Diaper Bags for Toddlers

   You've been carrying that huge bag around for a year now.  Then suddenly you realize that you just don't need to take every item you could ever possibly need around with you every single place you go!  Hallelujah Right?
   Well, I never really carried a "diaper bag" so to speak.  I loved having a messenger bag because it was big enough for my changing pad, diapers, bottles, snacks, food, milk, burp clothes, and extra onsies while at the same time "hands free".
    But once my kid hit 15 months I was wondering if there was an easier way.  Especially as I started experiencing some hip discomfort from carrying my adorable little chunker around while also carrying a large bag of stuff.  I did some research and decided that I still wanted the hands free-ness of a bag that goes across my body with limited space so it can't get too heavy.  I decided on the Vera Bradley Cross Body Mailbag.  It is perfect for me! (Please note that these are my own statements and I am not a Vera Bradley representative, I just love the color, print, and sturdy nature of their bags.)  

Any cross body bag with a little room will do the job as a great Toddler Diaper Bag.  You can get a cross body bag at any of your favorite stores from Walmart to Coach I'm sure.

I can load 3 diapers, a flat pack of wipes, fruit pouches and small toys in the two pockets 

underneath the flap.

Here is a close up of the pockets beneath the flap.

Then my favorite part is the zippered large section in the back for my own things. I always like having zippers on my purse to give me peace of mind that someone won't slip their hand in my bag when I'm preoccupied.

Note: There is also a small zipper pocket on the back of the bag (not shown) that is perfect for hiding those items you would prefer not fly out of your purse in front of the male check-out line guy (lol...true story).

Ironically, this bag has also served as entertainment at the store for my child on several occasions.  He doesn't care a thing in the world about the zipper parts but he loves flipping up the front flap and digging his stuff out and putting it back.

Has anyone else found diaper bag shrinking solutions?  Please share your experiences!