6 Ways You Can Repurpose A Versatile Diaper Bag For Newborns

A diaper bag is an essential accessory for any parent, designed to carry all your baby's necessities. But its use doesn't have to end there. With a little creativity, your diaper bag can serve you long after your baby outgrows diapers. Here’s how you can maintain and repurpose a versatile diaper bag, ensuring it remains a functional and comfortable part of your daily life.

Why I wanted to repurpose a diaper bag

Diaper bags are usually used for 3-5 years, from infancy to toddlerhood. When your kid is potty trained, you don’t need to bring many diapers while you’re out. Instead, you can use the diaper bag to bring other things, like bottles and formula. 

By the time your kid is five and starting school, you don’t need to use a diaper bag anymore. At this age, you can consider storing it for future use if you plan to have more kids, or you can give it away to friends and family who might need it. 

Or, you can reuse it for other things. 

  

@hudson.brodyy The best diaper bag for our Disneyland trips 🫶🏻 @BabbleRoo by everet #bestdiaperbag #babyregistrygifts #everet #babbleroo #babbleroodiaperbag ♬ Vintage - Cōrt

 

How I chose a versatile diaper bag

Here are some of the factors in choosing your diaper bag:

• Functional features: If you want to repurpose a diaper bag, choose one with lots of storage and compartments to keep everything organized. 
• Neutral design: The diaper bag should be stylish and suitable for various occasions, like travel and work. 
• Comfortable to carry: Choose a diaper bag that has padded straps or handles, making it comfortable to carry even when fully loaded. 
• Durability: Opt for high-quality materials that can withstand frequent washing and heavy use.

 

@_richgirlenergy Unboxing @babblerooofficial diaper bag from Amazon! Obsessed with the color 😍 #babbleroo #amazondiaperbag #amazonbabyfinds2023 #diaperbagfinds ♬ original sound - Shann | UGC Creator

 

How to repurpose your diaper bag

1. As a work bag

If you’re a working mom with a diaper backpack that has a more neutral design, you can use it as your work bag. You can use the compartments and pockets to store your laptop, stationery, notebooks, and chargers. 

Also read: 10 Organization Hacks For Busy Parents

  

@minabaielosangeles Find one bag you love and rock it multiple ways…diaper bag to work bag in a snap! #diaperbag #mombag #babybag #workbag #fyp #viralvideo ♬ goth sidewalks and skeletons - daydream

 

2. As a travel carry-on bag

A diaper bag can be a lifesaver for short trips. You can store snacks, travel documents, personal belongings, toiletries, a sweatshirt, a change of clothes, and more. In fact, they can hold extra things if you can't fit any more items (or souvenirs) in your suitcase on your return trip. (Happens to the best of us sometimes!)

Also read: Surviving Long Flights with a Baby: How a Diaper Bag Can Make All the Difference

Carry-on policies at local airports

I’ve flown with my BabbleRoo diaper backpack a couple of times, and so did my husband on separate trips in the past. While the size of our diaper backpacks fit the airport requirements for the carry-on size, it’s important to check before you start packing. Here are a few airlines we’ve flown with and their carry-on policies as of 2024: 

• American Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9in and everything including handles and wheels must fit in the sizer at the airport.
• Delta Airlines: Max. 22 x 14 x 9 inches high respectively. Total of length plus width plus height may not exceed 45 inches. Weight restrictions apply only when departing Beijing (22 pounds), Shanghai (22 pounds) or Singapore (15 pounds)
• United Airlines: Max 22 x 14 x 9 in. 
• Alaska Airlines: Max. 22x14x9 in. Total length plus width plus height must be less than 45in. 

If your airline isn’t in our list, you can check out a more detailed travel carry-on guide for 2024 here!

  

@shannonmayor amazed by how much stuff I can fit in this bag 🤯 #packwithme #diaperbag #toddlerdiaperbag #traveldiaperbag #travelwithkids #travelwithtoddlers #packmydiaperbag #bestdiaperbag #carryonbag ♬ original sound - Ms. Tatiana🤎

 

3. As a grocery bag 

If you have a diaper tote bag, you can consider repurposing it as a grocery bag. I’ve tried it once with my sister’s old diaper bag and surprisingly, it worked! It’s great for quick grocery runs where you’re not buying too many items, but if you plan to buy a week’s worth of groceries, bring along an extra bag just in case. 

4. As a gym bag

For the fitness moms and dads, we heard that you can use the diaper bag for the gym to store your workout clothes, your water bottle, small towels, and more. But only if you're planning to go out after your workouts.

5. As a craft bag

Besides groceries, parents of artsy kids can use the various pockets for storing supplies, making it easy to grab and go for any crafting session.

6. As a toy storage bag

A diaper tote bag is also great to store your kid’s toys in the playroom, or the corner of your living room. Some of the things you can keep in a diaper bag for toy storage are building blocks, stuffed animals, and even their soccer ball!

7. As your kid's school bag

Another unique way you can repurpose a diaper backpack is to make it your kid’s school bag! 

 

@brie_matthews No more pack mule mom… This is GAME CHANGING 🙌🏼🤩 I’m calling this my “mommy gym bag” Why didn’t I do this earlier 🤯 #firsttimemom #babyboy #momsoftiktok #momofboy #postpartumfitness #postpartumfitnessjourney #newmom ♬ original sound - Brie Matthews

 

Maintaining your diaper bag

While repurposing our diaper bag, let’s work on giving it the TLC it needs!

How to wash a diaper bag

One of the ways to keep your diaper bag looking brand new is to regularly clean it. Although you can wipe down your diaper bag, wash your diaper bag to get rid of stubborn stains and more. 

 Here are some steps to keep my diaper bag clean:

• Empty the diaper bag: Before washing it, remove all items inside. Take out any toys, unused diapers, and clothes. If the clothes are used or dirty, add them to the laundry pile. 
• Check the pockets: Check the pockets and compartments for expired snacks or loose crumbs. If there are any, shake them out and throw them away.
• Pre-treat stains: Once the inside is clean, inspect the outside of the bag for any stains or spot with a gentle stain remover and warm water.  
• Gentle cycle: When you're ready to put your diaper bag into the washer, adjust the settings to a gentle cycle and follow the care instructions on your product labels. 
• Air dry: After washing, hang the bag to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and material damage.

How do I organize a diaper bag?

• Categorize the items: Separate your things into different categories, like feeding, diapering, and clothes, and put them separately in different diaper bag compartments. 
• Optimize storage: Another way to keep your diaper bag items organized is through diaper bag organizers. They’re pouches with labels and they keep everything organized without making my diaper bag too bulky.
• Frequent cleanup: When reorganizing my diaper bag, remove items you no longer need to keep it light and manageable. Switch out the tissues and wet wipes if they’re running low and change your child's toys depending on what they want to play with that week. 
• Keep essentials accessible: Besides wet wipes, keep diapers in pockets that are accessible. These pockets are usually spacious and make things easier to grab instead of the items getting stuck when you need them. 

Also read: 10 Tips to Maximize Efficiency in Your Diaper Bag

By following these repurposing and maintenance tips, your diaper bag can transform into an indispensable accessory for many aspects of your life. Whether as a daily work bag, a convenient gym pack, or even a handy travel tote, a good diaper bag’s life extends far beyond your baby’s first years. 

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Featured image by @krissylfox