Why a backpack is better

There are probably 348293498 million different baby diaper bags on the market. Striped, flowered, solid print, one strap, two straps, backpack, satchel…hell there’s probably fanny packs. With so many options it can be very hard to know which is best. So, while I don’t have any opinion on the color or print of your diaper bag (that’s a lie…solid neutral tones are best) I have a strong opinion on the type of diaper bag you select. A backpack is best! No ifs, ands, or butts about it. For the sake of your physical well being please choose a diaper bag, everyday bag, or purse,  that is 2 wide straps and falls about midway on your back…aka a backpack. Here’s why a backpack is better.

Good for your body

A backpack is the most ergonomically friendly baby crap hauler. It distributes the workload evenly over both shoulders and therefore, over both sides of your body. When one side of your body is carrying a heavier, unequal workload it causes the opposing side to have to work extra hard to keep your body upright and in a balanced midline position. This constant extra work load on those muscles can lead to strains, muscle knots, and pain. 

Two wide straps

The diaper backpacks generally have two wide straps. Size does matter. Skinny or string style straps will begin to dig into your shoulders and upper trap muscles after time causing muscle strain and pain. Again, a wider strap will more evenly distribute the workload of the bag. And when you have diapers, bottles, sippy cups, wipes, three changes of clothes, sunscreen, toys, snacks, cellphone, wallet, water bottle and anything else you need to haul along you are gonna want that weight distributed. 

Two free hands

You will have two, I repeat, two free hands. You will need all the hands you can get when you’re trying to purchase something and simultaneously hold your toddler’s hand and put your baby’s pacifier back in. 

No swinging or dangling

With a backpack there won’t be any wild swinging that can come from a single strap bag. When we selected our first diaper bag I was very overwhelmed by all the options at Buy Buy Baby. I cried after first going into the store to register. No joke. So, I quickly picked the first thing I saw which was an attractive looking single strap, large diaper bag with lots of pockets. Even when I used it across my body it would swing all over the place when I tried bending over or reaching far outside by base of support banging into everryyyythinggg. So annoyingggggg. A well fitting backpack stays put right where it should…on your back. 

Style

I also think my husband prefers the backpack diaper bag look. It’s more manly and sporty looking than the traditional single strap diaper bag. Kyle can feel like he’s heading out a manly trek through the Wisconsin backwoods…although navigating the rough terrain of the neighborhood playground is a close second. Below is the diaper bag we have and I can honestly say me and my husband are big fans. Lots of pockets, thick well fitting straps, nice neutral color. Several of our family and friends have the same bag and our only issue is knowing which is ours when we go to social gatherings.

Diaper Bag Backpack, RUVALINO Multifunction Travel Back Pack Maternity Baby Changing Bags, Large Capacity, Waterproof and Stylish, Gray

There are a lot of options out there but do your body a favor and select a backpack style bag when picking out a new diaper bag or purse. Trust me, when you’re heading out to family gatherings, fairs, festivals (eventually), or just to the store, you will be grateful to have your 30# bag spread over two shoulders instead of one.

–Monica