the house.
What to Pack For Everyday Use
- Snacks
- Diapers: x2
- Wipes: You can pack some wipes in a Zip Lock bag, or I like these cute reusable wipe pouches.
- A small toy: There are a lot of fantastic fidget toys that are small enough to fit in your bag. My daughter loves this Baby Einstein Curiosity Clutch.
- Water Bottle: I always use a kids’ Contigo bottle for our outings since they don’t leak.
In my car, as “just in case” items, I like to have an extra change of clothes, extra diapers, a changing pad, and a plastic bag for dirty diapers or clothes.
I really only like to keep the basic essentials in my purse.
Snacks are always a lifesaver, so I like to keep extra of those.
It may not seem like much, but these are the baby’s essentials that you will usually need. After all, the point is to ditch the heavy, bulky diaper bag and not pack too much stuff.
How To Pack Your Purse As A Diaper Bag
How you will pack your purse will depend on the type you will be using and how long you will be out and about that day.
If you will be out of the house for a long period of time, I would suggest using a bigger purse such as a tote bag or hobo bag. If you are a mother of more than one, a tote bag is the most convenient since it has a large storage capacity.
When packing a tote bag, you will have plenty of space to pack your baby’s essentials along with your own essentials. Tote bags usually don’t have lots of pockets, but they do have a ton of space on the inside.
This diaper tote organizer is fantastic to use in a tote bag. It will keep your bag organized, so you won’t need to dig around your purse looking for a certain item. I’m sure we can all agree that purses can be black holes sometimes.
If you’re leaving to run some errands, go do some activities, go out to eat, or do anything that is just a few hours, then a crossbody or hobo purse is perfect.
If you intend to use a bag similar to a hobo shoulder bag, these organizing pouches will keep your bag organized and make it easy to find what you’re looking for. I am all about organization.
Diaper Purse Organizing Pouches
When my daughter is crabby, and I still have some shopping to do, the last thing I want to do is dig around in my purse for her snacks. Keeping an organized bag means less stress for you.
My crossbody bag is my go-to purse for daily use. It is the perfect size for errands or activities, and I always have it stocked and ready to go in the main compartment, which is the biggest pouch of the crossbody. I pack the diapers, wipes, snacks, a toy, and my cell phone. (you will be surprised how much space is in there)
In the front pouch is where I keep my wallet and keys.
As for a water bottle, I will sometimes connect it to my purse using a bottle carabiner like this one. It connects easily to the Contigo bottle and my purse. Otherwise, I hold onto it or leave it in the car. (unless it’s really hot out) If you are using a tote bag or hobo bag, this won’t be an issue since there will likely be plenty of room in the bag.
Best Type Of Purse To Use As A Diaper Bag
Let’s talk purses. The best type of purse that can be used as a diaper bag is one with plenty of pockets and or space. I would suggest staying away from a small bag until your child is old enough for you to just pack some snacks.
Tote Bags
A tote bag is a popular option to use as a diaper bag purse. They have plenty of space with a large inside pocket. Since a tote bag has an ample amount of space, they are perfect if you need to pack for more than one child or if you will be out and about for an extended period of time.
They can be worn on the shoulder, and many also have an adjustable crossbody strap that you can attach to it if you prefer.
If you love using a designer purse, just about every designer brand will have a tote bag option.
Here is a list of cute and affordable tote bags that are perfect for use as a purse and diaper bag.
I love this super cute Mark Jacobs Dupe of the popular “The Tote Bag.”
The Tote Bag for Women, PU Leather Tote Bag
Montana West Tote Bags Vegan Leather Purses
Vintage Casual Corduroy Tote Bags
Cross Body Bag
A crossbody bag is my personal favorite and is the type of purse I have for everyday use. It’s easy to carry (especially when I need to hold my daughter), holds all her essential baby items, and has easy access since you wear it in the front.
Having multiple pockets is important when it comes to a smaller big. Having two to three pockets will ensure enough space to hold your wallet, keys, and cell phone and still have plenty of space for your baby gear.
Here are some fantastic options for crossbody bags that will work as diaper bags.
Aostihot Crossbody Small Sling Backpack Sling Bag
FashionPuzzle Multi Pocket Casual Crossbody Bag
Karresly Casual Nylon Purse Handbag Crossbody Bag
Hobo Purse
A hobo purse is a very common slouchy/casual or bohemian-style over-the-shoulder bag. It has a single long strap that can also be worn as a crossbody. Some even have an adjustable shoulder strap.
A hobo purse is very spacious, making it perfect to use as a purse and diaper bag. Some also have side pockets, which will make packing for your toddler even easier.
Here are some cute examples of a hobo bag.
Hobo Bag with Multiple PocketsMontana West Hobo Bag
Final Thoughts
It’s time to ditch that bulky diaper bag and bring back that cute purse you have stored away in your closet. Or maybe you want to upgrade to a new bag like one of the ones I have suggested. Either way, you can still pack for your baby’s needs and be stylish at the same time.
Bags come in so many different sizes. I guarantee you will find one to fit your lifestyle. Mom bags can still be cute while also being functional for you and the littles. The most important details to look for are space, pockets, comfort, and durable fabric.
Using a purse as a diaper bag will make life much easier for you when you are out and about. You will no longer need an extra seat for your big heavy diaper bag when you go out to a restaurant or take up needed space in your shopping cart at the grocery store.
This Post Was All About How To Use A Purse As A Diaper Bag
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Tehreem Fatima says
My toddler is exactly at this stage. Thank you for this!
Haley Murphy says
My pleasure! Im glad I can help another mom downsize from a big o’ diaper bag.
Lani says
This is a helpful post for moms out there. Nice choice of products.
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Thank you! I really appreciate your kind words. My goal is to help as many people as I can, so they too, can live a more fulfilled and happy life.