At a glance:
We love how with this changing bag, style is not compromised – it is sleek, chic and looks like a normal backpack. Inside it is extremely roomy, waterproof and has a unique wet wipe slot for easy access to wipes on the go (genius!). The convertible element of the bag also went down well with our panel of mum testers, who loved the versatility of this bag.
What they say:
“The Robyn bag from Babymel is a versatile 4 way multi bag - wear it as a backpack, shoulder bag, cross body or hand held with the easy to use convertible strap. Lightweight yet durable, this sporty unisex design finished with contrasting faux leather trim, boasts plenty of pockets to organise all baby's essentials. The Robyn includes our Easy-Wipes pocket which has a dispenser slot for pulling wipes through, so you can easily grab a wipe without having to undo zips or dig through your bag - perfect for quick clean- ups on the go! Plenty of pockets to organise all baby's essentials. Made from durable canvas with water resistant backing.”
Tested by mum Victoria Borner for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
Yes! It is such a stylish bag and it can be used right up until they are children. The wet wipe pocket is my favourite feature. It is important to me that the bag also looks stylish as a bag in its own right and this one certainly does! I'd happily take it out and about with no baby in tow too! The mat and bottle warmers are a super added extra and I love the fact that it's waterproof and the bag strap converts from a back pack to a shoulder strap.
How did this product make your life easier?
The wipe dispenser pocket on the side is absolutely genius! The shape of the bag means that everything is accessible whilst out and about – you don't have to worry about digging around for your items. The change mat fits in beautifully because it folds up and is lightweight. You also don't need to worry about the state of baby change rooms when you have your own mat! The bottle warmer is very handy and I love that everything matches.
Would you choose this product to win?
Yes I would. I bought a Cath Kidston changing bag before my little boy was born and I loved the idea of it. It was so pretty, but practically, it falls down in comparison to the Babymel back pack. This is also just as stylish! I actually like the look of it even more than my original purchase. The price was a little high but because it's so stylish and such a trusted brand, I would happily pay the full price. It is also waterproof making it good for rainy days and the odd leaking water beaker!
What changes would you make to this product?
To have a wet clothes zip bag included, as this is an option in some of the other changing bags on the market. I can't think of anything else to improve the product. I think it is of good, durable quality with some very exciting features such as the wet wipe dispenser and the convertible back pack to shoulder strap.
Tested by mum Joanna Stringer for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
The easy open baby wipe pocket was so useful and made it easy to get out a wipe without opening up the whole bag and throwing everything everywhere, while the toddler is making more mess. The fact the bag was waterproof was also hugely useful. The ability to carry it in multiple ways was also something that makes this nappy bag different from all others and meant all mums would be happy using it.
How did this product make your life easier?
I liked this Babymel Robyn Convertible Backpack. The design was great, with more than one central pocket and adaptable straps. It has definitely made my life easier.
Would you choose this product to win?
There are more features in the Babymel Robyn Convertible Backpack nappy bag than most others, including the easy to get to baby wipe compartment, the easy clean surface and the multi-way straps. It was very comfortable when being worn as a backpack and easy to convert between styles. Most other bags have only one of these features - so to have all in one is impressive.
What changes would you make to this product?
Although very useful, it was the texture of the Babymel Robyn Convertible Backpack that let it down slightly. It just felt too rubbery for me, but others may like that. The front pocket also didn't close as securely as I would like considering the amount of things we need to put into our nappy bags to keep toddlers both clean and entertained.
Tested by mum Vicki Anyon for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
Yes I'd definitely recommend this bag - it is so stylish - I don't think anyone would necessarily know it was a changing bag. But, it has all the great features you needs as a mum like easy access to wipes and the changing mat. Also the different ways you can carry it appeals to me.
How did this product make your life easier?
I think the Babymel Robyn Convertible Backpack is great. Having the different ways to carry this bag is perfect as sometimes you need your hands free, so the backpack option is ideal. It is a decent size so you have room for your own things and kids.
Would you choose this product to win?
This bag is definitely a serious contender as style isn’t compromised despite being a changing bag – I wish I had known about this when I had my first child. I know that many people will think that it is just a bag, but the bonus of being able to change how you carry this means it is so versatile and looks great.
What changes would you make to this product?
To be honest, I can't think of anything that I would change. It is a really great product, I would just suggest that it was cheaper to make it more accessible to mums on all budgets.
Tested by mum Nicole Dowson for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I would recommend this product to a friend because it is big enough to store everything baby needs, and because of the great design. The multiple carrying positions are so useful, the wet wipe pocket is great, and the inclusion of a change mat and bottle warmer is thoughtful. It looks fairly stylish and is comfortable to carry.
How did this product make your life easier?
Every parent needs a change bag with lots of pockets and this change bag in particular is very well thought out. It has clearly been designed to make life easier. For example, the very clever handle turns it from backpack to shoulder bag instantly, and the wet wipe pocket is genius - instant wet wipes without searching through the bag!
Would you choose this product to win?
I would probably choose a backpack style carrier next time and so this would be high on my list, but I do think the price is a little high to choose it above all others. It is a stylish and functional option which looks like it would last well even with daily use. There are several different patterns and colours to choose from also.
What changes would you make to this product?
I would change two things actually. One is purely cosmetic - I found the wipe clean outer fabric a little plastic-y on such a quality bag. Functional, but not the most appealing.
The other thing I would change is to make the straps a little comfier for backpack style carrying, as the webbing can dig in when carrying for prolonged periods.
Tested by mum Lisa Walsh for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I would definitely recommend the Babymel Robyn change bag to my friends, family and colleagues if they were looking for a change bag solution to accompany walking children in particular. The bag is extremely roomy and was actually quite difficult to fill, despite me doubling up and using it for two children.
How did this product make your life easier?
I was really looking forward to trialling the Babymel changing bag as my daughter is older now and we seem to use the pushchair less. We usually pop a regular change bag over the handle and so thought a rucksack would be a great idea for families on the move like us. I also liked the idea that this was something that we could both carry.
Would you choose this product to win?
I would definitely choose the Babymel change bag above others on the market if I was looking for a change bag to wear for either myself, my husband or other family members. I particularly liked the compartment to dispense and carry baby wipes whilst out and about.
What changes would you make to this product?
If I had to choose one thing to change it would be the strap, whilst myself and my husband found the bag to be extremely useful when out and about, I think the strap could be improved. It does not sit on your shoulder or across your back like a comfortable sports rucksack.