A diaper bag is one of those essentials most Moms would be lost without. As Michelle from Minneapolis stated, "One day I left the house without my diaper bag. I didn't realize I forgot it until I went to reach for it when I needed a diaper to change my baby. I ended up having to find a store and purchase diapers, baby wipes, and an outfit because the one my baby was wearing had become soiled. While I was in the store I bought a second diaper bag. I now keep that diaper bag packed and in my vehicle at all times so that I always have the essentials I need even if I'm forgetful and forget to take my main diaper bag with me when I go somewhere."

When you want to take an excursion out of your home with a small baby, there's no telling what you might need. A good diaper bag can hold everything you might need including diapers, baby wipes, diaper ointment, baby powder, clothing, bottles, food, just about anything else you might possibly need while out and about with your baby.

The most important item in a diaper bag is diapers. If you need to, you can carry up to a dozen of the thickest diapers in a diaper bag. In another large compartment of the bag you can put in several changes of clothes. Some other useful things to put in the bag are bibs, baby cups, burp cloths, washcloths, a blanket, pacifiers, toys, snacks, food (along with utensils for feeding) and baby bottles. A towel to use as an "anywhere" changing pad is another essential item. In fact, anything that you need to use on a daily basis should go into the diaper bag. But keep in mind that all that "stuff" in your diaper bag can make it really heavy so if you are going to have to be carrying it for a long distance or are only going on a short trip, make sure to just pack the essentials.

It is a good idea to keep your diaper bag at least partially ready all the time. Some people have diapers, pacifiers, blankets, an extra set of clothes, and toys stashed away in their diaper bags permanently. .

In the past, diaper bags were little more than large plastic shoulder bags with one or two big compartments. And they weren't very attractive either. They were used because one didn't have a choice. Today that's all changed. You can find diaper bags that vary from basic, to trendy, to designer. Designer bags are very attractive and stylish, but they typically also have a large price tag too.

The simple design of some diaper bags may fool you into believing there's nothing much inside. But, you may be surprised to see some nifty features like a pullout changing pad or special pockets for keys and cell phones. Most of today's' diaper bags come with nylon linings to prevent messy spills from ruining the bag.

One of the most attractive diaper bags I've seen looks very much like a purse, and everything inside the diaper bag - changing pad, storage bag, wipes case - can come out. So, you can ultimately use it as a purse. Another one of my favorites has a non-slip grip on the strap, so the bag will not slide off when you bend to pick something up. A great feature in some bags is that they can easily be attached to a stroller with rings and clips that are included in the bag. Just be sure the diaper bag is positioned properly on the stroller so that the weight of it doesn't tip the stroller over.

Besides the cost, the only factors you have to keep in mind while purchasing the perfect diaper bag is size and comfort. The diaper bag that's perfect for your neighbor may not be the right diaper bag for you. Take time to look at several different diaper bags before making your purchase so that you get the bag that is just right for you and your baby.