How to choose your perfect changing bag

When I was pregnant with Big Girl I remember being really confused when looking at popular changing bags, struggling to find something that wouldn’t feel like too much of a transition to motherhood. But changing bags continue to become more and more stylish, and London mumpreneur behind The Essential Bag Company, Alexis Goldfinch, is the go-to mum for top advice on changing bags:

What do you wish you’d known about changing bags before buying your first ever changing bag?
Alexis: I wish I had realised that my changing bag was going to replace my handbag for the next two years and chosen a more stylish one! My first changing bag was floral and looked very much like how you would have expected a changing bag to look 5 years ago. Thankfully the changing bag market has improved so much since then that a lot of changing bags now look like regular handbags. So, if you’re rushing out to do something without your baby, you don’t have to transfer all of your things into a handbag, you can just take your changing bag with you.

What do you look for when choosing changing bags for The Essential Bag Company?
Alexis: We look for 3 things – quality, style and value for money.

Which changing bags are the most popular choices among your customers?
Alexis: Our PacaPod bags, in particular the PacaPod Mirano in tan (£99) (pictured above), are very popular because of their unique design. Each bag comes with two separate pods, a changing pod and feeding pod, for storing baby’s feeding and changing items. They appeal to organised mothers who like to have a particular place in the changing bag for items and know where they are when looking for them in a hurry.

Our Babymel Big Slouchy Bags, especially the Big Slouchy Jumbo Dot Bag (£50), are also bestsellers. They have all the essential features (side pockets, changing mat, internal pockets, bottle warmer) and, at just £50, they are amazing value for money.

Which bag is your personal favourite right now?
Alexis: The Storksak Noa Bag in coral (£75) – I love the vibrant colour and it is fantastically designed. It comes with a handy mini-organiser bag with six pockets and an internal compartment, ideal for keeping baby’s nappies and wipes etc in. The mini-organiser bag can be easily removed and left at home if you’re going out without your baby. It’s no wonder it won the award for “Best Changing Bag” at the Little London Awards 2015.

The Essential Bag Company specialises in luxury baby changing bags, pre-packed hospital bags and new baby gifts, including maternity leave and baby shower gifts. Use code ‘BAGS’ for 10% off changing bags from The Essential Bag Company until 30 April 2016.