Diaper bags still carry diapers, but the stylish, multifunctional totes moms carry today are a far cry from yesterday's cumbersome counterparts.
These days, diaper bags are often mistaken for handbags or messenger bags.
Ashley Davenport, co-owner of Bellies & Babies, a maternity and children's store in Riverview, said moms want diaper bags that serve double duty.
"There are so many options on the market today -- satchels, double bags, shoulder bags, backpacks and stroller bags," she said. "Many moms have more than one (bag), depending on their plans for the day."
Mrs. Davenport, the mother of a 3-year-old and 9-month-old, said she uses two bags.
"When I have both children with me, I carry a bigger bag. ... If I just have one child with me, the list is about half the size and the bag is half as large."
Shuttle Clips, which allow bags to easily attach to a stroller, were patented by Skip Hop, a New York City-based company.
"Shuttle Clips are a big part of diaper bags today," Mrs. Davenport said. "Bags can be secured to the back of a stroller so that you can keep your hands free."
Despite their new modern look, diaper bags still get mixed reviews from men, Mrs. Davenport said.
"I think most dads would rather carry a single diaper and some wipes than a diaper bag," she said. "But our backpack option has done well for men."
Chattanoogan Katrina Beets Craven, mother of a 10-year-old and an 8-month-old, said her husband carries a diaper bag specifically designed for dads.
"He does his share of baby hauling and diaper changing," she said. "(He) has a DadGear courier bag in black that he likes a lot."
Mrs. Craven said she prefers a bag that's not too big.
"It has to be big enough to hold everything I need, but not so huge that I'm tempted to overpack," she said. "It can't look too much like a diaper bag."