Whether you’re running errands with your baby, setting out for the day or the weekend for Grandma’s or just strolling around the park, the right diaper bag can be a sanity saver. This multitasking must-have can function as a portable diaper changing station, a food court to go, a clean-up caddy and a media center–and it can double as your purse or your briefcase.

Although basic babyish bags–think totes with nursery characters–are still an option, you’re got a lot more styles to choose from these days—and that’s the problem. There’s so much selection. Deciding can be a matter of trial and error and that can be expensive. I should know. I went through four diaper bags in various configurations before I settled on “the one” and wiped “Hm, maybe this diaper bag is better?” off my mental shopping list.

The latest diaper carryalls appeal to mom’s design sense and dad’s desire to share the load. Size matters. Babies may be tiny, but they’re stuff magnets and you need plenty of room to stow it all. Construction, comfort and quality of the compartments for everything can also make the difference between a fab diaper bag–and a dud.

Beyond these practicalities, in my quest for perfect diaper bag, I came to the conclusion finding just the right diaper bag can be a matter of “purse-onal” preference. In fact, I’d venture to say that many of us fall into one of seven basic diaper bag “purse-onality” types. Which one are you? Take my non-scientific quasi-quiz to find out!

Type 1: You’re a frill seeker

Sure, you’re sopping up spit-up and dealing in diaper do-do. Still, you refuse to give up your stylin’ ways. You want a diaper bag that’s fashion-forward enough to “go” with certain outfits, blend in with your wardrobe or stand out enough to express your individuality.

You know you’re one if: You want a diaper bag that functions well. Still, style rules. It’s the look that counts! And a highish price isn’t necessarily gonna stop you.

Suggestions of diaper bags for frill seekers:
(bags that make a style statement)

Petunia Pickle Bottom Glazed City Carryall Diaper Bag—Frolicking in Fez
Kalencom Bellisima Diaper Bag
timi & leslie Kate 7-piece diaper bag set

Type 2: You’re super cents-ible

Frills, schmills. The look of the bag is far from your main concern. For you, it’s cost. You want a diaper bag that has everything, such as large, front outside pockets so you can grab essentials such as diapers and wipes and your cellphone quickly, an insulated bottle holder and separate, spacious interior compartments to help you stay organized. Your motto: Substance over style—at a rock-bottom price.

You know you’re one if: You’ve been known to stretch the limits. For example, you think nothing of using a tea bag more than once.

Best diaper bags for super cents-ible types:
(good bags under $40)

Graco Nyssa Collection 6 Pocket Tote Diaper Bag
Fisher-Price Fastfinder Diaper Bag with Locket Feature
Carter’s Zip Fashion Diaper Bag
SoHo Collection, Times Square Tote Bag Set

 Type 3: You’re a hands-on dude with a growing brood

Why should your wife/girlfriend/partner have all the diaper bag fun? You want to get in on the action. You want a diaper bag that’s practical with all the features, such as a roomy interior compartment for the changing pad and more diapers, pockets for gadgets and water, an adjustable shoulder strap that won’t dig in and fabric that wipes clean (a must for all diaper bags), but in Dad-friendly designs.
You know you’re one if: You’re all for equality, but grabbing a girly diaper bag from mom isn’t your idea of a good time.

Suggestions for diaper bags for dads:
(diaper bags with a masculine or unisex vibe)

Dad Gear Backpack Diaper Bag
Diaper Dude Messenger Diaper Bag for Dads
Lillian Rose Diaper Bag, Building the Daddy Foundation
Daddy Depot Messenger Diaper Bag

STRUCTUREbags

Type 4: You’re a packing over-achiever

You want to be ready for anything—snack attacks, diaper blow-outs, pre-nap meltdowns and messy meals out—or you’ve got twins or small kids of different ages—and you need a brute of a diaper bag to get the job done.

You know you’re one if: You’ve gotta have anything you could possibly need for your baby with you at all times. And you don’t mind lugging around a packed (read: heavy) diaper bag because hey, it’s a workout! Your motto is “more is better.”

Diaper bag suggestions for packing over-achievers:
(bags with extra room)

Ju-Ju-Be Be Prepared Diaper Bag (Cobalt Blossums)
Skip Hop Versa Expandable Diaper Bag
KOSOX Houndstooth Big Size Mommy Bag/Diaper Tote Bag
Skip Hop Grand Central Take-it-all Diaper Bag
Prince Lionheart Diaper Bag

Type 5: You’re a backpack/messenger bag buff

With a baby on one arm, you don’t want a diaper bag on another. Rather, you want a bag that leaves your arms free, such as a backpack, sling or messenger style bag with a diagonal strap.
You know you’re one if: You know you’re shouldering enough already! And you like the idea of carrying a diaper bag that doesn’t look like one so you can go from parent to professional and use it long after your baby is out of diapers.

Suggestions for backpack/messenger bag buffs:
(diaper backpack and messenger bags)

SWIFT Changing Station Diaper Bag
Alpha Sherpa Diaper Backpack
okiedog Sumo Diaper Bag (options for both backpack and messenger bag)
Graco Gotham Smart Organizer Back Pack
Bag Nation Diaper Bag Backpack

Type 6: You’re a consumer with a cause

You want a diaper bag that does it all; for example, it’s gotta have plenty of pockets and compartments to help you stay organized when you’re out and about–but you also want it to help others.

You know you’re one if: You love the idea of helping the world one purchase at a time. Your diaper bag’s gotta give back.

Suggestions for philanthropic diaper bags:

FEED Diaper bag—each one sold provides a year’s worth of micronutrient powder to a mother and child in need.
Bowie Baby Bag—every bag sold benefits Every Mother Counts.
Skip Hop diaper bags—benefit charities such as Baby Buggy and the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.
TWELVElittle Carry Love Tote—benefits Every Mother Counts.

Type 7: You’re a planet parent

For you, a diaper bag shouldn’t just be fashionable and functional. It’s gotta be eco-friendly, too.

You know you’re one if: You like the idea of a diaper bag made from recycled components. In fact, eco-friendliness is high on your list of diaper bag feature must-haves.

Suggestions for ecofriendly diaper bags:

Lassig Green Label Neckline Style Diaper Bag—Lassig’s Green Label line is made from CyclePET, a special polyester fabric from 100-percent post-consumer recycled PET bottles
Diaper Dude Messenger II Bag—from recycled PET bottles.
Bumbleride Diaper Bag—fits nicely on the back of a stroller; made from recycled PET bottles.

What to Look for in a Diaper Bag–Overall

Use your purse-onality type to help you narrow the diaper bag field. But no matter what you’re type, be sure to look for:

–Durable fabric both inside and out that wipes clean, such as nylon, waxed canvas or polyester. Warning: Vinyl can crack in cold temps.

–A light interior so you can easily see what you’re digging for.

–Lots of interior and exterior pockets and compartments for storage, including insulated bottle and water bottle pockets, a pocket for your cellphone and a removable pouch for wet items.

–a water-repellant changing mat.

–Stroller hooks or shoulder straps that are long enough to attach the bag to your stroller.

–Adjustable shoulder straps, especially the bag will go from dad to mom and vice versa.

By Sandra Gordon Copyright Sandra Gordon Writing Resources LLC 2015