Say you drop the baby off at daycare and go straight to an important work meeting. Would you rather be carrying a quilted floral number with spit-up stains, or a diaper bag that could pass for non-mommy gear?
If you’re looking for a diaper bag that could double as a briefcase, review the DadGear messenger bag line aimed at fathers. The DadGear Professional Messenger bag in brown does the trick: it wouldn’t embarrass you in the office, but holds everything you need for a baby emergency on the way to work. Let's review the DadGear messenger bag.
Style: Slightly Boring But Passes for Professional
The DadGear messenger bag is plain, to say it straight. It’s more like a professor’s briefcase than a bag you’d be excited to carry to work.
Your husband or boyfriend could use the bag without embarrassment, although mine thought the brown was ugly. It reminded him of oilcloth from kindergarten arts projects. I thought it passed muster; certainly more professional than the floral or pink-ribboned diaper bags out there.
Functionality: User-Friendly With Clever Design Elements
Clearly, DadGear put thought into the design of the messenger bag. Thin stroller attachments and bottle pockets accessible from the inside or outside of the bag are just two innovative features that any working mom would love.
But I’m not sure I’m sold on the need for a built-in diaper case bracketed by two zipper pockets for creams. I don’t find it difficult to use an unattached diaper case and my daughters rarely needed cream on the go.
My one big complaint was the front of the bag being detachable. I tore it off the Velcro fastening but couldn’t line it up perfectly again.
The overall size is on the small side; it would be stretched to hold everything for an all-day outing or road trip with the kids. Still, it carried 8x10 papers and envelopes without crushing them.
Features: Convenient But a Bit Skimpy
- Changing pad: Too small and the plastic is flimsy. My toddler squirmed right off it. Still, I like the easy access in a exterior zipper pocket.
- Bottle holders: Possibly my favorite feature is the dual bottle holders for baby and mom, which can be opened from inside or outside. They’re not insulated, so not ideal for small babies who need breastmilk or formula kept cold.
- Stroller attachments: Two thin straps with pop-up hooks that easily slip inside the bag when not in use. Never got in my way.
- Mom’s storage space: The two exterior pockets with zippers easily held my wallet and keys in one, and cell phone and sunglasses in the other.
- Interior: The light grey lining makes it easy to spot items. The two open pockets were the perfect size for large diapers and a spare baby outfit. There was adequate room for work papers, toys or books.
- Fastenings: The dual buckles backed up by Velcro kept the bag from flying open. A waist strap is a nice touch for sparing your aching shoulders, although the bag’s not big enough that you would put lots of heavy stuff inside.
