New styles, sizes and shapes of nappy bags have ensured that they bear little resemblance to their ugly bulky cousins of generations ago. They are for more user friendly, being lighter, softer and more versatile. Traditional totes are carried by hand. Newer style courier and messenger nappy bags are carried over the shoulder. Some of the new styles are very fashionable and chic, looking nothing like a nappy bag. Lately backpacks, which are obviously worn on the back, have become very popular too. No matter what style, all modern nappy bags boast compartments and pockets just like a a traditional tote style of bag. Many nappy bags can also be hung from the handle of a stroller, making a lot less work for Mum or Dad.

It's important to find good a quality, hard wearing and long lasting baby nappy bag as it will be going everywhere you and baby go for quite some time.

Nappy bags lead a hard life. Choosing the latest colour and style is great, but the durability is possibly the biggest consideration. The last thing you want is to get caught out by your lovely nappy changing bag letting go at the seams and spilling all over the ground. Will your potential new nappy bag stand up to being tossed about, in and out of cars, pulled and played with by your growing little one, bouncing on the stroller and generally being dragged around shops and playgrounds? It's important to know that it is well made and it comes with a warranty.

Another important thing to consider is the amount of pockets and compartments the baby changing bag comes with. It is far easier to have all of the essential nappy changing items organised and easy to access when changing a nappy. The pockets in some bags may be the right size, but may not be easily accessible. Some bags have a window and dispensing system for wet wipes - something that is needed at every nappy change. This can be a wonderful thing, it saves plenty of time as it saves pulling the wipes container out of the bag.

If the baby will be bottle fed, consider if the nappy bag allows for the cool storage of bottles, or will you have to carry another bag? Does it come with a baby changing mat to lay baby on?

Size is another important consideration. It needs to be big enough to hold all the considerable paraphernalia that your baby will require, but it doesn't want to be so large that it is too heavy and a total inconvenience to carry around. Does the bag provide sufficient space for additional baby clothes, and your own items? As babies become toddlers, the size of the clothing and nappies, and therefore the space these items needed becomes larger. Is there room for growth? There will also be food, drinks and snacks to carry when baby becomes a toddler, will all of that still fit?

When considering styles, decide if you want the bag to look like a nappy bag, or to be a little more discrete. Don't forget Dad either. It's a good idea to buy a bag both parents are happy to carry and use.

Nappy bags are one of the most helpful items to buy when caring for a bay. They make baby mobility so much easier. A well designed, good quality nappy bag will help to organise all of baby's needs and provide years of useful service.