Monday 10 October 2016

Handbags and Strollers: The Easy Hack for Any Brand! Baby Jogger, Bugaboo, Steelcraft etc

If you've read my blog for any amount of time you'll know that I love my handbags! Despite having a toddler, infant, dog, stroller and baby bag, I'm still using and and carrying my bags. After a few months of just using the baby bag when my eldest son was born, I figured out how easy it is to carry a handbag with a simple hack for any stroller!





Picking a stroller can be difficult. You might know you want one of the many baby strollers by baby jogger because a friend recommended them, or you might have seen a celeb with a Bugaboo or maybe you've come across a Steelcraft on sale. When trying to pick one you need to consider weight, ease of use, accessories, lifespan...there's a lot!

The Australian government has a stroller buying guide that's really helpful. Here's what helped us narrow down the options:

  • Price - we started with a budget in mind
  • Weight - there is everything from lightweight to heavier than a toddler strollers
  • Ease of use - something foolproof to put up and down
  • Size - we needed a stroller that would fit in the car boot
  • Compatibility - we wanted a travel system so we looked for a stroller and travel capsule pack
  • Safety - as the stroller came with a baby capsule we checked the government ratings to find a safe one
  • Functionality - the ability to add another seat for a second baby and being able to change the direction the seat faced in were extra functions we liked.


I'm really happy with our Steelcraft Strider Compact stroller, but the one thing that I didn't think about when buying it was my handbags.






Having a baby doesn't mean you need to give up your handbags though. You know I have a lot of bags I wanted to use! I did think about how I'd juggle everything (baby, stroller, dog and baby bag) and figured I might just use my Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bags for a while as they slide nicely into the pockets on our baby bag.

I really needed an extra set of hands if I wanted to carry a bigger handbag with my things in it when we went out though. Throwing it into the base of the stroller was tricky get to when I was babywearing, and not all my handbags fit nicely into the baby bag or could be worn cross-body. When baby T was a few months old I found the solution to my problem.






All you need is a bag hook! It can be as simple as a carabiner or a specifically designed hook for your brand of stroller. Since I spent a few dollars on one it's made it easier to have my handbag with me when I'm out with the boys. When baby boy was born earlier this year, I kept on using and enjoying my handbags as I had that handy little hook!


It's the plastic clip you can see on the stroller handle in some of my pics. Such a simple solution, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who hadn't heard of it before. I get a few comments now and then from people wondering how I use more than just a baby bag with two boys. That little plastic hook on the stroller is my secret!



If you're a mum, how you carry your things? Only wear cross-body bags? Put what you need in the baby bag? Did you think about it when buying a stroller?


This post was created in partnership with Diapers.com. Occasionally, Away From The Blue blog may receive vendor or brand sponsorships for mentioning their products or services. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.


Follow Away From the Blue on:
Bloglovin
Twitter : Instagram Youtube : Facebook : Google Plus : LikeToKnow.It 

86 comments:

  1. Happy new week! You are such a pretty and super stylish mom! Great post! Have a wonderful week filled with many blessings!
    Tiff
    Http://www.dashoffashandfinance.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I remember those days. Glad you found things that work for you. Enjoy your new week!

    ReplyDelete
  3. All of these outfits are so so cute and you my friend or so so teeny!!! I can't believe you had a child within the last year!!!

    Laura
    www.blackcoffeebeautiful.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha not all of these were taken after baby boy's arrival this year :)

      Delete
  4. That graphic tee is so cute! And you look so happy in all of these pics!

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great tips. When i shopped for strollers one mil years ago, weight was top on my list. I had a c section and didn't want a stroller that would be heavy for me to lift.

    http://fashionablyidu.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow, these are some great tips for choosing a great, practical stroller, beauty! Something so simple as a hook that can be overlooked (haha, totally rhymed unintentionally!) can really make all the difference, especially in allowing for moms to carry their beloved bags. I've told you many times, but you will most certainly be an incredible source for me when I become pregnant, so I'm soaking up all these tips as much as I can now :) Thanks so much for sharing and I hope you have the best start to your week, beauty!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    www.thestylecontour.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes it's crazy how simple the hook is, but it makes my life so much simpler! Glad you can save the tips for future reference! :)

      Delete
  7. Talk of strollers and such is like a whole other world to me right now - though I'm excited to be part of it one day in the future! :) On a different note, I love your grey 'Making Magic Happen' t-shirt!

    aglassofice.com
    x

    ReplyDelete
  8. During the work week, I do carry my small collection of handbags. When the weekends roll around, I am totally guilty of giving them up and carrying just the baby bag. It's crazy that I have a two year old and how much "stuff" we still have to carry in that bag. haha. Like how do you do it with two kids? How do people with twins do it?! haha That's a huge part of having another baby that I think will be a struggle. (;

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh you'll figure it out! :) Plus you get stronger at carrying it all, haha! I thought there was no way I could carry more than toddler T's things but it's possible!

      Delete
  9. Such a great hack:) Simple yet it works and very practical. I ended up just using backpacks or big messenger bags when I had to lug around a diaper bag as well. I think my problem was that my "handbags" are more packed than the diaper bag that there was no way I could've fit everything in with just a regular sized one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes it can be tricky if you have a bag that doesn't fit into the diaper bag - crossbody bags are brilliant!

      Delete
  10. I used to put all my stuff under my daughter's stroller. You look amazing in this blue sweater Mica. Have a wonderful week ahead.
    Nina
    Nina's Style Blog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a good tip too! I just find that too tricky to get to if I'm babywearing, it's not easy to bend over hehe!

      Delete
  11. You have the absolute cutest outfits! I love love love these casual looks!

    ReplyDelete
  12. great article. I am not a mum but I have a huge bag with smaller bags inside at all times

    xoxo
    tessa
    www.travelwheretonext.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's how I organise my bags too! Have lots of pouches for things inside :)

      Delete
  13. love all the looks here. they all look cazy ny dear. Have a nice day. xo, Christianne
    Http://simplychristianne.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I have a mommy hook. It's a huge carabiner, and it's awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Having kids will not stop me from rocking my handbags either!

    XoXo,

    Tamara - LoveofMode.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a great idea! I normally stash my bag underneath the stroller but the hook is so much easier to get to things!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes the hook makes it much more accessible! :)

      Delete
  17. Whoa, there really is a lot to consider in picking a stroller! And I love that you're still able to carry your favorite bags with that nifty hook. All your outfits are practical and chic--I especially like the striped dress and converse!

    imperfect idealist

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes it's such a big (and often costly!) purchase!

      Delete
  18. Your handbag collection is really amazing. You have so many colors and sizes! Love the idea of a hook so you have easy access to get in your purse!

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

    ReplyDelete
  19. These are such wonderful tips. I've actually sent one of your posts before to a co-worker friend who was recently pregnant for the first time. This is a good one as well, although I am far from that stage in life I will be sure to reference this for buying strollers. Great outfits, Mica. /Madison x
    FASHION TALES

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Congrats to your friend! I'm glad my post was helpful and made you think of her :)

      Delete
  20. That is ingenious! I was looking for a baby shower gift the other day and my friend mentioned this to me but I didn't quite understand it. I wish I'd looked into it more because it looks like such a fab and ideal piece to have on a pram.

    Sxx
    www.daringcoco.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is such a great piece! I'm sure you got an awesome gift in the end :)

      Delete
  21. Great tips that i'll have to keep in mind for the future. :P

    Florals&Smiles

    ReplyDelete
  22. That's such a smart tip, thanks for sharing! One I will definitely put into use. I just got a backpack style diaper bag, but I don't think I'll want to completely give up my other bags too, so I'm going to keep this in mind!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes a backpack style bag would solve the problem too as you'd be hands free!

      Delete
  23. This is not at all something I'd ever heard of, but as someone who is a chronic overpacker in all areas of life I'm convinced I'd need one of these. I'd just worry about everything getting too heavy and tipping the stroller over though, am I just being paranoid about that??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh definitely not being paranoid! The government site I linked to calls it out as a consideration when using a stroller too. I've seen it happen with little umbrella strollers but our stroller is heavy - nothing I ever carry would be heavier than it day to day. I avoid overloading the hook and put groceries or heavy thing sin the base of the stroller to be safe :)

      Delete
  24. I wish I'd known all of this when I went to get my stroller, I picked mine purely for how pretty it was.... massive amature, I wont do that again if I ever have another baby.

    Rosy | Sparkles of Light Blog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are so many sensible and practical purchases, sometimes you just have to go for the pretty one you want! :)

      Delete
  25. You have such a fabulous bag collection, Mica! I'm glad you figured out how to wear them with little ones. Unfortunately, I didn't figure this out when mine were little...

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes I'm so glad it's enabled me to keep using my handbags! :)

      Delete
  26. I would probably struggle to carry all these and put all my stuff into baby bag so I carry as little as possible :) It is good idea to hang the baby bag to stroller and also bag hook is a great idea!

    Ela BellaWorld

    ReplyDelete
  27. Super slick! Great way to carry your bag via the stroller!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

    ReplyDelete
  28. That hook is genius Mica! I bet it's helpful! Stroller companies are really thinking about mom's and what they have to carry! That's a good thing. Love the different accessories they come with. I'm not a mom, but so glad you're doing these posts. They will help others.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kim! :) I'm glad you think they're helpful even if they're not relevant for you right now :)

      Delete
  29. You look great dear! Thanks for the tip

    http://iameleine.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  30. A bag clip is a GENIUS idea for your stroller. I've seen people use them at restaurants and at work when they don't want to put their bags on the floor

    michellespaige.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! I carry one of them in my bag too - it was thinking of that that made me look to see if they had one to go on a stroller! :)

      Delete
  31. You're basically super mom! Haha love how you didn't sacrifice your handbag style but found a way around it :)

    The Dragonfruit Diaries
    Visit my YouTube channel!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha thank you! I love bags so much I wanted to still find a way to make them work! :)

      Delete
  32. Lovely looks!! Great picks.

    ♘ www.sugarpopfashion.com ♘

    ReplyDelete
  33. Not a mum yet but definitely in the planning stages so it's always helpful to see posts like these. I think I will have one designated "diaper bag" but still carry my own personalize bag. But who knows, maybe that will all change once I actually have a baby and know what it's like lol

    xoxo Rina
    http://www.andshedressed.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes all the planning in t world can't prepare you for what it's like - in the best way though! No harm in thinking about your possible options ahead of time :)

      Delete
  34. Getting the right pram is critical! I did a lot of research beforehand and we got the Baby Jogger City Mini - it needed to be lightweight, compact, easy to fold and fit in the back of my Swift. I also got a JJ Cole nappy bag from Amazon when our dollar was strong that came with a set of pram clips which was great but I wish I thought of your hack!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes so many of the mums I know have the baby jogger - a popular brand! :) Also pram clips are wonderful! :)

      Delete
  35. You remind me of my sister, she also have two cute daughters but she always make sure that she never left herself. You are an amazing mom ^^

    www.itsbeyondimaginations.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. You have so many great outfits! I def use these hacks back when I strolled the kids around. Now they don't even want to sit in the stroller.

    ~ xo Sheree
    Posh Classy Mom
    Instagram

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes my toddler is like that now - rarely wants to sit in the stroller! Still put baby boy in it now and then though :)

      Delete
  37. I have to say that the dress and sneakers combo was my favorite!

    annescribblesanddoodles.blogspot.com | Bloglovin' | Instagram

    ReplyDelete
  38. We don't really have a stroller, I used to carry both children forever, so we invested in a small, lightweight buggy and used something to clip the car seat to for the time before. And with both kids now I put them in one of those bike things to go everywhere. As far as handbags go, I just use a baby bag at the moment, but then again I don't have a collection like you do.

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes I find having the travel system helpful as if baby's asleep in the car I don't have to unbuckle him to wake him and wear him in the carrier, I can just unclip from the car seat and clip into the stroller! :)

      Delete
  39. You look great sweetie!

    Xx,

    || FLOORTJELOVES ||

    www.floortjeloves.com
    www.facebook.com/floortjeloves

    ReplyDelete
  40. Love the looks! I am not a mum so I have no idea about strollers or baby bags!!
    Dora www.BangsBang.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. What a great post! I do need a handbag hook because I don't want to give mine up either. Thanks for sharing!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    ReplyDelete
  42. Great post! Love those outfits :)

    Selftimers Blog | Bloglovin'

    IG: @SELFTIMERS

    ReplyDelete
  43. Love it! You look so fresh. x

    http://www.fashioninspiresyou.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Good options!

    sweetpoppy.dudeklatero.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. I stopped carrying handbags the first year and half after Little Tyke was born, there was just no way to lug around a baby bag and then a handbag. I finally started using handbags again the past few months but after so long of not using one, I keep forgetting to take it with me.

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes using the stroller to carry the bags makes it much easier - and in the first few months with toddler T when I just used the baby bag I'd forget my bag on the rare moments I went out without him too, haha!

      Delete
  46. Handbag lady to handbag lady, I love that you've found a way to keep your handbag style ;) Also, you look super cute in all of these pics!!!! XO
    Lauren-Blair
    www.gracerock-kellyroll.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When you love bags, you find a way to make it work! haha!

      Delete
  47. Love thr bags as well as the outfits.

    http://deffinatlyshaz.co.zw/

    ReplyDelete
  48. That's such a great idea! I really struggles with that when my twins were in a pushchair. Gemma x
    www.jacquardflower.uk

    ReplyDelete
  49. It's so great that you've found a way to keep wearing trendy purses after the baby! Plus, the solution is so simple - one of those things where you think "why didn't I think of it before?" Such a great idea!

    Sam | My Beauty Cloud

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is! I love and use it so much I'd be lost without it! So simple too!

      Delete
  50. I'm not a mom, but I know how it must have been so hard to carry a baby bag all the time, so I'm glad you came up with a hack which will I believe has made your life easier. Also, I haven't seen you in short sleeves and sleeveless for quite sometime now. And I must say that you're looking so good! ♥ Hope to hear from you soon!

    Love, Airish
    Gorgeous Glance
    http://airishabella.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hehe, thanks! I don't wear short sleeves much over winter! :)

      Delete
  51. You definitely have an amazing collection of handbags, so I am glad that you've found a way to integrate them into your wardrobe after the baby!

    -Katie
    http://hellokatiegirl.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  52. I swear by my bag hooks for the buggy, as it's so much easier to have everything to hand, and as you say carry your fave bags. Great post really useful! Thanks for linking up with #MumsThatSlay Yvadney x

    ReplyDelete
  53. Thank you all for your thoughtful comments :)

    ReplyDelete

Your feedback on my outfits and any constructive criticism is welcomed. I appreciate the time you take to leave a kind comment. Make sure to tick 'Notify me' if you've asked a question so you get an email response :)

Feel free to leave a link to your blog so I can check it out. "Follow me" or "follow for follow" comment spam will not be published.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...