In-depth reviews guided by a Pediatrician

Carter's 5 Piece Diaper Bag Set Review

Can do better for the price
Carter's 5 Piece Diaper Bag Set. Included changing pad accessory pouch insulated bottle holder and smaller matching bag.
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Price:   $55 List | $35 at Amazon
Pros:  Roomy, matching accessory bag
Cons:  Poor storage, quality, vinyl
Manufacturer:   Carter's
By Juliet Spurrier, MD ⋅ Mom-in-Chief  ⋅  Feb 15, 2012
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The Skinny

The Carter's 5 Piece Diaper Bag Set ($55) is a low-end bag that meets basic needs. It has a roomy interior without pockets. It comes with a smaller matching bag, a changing pad, a small accessory pouch attached to the interior, and a detached insulated bottle holder with a snap loop handle. Both the large and small bags have tote handles. Because the Carter's 5 Piece Diaper Bag Set is so bare bones, we recommend the Fisher Price Fastfinder Deluxe On The Go Backpack ($45) which scores better in storage, ease of use, quality, and features.


Our Analysis and Test Results

The Carter's 5 Piece Diaper Bag Set is a good example of a low-end, basic diaper bag. It does come with a separate smaller bag that is similar in style to the larger one and can be used for small outings. Both bags have tote handles. The exterior of the large bag has one large pocket with a velcro closure and 2 uninsulated bottle pockets. The small bag's exterior has 4 open pockets. The interior of each is lightly lined, but completely lacking in pockets. The polyester lining doesn't look like it will last too long. There are two elastic bands in each meant to attach bottles or sippy cups, but these don't function well. A cheap insert placed at the bottom of each bag to help keep the bottom of the bag flat welcomes dampness, mold, and other microbes to grow beneath it, requiring frequent cleaning. While the vinyl accessory pouch & vinyl-lined changing pad wipe easily, they unfortunately give off a chemical smell. The bottle holder with snap loop handle is unattached so you can store it where you'd like and it fits the tallest of bottles. Overall though, the Carter's 5 piece Diaper Bag Set just didn't impress us.


— Juliet Spurrier, MD