Parenting for Beginners

OiOi Diaper Bags, the rapidly growing brain child of International designer Lisa Bennetts, is Australian born and spans the globe in its scope and appeal. Now well established in England and the United States, we have the opportunity to enjoy her hot summer styles and share her functional designer fashions with celebrities like Lisa McCune, Rachel Griffiths, and Cate Blanchette who rely on their OiOi Diaper bags as godsends. We chose 3 of the most popular of Lisa’s sizzling designs for a fun filled and rewarding summer with baby.

Black on White Giraffe Tote Diaper Bag

A Nappy Sack you ask? Absolutely, we answer, and one of the best examples of how OiOi Diaper Bags creates fashionable functionality that help Moms look and feel good. The Giraffe Tote, which also comes in Cocoa, is made from a printed nylon canvas that is durable and easy to keep clean, with natural cotton weave handles, faux leather trim, stroller straps and a detachable nylon shoulder strap. The tote has one major compartment with 3 elasticized pockets and a burnt sienna, water resistant, nylon lining and an outer zippered pocket for Mom’s personal belongings. These bags are easy to adapt for personal or baby use because the large padded micro fiber changing mat, the insulated bottle holder, zip top mess bag, hard wipes case and carabiner key clip are all removable. The base of the tote is protected by metal feet and in total it measures a very manageable size of 15.5″L x 13.5″H x 6″D.

Floral Bouquet Hobo

Absolutely new for summer and perfect for travels with baby is the Floral Bouquet Hobo style of OiOi Diaper Bags. Fresh, bright, and fun, the citrus, pink, and blue blossoms with a warm chocolate base are printed onto canvas that has a water resistant finish, making it a very stylish bag for the beach. The chocolate theme is carried over into the trim, nylon lining, adjustable shoulder strap, and accessories. The Hobo style has internal pockets for diapers, burp cloths, and extra clothing, an insulated bottle holder, large padded microfiber change mat, a pvc zip top mess purse, pvc hard wipes case, and a handy clip for keys. On the outside, it has zippered pockets for your cell phone, wallet, and any other treasures you keep with you. The Floral Bouquet Hobo also has protective metal feet and measures a comfortably large 12″ wide x 15″ high x 6″ gusset.

Pansy Backpack

The thirds style of OiOi Diaper Bags that we chose is the Pansy Backpack which is bright and beautiful with brilliant Azure blue and rich Chocolate Blooms on an alabaster microfiber backdrop which is waterproof and easy to clean. This backpack is perfect for leisurely strolls on the beach, blazing trails or just a day at the park with the family. The interior compartments are detailed with mesh and zippers, the straps adjust for Mommy or Daddy, the outer pockets hold your wallet, keys and cell phone, while inside the insulated bottle holder, large padded microfiber changing pad, zippered wet bag, and a wipes case. It measures a good 15″ high x 10.5″ wide x 6″deep.

Cora Lee is the owner of BlissDiaperBags, widely known for a huge selection of OiOi Diaper Bags including unique OiOi Diaper Bags, custom mother’s jewelry, designer diaper bags, and exclusive baby gifts. BlissDiaperBags.com has been featured in US Weekly and People Magazine’s Celebrity Babies and Pregnancy Magazine, and has been listed as one of the highest rated sites by the Better Business Bureau, with A ratings, for five years in a row.

It seems like the smaller the baby, the more stuff you need. But don’t worry, you won’t be hauling everything but the kitchen sink for long. The older baby gets, the less you’ll need. But for now, here is a good list of what to put in your Diaper Bag to get started…You’ve Got the Diaper Bag. Now What Do You Put in it?

1. Diapers ( Duh!) -Refill your stash often. Don’t forget diaper rash cream.
2. Wipes – Get a small carrying case so it’s less bulky. There are many stylish options available. Wipes can also be used for sticky faces and dirty hands.
3. Bottle – If you’re using formula, keep a small bottle of water ready to mix with formula for a fresh bottle. You can buy prepackaged dry formula, or measure it out in a zip-lock bag. Snip the bag’s corner to pour into bottle. Breastfeeding? Get an insulated bottle carrier to keep it refrigerated as long as possible. SkipHop, Bumble and JJ Cole make wonderful bottle coolers.
4. Change of clothes – You can bet as soon as baby is in a cute outfit, it will get soiled with some sort of fluid. Make it easy on yourself and throw in a one-piece outfit. They may not be as cute, but they cut down on space. And regardless of season, pack a hat!
5. Pacifier and Blanket – These are your soothing agents. Fussy baby? Either of these will come to the rescue. Pacifiers tend to get lost, try a JJ Cole pacifier pod to keep the pacifier clean and handy.
6. Medicines – Of course, ask your Doctor about these, but a good list includes: Children’s Tylenol, Teething Gel, Mylecon Drops for upset tummies, Bulb Syringe for stuffy noses, Benadryl for bee-stings, and band-aides.
7. Food – For baby, pack a few jars of food. Keep jars safe, handy and organized with Jar Pac’s jar organizer. Snacks for older kids or Mommy. Small boxes of raisins, granola bars, animal crackers, string cheese, sippy cup. Don’t forget: fed kids are happy kids!
8. Important Information – You never know when you’ll need them. Write down contact numbers for doctors, work, day care, next of kin.
9. Camera - You never know when the perfect picture moment will pop up. Be prepared and carry a camera. It doesn’t have to be a big fancy one, any disposable will do, just make sure you’re prepared to take the shot!
10. Mommy Area – Don’t forget yourself. The diaper bag becomes your quasi-purse. Have a little bag for lipstick, wallet, and keys.

By Valerie Swack, President of BabyBrowns.com
About Us
BabyBrowns.com offers easy, one-stop shopping for fun, unique and chic baby and parenting products. Find decorating essentials, including furniture and accessories for baby nurseries to young children’s rooms. Looking for diaper bags? BabyBrowns.com sells more than two dozen top-name brands and too many styles to count. The company is owned and operated by two moms who strive to only offer the best of the best. This article is property of and provided by BabyBrowns.com 2009