I’ve whinged a few times now about the state of Dexie’s old change bag. It was a hand-me-down Mamas & Papas bag that had really seen better days.

With a broken zip and a dirty stain that I don’t like to think too deeply about - I couldn’t put off an upgrade any longer. Given Dexie’s penchant for emptying his bag and helping himself to a snack of Sudocrem & Vaseline, I needed a bag that actually closes to deter little fingers from delving in. It was also getting to me that all Dexter’s hygiene products were on show to his mates at playgroup - it’s not a good look is it?!

I recently stumbled across Lara Gill Bags on Twitter and popped across to look at her collection. My criteria was quite simple - I wanted something nice and big that could double as a weekend bag for when Dexter stays over at his nans. I also wanted a simple design that Craig wouldn’t mind being seen with, and something wipe-clean to withstand spills. An absolute must was messenger straps to fit onto the buggy as (as a non driver) I tend to overfill his basket with my shopping.

Well - I’ve found it. Take a look how beautiful this Vlinder Baby Bag is?

This is a Mary Poppins bag if ever there was one! I don’t believe a change bag can ever be too big - babies are hard work and don’t travel lightly (especially my little rascal!). In my Vlinder bag, I can fit in a whole pack of nappies, a change of clothes, all his feeding bits and there’s still room for toys!

It’s also fabulous to have an adult themed bag that I can share with Dexter. Thanks to all the additional pockets (there are roomy zip up pockets on either side of the main section), there’s plenty of room for my keys, purse, and lipstick so I don’t have to lug around my own handbag for short trips. There’s also a coordinating purse for the Vlinder bag for just £11.99 too, to really complete the look.

The oil cloth material is perfect. Both outside and inside is fully wipe clean (as is the change mat) - and the material is reminiscent of the Cath Kidston Spots and Dots we all know and love, but that is fast gaining a reputation for rips and tears. Rather Lara Gill’s bag is really robust - all the seams are tough and double sewn for extra strength.

All Lara Gill’s bags come with messenger straps and hand-held straps so you have the choice how to carry it. Messenger straps are a hit with dads, and in my opinion are essential for a great baby bag. You can pop it over the handles of your buggy to save basket space, and it’s miles easier when carrying a wet grizzly baby to the disabled loos for a pit stop. Of course, you can tighten messenger straps as required to fit your buggy, or detach them completely if they aren’t for you.

At just £34.99, I can’t see them managing to maintain such low prices for long. There also lots of sale items on the website too. I honestly would have paid in excess of £50.00 for mine as it hits every single criteria I wanted for a bag, and will continue to get lots of use when Dexter’s managing big-boy-toilet on his own. If you compare it to some of the other designer bags on the market you really are getting ridiculous value for money.

You might have worked out how in love I am with this bag - I’ve had tons of comments from mums and dads at the park, and I’m rarely seen now without it. From one mummy to another - it’s well worth checking out Lara Gill’s affordable collection and getting one of your own. There’s also pretty weekend bags, lunch coolers, beach bags and more to browse if you’re looking for something girly.

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DISCLAIMER: I was sent my Vlinder bag for the purposes of this review - and I’m genuinely delighted with it. Thanks Lara!