If you want to get out and about in the world as a new mom, a diaper bag that perfectly fits your needs should make things easy for you. The best budget diaper bag is not necessarily using a cheap bag. Instead, you get to avoid going out to buy a diaper bag!
Picking out the right cosmetic bag, yes cosmetic bag, to fit your diapering essentials is the ultimate hack that will save you time and money. Not only that, but you can use it in any of your favorite stylish bags!
It’s its own organizer and can even fit its own changing mat. The beauty about using a cosmetic bag is that you will be able to narrow down to the bare necessities. This way you will avoid lugging a heavy bag filled with unnecessary items. Seriously, try it and thank me later.
How to choose a cosmetic bag
It should be relatively large because after all, it’s going to need a foldable changing mat to fit in it.
For the best budget diaper bag, I personally prefer a “bi-fold” cosmetic bag. Meaning when open, it should lay flat like an open book. That way you can see all the contents, they are held nicely in place by the netting so they don’t move around. If you cannot find a bi-fold one, one with a large pocket will also work as long at it can stand up well so you can easily reach for your items.
This setup helps you see everything at a glance and keeps your diaper bag items organized.
It should have a liner in it so it can be easily wiped up incase you have any accidents.
And well, that’s pretty much it!
What I have found that works beautifully for my newborn is this cosmetic bag from Vera Bradley.
What items do you need in a diaper bag?
As a mama who exclusively breastfeeds, these are the items, that make every change a breeze (or I should probably say, effectively deal with blowouts when I’m out and about).
- Extra diapers (of course) my current favorite that are not too bulky but provide great protection from diaper blow outs
- Wipes I like the water wipes and use this hack to make one handed changes easier
- A diaper balm
- A change of clothes for warmer weather
- A change of clothes for cooler weather (our weather here fluctuates so much, it never seemed to be that big a deal to me until I had a baby and started freaking out it she was too hot or too cold)
- A burp cloth or bib
- A changing pad like the ubbi changing mat
- A half gallon ziplock bag to house soiled clothes (I would just dispose the used diaper into the nearest trash can) and
- A hand sanitizer I like the lotion combo one.
- A bottle with formula (if needed)
These items will change depending on the ages and stages of the baby. My little one is almost 6 months and I haven’t needed to change the items yet. I should also add that little one is exclusively breast fed so I do not need a bottle or formula.
The cosmetic case with my diapering essentials takes up only about half or two thirds of the space in my favorite tote bag which I have loved using for the past 6 years. Whenever we are ready to venture out, I just slip in my wallet and the cosmetic diaper bag into my tote and we are good to go!
Summary
If you are on a tighter budget, you need an incognito diaper bag is to slip into your favorite tote bag when you have a baby. A strategic cosmetic bag organized with your diaper essentials is the best budget diaper bag which will do the job nicely. It will keep your items curated. You won’t overpack and is versatile enough to fit into any stylish bag that you may want to carry for the day.