With a pink bow on either side, the Lola messenger diaper bag by Caden Lane is on the edge of what I’d consider too girly to bring to the office. But this messenger bag is so cute that it’s worth trying to pass it off as workplace gear.
It may trip you up trying to pull out your keys while balancing a baby on your hip, though. Busy working moms might want a better all-purpose carry-all than the Caden Lane Lola diaper bag.
Style: Ultra Feminine
I probably should stop reviewing messenger bags. I always have trouble with them flying open at the wrong time, and I struggle to find what I need with one hand. But I couldn’t resist reviewing Caden Lane’s supremely feminine Lola diaper bag.
This is the diaper bag you dreamed of as a little girl, with pink trim and bows accenting a chocolate-colored body. If you work in human resources or publishing, where estrogen reigns supreme, you’ll be okay. Engineers or Wall Street bankers might want a more professional look.
Functionality and Features: Waterproof Lining Lends Durability
- Changing pad: Large enough for a toddler, with a Velcro strap that keeps it closed when not in use. The plastic lining makes cleaning a synch, but your baby may squirm off the slippery surface. Even folded up, it took a surprising amount of room in the bag’s main compartment. I prefer diaper bags with a changing pad that folds flat and slips into a side pocket.
- Bottle holder: Detachable and insulated, with a Velcro strap across the top. I found it too narrow for sippy cups with handles, and even handle-less bottles were difficult to remove.
- Stroller attachments: None. You can hang the shoulder strap over the stroller handle but the bag may slip down – it did on my stroller.
- Mom’s space: One exterior side pocket fastens with Velcro, making it too risky to keep precious items there. Under the messenger flap, there are three more Velcro-fastened side pockets. I love the pen holders and multiple key rings for mom, but found it hard to detach them one handed while keeping the messenger flap open. The heavy use of Velcro also can be a pain when balancing a baby on your hip.
- Interior: The pink-striped lining is adorable. I applaud the use of plastic over everything to keep fabric from getting grimy with old milk and goldfish cracker crumbs. Multiple plastic zipper pockets can hold dirty or wet clothes, and the inside pockets are just big enough for extra diapers and a spare outfit.
- Fastenings: Combination of Velcro and zippers.
- Bottom: Flat bottom makes the bag stand on its own.
