In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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Carter's Out 'N About Diaper Bag Review

The lowest scoring diaper bag we reviewed
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Carter's Out 'N About Diaper Bag Review (Carter's Out 'N About Diaper Bag. Included changing pad and accessory pouch.)
Carter's Out 'N About Diaper Bag. Included changing pad and accessory pouch.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Price:  $50 List
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Manufacturer:   Carters
By Juliet Spurrier, MD ⋅ Mom-in-Chief  ⋅  Feb 14, 2012

Our Verdict

The Carter's Out 'N About Diaper Bag also known as the Giraffe Tote didn't impress us. The interior is poorly constructed with wipeable PVC in the lining, pockets, accessory bag, and changing pad that smell toxic. For this primary reason, it is not a bag we'd be psyched to be storing our baby's essentials. However, from the outside, the Out 'N About has more aesthetic appeal with some purse-like qualities than the other lower-end diaper bags we reviewed, and it is spacious with quite a lot of external and internal storage. Nonetheless, we recommend spending $20 or so more for the Skip Hop Versa. The Versa is made of eco-friendly materials and is a quality, lightweight bag that is big on style, features, storage, and function.
REASONS TO BUY
Roomy
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor quality
PVC smells

Our Analysis and Test Results

The thing that struck us from the get go with the Carter's Out 'N About Diaper is its smell. While the outer lining is polyester, the interior as well as changing pad and accessory pouch are laden with PVC which has a very pungent, chemical smell. Although the PVC is wipeable, is used in such a quantity in this bag that it detracts from its feel of quality. Nonetheless, the Out 'N About does have a decent amount of storage with 2 large external pockets, 2 external bottle pockets, and a large interior with 1 large pocket and 2 mesh bottle pockets. There is a lined panel on the bottom of the bag to help keep the bottom flat and the bag upright. Cleaning the bag with regularity will be important to help keep moisture, mold, and other microbes from growing inside. The Out 'N About also comes with tote handles which are adjustable. There are also stoller straps, although the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association does not recommend using stoller straps across the board. We agree.

In our opinion, we do not recommend the Carter's Out 'N About Diaper Bag. For a highly functional diaper bag in the same price range, take a look at the Fisher-Price Fastfinder Deluxe On the Go Backpack for $45. And, if you are willing to spend a bit more for style, the Skip Hop Versa for $70 will not disappoint.

— Juliet Spurrier, MD
 

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