Skip Hop Duo Deluxe Review

The Skip Hop Duo Deluxe is a lightweight, classic diaper bag (1.6 lbs) made of durable poly-canvas with tough construction. There are 10 different patterns from which to choose, many masculine enough for dad to be comfortable carrying. It is a good bag for day trips, but not big enough for longer than that. For travel days which require extra diapers, wipes, a few burp cloths, changes of clothes, snacks, and toys, this bag really gets stuffed to the hilt for one child. The interior is quite deep with a narrow opening, so when all pockets are full, particularly the 2 zippered pockets on the very top, access to the interior is difficult and there isn't enough room. It is much easier to use the 2 top zippered pockets for storing a few thinner items and things you don't want to lose, but using the interior for bulkier items like diapers, wipes, and clothes. Skip Hop does make a Duo Double Diaper Bag (List price $80) for twins or more than one in diapers.

The Duo comes with zippered and magnetic closures. Only the cell phone pocket has a velcro closure (there is also velcro on the changing pad closure and the padded shoulder strap panel). However, when the main compartment and the 2 insulated pockets on the exterior are both full, the magnets do not close properly, allowing for things to fall out of the bag when tipped over. Also, the insulated pockets do not close when a 9 oz bottle or regular-sized sippy cup is inside. Beware of using glass bottles here! There is alternatively an external mesh pocket with cinching closure in which you can carry a sippy or bottle, but there is no insulation or padding.

There is an adjustable, removable strap with a padded panel allowing the Duo to be worn on the shoulder or across the body. Unfortunately, there is no grip to the back of the padded panel so when worn over the shoulder, the bag tends to slip off. So, by default, those with narrow shoulders and frame will likely be wearing this bag across the body unless they choose to go without the padded panel which is an option as it is attached by velcro, so it can easily be removed if desired. There is also a clandestine tote handle on the side which you can grab with your hand. The adjustable stroller clips can hang on the inside of the bag when not in use or stay clipped into the patented shuttle clips. However, we nor the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association recommend using stroller clips due to the risk of the stroller falling backward when a bag is hung from the back of the stroller's handle(s).