THE PERFECT BACKPACK

Sporting a diaper bag when you have a baby is a given, and the selection of bags has increased dramatically over the past four years. Baby registries are overwhelming and choosing the best product for each need can make you break a sweat. I spent hours of researching the best bottles, the best stroller and the best diaper bag before Elle and Levi were born, so let me make finding a great diaper bag easy for you.

First, some of the key qualities you want to look for are water resistance, size, pockets, style, cost and durability. You want a bag that is large enough to store your baby essentials, but not one that is so big you are going to hit people as you walk by them or get stuck on clothing racks as you shop. (Yes, that has happened to me several times. I have a tote bag that is perfect for carrying everything, but I have learned not to bring it to department stores). You also want a bag that is stylish enough that you don't feel like you have the label "mom" or "dad" written on your forehead, and an added bonus if you can find one that is gender neutral. These bags aren't cheap, but I promise you can also invest in a bag that stands the test of time. I've already been through two diaper bags before finding this gem.

It's by ONE DUO. They make the coolest backpacks that can convert into satchels. They also come with stroller straps that hook onto your stroller. Aside from the amazing functionality of the bag, their design is on point. Right now backpacks are "in" overall. It doesn't matter if you're a mom or dad, wearing a back is cool. Plus, this bag fits in with the minimalist trend from top to bottom.

I chose their black bag because I wear a lot of black. I love that the wax canvas makes it wipeable, and I'm hands free to chase after the kiddos. I highly recommend this bag to parents or to anyone that is looking for a great backpack. 

Photo by Rennai Hoefer; Bag was gifted to me.

PETUNIA PICKLE BOTTOM GIVEAWAY

Travel season has officially begun, and if you're traveling with kids you'll want to make sure you have the perfect bag to carry your whole world. Petunia Pickle Bottom is a diaper bag company that makes high quality bags for moms on the go. They really have thought of everything you need, so every bag comes with tons of pockets and storage for bottles, diapers and wipes. They also include a wipes case and changing pad in their bags.

They recently released a collection of weekender bags that's perfect for traveling. I just took mine up to Flagstaff for the weekend, and I was able to fit all of my clothes and makeup with ease. They also sell a matching train case to store all of your toiletries in style.

I'm excited to tell you that you can win both of these bags, and take them on your next adventure. It's a $230 value! Head over to my Instagram post today, like the post, tag a friend and follow Petunia Pickle Bottom on Instagram. A winner will be chosen at random on Friday, June 24th at 5pm.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer, wallpaper by Hygge and West.

STYLISH BACKPACKS FOR MOMS

My favorite thing to shop for when I found out that I was pregnant with Elle was my diaper bag. In my research though I found so many bags that looked too cutesy and didn't embody the current fashion trends. This time around when I searched for a bag for Levi I didn't need to go too far to find what I wanted. Fashion for moms has gotten so much better!

I really wanted a backpack this time around because having both hands free for two kids is a must. I loved that this backpack by Fawn Designs looked like real leather, but it was actually water resistant faux leather. I also loved the gold zipper detail. It made me feel like I wasn't carrying a diaper bag at all.

The one thing that I have realized in carrying this bag verses my large Petunia Picklebottom bag is there isn't as much room and pockets as my tote bag. I would say for traveling for long days spent away from the house I need the larger tote bag. However, if you only have one kiddo or you aren't going to need the whole kitchen sink, the Fawn backpack is PERFECT.

*Product was given for a review; Photos by Gina Meola