Mamami by Chet Shivali

By Published On: May 30th, 2011

From across the pond comes one of the most innovative […]

Mamami by Chet Shivali diaper bag
From across the pond comes one of the most innovative changing bags on the market: the Shivali, designed by UK company Mamami by Chet.
I don’t know why it took this long for someone to come up with such a masterpiece, but I’m glad it happened during my baby-having lifetime. This is not your mama’s diaper bag, for sure!
The number one wow-factor regarding my Shivali bag is how easy it is to see and get to everything. Large zipper pulls are cleverly built all the way around the sides of the bag so it opens flat and wide (like an oyster or a book). All of the interior pockets are made of clear plastic, so from the moment the bag is opened, the contents are visible and easy to access. No more digging around for things lost to the bottom of the dark diaper bag abyss.
On one side of the bag interior is a large zipper pocket that comes with a snap-on divider/extension panel for further organization of your baby goods. This pocket has plenty of room for fitting diapers and wipes, baby clothes and burp cloths, or bottles and food. There are also three open pockets on the other internal side of the bag, perfectly sized for diapers, wipes, bottles, food—however you decide to arrange things. The functional design of the bag actually makes organization a breeze. I’m over the moon about this!
The Shivali comes with a cushioned, washable changing mat, which can be folded compactly down to pocket-size (although I prefer to fold it only in half and store it in the middle of the bag, leaving more room in the pockets for other goodies.) Also included: a lightly padded bottle carrier as well as a small, clear plastic, snap-shut bag that’s great for storing pacifiers or snacks or other random items. These accessories fit perfectly into the interior pockets.
The entire inside of the bag is water-resistant and thankfully, primed for repeated wipe downs. Not only is it easy to clean, it’s super cute and covered in a whimsical floral pattern that provides a really nice, balanced contrast to the bag’s chic exterior … which brings us to my second favorite aspect of the Shivali: its fabulous style.
As practical and baby-oriented as it is on the inside, the Shivali is exquisite and mama-focused on the outside. Made of a combo of sparkly and matte silver leather, as well as sturdy silver details, this bag exudes modern elegance. I feel really fashionable carrying it around since it doesn’t scream, “Diaper bag!” The well-thought-out design extends to the bag’s hip exterior. It’s solidly built and reinforced with 5 metal feet. There are two magnetic snap-shut pockets on the outside of the bag. The front pocket is beautifully detailed with leather pleating and contains an interior cell phone pocket large enough to hold a smartphone. The back pocket is also roomy and just as convenient for easy access. The bag comes with a removable shoulder strap that can easily be hung across stroller handles.
For its incredible organizational ability alone, not to mention its sleek style, the Shivali is worth every penny and will last long past your diaper duty days.
Price: $455
To buy: mamami.co.uk