When I used to think about becoming a parent [1], I couldn't help but envision myself touting around not only a baby but also the one million and one accessories that they require at any given moment. I knew that the baby and fashion industries had been making strides in designing more stylish nappy bags for carting around everything from bottles to nappy rash cream, but I wasn't necessarily convinced that I would find a bag that would be stylish, functional, and fit my lifestyle to boot. That is, until I was introduced to the eco-friendly Willow Nappy Bag Backpack from Paperclip.
You may be wondering, what makes a nappy bag eco-friendly? For Paperclip, it means that everything is made using recycled ocean plastic. As someone who has always tried to lead an eco-friendly lifestyle (and who once told her high school guidance counselor that she wanted to be a dolphin trainer — true story), this conscious design choice is my favourite aspect. While it was their sustainable manufacturing that initially drew me to Paperclip bags [2], after receiving the Willow Nappy Bag Backpack, I've honestly come to adore it for multiple reasons. These are some of my favourite features.
Attached Changing Pad
OK, so this is a game-changer. I'll admit that there were times before acquiring the Willow Nappy Bag Backpack [4] ($160, originally $200) when my husband and I woefully found ourselves out of the house with our son [5] but sadly without a portable changing pad. This made for some very interesting changes in the bathroom of our pediatrician's waiting room. I love that this bag has a (detachable and washable) changing pad built in so that I have one less thing I need to worry about grabbing before leaving the house. This feature would also be well used in the back of a car during a road trip, in the park while on a picnic, etc.
Storage Upon Storage
The Willow Nappy Bag Backpack [6] ($160, originally $200) has a pocket for just about everything; including a padded laptop sleeve! Perfect for career-hustling parents [7] and travelling. I'm also a fan of the side pocket made for a grown up's water bottle and the spacious inner compartment. Due to COVID [8], I haven't had the chance to take my baby many places, but I'm pretty confident I could cram an impressive amount of stuff into this bag.
Stylish Design
While the classic Willow backpack [9] is sleek in its all-black design, I'm especially a fan of the new, limited-edition colours. I opted for the royal blue version of the Willow Nappy Bag Backpack [10] ($160, originally $200) and its vibrant colour is a welcome visual pick-me-up for my weary postpartum [11] eyes. Plus, this bag is just stylish in general. You wouldn't necessarily know that it's a nappy bag! Let's just say I get to feel like the cool mom now sitting in the pediatrician's waiting room. Though if neutrals are more your style, it also comes in black or grey!
Adjustable Style
Wear the Willow Nappy Bag Backpack [12] ($160, originally $200) as a backpack or (my personal favourite) messenger bag. Or even just grab it by the top handle! I love that there are different ways to grab and carry this bag — something I appreciate even more now that I'm a mom [13] (learning to live life with only one arm and hand available is truly an art form).
Final Thoughts
Long story short? If you want a nappy bag that is ridiculously functional, super cute, and whose manufacturing helps make our oceans just a little bit cleaner, check out the Willow Nappy Bag Backpack [14] ($160, originally $200). I never thought I could love a nappy bag. I have been proven wrong.