Is Dagne Dover Diaper Bag Worth It?

The Dagne Dover Indi backpack is a popular neoprene diaper bag that has generated significant discussion among parents on Reddit, with opinions varying widely based on personal preferences and needs.

The Good

Durability and Longevity: “Three years in and they look brand new. My husband carries them too. So easy to care for.” (1 upvote)
Capacity and Organization: “Fits a lot, easy to wash, comfortable for either of us to wear, durable. I love it.” (5 upvotes)
Versatility: “It was crucial in the newborn years since our baby spit up a lot so I brought lots of extra clothes and burp cloths. Plus, it’s great for traveling and flying, and I plan on using it as my work bag when I don’t need it.” (1 upvote)
Stroller Compatibility: “Fits well in the bucket of our mockingbird stroller too!” (5 upvotes)

The Not So Good

Weight Issues: “It’s so stinking heavy WITHOUT anything in it. It’s seriously sitting in the corner of our bedroom right now collecting dust.” (6 upvotes)
Interior Visibility: “I’m not impressed by mine. It’s dark blue and when I try to find anything in there it’s like black hole.” (1 upvote)
Organization Challenges: “I had the large and wound up hating it. Expecting #2 and just got the Caraa large backpack.” (2 upvotes)
Durability Concerns: “I have a duffle from dagne Dover and the neoprene has worn out so badly over time. The straps and clips also have worn out/have holes in them.” (6 upvotes)
Chemical Smell: Several users mentioned a strong rubber smell when new: “Thank you! I plan to leave outside today and hope for the best-just disappointed bc I love the bag! The rubbery smell is just getting to me but I’m pretty sensitive” (1 upvote)
Lack of Structure: “Also, even though the bag looks like it would be well structured, the neoprene is so floppy that it just kind of ends up all being a jumbly mess inside, even if you pack it well.” (1 upvote)

Comparison to Alternatives

Caraa Diaper Bag

Preferred Alternative: “Caraa diaper bag is my ride or die. I have been on too many flights with it and I will never not use it.” (2 upvotes)
Specific Advantages: “Caraa pros: light interior makes it so much easier to find stuff. Outside pockets are super functional. Can change from backpack to shoulder carry. Has a little removable insert which is amazing for diaper changes.” (3 upvotes)

Regular Backpacks

Simplicity and Value: “I like mine but I honestly got a cheap Amazon backpack for commuting and took it on my last flight with my 2.5 year old and it was way better.” (1 upvote)
Osprey Alternative: “You know what bag I LOVE, rave about, and isn’t technically a diaper bag? My Osprey Daylite. It is SO LIGHT, has all the pockets I need, is not bulky, and since it’s Osprey- it’s built to last.” (6 upvotes)

Mina Baie

Organization: “I’ve had a mina baie for 3 yrs and 2 kids and we love it. Pockets are great, easy to clean, leather holds up (ours has been thru the ringer and looks new), and the structured style means it’s easy to find stuff inside of it.” (3 upvotes)

Tips and Tricks

Organization Solutions

Pouch System: “What I did was grabbed 3 smaller bags (like travel cosmetic bags) and put them in my diaper bag. So like, a tiny pouch holds an extra onesie and undies/jammie pants for emergencies on the very bottom.” (1 upvote)
Color Selection: “I took the advice to not get black and got the mauve color. I also got mine on sale. I purchased some pouches off amazon to keep things organized but you could use gallon ziplock bags too.” (2 upvotes)
Mesh Version: “We have the large indi in mesh and I love it. Not heavy like the neoprene.” (1 upvote)

Odor Removal

Airing Out: “When we want to off gas’s something we put it in the bathroom over night with the window open and the fan on and see how it smells in the morning.” (1 upvote)
Sun Exposure: “Mine smelled, I got it recently as well. I left it outside in the sun for a few days in a row and it helped!” (1 upvote)

The Verdict

The Dagne Dover diaper bag receives mixed reviews from Reddit users. While many appreciate its stylish appearance, durability, and capacity, a significant number of users report issues with its weight, interior visibility (especially in darker colors), and organization. The neoprene material is a point of contention – some love its washability while others find it prone to staining and difficult to clean.

For those considering this bag, Reddit users suggest opting for lighter colors to avoid the “black hole” effect, using organizational pouches inside to keep items accessible, and considering whether the weight of the empty bag will be problematic. Many users who initially loved the aesthetic of the bag found that more practical, lighter alternatives better suited their day-to-day needs as parents.