Skip Hop Diaper Bags

If you don't want polka dots or daisies printed on your diaper bag, you are not alone. The creators of Skip Hop agree with you - especially the fathers - and created a gender neutral and yet still functional diaper bag that has great features, colors, and styles. Featured in magazines from Real Simple to US Weekly, Skips Hop bags have won everyone from the pickiest style editors to Britney Spears.

With denim, corduroy, and canvas as fabrics, and solid neutrals like red, brown, blue, and black for colors (among some admittedly fun options like "Pink Camo" and orange), Skip Hop bags are suited for either mom or dad. They come in five different styles: three are messenger-bag variations, one a classic two-handled tote, and the fifth is a compact quick-changer, suited to tossing in a larger bag. The style of each bag is urban and sleek, not surprising given its New York City roots. Founders and new parents Ellen and Michael Diamant created Skip Hop in 2000 with their busy city lifestyle and urban sensibilities in mind.

Skip Hop bags are innovative when it comes to design. Each bag has a variety of pockets, meant for cell phones, keys, pens, and, of course, bottles. Each also comes with a washable changing pad. However, the best feature of Skip Hop bags is the stroller straps. While most any diaper bag can be hooked over stroller handles, Skip Hop designed small straps on each side of the zipper that clip on to make the bag hang flush to the stroller. This way, your diaper bag is neatly suspended from the handles and not swinging into your knees or thighs while you are pushing your child. Not using your stroller? Just snap the longer strap back on and you have a messenger bag or tote once again.

Other nice design elements include an expandable bag (the Expo model), as well as a key fob, and pockets that are either waterproof (for adult items) or mesh (for easy viewing). All fabric options - denim, corduroy, and canvas - are easy to clean and durable. Changing pad replacements and new straps can even be ordered online if lost in the shuffle (it's doubtful either would wear out). The Skip Hop, while practical, is also utilitarian in appearance, which makes it not for everyone. It's a great gift for a new dad or no-muss mom, but it's also a far cry from a Vera Bradley print.

Go to skiphop.com for more details and pictures.