Pink Lining Wanderlust Backpack In The Mews Review

Over the years I've only had two changing bags. First I had a typical cheaper bag from Mothercare. It worked really well the first year plus, but then I needed a bit more room. I used a big handbag for a while but still, nothing was really good enough.

Then earlier this year I bought a new Mamas and Papas bag. I mainly got it for the pink colour, size wise it wasn't really appropraite, it was far too small, the changing mat was far too bulky, it wasn't deep enough, and I had to get large clips so it would hook onto the Xplory. The red pram I got at the same time, (that they advertise the bag with!) won't hold it, (in fact I wouldn't attempt any bag on the Mamas & Papas Armadillo as it tips back far too easily!!) The shape of it meant not much would fit, the pockets were tiny, and it was generally a pain *sad face as it's such a pretty colour*.

As StarGirl has grown, so has her nappies, so have her clothes. We needed extra space!

Then one night I discovered Pink Lining made backpacks!

I've always been a shoulder bag girl, but the more mobile StarGirl becomes, and the less we use the pram., having my hands and arms free is really important.
A backpack was slowly swaying me!

I looked at a few of the other brands to see their backpacks, they were either black/navy as they're man/dad bags, or had such a limited amount of parent space. So for looks and space Pink Lining won.

I'd coveted their bike fabric for a while, and when I found they had also made bike fabric backpacks I had to find one. One retailer had one left so I quickly ordered, and it came within 48 hours. Pink Lining on Twitter (in my time trying to track one down) had also found the same retailer for me but I'd bought a few hours beforehand. Well done for the fast reply & help PL :)

So now this brilliant backpack.

It wasn't cheap, but none of the branded changing bags ever are.

There are 3 big zipped pockets.

The front pocket is smaller than the other two. It fits drinks and snacks. There is a velco drink holder that you can take off if you want the pocket for other uses. There's also a little zipped pocket inside.

The second pocket is a zipped section that zips almost all the way open. This is the changer section and has a padded mat and wet bag. Apparently the reason it zips open is so you can use it to change baby on, but with snacks and phone etc in the other pockets I won't be trying with a toddler.

The last pocket is for mum's bits and pieces. Two zipped pockets, a detachable mirror, a stretchy key holder, phone pocket and smaller pocket, plus loop for a pen. There is more than enough space for all you need, I can easily fit my iphone with its large, bulky Otterbox phone case in the phone pocket. the rest of the pocket can fit my purse, makeup bag, glasses case, kindle with its case on and my ipad too if I wanted. It's the only bag I've found that seems to take the parent into consideration as well.

The backpack is made from a wipe down material, the straps are padded. There are two drinks pockets at the sides (although they are a bit too loose and roomy, I wish they had toggles and were a little bit deeper, StarGirls special bottles were really tall so they definitely wouldn't have fit in there. Im not sure what or if I'll use them, not sure what I could put in there.) and there are two clip bits on the straps to attach to your pram quickly, which is genius.

Overall I really, really LOVE this bag. Before I used to swap my bags over often if I needed more space on particular days, but I can't see this happening anymore. In fact, I've put my Mamas and Papas bag away as I just want the space and comfort of this backpack now!
Yes I could have bought any backpack or sports bag, however I'd have struggled finding one with the separate pockets to separate everything, and room to not tip drinks etc.

I've used it twice in the last week so far, once for long hospital and shopping trip attached to pram/on my back, and the second time just on my back as we went on a pramless adventure underground! Both times it has been fab, little bit heavy the second time as I carried so much to go underground, but overall it's more than worth the money!