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
- Amazon UK – Herschel Strand Sprout Diaper Bag
- John Lewis – Herschel Changing Bags
- Herschel Supply Co. Official Site
(Tip: Sometimes Herschel runs seasonal sales — I saved about 20% on mine by waiting for a Bank Holiday deal.)
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