The Diaper Bag Debate







Among the things that I dreamt about during our long journey to become parents was the diaper bag that I would someday own.

Eight years ago when my friend and colleague came down pregnant, she was given the cutest Petunia Pickle Bottom diaperbag. It was gorgeous and decadent. While on the one had I thought it was insane that a mom would carry diapers around in such an expensive dry clean only bag, yet on the other hand I loved the way that she appeared so classy and put together when she carried that bag. When everything in her life was turned upside down as a new mom, she had this one beautiful item that went with her everywhere. I was enamored.

Then two years ago when Bestie was pregnant she was given the most beautiful handmade floral diaper bag. It was such an amazing gift. Bright and cheerful, unique, and so full of personality. She carries it with her everywhere and it always makes me smile when I see it. It also made me long for the day when I would have my own beautiful bag that represented my new role as a mother.

One of the first registry items that I started looking for, as soon as we actually were able to begin cycle treatments was a diaper bag. I have a bookmarked tab with all of the amazing bags that I’ve found. Its like this bag represents so much more than a vehicle to carry supplies. This bag represents the achievement of a dream that I thought I would never experience.

Sounds good right?
So here’s where the debate comes into play...

I’ve been working on our registry, doing the research to figure out what we really need, what we already have, and getting it all posted online so that its ready for distribution. There were a few items that I needed ML to weigh in on, the 521 plan, the dog barrier for the car, and a rug that matched our home decor. And since I assumed that he would not want to carry my beautiful feminine diaper bag, I suggested that he choose a daddy bag for himself.

Oh dear...

Mr Practical simply can not understand why we would possibly need two bags. In his mind a diaper bag is simply a practical vehicle to carry supplies. If he had it his way, we’d use an old backpack.

Generally he is having a hard time with the idea of a registry at all, thinking that we should just wait until the baby gets here and decide then what, if anything, we really need. He is not a ‘stuff’ person, and I suspect feel slightly uncomfortable with the idea of asking people for things.

The issue came up one evening last week after I reviewed the few registry items that I needed his help with. He balked, I got upset but was able to calmly articulate that I’d been working hard on this registry, that I was doing this for us, and that I needed his support. Dutifully, he said the right words to offer his support and the next day set up the 521 account, researched and chose a dog barrier and baby rug, and even selected a daddy diaper bag for the registry.

But the discussion continues... He grilled Bestie last night about her diaper bag, her backup diaper bag, her husbands use of the main bag, and the need/functionality of multiple bags. I hadn’t prepped her for the discussion and so suggests that we simply get a gender-neutral simply functional bag to share. ML got a big smile on his face and declared victory.

Stay tuned as I am sure that this discussion and debate will continue. I am not giving up that easily!

Oh and in case you are interested. I used the Alternative Gift Registry at www.alternativegiftregistry.org Search “Baby Askew” to check out the list.

xoxo -

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10 comments :

E and R said...

Good luck with the debate! I am with you - I want something that I want to carry and feel good about - not sure what R will think about it all, we haven't discussed it yet.
My mom is making my bag, I helped pick out the fabric and can't wait to see the finished product! I haven't started a registry or anything yet, not sure when I will do so, I think I am still in a bit of denial that this is all really happening!

Anonymous said...

I'm excited you are putting together your registry! My husband got a Diaper Dude, he got me a run-of-the-mill diaper bag. We use the Diaper Dude 100% of the time - it's awesome, has tons of compartments and key rings. My OCD and I love it! I say if this is something you've always wanted, let someone splurge on it for you. If you never use it, or always use it, it will at least be fulfilling that dream!

Julie said...

I say there's absolutely no problem with 2 diaper bags! My mother-in-law bought mine, and while it is a Vera Bradley diaper bag, she bought it in one of my least favorite patterns so that it wouldn't be too girly for Jeff. I wish we just had two. Then, we would have a back up for times when Jeff spills his soda all over it, like he did yesterday.

What about this one for him? Hahahahaha. http://www.for-baby-showers.com/dads-tool-belt-diaper-bag.html

Mindy K said...

a few suggestions: one, get the book BABY BARGAINS to help with your registry. also, absolutely get the medela freestyle breastpump if you plan on pumping - best $300 i ever spent - i exclusively pumped because of some issues early on for six months, and had milk til my son was 9mo. i can also say that we had one, neutral diaper bag until i got sick of carrying it, and then i switched to a backpack. i got sick of carrying the diaper bag AND my purse, and the backpack just made more sense once my son got older.

tishi said...

Hubby and I had the same argument......SO I registered for this item
http://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Pronto-Changer-Diaper/dp/B000F1SCJK

That way he can drop his little kit in any bag he wants, and I can drop
it in any bag that I want.....But I also registered for a cute girly diaper
bag too!

Keya said...

At least your hubby is considering diaper bags and other items. Mine thinks buying a stroller is a waste of money. Sigh.

I am sure you are enjoying shopping around for baby items. There is so much choice out there, its insane!

Marianne said...

I just stalked your registry...and I LOVE it! What a wonderful idea!!!

xoxo

Emms said...

Good luck :)
We ended up getting two, and to be honest I've been using his. Funny how that played out lol.

Amber said...

Like others said, I also used a backpack instead of the cutesy ones we were given. It was WAY easier when I had to carry her, a purse, the carrier, etc...

I am also a person who likes to minimize our belongings. And I wish we had some with her. I never used so many of our "must-have" baby items.

But with all that said, ENJOY!!! Just don't worry too much about the stuff. Once that baby is here, none of that really matters at all. :)

Anonymous said...

Hmm, we have had a similar situation, but I actually went out and bought a diaper bag, the one I finally liked was just too expensive to hope that anyone else would buy it for me, when hubby heard what I spent on it, I thought he was going to have a mini-fit. My MIL gave me a really hard time for buying it saying I was leaving nothing for other people to buy. I am all for a gift registry, but can't bring myself to put ANYTHING expensive on it, so I am buyign everything that seems expensive and leaving the smalle stuff for others to get. Good luck with the ongoing debate. BTW I did get a gender neutral bag, but mostly just because it was the one I liked the most.

 

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