The process of locating the appropriate baby bag is a milestone to new parents. You desire something that is attractive, can carry all your stuff on a day out and can withstand the mess of parenthood. But what would you think of having all that without consuming animal products?
Vegan leather baby bags are no longer the plasticky substitutes of the years gone. The current alternatives are advanced, strong and in many cases more convenient than the conventional leather.
What Is Vegan Leather?
Vegan leather is not a single material, but rather a blanket term to describe any type of leather substitute that does not use animal hide. The quality is so vastly different based on what it is made of.
The most suitable vegan leathers to use on baby bags include such materials as polyurethane (PU) that is lighter than actual leather and can be wiped down. Other luxury brands incorporate new materials that are produced out of pineapple leaves, apple peels, or mushroom roots. These vegetarian alternatives are genius when you desire something that is really sustainable.
Another great option of baby accessories is cork leather. It is naturally waterproof, antimicrobial and so lightweight – just when you already have a baby and half your home in your bag.
Why Vegan Leather Baby Gear?
In addition to the ethical consideration, vegan leather is also practical in the case of baby accessories. Authentic leather requires conditioning and proper care to avoid cracking.
Vegan alternatives are usually machine-washable or at least wipeable. The fact that you can put your bag in the washing machine or even wipe it down quickly will be welcome when your baby spills the contents of his or her bottle or when a nappy bursts (and it will).
They’re also lighter. A kilo may not be a lot, but when you are carrying a changing mat, spare clothes, toys, snacks and all the other stuff, every kilo counts. Your shoulders will be grateful.
What to Find in a Vegan Baby Bag
Compartments and size are important than you believe. You need several pockets to keep things in order – there is no worse thing than to search your whole bag to find a dummy when your baby is screaming. Find insulated bottle pockets, a wet bag compartment, and convenient outside pockets to your keys and phone.
Straps must be comfortable. You can choose the type of bag you want, be it a backpack, messenger bag, or tote, but ensure that the straps are padded and adjustable. The convertible options that can be used as a backpack and a handbag provide you with the flexibility of various situations.
Check the fastenings. Zips tend to be more secure than magnetic snaps, although they must be of good quality. Zips made by YKK are the gold standard. Magnetic closures are easy to use with one hand but may occasionally open when the bag is stuffed to the brim.
It must be waterproof. Although the material may not be completely waterproof, seek bags that have a waterproof lining. Baby items are known to leak.
Popular Vegan Baby Bags Brands
There are a number of companies that specialise in ethical baby accessories. Matt and Nat are vegan leather bags with recycled plastic bottle linings. Their baby bags are also very ingenious, and the changing mats are incorporated into the design.
Angela Roi creates gorgeous minimalist bags that can be used at work or baby duty. They apply high quality PU leather that actually appears and feels like the original.
In need of something British, Elvis & Kresse repurposes fire hoses into beautiful bags and accessories. Their messenger bags are excellent casual changing bags that can be used by parents who desire something a little different.
Even mainstream brands such as H&M and Zara are now offering vegan leather to budget conscious parents. It will not be as good as high-end brands, but they are good entry-level bags as you determine what fits you.
Beyond Bags: Vegan Leather Accessories
After you have sorted your changing bag, there are plenty of other matching accessories to consider. Vegan leather changing mats are easy to clean and fold. They are usually padded as well, which is better on your baby than the thin plastic ones.
Cork or canvas bottle carriers insulate drinks without the bulk of traditional leather ones. Dummy cases are attached to your bag and hold spares in a hygienic manner. Nappy wallets will assist you in carrying only what you need to make a quick change without carrying the whole bag.
Even a vegan leather keyring clip to your bag strap makes life easier. You can even strap it to your pram, so you are not searching around with keys in your hands and a sleeping baby.
Raising Vegan Leather Baby Gear.
Although some individuals may argue so, vegan leather does require some maintenance to remain presentable. It will not require oiling such as real leather, yet it should be wiped with a damp cloth frequently to avoid the accumulation of dirt.
A mild soap solution is effective in harder stains. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers – they may destroy the surface coating. When your bag is wet, you should allow it to dry naturally instead of using direct heat.
Keep your bag with tissue paper when not in use so that it maintains its shape. This is more important to structured bags than soft slouchy ones.
The majority of vegan leathers will wear out with time, especially at the stress points such as corners and strap attachments. It is natural to any bag that is used heavily. The trick is to purchase good quality in the first place – cheap vegan leather cracks and peels wear out fast, whereas high-quality ones wear out beautifully.
Making the Switch
You do not have to change everything immediately. Begin with your big baby bag and see how you fare. You can add accessories as you need them gradually, and you like the way it performs.
Other parents fear that vegan alternatives will not be robust enough to be used every day with a baby. Practically, a high-quality vegan leather bag can last longer than the traditional one, just because it is more resistant to the spills and rough handling that accompany parenting.
The bonus? Once your baby no longer requires a special changing bag, these styles can be used as ordinary handbags, gym bags, or work bags. That is good money well spent and less waste in general.
Wearing vegan leather baby bags does not make you perfect, it is about making conscious decisions where you can. In case it fits your values and lifestyle, brilliant. If not, that’s fine too. Parenting is not easy enough to create pressure to make all decisions right.