In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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The OiOi Messenger is a nice, gender-neutral diaper bag. We liked its large size, included key clip, and easy to clean Microfiber fabrics. We did encounter some major hang-ups with the bag, namely, the lack of internal pockets to keep and maintain organization, and the use of Velcro on the external pockets.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The OiOi Messenger is a messenger bag that was built with baby in mind. The many compartments, key clip, and accessories make it an easy way to carry baby's stuff. The messenger has a larger carrying capacity than almost all of the other bags we tested. We like the easy-to-clean fabrics and the fact that you can turn the interior inside-out, making clean-up a snap.
Performance Comparison
An overview of the OiOi stuffed with all of our gear. It definitely didn't hold as much as we'd like.
Credit: Natalie Hale
Storage and Ease of Use
The OiOi was given a score of 4 of 10 for this metric. It is definitely roomy, only the LeSportsac Ryan could hold more. The internal cavity is easy to fill, and the pockets inside help keep things organized, we only wish there were more of them. It is difficult to keep the main compartment organized while in use, and you have to make a conscious effort to put everything back where it came from, otherwise, it ends up a mess in the middle of the bag.
We found the single magnetic button that is intended to secure the contents of the bag to be inadequate. This was a problem we also ran into while utilizing the Timi and Leslie Marie Antoinette. If the bag is even remotely full, the magnetic force is not strong enough to keep the cover of the main compartment secure.
Thankfully, cleaning the OiOi is easy. The treated microfiber fabric repels liquids and can be wiped clean with a soft cloth. We really love that we can pull the interior lining out of the bag, which eliminates messes that are otherwise trapped in the bottom. This became a favorite feature that we found limited only to the OiOi and the Skip Hop Forma.
While the OiOi offers several perks and accessories such as metal feet, a changing pad, stroller straps, a key clip, and an interior pocket for smaller items, we were disappointed to find the included wipes case is made with PVC. You can read more about our feelings regarding the safety (or lack thereof) of PVC in our review of the best diaper bag.
Comfort
This bag did not offer many carrying options and we did not like the fact that you couldn't adjust the shoulder strap to fit different users.
Credit: BabyGearLabStaff
We gave this bag a score of 6 of 10 for comfort. The OiOi weighs 2.3 pounds which is kind of in the middle when it comes to the bags we tested. Where we docked points is for the non-adjustable nylon web shoulder strap. This is strange to us, because every bag we tested that included a shoulder strap as a carrying option (Skip Hop Chelsea, Babymel Amanda Mini, BEABA Stockholm, Storksak Bobby, LeSportsac Ryan, and the Timi and Leslie Marie Antoinette), utilized a strap that was adjustable, and we really like that feature for added comfort. Because the strap is not adjustable, the bag also carries at different spots depending on the height of the user, which could be hazardous to one's back if not carried at the appropriate height.
Quality
This bag earned a 6 of 10 for quality. Initially, we found the overall quality to be quite good, but then we discovered some fabric had split in one of the side velcro-closed pockets (lower right). Fortunately, OiOi has a great warranty, and after disclosing our problem to the company, they offered to send us a new bag.
Shoulder strap detail on the OiOi Messenger Bag.
On closer inspection we discovered that the fabric had ripped in one of the side pockets. While thick and easy to clean, the micro fiber fabric seemed like it would be prone to such tears.
Style
The overall style of this bag is just mediocre, so we gave it a score of 3 of 10. The pattern is very neutral, and it definitely can't pass as a purse.
Best Applications
The best use for this bag would be for anyone that doesn't mind only having the messenger-style carrying option and likes a subtle, toned-down style.
Value
As one of the pricier bags we tested, it lacked much of the quality and versatility some of our less expensive bags had to offer. We would recommend you check out some of the award-winning products like the Skip Hop Chelsea or the Petunia Pickle Bottom Sashay Satchel to find a more suitable choice.
Conclusion
All packed and ready to go. The OiOi closed (tightly) with all of our gear.
Credit: Natalie Hale
Our findings were lackluster when it came to the OiOi Messenger bag. Its inability to adapt, the lack of adjustable handles and carrying options, combined with an expensive price tag, left us wanting more. Overall we found this to be a good diaper bag, but it is by no means great.
