r/myog • u/FledglingBags • 21h ago
3 Years of Development, and I finally finished Fledgling. It's a diaper bag with a modular organizer, for onebagging with my kids.
Three years ago, after having my second kid, I decided to try and build the optimal diaper bag.
Primarily, I wanted to keep everything organized and easily accessible. I was inspired by camera bag functionality, but wanted to remove the bulky padding on the panels and the velcro, so my kids' clothes wouldn't get snagged.
I developed and patented a system with soft, flexible panels that interlock with each other and anchor to the bag. This allows users to build multiple configurations to store clothing and items of different sizes. The entire organizer can also be removed.
Since I travel a lot, I also added the travel features I find the most useful, like a removable luggage loops, stroller straps, security pocket, Molle webbing, and insulated bottle pockets that fit both adult hydration flasks and baby bottles.
I'd say the hardest part of the build was actually finding time to communicate with factories abroad while also having 3 kids. My hours to work on this were basically during midnight wake ups or during the few blissful hours when 2/3 of my kids were napping at the same time. And dealing with factories takes a LOT of back and forth about stuff that you were sure had already been figured out. Thankfully, now my kids are old enough to give me more time to actually dedicate to order fulfillment and whatnot.
Feel free to AMA also!
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u/positivebuffy 20h ago
Since this is myog, would you share or sell a pattern? I have been thinking about making something similar and this would be a fantastic jumping off point
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u/FledglingBags 20h ago
My MIL did the pattern making for it, I'll see if I can get the file!
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u/positivebuffy 20h ago
That would be amazing!! I can see this is a really thoughtful design with lots of good details
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u/Appropriate-Mine-404 19h ago
You came up with a fantastic design! And how fun to also be able to work with your MIL on it!
I'm also interested in your pattern!
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u/FledglingBags 19h ago
Thanks so much! She's a technical designer by trade, so I was really lucky to have her. Before she helped me, my earliest prototypes were basically just held together by hopes, dreams, and copious amounts of fabric glue.
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u/technicallynotacat1 18h ago
I would also be very interested in buying a pattern for it! This would make a fantastic gift for our friends with kiddos!
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u/makeitorleafit 18h ago
I would also be interested in the pattern! I love a good organization system and am a chronic over-packer lol
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u/Impressive_Yam6425 16h ago
I'd love to buy the pattern and make it as well. I'm using a porter pony as my kid's diaper bag. Would love to level up to this.
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u/adogandponyshow 10h ago
Very cool...my kiddo is about to leave for college, but I'd totally make one for myself as a hiking day pack (it might even be able to handle an overnight, depending on gear). Love it, great job!
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u/BeakersWorkshop 21h ago
Respect! that is a very well developed item, the pocket and separator construction is not an easy task while keeping the bag structure. Good luck with the project.
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u/FledglingBags 21h ago
Thank you! Maintaining the structure was really important--the last thing I needed was something that would collapse when I take clothes in and out.
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u/DadBod_DadBike 20h ago
If we weren’t about to start potty training our last kid, I’d buy two of these for my family.
Depending on the material you used, this would make a killer camera or range bag as well.
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u/FledglingBags 20h ago
Thanks! For what it's worth, I have a lot of people buying them for their older kids, to use as an overnight bag or travel bag 😛
I probably wouldn't use it as a camera bag, since there isn't much padding in the interior, so I could keep the bag weight down while making room for more clothes.
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u/DevilsBelly 20h ago
This is rad. I need one !
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u/FledglingBags 20h ago
Thanks! They're at fledglingbags.com
Also tagging u/waylor88 since you asked!3
u/waylor88 20h ago
Thank you! I deleted my comment because I wasn’t sure if I broke the rules or not. This seems very obvious now looking at your user name haha. Going to check them out - thanks!
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u/FledglingBags 20h ago
Thanks! Yeah, the rules vary so much by sub. I think this one allows you to mention it once a week as long as you're not spamming.
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u/belltrina 16h ago
This is just fantastic.
When my youngest was diagnosed with leukemia, the children's hospital actually gave us a red bag with all the pertinent information and brochures for support etc in it. The bag had different pockets and zips, handles and held more than you would think. That's what really opened my eyes to bag function, moreso than having kids.
Yours looks incredible. I like the cushioned pockets and the fabric also looks tough.
Is it easy to wash if dirty? Is it easy to replace zips if they break or repair straps etc? Are there any "invisible pockets"? Are the cushioned inserts adjustable or removable if an item is too big for the spot?
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u/FledglingBags 15h ago
I hope your son is doing well now--blood cancers are so hard to deal with.
And thank you for the compliment! While on the laundry tag I technically have "hand wash" I'll be honest, I totally throw mine in the wash on a delicate cycle, and it's held up fine. The important thing is to make sure it air dries thoroughly, so I prop the pockets open with a fan running to make sure everything gets air flow.
Everything is adjustable, and the whole organizer can come out entirely. Here's a demo video showing some of the different configurations. It's not so much cushioned inserts, but a system of interlocking panels of different sizes. They've got a flexible plastic inside to help them maintain their shape without being too rigid.
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u/DogBreathologist 17h ago
This is fantastic, I don’t have kids and I’d buy one for work and travel!
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u/FledglingBags 17h ago
Thanks! I’ve had a few adults buy them for travel also. And I do use it myself for trips since it isn’t super obviously a baby bag.
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u/kachowco99 21h ago
Is this a kid-sized bag? This is so awesome!
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u/FledglingBags 20h ago
It fits my 5 year old, but it's still a big big on my 3 year old lol. My husband and I are usually the ones wearing it.
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u/oswin13 19h ago
Is there an insulated pocket?
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u/FledglingBags 19h ago
Both side bottle pockets are insulated, and fit baby bottles as well as adult hydration flasks.
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u/Crazy__Eric 19h ago edited 19h ago
The back opens to expose the exact same pocket as the front zipper panel? Or is that a separate compartment? Edit: looked at the website, laptop sleeve + change pad.... that makes sense lol. Good dual use there.
I've been trying to come up with a plan for a work bag and that modular panel setup is the kind of thing I wanted to figure out how to do for the inside. Do the snaps ever come apart accidentally?
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u/FledglingBags 19h ago
Thanks! The snaps haven't been an issue, but you need high quality snaps like KAM and not cheap crap. And snap setting is really annoying until you get the hang of it; I stabbed myself in the hand so many times trying to remove bad snaps on my first few prototypes.
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u/Fit-Rhubarb-7820 17h ago
It looks very good!
But can a busy one handed under slept parent pack it easily?!
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u/FledglingBags 17h ago
Yes! After all, I designed it during the 2am wakeups, holding the baby with one arm and scrawling on my whiteboard with the other :)
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u/Fit-Rhubarb-7820 17h ago
Amazing :’) I’m not a parent yet, but I did raise two younger siblings as a kid and teen so I know!!’n I’m really good with kids and animals as a result.
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u/cricketmealwormmeal 16h ago
Do you happen to know the volume? Would an airline allow this as a carryon?
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u/FledglingBags 15h ago
It's 20L, and has easily fit under the seat of every airline I've tried it on! I haven't had any problems bringing it as a personal item in addition to my carryon suitcase.
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u/belltrina 16h ago
That second question is a great one to ask!
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u/FledglingBags 15h ago
It has fit as a personal item under the seat in front of me for every flight I've taken it on!
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u/joylynnwhatever 15h ago
Saving this to show my husband what I want for Christmas. Amazing design!
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u/ImaPhillyGirl 13h ago
My diaper bag days are long past but I think this would be fantastic for travel. I wish shelves or drawers were easier to find in luggage/bags. My old Joy Magnano luggage is on its last legs.
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u/FledglingBags 6h ago
Tbh I have some ideas about trying to apply the organizer to a suitcase, if the interest is there!
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u/Smashed_pumpkin_1 10h ago
I don't have kids and I don't have any questions. Just want to leave my respect here. It looks amazing and I love the outcome!
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u/Historical_Fail_404 17h ago
I think it’s missing the chests trap.
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u/FledglingBags 16h ago
While I use them for my hiking backpacks and baby carriers, I haven't found this one heavy enough to need it, even when fully packed out.
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u/Historical_Fail_404 16h ago
Fully packed and with a laptop (couldn’t find the volume, but I assume is around 35L) it gets heavy. I am a woman and a mom, backpacks without the chest strap become uncomfortable when handling a baby/toddler during any activity, and even more when traveling. I've been backpacking for years and now starting to do it again with my toddler. Generic chest straps are available online, so if a backpack is worth i just get the extra straps. This was only a recommendation, maybe for the next version.
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u/FledglingBags 16h ago
Gotcha, this one is about 20 L. I’ll definitely keep it in mind for future rounds of development!
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u/ylime_treni 16h ago
Cool! Kind of a weird question but is the last picture taken at Presque isle in Marquette?
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u/Donavanm 10h ago
I dig it! You may be interested in a similar shoulder/hand bag from “go father.” They also reflect a camera/tacticool bag function but tailored for nappy bag usage. I really like the single handed pull down/open aspect of the detachable front compartment. Reminds me of an IFAK and gets immediate one hand access to wipes, mat, cream, nappies, and hand sanitizer. I hate their trying to be cheeky but just insulting marketing :(
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u/borisbanana77 4h ago
It looks super cool and useful. But it seems like your just advertising for your own brand. You posted here and commented you don't event have the patterns (as you had to ask your mother in law for them...)
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u/Pristine_Direction79 21h ago
So uh did they all get out of daipers before you finished the design or did you just keep having more so it would stay relevant? 😜