Manitoba’s Baby Sherpa, has introduced a new backpack called ALPHA SHERPA. While this heavy-duty bag was specifically designed for families on the go with little ones in tow, it also is a versatile bag for everyone from teens to senior citizens. Now that my youngest child is almost two years old, I figured I was ready to ditch the diaper bag and give the ALPHA SHERPA a shot at being our family’s tote bag of choice. Inaugural mission: a day at the beach.

Fitting

Initially, my first thought was that the fitting instructions were pretty complicated(there are 9 steps!). But, after I figured out how to get the hip belt across my hips (and not directly under my boobs!), I was able to take advantage of the ergonomic design. It was a good fit and I certainly didn’t look like I was carrying a diaper bag.

Features

I then began the task of loading up for the day. Exploring all the features of the ALPHA SHERPA was a lot of fun. I was happy to pack our picnic lunch and snacks in the integrated soft-sided cooler, which eliminated the need to bring a traditional cooler. I used the insulated bottle holder to pack milk for the kids and put an additional bottle of water in the mesh holder. I then added towels, bathing suits, diapers, extra clothes and hats in the main compartment.

There is no shortage of space for personal gear with individual, zippered pouches for my cell phone, digital camera, sunscreen and wallet. One of my favourite features was the key retriever; great peace of mind when you’re at the beach… my keys weren’t going anywhere! I decided to use two karabiners to hook some pails and shovels to the D-rings and then I slipped our beach umbrella through the open pouch on the front of the bag.

When it was fully loaded, I was carrying almost 30 pounds (yes, I weighed myself) and I managed it comfortably as we made the trek from the parking lot to the beach. As soon as we hit the sand, everyone’s shoes came off and I hung all four pairs from the bungee X for the remainder of the day. Though I didn’t feel the need to cart my notebook to the surf, I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the laptop sleeve and found a change pad that I used both as a seat on the sand AND a place to change my daughter.

Style

The ALPHA SHERPA is a great looking hiking pack that hides all the parent essentials that usually have to be toted around in a diaper bag. The most telling evidence of the SHERPA’s style is that my husband can’t wait to steal it for himself, and not just for use when he’s on Daddy duty.

The ALPHA SHERPA bills itself as “the first total parent hybrid diaper and laptop bag”. It truly is a hybrid, offering parent-focused versatility in a smart, comfortable design. I was impressed by the SHERPA’s sheer carrying potential, its well-thought-out organization, and its gender-friendly style. It had definitely earned its new place as our family’s go-to tote for family outings.

To receive 20% AND free shipping off use code Blog20 until Oct. 31, 2009.

Baby Sherpa is offered one(1) Growing Your Baby Reader the opportunity to win an Alpha Sherpa Backpack.

Congratulations to our reader Vickie!

Thank you to the blogs that blogged about our giveaway:

• ceeceeblogger
• kngmckeller-glorias.blogspot.com

Now that I have 2 kids, my current diaper bag is just not cutting it. It’s one big compartment design with pockets on the side makes it hard to know what’s at the bottom without pulling everything out.

The Gr8x Baby Traveller Deluxe was created for parents who want organization. Once opened, the change pad sits down the middle and all of your contents are tucked away in the ‘flaps’ at the side.

At first I wasn’t sure if everything I normally carry would fit, but too my surprise, all of my gear found its own place without over stuffing the bag.

This style is perfect for 2 kids or twins because each child has their own side and everything has it’s place. I like that I know if I am missing something at a quick glance.

The 3 layers of storage offered on each side gave me enough room to store tons of diapers, wipes, a change of clothes for the baby, hats for both boys, sunscreen, a couple of toys, crayons and a coloring book.

Moms on-the-go will appreciate that Gr8x has designed the traveller deluxe to be carried 3 ways; as a backpack, briefcase or over the shoulder. Also included are a set of stroller attachments, a bottle holder and a pouch to hold you cellphone.

While the pocket on the back of the bag is great for money or keys, I keep it’s contents light so that they don’t jab into the baby when I’m changing him.

I found that the bungee strip on the front is great for carrying a blankie, a jacket or a favorite stuffed animal.

The Baby Traveller Deluxe is a practical and functional bag. It’s smart design makes it perfect for any outing.

Dimensions:

• changing area L89cm x W33cm
• Bag closed H36cm x W39cm

More Information available at gr8x.net

1. Paisley Diaper Clutch - This stylish Diaper Clutch easily unfolds into a changing mat and can store diaper and wipes. The clutch is fully laminated for easy cleaning and makes changing diapers a breeze! $30
2. Danielle Elizabeth Pink Damask Diaper Clutch – This clutch has elastic pocket inside for diapers, a zipper pocket inside for items such as wipes and ointments and a zipper pocket outside for personal items It also includes an Oilcloth changing pad.
3. Clairebella Diaper Clutch – this clutch unfolds into a changing mat. It is fully laminated for easy clean up, holds 2-3 diapers, a small pack of wipes and has two smaller pockets for cell phone or keys. available in 9 patterns $70
4. Reese Li Diaper Clutch – This small clutch can hold 3-5 diapers, changing pad, wipes case, diaper rash ointment, & cell phone. As an added bonus, there is a little ’brag flap’ shows off baby’s picture to family & friends.$60
5. Petunia Pickle Bottom Cross Town Clutch – this chic clutch has a water resistant lining. It has a Diapers/wipes pocket, Ointment/cream pockets, a Fold-out, snap-out, wipe-able changing pad. Also includes a Petunia Pickle Bottom monogrammed wipes case. Available in 9 fabric patterns
6. Joya Baby Diaper Clutch – This Nylon pouch holds 2-3 diapers and a soft travel wipe pack. It includes a large machine washable changing mat that rolls up inside and an extra pocket behind wipe envelope to hold money or cards. Available in 6 patterns $54
7. Petunia Pickle Bottom Cake Cameo Clutch – This clutch has a Diaper/Wipes pocket and Ointment/cream/pacifier pockets. It includes a fold-out, detachable, water-resistant changing pad and detachable inner zippered coin purse.
8. JP Lizzy Chamelia Diaper Clutch – This clutch is made of quilted wipeable microfiber. For your convenience there is an exterior zippered pocket , coordinating changing pad, diaper wipes case and a divided interior pocket to hold cash, credit card, cell phone ot lipstick holders. $38
9. Lollipop Kisses Diaper Clutch – The interior contains two pockets, each large enough to hold a travel case of wipes and 2-3 diapers. There is also a small pocket that you can use to hold your drivers license and credit card.

The Ju-Ju-Be Wannabe mommy bag was made for me. It has a towel holder, ipod pocket, snack cooling pocket AND a sand trap.

Offered in 3 fresh patterns, this bag features removable backback staps, magazine pocket, book pocket and a huge space for toys or a change of clothes.

Mommies who need separate pouches will love the matching wet bags that are included with the Wannabe.

Available at jujube.com for $165

Not only is is straight forward, but it is spacious and sturdy.

A deal at $10

VIA YOKIDDO.COM

Here is what some of our parents tell us:

1. Mace!? (good idea, never thought of it…)
2. slippers – great idea!!
3. an absorbent kitchen towel for big kiddie spills
4. hot cup of coffee
5. Tape – to fix a diaper, or to wrap a gift for a wedding if it is bought in a crunch!
6. 2-3 decks of cards – they’re great for when the kids get bored
7. dog cookies and a Homeopathic remedy called Rescue Remedy (used for calming and centering energy – referred to as Yoga in a Bottle)
8. extra set of keys, my daughter is known for loosing them
9. flashlight
10. disposable camera

Check out the giveaway page and tell us what you have in your diaper bag!

A fashionable, functional bag that double as a booster seat?

How could a diaper bag turn into a booster seat without a lot of manipulating.

Surprisingly, the whole process takes just minutes and includes only 7 steps.

The bag is designed with a plastic hardshell inside it to protect the baby’s lunch and other contents of the diaper bag.

Features:

• polyester for easier cleaning – machine washable
• an organized intererior with several pockets
• a wide access zipper pocket
• baby seat has a large safety belt and a comfortable foamed backrest
• Available in 6 patterns

Reasonably priced at $99 at babyguru.ca

The sale is being held at Petunia’s Outlet Site.

That’s why I am sure that new moms wouldn’t even think to look at their site for diaper bags, but they should.

Their diaper bag/diaper backpack might just be the most perfect bag for that over organized mom or obsessive compulsive dad (my husband).

It features:

• MP3 player/cell phone pocket on the front strap for easy one-hand operation
• Padded mat for comfortable and safe diaper changes
• Large compartments for diapers, clothes, toys, blankets, and other items that a “on-the-go” parent will need
• Smaller Velcro compartments for quick access and organization
• 2 Discreet insulated bottle holders
• Wide Waist Strap for comfort
• Padded Handle
• Rope Zipper Pull

Safety Features

This bag was designed with 8 features to properly balance the weight of the pack so it sits close to the body to lighten the load by 30%.

Parents of more than one child usually prefer to carry a backpack when taking the kids out. It allows them to be hands free to carry both kids if needed.

Please visit obusforme.com for more details and online retailers.