Most stylish baby changing bags on the market

I have carried my faithful and wonderful Baby Beau Ellie changing bag with me for pretty much every day of the last two years. This is a love affair that could conceivably continue were it not for my shift in needs that I see happening on the horizon and for the fact that I bought my Ellie second hand from eBay and after two years of further abuse, it really has seen better days.

So onwards and upward!

What I loved about the Baby Beau Ellie was the copious amount of well thought out pockets so any future baby changing bag will have to match this and more as not only will it have to fulfil the needs of a newborn (nappies galore+several outfit changes+muslins etc) it will also have to house the needs of a toddler (nappies+snacks+books/toys/games+sunglasses etc). Sigh. Think I might just give up the search now and resign myself to carrying around my old travelling rucksack…

I seriously could see this working!!

However, in the interest of not tipping the back of the pushchair over every time I attach my changing bag to it and attempting to look like I’ve actually got my s**t together, I feel I should consider some other options.

My requirements

• Something I wouldn’t be embarrassed to be seen with if I am without children
• Something the husband wouldn’t be embarrassed to be seen with if he’s doing the nappy change stint
• Be made of the same quality materials I would expect from a non-baby related handbag
• Contain clever storage solutions for newborn essentials as well as enough space for toddler essentials
• Have strap options for shoulder and pushchair carrying
• Be in a non-offensive colour that goes with EVERYTHING

Now I don’t feel I’m being difficult when placing style at the top of the list. I am super anti the overly twee printed canvas/oil cloth baby changing bags that seem to be the norm offering for high street baby chains. Seriously, what do the shops think happens to our style requirements when we have children? They disappear into the same drain as our modesty the moment the darling angel pops out of us? Uh.

Thankfully there are some beautiful bag offerings on the market this time around, much more than when I was first looking a few years ago.

The contenders

Jem+Bea Beatrice in Taupe – £199

This is without doubt my number one find so far. Made from buttery soft leather, this bag has serious style and is amazingly well thought out with pockets galore. The Beatrice is just one of the super offerings from Jem+Bea founders Dominique and Rebecca who happen to have backgrounds in designing for Mulberry, Anya Hindmarch and Burberry. In love.

Anya Hindmarch Oakley – £595

A rather eye-watering price tag however you do get a beautifully parred back and stylish design as a result plus a separate rather lovely nappy storage bag that would double as a makeup bag when you’re done with the nappy stage.

Tibi+Marl Raf – £120

Well this one certainly has space galore plus a removable stylish cross-body clutch and could double as a weekend bag if baby-free. My only worry would be how durable that quilted nylon would be.

Tibi+Marl Elwood – £120

If I was a backpack kind of girl then I would definitely be getting this one. Unfortunately I’m not and doubt I ever will be so will be sticking with a more traditional shape. I know I know, I’m super boring.

Storksak Noa – £165

Storksak have long been renowned for their quality and clever storage and their Noa bag seems to be pretty much near perfection with a separate mini organiser bag with five pockets and internal compartments galore plus two thermal bottle pockets. This might just be the answer for toddler and new baby organisation heaven! It’s also available in coated canvas in a multitude of colours for £75.

Baby Beau Isabelle – £209

After using my Baby Beau Ellie for two years I can safely say I have conducted a thorough road test of this brand and it has definitely passed the test. I love that each of the Baby Beau bags feature an entire removable lining that houses the storage pockets so it easily transfers into a normal bag. Despite mine and Poppy’s extensive abuse, the materials have stood the test of time really well and I can only imagine that the same would apply to the Isabelle. Would highly recommend this brand.

Pacopod Firenze in Putty – £265

Pacopod approach baby storage in a totally different way with two independent sacks accessed from a separate zip pocket, one dedicated to feeding and one to changing. The separate access leaves the rest of the bag for other items.

Burberry Quilted Black Changing Bag – £550

Well this certainly doesn’t resemble a baby bag! I would be worried again about the resilience of the polyester and how good it would be in the summer months when I turn into pastel-girl but it certainly would be stylish!

My verdict

My head is saying to go for the amazing storage of the Storksak Noa but my heart is saying the Jem+Bea Beatrice in Taupe. I really love that colour!

So I guess I’m torn. Anyone have experience with either of these or any others you think are great?