student looking for diaper bag feedback !!! - suggestions to redeisgn the diaper bag

teenyrobot wrote: hi, im new here.
im an industrial design student, and im re-designing the diaper bag.
if you have the time i would love some feedback on current problems or areas of improvement.

i've added some questions to help with the process.

1. what is the most aggravating aspect of toting around all of your baby goods?
2. what are the top 3 things that could be improved
3. name one thing that you like about your current diaper bag
4. fashion wise, is there anything that you would like to see in a new bag
5. do you often carry more then one bag?
6. do you get back aches? sore muscles or any sort of discomfort throughout the day

PrairieMom replied: I usually used two bags, so one that had pockets on the front that would hold purse stuff would be really nice.
It would also be super cool if it has bottle holders on the side for easy access, and an insulated pocket to keep milk and other treats cold.
It must be big. There is nothing more annyoing than trying to stuff everything you need into a bag that is to small. then you have to fight to get it out again when you need it!

theres some ideas. Hope it helps!

kimberley replied: 1. what is the most aggravating aspect of toting around all of your baby goods?
that i have to pack half the house in order to go out

2. what are the top 3 things that could be improved
easy access compartments (like for wipes, cell, keys), a sealed area for dirty diapers, more simple designs (sick of disney )

3. name one thing that you like about your current diaper bag
not too big but holds everything.

4. fashion wise, is there anything that you would like to see in a new bag
for it to look like a normal bag instead of a loud cartoon purse and not to cost $80.

5. do you often carry more then one bag? no

6. do you get back aches? sore muscles or any sort of discomfort throughout the day
not from the bag.

ammommy replied: It's been a few months since I've carried one, but here is my input...

1. what is the most aggravating aspect of toting around all of your baby goods?
having to carry an ugly bag instead of my cute purses

2. what are the top 3 things that could be improved
sealed compartment for dirty diapers, clear interior compartments so that I can see what is where, backpacks with interior dividers so that everything doesn't fall to the bottom which also has access from the bottom of the bag on the outside.

3. name one thing that you like about your current diaper bag
It's a backpack, so it's easy to carry

4. fashion wise, is there anything that you would like to see in a new bag
solid colors other than black or off-white
5. do you often carry more then one bag? Once they were older and needed less things, i carried my purse also

6. do you get back aches? sore muscles or any sort of discomfort throughout the day
Not from the bag

jdkjd replied: Adding easy access to the inside of the bag from the top AND the side of the bag

Sealed area that could be zipped off and washed.

Cell phone holder on outside.

backpack straps option (maybe adding clips so that you could convert a shoulderbag into a backpack).

Sealed pocket with insulation for a built-in cooler

party-of-six replied: 1. what is the most aggravating aspect of toting around all of your baby goods?
For twins and a toddler, it was just a LOT of stuff to fit into one diaper bag.

2. what are the top 3 things that could be improved
The fleixbility to be expanded to easily accomodate the needs of one child, two or even three, without things getting lost in the vast empty-ness of a large bag, or being very crammed.

3. name one thing that you like about your current diaper bag
It is a back-pack design for hands free carrying. It also leaves my hips free to carry a baby on each hip.

4. fashion wise, is there anything that you would like to see in a new bag
a design/print that will move beyond the 'baby' years. It would be nice to be able to get more than 3 years out of a $80 bag. Something that can be easily used in the office as a tote for lunch and books and work out gear, or to the pool or even on a car trip.

5. do you often carry more then one bag? I have never carried more than one bag. With three kids to keep up with who were little, I could not keep up with more than one bag.

6. do you get back aches? sore muscles or any sort of discomfort throughout the day
no

Hillbilly Housewife replied: The most aggravating thing is all those little extras... the little plastic cases, the bottle holder, the pads....

I always take everything out and only actually use the <bag>.

Waste of money, in my opinion.... but I'm too lazy tomake my own diaper bag.

Jamison'smama replied: Needs to have a strap long enough to go over the handle of a stroller--but convert to a backpack (mine does this),

I noticed purses in target with a little attached squeeze light --it's attached to the top inside pocket to view contents in dark places--that would be cool.

A THIN, unpadded diaper changing pad--the padded ones are too thick and take up too much space.

Doesn't need a place for credit cards etc.-those pockets are just annoying --you have to take everything out if you want to go somewhere without the bag.

jcc64 replied: The one and only thing I care about is whether the interior materials are safe and non toxic. I recently became aware of excessive lead levels in children's vinyl lunchboxes- and many diaper bags contain the same sort of material. Forget the cutesie features and just make sure it's safe for kids. (I know, not much fun from an industrial design standpoint- but it does point out that often marketers are so consumed with "selling points" that they forget about the more important safety issues).

teenyrobot replied: oh man !!! thank you soooo much for all your feedback. it is soo greatly appreciated. i am doing my research presentation tomorrow and will keep everyone posted on any updates as well as my design process, and perhaps with everyones helpful suggestions here, the ultimate diaper bag will one day be made.

i really do appreciate all the comments. any other ideas suggestions, anything! feel free to throw my way, i would like to make the best product possible, as well as affordble and desireable.
thanks again.
-jen.

teenyrobot replied:
im glad you mentioned the safety issuse, im an idustrial design student with a concentration in toy design and green design. after extensive research i discovered many common materials used in childrens goods that were not safe or non-toxic, such as lead embedded materials and pvc.
Materials, maufacturing, safety and environmental breakdown of the finished product is a huge concern of mine. yet i am often argued about it in my dept, i am glad to hear the consumer has such concerns as well. thank you for your comment

MyLuvBugs replied:
1. The size of everything. Some things are HUGE and others are itty bitty, but nothing fits right together in the bag. Therefore, some stuff get squished or broken, some stuff has to be left out (and that's when you need it), and other times there's so much room that you feel dumb carrying a half empty bag around just to go and get groceries.

2. COMPARTMENTS, Compartments, compartments (all sizes, shapes, etc.)It needs to have TONS of compartments to organize and keep stuff from shifting around. I like to have everything in it's place though.

3. hmmmmm..........it's plastic lined so it's easy to clean up. That's a must!! And it's also stain resistant. Another must have.

4. Enough of this "Hey I have a Gigantic Baby blue Cartoon Diaper bag". I hate carrying around mine b/c it screams "I'm a diaper bag". I'd much rather have something this is a solid color, high-end fashion looking more like a purse, but yet cost efficient and compact so that it doesn't stand out in a crowd.

5. Yes. I have given up on my traditional diaper bags, and try to fit stuff into my purse and a very small changing pad bag that contains 1-2 diapers, a very small container of wipes and lotion.

6. Not really, I usually tried to just throw it in the bottom of the stroller so that I wouldn't get a back ache.

MyLuvBugs replied:
Good luck! I hope you pass your class and make the most amazing diaper bag ever. Do we get free one when you finally get them out? lol Just kidding!!

Alice replied: Take a look at the Lands End bags... I love them!!

Here's why:
1) They're virtually indestructible. I've had mine for 7 years and 3 kids!!!

2) They come in EZ clean fabrics and colors.

3) I like the outside pouch for my stuff.

4) They're a great value for the money.