The Best Baby Bag For Twins

Growing your family from one to two children can present all sorts of dilemmas. Do you need a bigger car? A bigger house? How do you entertain your toddler, while feeding your baby for hours on end? And talk about leaving the house with not just one, but two children - it can be an almost military-style operation!

This was the inspiration for Melbourne mama of 3 and founder of Eden & Elan, Shirley Hosking. Pregnant with her 2nd child, she was looking for a nappy bag that would help her pack, sort, and easily find items she packed for each child - and when she couldn't find the perfect bag, she created it herself! After finding success in the US, Eden & Elan is now available in Australia exclusively at One Fine Baby. We spoke to owner Shirley about the inspiration behind the brand, and what makes Eden & Elan so unique....

Tell us about the inspiration behind Eden & Elan. What inspired you to start the business, and where did the name come from?

I was inspired when I was pregnant with my 2nd child and I couldn’t find a nappy bag that could help me pack, sort and easily find items I pack for each child. I’ve found that when packing for two children, I always forgot which compartment I put each child’s items in! I discovered that with a lot of nappy bags, I was having to pull almost all of the items out to find what I’d packed.

My goal with the design is to help parents pack, sort and find items for each child quickly. All you need to remember is which colour compartment you’ve placed each child’s items - it's very easy. It saves time rummaging around the bag one-handed, with baby in the other hand. It’s a clever design that helps make life a little less hectic, so parents have more time to savour every moment.

I chose the name Eden & Elan because Eden means a place of delight and Elan means energy, style and enthusiasm. Children are delightful, and parenting them is wonderful and hectic. I wanted to produce a product that is stylishly designed and clever in function, for on-the-go parents to help make life a little less hectic, so parents have more time to savour every moment.

What makes your baby bags unique?

The dual colour coded compartment design; there’s a design patent application pending in the US to protect my design.

Tell us about the process of design and creating your bag

My major design differentiator is the dual colour coded compartment. I then complemented that central design feature by adding other features that I knew would make it easier for parents, grandparents and babysitters – easily accessible front zip pockets, large baby wipes pocket, a bottom zipped compartment for additional clothes and nappies, and a wire framed opening that stays open when opened, for all the times a parent gets items one handed.

The bag can be attached to a pram and when used as a handbag or messenger bag, the backpack straps can be unbuckled and cleverly concealed in the back section.

What's been a highlight of your business so far?

Success in the US! I launched in the US in May 2019 and the bag has been popular amongst parents of two or more children. I also discovered that the bag really suits parents using cloth nappies because its size can fit lots of cloth nappies, which take up more space than disposable nappies.

I’ve also had customers from Mexico, Canada and the UK, which is really exciting.

Parents have loved taking the nappy bag to grandparents and babysitters, and some of my customers packed it full of newborn items to take to the hospital with their maternity bag.

What are some of the reviews you've had from customers?

“I needed a bigger diaper bag and this is perfect. I have twins so this is great for parents of multiples or more than one child. It’s really nice and sleek and I love the extra storage bags that came with it.” – Birdy R from USA

“Very large diaper bag which is handy when you have twins. I love the color scheme inside. I immediately know what belongs to which twin. Excellent customer service.” – Joanna from the UK

“I love that the bag has two colours inside which makes it easy to keep the boys’ things separated. There’s tons of pockets, two colour-coated bags which can be used for change of clothes and a changing pad. I was able to fill this bag with bibs, burp cloths, change of clothes, blankets, pacifiers, bottles, literally everything I need.” – Shakia T from USA

“Hands down the best nappy bag I’ve purchased! I love all the separate colour coded compartments available for each child and the matching accessories. A must for those mums and dads with 2 kids!” – Perry and Jo K from Australia

“Very spacious and organised! I have a 4 year old, 18 month old and a 4 month old. This bag fits all baby necessities and more!” – Nancy V from USA

What are your personal baby bag essentials? What do you need to take with you when you go out each day?

As a mum of 3, I’m packing for a 5 year old, 3 year old and a 10 month old. Besides the nappies, baby ointment and baby wipes, my nappy bag essentials include a change of clothes for each, water bottles for all and a box of snacks for each child, to keep them happy while I’m flying out the door!

What’s your ultimate mum hack?

I still have two children in nappies and when packing for 3 children, a well-stocked nappy bag is a must. I learnt this after going to a kids party and having a nappy blow-out without a spare change of clothes!

Once we’re home, I re-stock the bag so it’s ready for the next outing. This way the next time we go out, all I need to remember is add water bottles, snacks, grab my latte and we’re ready to go!

Shop Eden & Elan exclusively on One Fine Baby here now.