This Is The One Baby Accessory Everyone Asks Me About, And It’s A Godsend For New Parents

Any parent will tell you that it doesn’t matter how much research, planning and budgeting you do, the real test for whether your baby products meet your needs is right in the middle of a crucial moment. I’m talking about the 3 am bleary-eyed bottle runs, the frantic car seat buckling during a downpour and, of course, navigating a blow-out in a shopping centre while your child attempts to recreate The Great Escape.

Of all of the gritty, parent-making moments you never forget, the latter is the one that taught me about the importance of a truly excellent changing bag, and it’s something I’ve passed on to my expectant friends and those looking for baby shower gift recommendations again and again. It isn’t just a bag, after all; it’s your mobile command centre and sanity saver, all rolled into one. A well-stocked, well-organised changing bag is the one thing that leaves me feeling completely on top of my game and ready to take on whatever the day throws at me.

Practicality is a must, of course, but I also want my changing bag of choice to be stylish. Selecting the right handbag for my outfit is part of the fun and isn’t just about carrying my stuff - it’s about expressing my personal style. Why should a changing bag be any different? Becoming a parent doesn’t mean you have to give up on the things that make you, you.

When I saw iCandy’s The Everyway Bag, I was genuinely impressed. It feels like the best of both worlds: a bag that’s every bit as practical as it is chic. And since using it, it’s the one accessory that other parents have stopped to ask me about on multiple occasions, whether I’m at soft play or in the supermarket.

First up, let’s talk about how it looks and feels. The Everyway Bag is sleek and minimalist, in a black finish which goes with everything. The handles and straps are cleverly designed and comfortable to use. It can be used as a backpack, shoulder bag, handheld tote (my favourite variant), or clipped on to the pushchair – a big tick for versatility. The design is also gender-neutral, so my husband likes using it, too.

The practicality is where it really wins, though. The spacious interior features lots of separate sections and pockets, meaning that every item can be neatly stowed and easily accessed. It comes with its own changing mat tucked inside, which has saved me more than once in some questionable public toilets. The easy-clean lining is a must with any changing bag, and the Velcro pockets at the front and back are great for quickly grabbing a toy or dummy. There’s even enough room to fit my laptop, make-up bag, purse and drinks bottle, meaning I don’t have to lug about multiple bags. The dream.

While it does attach to the pram handles, I prefer a smaller bag for when I’m out and about. Luckily, iCandy has also released a Pushchair Organiser, which is The Everyway Bag’s ultra-stylish companion. You’d be forgiven for thinking it’s a designer handbag at first glance. I use it when I’m heading out of the house on foot and tend to hook it onto the pushchair handle, but I love that it can be worn as a cross-body bag, too. It’s just big enough for the essentials, but the compartments make it easy to find exactly what you need, quickly. It features an adjustable, removable shoulder strap, black hardware, and comes in an elegant charcoal. It really is lovely to look at, and the subtle logo means it doesn’t scream ‘baby stuff inside!’.

Together, these bags have simplified the way I leave the house with my little one. I feel organised. I feel prepared. And - dare I say it - I even feel stylish when I’m carrying them, which is the kind of small win that makes a big difference to your day (especially when you’re operating on minimal sleep). Parenting is a miraculous plate-spinning exercise, and the last thing you need is to be let down by something as basic as a bag in a crucial moment. And when people stop me and say, ‘Where’s your bag from?’, gatekeep I shall not. I happily rave about this duo because in my books, anything that makes parenting feel even a tiny bit more put-together is worth shouting about.

Shop the new luxurious bags from iCandy below:

Jade Moscrop is the commerce editor for Grazia, specialising in lifestyle topics. When she isn't writing about beauty products, gym leggings and homeware items, she can usually be found on a hot girl walk, buying houseplants or doing what her husband has lovingly dubbed 'mosh-dancing' at a gig.