Fashionable and Functional Diaper BagsPreparing for a new baby involves a lot of preliminary work. There are many changes to be made around the home, and there is plenty of baby gear to be purchased. Stocking up on diapering supplies is a must. Of course, a diaper bag is going to become the most used accessory in the household, so it's important to find a great one. Fortunately, diaper bags have become fashionable in design, and function has been taken to a new level as well.A diaper bag is much like a purse, and when a mother-to-be is looking for a good bag, she often thinks in terms of the theme of the bag. If it's her first child, she probably isn't considering just how much she will carry that bag. Comfortable carrying is the top priority in a bag. A shoulder strap should be sturdy, well secured to the bag. It should be long enough that the bag can be carried crossbody style, as this allows for the bag to hold its position in front without falling. Most diaper bags are carried at the side, shoulder bag style. However, as a mom carries baby, she may encounter a slipping strap that becomes very annoying. It's helpful to be able to change carrying position in order to relieve one's shoulder of undue stress. A backpack style diaper bag in ingenious and is one of the most sensible designs for a mom who will carry her diaper bag frequently. Some bags are even designed to convert from shoulder carrying to back carrying.Many diaper bags include changing pads. The ease of use isn't always convenient, however, especially if a mom is dealing with a squirmy child. One of the best designs in diaper bags includes an attached pad that appears as a flap of the bag. Easy unclipping and folding out makes it more manageable. Because it is attached to the bag, which is often full of baby gear, it will remain stable and hold the pad in place, allowing the mother to easily manage her child.Another priority element of diaper bag design is the care of the material. Vinyl is easy to wipe, but over time it can become brittle and begin to break. Sturdy material with wipe-off characteristics serves a mother well in that she can easily wipe away stains and spills. A high quality fabric bag can also serve a mother well if the material is easy to launder.The diaper bag is often a frustration over time, especially as baby becomes heavier and as baby's gear multiplies. It's important to find a design that is attractive to the mom. It's even more important to assess the function of the bag. A great bag will make a mother's work much easier.