It's In the Bag - The Search for a Mom Purse
At Home with the Hastys - It's In the Bag: The Search for a Mom Purse
A while back, on Instagram, I asked for help in selecting a new purse. The one I currently use is too small - even before becoming a mom. I need my purse to fit the following items:
My current purse (something similar to this) fits a wallet and either a phone or keys, but not both. So regardless of my parent status, I need a bigger purse. So I reached out to my IG followers about their favorite brands and this is what they came up with.
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Purse Brands Recommended on Instagram:
Madewell
MZ Wallace
Gucci
Hammitt
Coach
Clare V
Polène
Mulberry
DeMellier
Leatherology
Portland Leather
Sseko
Fossil
Marc Jacobs
Kate Spade
Dooney and Burke
Altar’d State
Steve Madden
But then I started to get messages from moms with advice on carrying a purse with a baby, including what style of purse is best and whether you need a purse at all if you also have a diaper bag or stroller with you. Regarding style: I was leaning toward a crossbody, but I also love a good shoulder bag and handbags are so chic. In a poll on Instagram, 89% of my followers preferred a crossbody over a shoulder bag. They’re just so much more convenient and a bit safer in the city (it is more difficult to snatch a crossbody than a shoulder bag.) Speaking of safety, another feature I want in a purse Is a top closure, either a zip-top closure or a flap closure so that pick-pockets aren’t quite as tempted.
Advice from moms regarding carrying a purse with a baby:
The case for a tote instead of a diaper bag.
Buy yourself a nice new tote and use Tote Savvy for a diaper bag. When you’re done with that shit you can toss the insert and voila, you still have a dope tote. I also always use a small handbag for myself and then a diaper tote. Once baby got moving, I switched to a backpack and use a Lulu Lemon Backpack because it’s really function and doesn’t have that total "I gave up so I bought this mom backpack” vibe. - Eleanor
My friend used a Gucci floral tote as her baby bag and she always looked so cute! - Nevada
I have a Madewell tote - I’ve always just used it as a purse/diaper bag. I keep a cute little pouch in it with diapers, etc. I’ve never used a diaper bag. I’ve had this bag for 6 yers and 3 kids. It looks brand new. I also have the larger open tope tote for when I need to carry more, but I use this one the majority of the time. - Beth
When kids were small, I liked a big tote that I could also fit diapers, etc. in so I didn’t have to carry a diaper bag. The LV Neverfull, the large YSL, and the Goyard St. Louis all work. - Courtney
We only used a diaper bag for first year, maybe not even that long. I just carry big purses. - Caitlyn
Totes that come highly recommended:
Click the image to shop the bag.
The case for carrying a small purse inside a larger tote or diaper bag:
I always carry a small purse so I can throw it in my diaper bag. That way I’m not tempted to try shoving diapers (and other baby paraphernalia) in my big purse. - Hannah
Once you find a purse you like, make sure to have a wallet that contains the essentials that you can easily switch from diaper bag to purse. - Ashley N.
The first few times we went out [with a baby] I had a purse and it was too chaotic for me. Tbh, since having a baby, I just roll with a card case in his diaper bag if he’s coming out with me. - Lis
I keep my own purse in our diaper backpack. That way it’s always ready! And if I leave the baby with my husband or a sitter, I just grab the purse out instead of shuffling everything around again. - Hilari
A few of my favorite Crossbodies:
Click the image to shop the bag.
