When you find out you're expecting, one of the most exciting purchases for many parents is their first baby bag.
There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to finding the perfect nappy bag. You want to make sure it works for your family, but also suits your personal style. Whether it’s size, functionality, style, convertibility, or durability, we’ve curated a list of tips to help you find your perfect baby bag.
Consider the size
Will you be packing for a newborn, toddler, single child, or multiples?
Toddlers tend to need more things throughout the day than newborns - such as snacks, water bottles, and toys, alongside the regular changing needs and clothes – so a bigger bag for them is ideal. A more compact bag to fit a few nappies, wipes, change of clothes and bottle, along with a pram caddy, can often be enough for a newborn baby.
Thinking about size also means considering where you may go. Will you need a small, compact bag for quick trips, or a larger bag for longer outings?
No matter the size, look for a bag with optimal organisation and multiple pockets so you can quickly and easily access essentials in an instant.
Our largest capacity bags include the award-winning Luxe Ari convertible bag, alongside our most popular unisex bags, the Ted Tote convertible bag, and the Luca Backpack.
For more compact options, our Luxe Muriel is loved by newborn parents around the world.
Pictured: Luxe Ari in Black (Left), Luxe Muriel in Black (Centre) & Ted Tote in Black.
How will you wear your bag?
Do you prefer a backpack style to remain hands-free, or would you prefer an over-the shoulder, tote, or crossbody style?
When choosing your bag, a convertible option is ideal. One you can alter to suit your lifestyle, activity, needs, and child's stage of life. Almost all our bags are convertible in multiple ways; backpack, tote, shoulder bag, crossbody, and pram bag, with additional straps, so your bag will transition with you throughout parenthood and beyond.
Comfort
When your little one graduates from their pram, and thus your ability to convert your baby bag to a pram bag, you'll need to wear your bag more regularly. If comfortability is important to you, look for a bag with padded shoulder straps, convertible options or a cross-body strap to distribute weight evenly.
Choose a style that suits your lifestyle
Baby bags come in a wide range of styles, materials and sizes. From backpacks to totes, shoulder bags, or crossbodies. Would you prefer a long-lasting leather option, eco-nylon material, or a vegan leather version? Are you planning to use this as a work or gym bag, or for multiple children?
Consider the internal options, size and functionality, alongside your daily routine, to choose a style that will work for you. Many parents prefer a backpack design to keep their hands-free, while others love the ease of a shoulder bag. At Alf, almost all our bags convert 4-5 different ways so you can find the perfect bag to suit your lifestyle.
Vegan Ari Backpack in Black worn by @saraeshu
Think about the material
A baby bag should be both durable and easy to clean. Look for wipe clean materials like premium leather, eco-nylon, of high quality vegan leather that can withstand spills and wear and tear.
Alf bags feature our internal wipe-clean custom lining, essential for the unpredictability of parenthood.
Our luxe leather bags and accessories are hand-crafted in premium full grain pebbled leather. When cared for correctly, leather is a durable material that ages beautifully, and will last the test of time.
Learn more about how to care for your Alf bag with our care guide >
Who will wear the bag?
Choose a bag for the primary wearer, though consider who else may use it. Will this be you, or your partner? Will the bag also travel with your little one to carers or grandparents? You might like one bag that suits everyone, or have a different bag for each key person.
Seeking a more modern option? Look for a bag that doesn't look like a traditional baby bag. Our luxe leather collection, and indeed Alf the Label itself, was designed specifically for this. As the first parenting brand to walk the New York Fashion Week runway, you know you'll find a beautiful piece.
If you are after a neutral style, our selection of unisex backpacks and convertible baby bags were designed with both parents in mind. Loved by dads all around the world, they boast maximum capacity and comfortability, while still being effortlessly stylish.
Pictured: Luca Backpack in Truffle
Look for extra features
Think about what extra additions are important to you. Do you need extra pockets, insulated bottle holders, an option to attach straps, or an included change mat?
Shop parenting accessories here >
Read reviews
Before making a purchase, browse reviews from other parents. This can give you a better idea of whether the bag will meet your needs.
Loved by parents all around the world, here are just a handful of over 500 five star reviews for Alf:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Love the quality of Alf bags. Definitely well designed. This is my 3rd Alf bags. Perfect size bag for mom with toddler. Inside is waterproof and lots of pockets. A must have bag for mums!" - Merissa S
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I absolutely love my Luca Backpack. It's generous in size and fits everything you need for the various stages with a baby. Plenty of room for blankets, spare clothes, toys, teethers and snacks. Plus everything you need for changing Bub. [And] my husband loves it." - Jessica H
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am in love with my new bag! It is beautifully made and so functional. It has so much space inside but is not bulky and cumbersome to carry. Great product, highly recommend! - Laura W
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"In love with my bag. It’s so luxurious, spacious and the leather is high quality. What I love about the Luxe Ari is that you can use it for any occasion as it doesn’t look like a typical nappy bag. Worth the investment!" - Zeljana B
Treat it a a long-term investment piece
A high-quality baby bag can be a worthwhile investment. While it might be tempting to go for a cheaper option, a durable, well-made and well-designed bag will prove itself in the long run. You'll be able to use it as your little one grows from newborn to pre-schooler, for multiple children, and eventually re-purpose it for yourself when the time comes.
If you'd still like a little help in selecting your perfect baby bag, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'd love to find you your next addition.
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