Bags go beyond babyhood

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Gerri Hunt -- Kids Today, 6/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

Diaper bags have become more than a necessary accessory that hangs from a parent's arm while the other is wrapped around baby. They have turned into a fashion statement with an extended life. Designs are so hip, moms don't want to give them up just because the diapers are gone. They're as fashionable as handbags, and can hold mom's own gear for a change, like a water bottle and wallet. Or dad can use his as a laptop case or casual briefcase.

Jeep's Two-Tone Messenger diaper bag with secure front-flap closure has a spacious interior, and exterior pockets to hold bottles, keys, phone, pacifiers and other necessities. It has an adjustable shoulder strap and includes a dirty duds pouch and changing pad, $30, 212-686-4666.

This second-generation Scout Rubicon Rucksack from Petunia Pickle Bottom has two exterior bottle pockets that snap off for conversion to a laptop bag, along with two interior options that snap in, a diaper bag liner and a padded laptop liner. There's a spot for a cell phone and magazine, plus three inner pockets. It has a hidden flat-folded pocket handle on the back so it can be lifted with one hand. Comes with changing pad, Scout-monogrammed wipes case and stroller clips, $271, 805-643-6697.

The Anna rouched bag is handmade from high-end fabrics by Pinnington Bags. It includes a wipeable change pad, comfortable straps and several pockets — five interior and two exterior, $330, 973-809-7540.

The Studio diaper tote from Skip Hop has two insulated side pockets for baby bottles, food or sippy cups, while 12 more pockets keep personal items within quick reach. It has as adjustable stroller straps, quilted changing pad, nickel feet and a contrasting lining to make finding things easy, $89, 877-475-4746.

With its smooth, sleek exterior and funky, fabulous interior, this wide-base Kate Bowler bag from Caden Lane is extremely functional and always a hit for the mommy that likes to carry everything. It has interior pockets, a pacifier clip, snap-in key chain and spoon loops. It includes a matching changing pad, bottle insulator and accessory pouch, $140, 210-687-1919.

The Lexington, shown here in orange capsule, is Reese Li's largest diaper bag. Surfaces are weatherproof and wipeable with a matte laminated surface. The bag has 12 pockets and can accommodate a laptop. Adjustable straps convert from shoulder tote to stroller bag, and it includes a zippered dirty clothing pouch and changing pad, $150, 703-313-8898.

Gray and blue tones accent this new addition to Carters' diaper bag line. A spacious main compartment, outside bottle pockets, diaper changing pad and cell phone case are included, $40, 212- 686-4666.

The brown faux leather DD Messenger II from Diaper Dude has three large compartments with Velcro closures, an insulated bottle holder, stroller strap clips, removable cell phone holder, a changing pad, and a "dad checklist" screened on the magnetic flap, $135, 877-334-2737.

The Emily Sak from Storksak is new in pewter. It has an adjustable shoulder strap with silver hardware and contrast stitching. Dual side zip thermo-insulated bottle pockets keep fluids warm or cool for up to four hours. It includes a changing mat, detachable inner makeup bag, cell phone pocket, multiple inner pockets, and a wipe-clean lining. Also comes in chocolate, black and bronze, $175, 866-439-9165.

Amy Michelle's chic Tulip Messenger Baby Bag converts into a backpack. It has bottle pockets inside and out, a quick-release pacifier holder, compartments for diapers and wipes, and a quick-grab changing pad in back. For mom, it has a cell phone pocket, credit card slots, zippered pocket, a place for a day planner and stroller attachments, $75, 303-279-0690.

This eco-friendly Stroller Tote from Dante Beatrix is constructed with nylon made entirely from recycled plastic water bottles, and trimmed with naturally biodegradable canvas. Each tote removes six 16 oz. bottles from the environment. It has an adjustable shoulder strap, zipped top closure, and loads of pockets inside and out. Changing pad included, $140, 212-431-5860.

The Tania bag by Kalencom has metal detailing on the corners and an interlocking design on the front. It features a zippered top and an interior with three pockets and two elastic bottle holder loops. The shoulder strap adjusts and has snaps to hang on a stroller. It includes a Thinsulate insulated bottle bag, zippered pouch and changing pad and is available in teal, eggplant, silver and orange, $90, 800-344-6699.