Having kids invariably means stuff. You leave the house weighted down with bottles, food, diapers, wipes, extra clothes, toys, books, and if you’re lucky, a cup of coffee for mom. In the old days, you carried all that gear in a frumpy floral bag that sat on the front seat of the car next to your briefcase.
No more. Designers now make diaper bags that are so gorgeous, you want them to be your work bag.
Amy Michelle's Gladiola bag, in black patent faux leather, is my favorite of the lot for style and functionality. It's impossibly chic and yet very practical. The one downside is price: it retails for $108 to $135.
Style: Yummy Material and Design
If this bag were a man, I'd marry him. Actually, if this bag were a man, I'd have an affair with him. This bag is so gorgeous and chic it seems practically decadent carrying it on the subway. It's definitely nicer than any other bag I've taken to work.
The black patent faux leather feels so good squeaking under my fingers – utterly squeezable. The interior lining is a rich crimson that contrasts beautifully with the shiny black exterior. The size is perfect: not too big and not too small.
Functionality: Easy to Use and Find Items
The Gladiola is remarkably flexible. I was able to carry 8x10 papers and an envelope for mailing without crumpling them. On another day, it held two sets of pajamas, toothbrushes, sippy cups, and enough diapers for the evening at the babysitter's. And yet it isn't so big that I was encouraged to overload it with stuff.
I like being able to keep one diaper, a wipes pack and the changing pad in the side pocket, so you don't have to get supplies from three different sections to change a diaper. Still, this bag might work best for older babies, when you don’t need quite so much gear, and the drinks don't have to be kept cold. I definitely would use it for myself, long after the kids were potty trained and carrying their own bags.
Features: the Gladiola Has All the Accoutrements
- Changing pad: Nice and big. Easy to access in the open side pocket.
- Bottle holders: Two stretchy interior pockets. Not insulated but large enough to accommodate a good-sized sippy cup.
- Stroller attachments: Discreet dual Velcro hangers. Never in the way when not in use
- Mom's storage space: I love the look and ease of use of the two small exterior pockets with buckles. One fit my cell phone and one the wallet. Two smaller end pockets could hold sunglasses and PDA. Inside the bag itself are tiny pockets for business or credit cards, and larger pockets for other items.
- Interior: The contrasting lining is pretty and makes it easy to find things. There are plenty of large pockets – some zippered, some open – for a spare baby outfit, extra diapers, and books or work papers.
- Fastenings: The bag has several easy magnetic fastenings so you don't have to fumble to close a latch one handed while holding a baby. I also like having the zipper across the top so nothing can fall out.
- Bottom: Four metallic feet keep the bag upright on its own.
Manufacturer's Specifications
Baby's Section:
- washable changing pad 24"x14"
- internal / external bottle pockets
- quick release pacifier holder
- compartments for diapers, wipes, and bottles
- stroller attachments included
Mom's Section:
- credit card slots and zippered pocket
- easy-to-find key ring
- dimensions - 14"`L x 6"W x 12"H
- weight - 2 lbs 3oz
