The Cloth Nappy Changing Bag! - Our version

When I was pregnant, we asked around fo recommendations for all sorts of things. One of my most asked questions was "What was the one thing that you couldn't have done without?". We got all sorts of answers, including SleepSheep, vest extenders and the BabaBing changing bag. Obviously, as terrified parents-to-be, we bought them ALL!!

The Bababing changing bag is fabulous. But there just wasn't enough space for bulky cloth nappies, particularly once the bin section was full. So we turned to google for ideas...

There does seem to be a gap in the market for a really good cloth-specific changing bag, but we found this:

The Becko Changing Bag With bonus nosy baby!

It was £12.99 off Amazon. And I truly think it is one of the ugliest bags ever made. But functional? YES. It has all 3 types of handles - rucksack, shoulder strap and handles. It has external and internal pockets and a huge space in the middle.

First off... the outside...

Baby wipes pocket - for quick access! 

Flower is helping to demonstrate the insulated pocket.

Slight criticism of this pocket - it is a bit too big to snugly fit 1 bottle, but too small for 2. I find this a little annoying, but I suppose that it may be a good size for other things that I haven't discovered yet.

Side pocket. Probably a great size for a skinny water bottle, but my reusable ones don't fit. But a box of dummies and antibac hand gel fit!

On the other side there's a net pocket which I use to store the shoulder strap.

So I've already managed to store lots of the bits and bobs that take up space, without even opening the main bag! Here's the view inside...

I removed the lunchbag that was in there (see below), and then this is the first view...

This is our smash lunchbox, which is the perfect size for a sippy cup, box of snacks, bib, puree pot and spoon. It also fits beautifully in the top of the Becko changing bag!

This is our thirsties wet bag. I adore it! We have 4 bags in different prints. We can fit around 6-8 nappies in there, so we use them in the house too. We wash once we have 2 full bags as if we leave it much longer it gets smelly.

Totsbots Happy Mat in Ugly Duckling. This is suuuuper useful. I use it for all sorts of things, and it buddles up pretty neatly too.

Okay, so the next layer down is more organised (not just chucked in!):

There's a central section and a pocket on each of the 4 sides. At the bottom of this picture is a big pocket, with 2 smaller pockets on it.

These wipes and nappy bags live in one of the smaller pockets. I rarely use them as we have the wetbags and babywipes, but occasionally it is useful to have them. The nappy bags tend to be used if I'm not near a bin and I need to do something with a dirty nappy liner.

I tend to use Mio Solos when we're out and about as I can get them on really quickly, so I'm less likely to feel under pressure timewise.  When I pack them, I fold a liner inside so that they're all set to go.

I roll them up like this to make them fit nicely.

One of the big pockets contains back up clothes. I store these in sandwich bags with an outfit in each (including socks and dribble bib), so that I can see at a glance how much there is. I also don't need to worry about them getting dirty or wet.  

The other big side pocket has muslins. They're quick and easy to grab.

And in a small inside pocket... This is our cheeky wipes out and about bag. We load it with around 4 clean reusable wipes before heading out. The dirty wipes get left in the nappy and chucked into the wet bag.

And here it is all reloaded and ready to go again!

I really don't think it is any more difficult to go out and about with cloth compared to disposables, but we have found that we need more space. A key difference is that you bring home the same number of nappies that you left with - no binning as you go!

I'm on the hunt for an equally functional bag that's quite a bit prettier... I've been eyeing up the Babymel Robyn, but I really want to see inside before committing £65!

But seriously. For £12.99? This bag is ACE.