BloomBabies

Diapering

Herschel Diaper Bag

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Herschel Diaper Bag

Stylish, Practical, and Actually Built for Real Life

When I started looking for a changing bag, I thought it would be a quick tick off the list.

Instead, I fell into a rabbit hole of flowery tote bags, tiny impractical designer ones, and backpacks that looked like they belonged on a hiking trip — but not a lot that actually felt right for everyday mum life.

After weeks of back and forth, I picked the Herschel diaper bag (the Strand Sprout in my case) — and honestly?

It’s one of the smartest baby buys I made.

Here’s why I recommend it to any mum who wants practicality without looking like she’s carrying half a pharmacy on her back.

Why I Chose the Herschel Diaper Bag

If I’m honest, I didn’t want anything that screamed “baby bag.”

I wanted something:

  • Smart enough to carry around London or to meet friends without feeling like I was hauling luggage.
  • Roomy enough for nappies, bottles, wipes, clothes (plus the random bits you always end up carrying).
  • Easy to clean — because, well, babies.
  • Durable enough to survive being tossed into the boot of a car, dragged around cafes, and caught in the rain.

The Herschel bag ticked all the boxes — and it looked good doing it.

How It Made My Life Easier

1. Plenty of Space Without Looking Massive

One thing I love: it’s roomy but doesn’t look like a giant duffel bag.

There’s space for:

  • Nappies
  • A full pack of wipes
  • Bottles and snacks
  • A spare outfit (or two)
  • Muslins, teething toys, random receipts, you name it

It’s like Mary Poppins’ bag but in a version you wouldn’t mind carrying into a coffee shop.

And there’s a separate changing mat compartment at the bottom — super handy for quick changes when you’re out.

2. Lightweight and Comfortable to Carry

Some changing bags feel heavy even before you put anything in them.

The Herschel bag is light and comfortable, whether you wear it cross-body, on your shoulder, or grab it by the top handles.

When you’re juggling a baby, a buggy, and your third coffee of the morning, you notice these small details a lot.

3. It Doesn’t Scream “Baby Bag”

I wanted something I could keep using beyond the nappy days — and the Herschel bag feels like a proper stylish tote.

It’s smart enough to take to brunch, practical enough for a rainy park walk, and casual enough to chuck under the pram without worrying about scuffs.

It honestly still looks good months in — no peeling, sagging, or suspicious stains.

4. Dad-Approved, Too

Another unexpected bonus:

My husband actually likes carrying it.

Because it’s simple, neutral, and not covered in pastel flowers or cartoon prints, he’s perfectly happy to grab it when we’re out.

(And if getting him to carry a baby bag without a protest isn’t a win, I don’t know what is.)

What I Genuinely Love About It

  • Proper size: Big enough but not ridiculous.
  • Stylish: Looks like a cool tote bag, not an obvious changing bag.
  • Practical compartments: Keeps everything organised (even when your life isn’t).
  • Durable: Wipeable fabric, strong zips, sturdy handles.
  • Dad-friendly design: Neutral, simple, no frills — works for both of us.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Not a backpack:Some people prefer full-on backpacks for longer outings — this is more a tote/crossbody style. Great for everyday, but if you’re hiking the Lake District, maybe not your pick.
  • Changing mat size:The included mat is fine for newborns and smaller babies, but if you have a chunky toddler, you might want to carry a slightly bigger foldable mat for extra coverage.
  • Water resistance:It handles a drizzle fine, but if you’re caught in a proper downpour, you might want to tuck it under the pram rain cover or carry an extra waterproof cover just in case.
  • Warranty:Herschel bags come with a limited lifetime warranty — which mostly covers manufacturing faults. Good peace of mind when you’re hauling it everywhere.

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely.

If you want a practical, smart-looking, tough-as-boots changing bag that doesn’t make you feel like you’re carrying a nappy shop, then the Herschel Strand Sprout is brilliant.

It made everyday trips — and even those dreaded longer days out — so much easier, and it still looks great long after the newborn chaos has faded a bit.

Plus, I know I’ll keep using it once we’re out of the nappy stage — even just as a nice big “mum bag” for parks, beach days, or overnight trips.

Where I Got Mine

(Tip: Sometimes Herschel runs seasonal sales — I saved about 20% on mine by waiting for a Bank Holiday deal.)

Tommee Tippee Nappy Bin

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The Unsung Hero of Our Newborn Days

When I was getting ready for the baby, there were certain “non-glamorous” things I didn’t overthink.

Nappy bin? “How bad can it be — it’s just a bin, right?”

Oh, how naïve I was.

By week two of newborn life, our house smelled suspiciously farm-like, despite my best efforts.

That’s when the Tommee Tippee Sangenic nappy bin became an absolute essential — not a “nice-to-have”, but a lifesaver.

Here’s why I wouldn’t go through those early months without it.

Why I Chose the Tommee Tippee Nappy Bin

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably thought:

“Isn’t a normal kitchen bin good enough?”

Trust me — it’s not.

Especially when you’re changing 10–12 nappies a day and can’t exactly run outside to the main bin every time.

I picked Tommee Tippee’s nappy bin because:

  • It individually seals each nappy (yes, every single one).
  • It traps odours properly — no whiff of Eau de Baby Poo.
  • It’s compact and fits in the corner without looking hideous.
  • The refill cartridges are easy to change (even when you’re half-asleep).

It’s one of those small bits of kit that just makes daily life run smoother.

How It Made My Life Easier

1. No More Nappy Smells Taking Over the House

Honestly, without it, the smell creeps up fast — especially in the summer or if you’re using cloth nappies part-time.

The Tommee Tippee system twists and seals each nappy in an antibacterial film, which blocks 99% of germs and smells.

You don’t even have to open the bin and get a waft of last night’s “incident.”

2. Simple to Use, Even on Two Hours’ Sleep

The design is straightforward:

  • Open the lid.
  • Push the nappy into the funnel.
  • Twist the handle.
  • Close the lid.

That’s it.

No faffing with pedal bins, liners, or weird bag ties — just quick and done, even at 3am when your brain isn’t functioning.

Honestly, even dads can handle it without instruction, which says it all.

3. Fits Perfectly into Small Spaces

Our nursery isn’t huge, but the bin tucks neatly beside the changing table without getting in the way.

It’s surprisingly light and compact, but holds a good number of nappies (roughly 25–30 for newborn size).

I only had to empty it every couple of days, which felt like a massive win when my entire world revolved around milk feeds and nappy changes.

4. The Refill System is Easy (and Dad Gets Involved!)

The refill system is genuinely simple:

  • You pop in a new cassette.
  • Pull a little film through.
  • Tie a knot and you’re ready.

By the way, in our house, Dad usually changes the refill.

It’s become his “part” of the nappy process — and honestly, it feels nice that even if he’s not changing every nappy, he’s still pitching in.

And because the refill system is so easy to use, he doesn’t even complain about it (small victories!).

Plus, bulk-buying the cassettes online has saved us a fortune compared to last-minute supermarket runs.

What I Genuinely Love About It

  • Proper odour control: It really does keep smells inside.
  • Individual nappy sealing: No piles of nappies festering.
  • Compact and discreet: Doesn’t take over the room.
  • Simple operation: One hand free? No problem.
  • Easy refill swaps: Even Dad’s happy to do it.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Refill costs:It’s cheaper long-term to bulk-buy refills or find deals — think ahead if you’re planning for months of heavy use.
  • Sustainability:It’s plastic-based, which isn’t the most eco-friendly — but honestly, when it’s 3am and you’ve had five outfit changes, survival sometimes wins.(Kit & Kin also make biodegradable nappies if you want to balance it out.)
  • Warranty:Tommee Tippee usually offers a 2-year warranty if you register online — nice to have if anything goes wrong.

Would I Recommend It?

100% — especially if:

  • You live in a flat or somewhere without easy outside bin access.
  • You have pets (who love the smell of used nappies, apparently).
  • You just want to make nappy life slightly less grim.

It’s one of those purchases that sounds boring but feels like pure luxury once you start using it.

If you’re on the fence, trust me: you’ll miss it when you don’t have it.

Where I Got Mine

(Tip: If you see a bundle with refill cassettes included, grab it — works out much cheaper.)

Related Reads

Kit & Kin Nappies

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The Eco-Friendly Choice That Actually Works

When I was pregnant, nappies were one of those things I just… didn’t want to think too hard about.

I figured I’d grab whatever was on offer in the supermarket and that would be that.

Fast forward to the first few weeks with a newborn — leaks, red rashes, endless bin trips — and I quickly realised: choosing the right nappy matters. A lot.

After a few messy (literally) trials, I found Kit & Kin nappies, and honestly?

They’ve been a total game-changer.

Here’s why I’d recommend them to any new (or soon-to-be) mum who wants life to be a bit easier (and a lot less wasteful).

Why I Chose Kit & Kin

At first, I’ll be honest — I liked the idea of something eco-friendly, but I also thought: “Can they actually work as well as the big brands?”

What swayed me was:

  • Hypoallergenic materials (goodbye rashes and irritation).
  • Eco-friendly (because the thought of thousands of nappies sitting in landfill made me cringe).
  • Cute animal designs (yes, I’m shallow — but honestly, they are adorable).
  • Good for sensitive skin (fragrance-free, chlorine-free, latex-free — all the “frees” you want).

And knowing the brand was founded by mums — including Emma Bunton (yes, Baby Spice) — made it feel that little bit more trustworthy.

How Kit & Kin Made My Life Easier

1. No More Constant Leaks

With some other nappies, I felt like I spent my life changing outfits — his and mine.

Kit & Kin nappies have a brilliant fit around the legs and waist, which meant fewer leaks, even after full bottles or breastfeeds.

The first night we got through without a wet babygro felt like an actual miracle.

2. Kind to Baby Skin

Before Kit & Kin, we had issues with nappy rash creeping in after only a few hours.

Since switching, the difference has been huge.

The nappies are incredibly soft — almost like a cotton T-shirt rather than that plasticky feel you get with some brands — and because they’re totally free from harsh chemicals, there’s a lot less to irritate delicate newborn skin.

One less thing to worry about when you’re already worrying about everything else.

3. So Easy to Use (Even Dads Can Master It)

Another thing I noticed — and loved — is just how easy they are to put on.

The tabs are really sturdy but flexible, and the fit is so intuitive that even my other half could do changes quickly without turning it into a wrestling match.

(Which, if you’ve ever watched a dad fumble with a too-complicated nappy, you’ll know is a small but mighty win.)

Anything that saves you two minutes during a 3am nappy change is worth its weight in gold.

4. Less Guilt About Waste

Every time I threw a nappy away in the early days, it weighed on me.

Knowing that Kit & Kin nappies are made with sustainable materials (like FSC-certified fluff pulp) and that they’re committed to carbon offsetting makes a huge difference.

It’s not perfect — disposable nappies never are — but it feels like the best balance between practicality and responsibility.

What I Genuinely Love About Them

  • Fantastic fit: No weird gaping or digging-in marks.
  • Super soft: Feels gentle against baby’s skin.
  • Eco-friendly: Sustainable materials, thoughtful packaging.
  • Cute designs: Little foxes, bears, pandas — so much nicer than boring plain nappies.
  • Consistent quality: Every pack I’ve bought has been reliable — no sudden “bad batches”.
  • Easy, stress-free changes: Even when half-asleep (or handing the job over to Dad!).

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Price:Kit & Kin nappies are a bit pricier than supermarket basics — but when you factor in fewer outfit changes, fewer rashes, and less guilt, I genuinely think they’re worth every penny.
  • Availability:Some supermarkets stock them, but I usually just order direct or via Amazon for ease (especially handy if you’re running low and can’t face dragging a tired baby out).
  • Bundle savings:If you subscribe or buy multi-packs, you usually save a fair bit — something to think about if you want to stock up.
  • Warranty:Not exactly a “warranty” product like a pram — but Kit & Kin’s customer service has been brilliant if there’s ever been an issue.

Would I Recommend Them?

Absolutely — especially if:

  • Your baby has sensitive skin.
  • You’re trying to make more eco-friendly swaps without losing practicality.
  • You just want a nappy you can trust for those long car journeys, naps, and first holiday trips.

Kit & Kin nappies made my life easier — fewer leaks, happier baby, a little less mum-guilt, and even a few nappy changes my partner could actually manage without swearing.

Where I Get Mine

(Tip: Check for subscriptions or multi-buy deals — they’re often worth it.)

Related Reads

Top Baby Skincare Tips for Sensitive Skin

Newborn Essentials: What You Actually Need vs. What Can Wait