Stylish Diaper Bags for Stylish Moms

Without a doubt, being a mother is the best job in the world. But is it possible to stay chic and posh while carrying out the job?

It used to be that motherhood and style can't get along well. Motherhood, in the past, was about uncleaned bottles, dirty wipes and diapers, messy hair and unkempt face, stained and loose-fitting "mother" clothes and big, bulky diaper bags. But style finally found its way inside the world of motherhood and allowed moms to strut out their "motherly" duties without sacrificing their fashion sense.

Women no longer have to choose function over form because they can choose both. Take diaper bags for example. Before, bringing your baby with you means lugging a cumbersome bag that contains not only diapers but everything your baby will or might need. A diaper bag is unmistakable--it's big, bulky, boring and often, comes in plain or baby prints (think feeding bottles, ribbons, baby rattlers, animals etc).

But today, it's hard to discern a diaper bag from the normal, trendy tote bag.

Diaper bags may have updated their fashion sense, but there are still some bag features that must be considered when purchasing a chic but functional diaper bag.

• Size

The size of the diaper bag will depend on where you'll go and how long you and your baby will be out. The longer you'll stay outside the house, the bigger bag you need.

• Interior Space

Personally, I prefer cleverly-designed diaper bags that don't look bulky yet offer a spacious interior. It's important that you have enough space inside the bag. Make sure that you can put in and take out your baby's stuff easily--without having to remove all the contents of the bag to find what you need.

• Pockets

Pockets are wonderful because they help keep your baby's things organized. But they also have to be at the right place to be functional. Inside pockets are okay but they may not be accessible once the bag is full. Outside pockets are better but too much may give the bag a bulky appearance. For me, I prefer a diaper bag with one pocket inside, at least two pockets on the sides, then one in the front and one at the back. An insulated pocket that can hold milk bottles is also a nice feature.

• Fabric and Material

The bag's material must be durable, waterproof, easy to clean and safe. Dark colors or prints hide stains better so you may want to consider that if you want a bag that's low maintenance. You can go for organic and recycled materials or synthetic woven fabrics. If you choose synthetic fabrics, make sure that they are eco-friendly and PVC-free.

• Closure and Straps

There are different types of bag closure: zipper, Velcro, magnetic, automatic button. Zippers are more secured and better for bigger bag compartments. Velcro strips, magnetic latches and automatic buttons are easier to open, hence they are less secured but will come in handy for things that you use frequently.

Make sure that the straps are sturdy and comfortable. Wide and cushioned straps can make it easier to carry heavy diaper bags. It would also be nice if tote and hand bags come with an extra shoulder strap so you can convert them into should diaper bags. A stroller strap, which  can secure your diaper bag in your baby's stroller, is another convenient feature.

• Style

Shoulder bags, tote, hobo and hand bags, body bags, and front pouch bags are the most common styles of diaper bags. Choose a style that will fit your need, and of course, a style that you can carry comfortably without sacrificing the bag's functionality. And because diaper bags nowadays are no longer the same dull and unfashionable diaper bags of the past, you can also choose a style that will fit your fashion sense.

For more stylish diaper bags, head straight to Nurtured Family - Diaper Bags to find the bag that suits your need and style.