Amy Michelle Baby Bags

Maybe it is because the holidays have just passed, maybe it is because Ohio in January is just a bit gloomy (and not to mention, ffffrrreeezing), but today, I am in the mood for red. The color red just makes me feel happy inside. Red--the color of Christmas cheer, and of passion, and of confidence. And maybe that's why today I am talking about Amy Michelle's Sweet Pea baby bags (in red, of course!). The Sweet Pea bag, to me is like freshly polished toe nails -- glossy and cheerful and oh, so red!

Five years ago, two moms, Amy and Michelle, laughed over dinner about the challenges of balancing family, friends and work while trying to stay sane. Michelle’s designer diaper bag, purchased only weeks earlier, was covered in milk stains; receipts and diapers were spilling out all over the place. Her diaper bag was overflowing, not only with baby items, but with her personal necessities--keys, diapers, receipts, planner, cell phones, etc. Amy and Michelle discussed that their diaper bags had replaced their purses as carry-alls. Realizing that women did not want to give up their identities just because they had babies, they sketched out on cocktail napkins the designs for the first Amy Michelle baby bag.

Today, Amy Michelle collection consists of eight different styles. Each bag contains a washable changing pad, internal and external bottle pockets, compartments for diapers and wipes, a stroller attachment and a quick release pacifier holder. They also have credit card slots, a large compartment for purse necessities and a key ring. With or without the baby, Amy Michelle baby bags double as a stylish travel bag.

Let's Get a Little Rowdy (Diaper Bag, that is)

I just love the Rowdy Rocker Convertible diaper bags. Roomy, flashy, and so cool. They come in black and brown. If you are looking for an ultra-hip bag, consider a Rowdy diaper bag.

Kalencom Designer Diaper Bags

Here's another Kalencom diaper bag for you to love. Bright, funky, splashy and practical (it's covered in laminate!), Kalencom's Laminate Buckle Bags are also affordable at $70 at DiaperBagsInc.com (shipping is only $6.95 for this diaper bag -- or Free for orders over $100). They come in a sleuth of colors and patterns.

Kalencom's Ecofriendly Diaper Bags

Environmentally conscious moms have a look at Kalencom's Double Buckle Bags. These trendy diaper bags are shiny and splashy and come in a wide variety of patterns and colors. And, best of all, Kalencom is making strides toward environmental responsibility. Although it does use PVC in its diaper bags, these diaper bags are AZO-free and the PVC used contains no Phthalates/DEHP, DBP or BOP.

Jingle Bells, Diapers Smell

Eleven years ago, I lounged (briefly) on the bed as my husband dutifully bumbled through our two-month-old son's dirty diaper changing. Finished with his chore, he turned to face me, completely oblivious to the large poop streak running across his forehead. "I can't believe we have to do this for an ENTIRE YEAR!" he mused. I debated whether to break the news to him, about his woefully inaccurate time assessment and the crap on his head...and opted for silence. Now 20,000 million diapers later, he is clearly a pro, whipping out a diaper like a gun-slinging cowboy, one-handedly deflecting the backfire of pee while simultaneously slinging baby's legs up like a roped calf. 1,2,3 DONE! I am so darn proud of his progress. And he is so darn proud of himself.

Four kids later, we've tried every baby diaper-changing gadget known to man. We've tested every diaper disposal contraption invented. Had the diaper warmer (and pitched it). Used a changing table (for about 4 months). The cute little diaper holder thingys (what the heck are they called???) lasted about 3 days. Our conclusion? For diaper changing, there are only four things you need: diapers, wipes, a trash can and a baby. Forget the diaper genies, etc. They are smelly and squishy and don't hold a darn thing. Lay the baby down on a towel and change diaper. Get a house with a garage (preferably attached) and toss your diapers in the trash as you change them (put them in a plastic bag first to help with the odor).