Today’s dads are more hands-on than ever before and their involvement is being rewarded with parenting gear designed with men in mind. Many items that have typically been designed for the maternal side of the parental equation are now being introduced in masculine styles, colors, and fabrics, including diaper bags, baby carriers, and strollers.

For many parents a diaper bag is such an essential part of baby’s first years that it only makes sense to give daddy his due – one simply cannot expect a man to tote around the little one’s belongings in a feminine diaper bag with dignity and enthusiasm. In that scenario dad will spend more time trying not to be seen than attending to baby.

The selection of a diaper bag for dad is dependant on many factors, but for those new to the game we offer these simple pointers:

•If in doubt, go for function over form, but get as close to your idea of the perfect marriage of both as possible.

•Consider where and when you’ll be using you diaper bag most often – trips to the park, for example, will require a more durable exterior, (water resistant is always a plus), than, say, daily trips to day care or indoor events.

•A changing pad is almost a requirement if you’ll be out and about with baby. One diaper change without one in a public place and you’ll know what we mean.

•The number of pockets and compartments you’ll want are dependant on your personal needs, (do you tend to take everything but the kitchen sink or travel light?), but we recommend at least one or two pockets on both the exterior and interior of the bag, and preferable at least one with a zipper or closure.

•Determine the carrying style you are most comfortable with – most men opt for a backpack or messenger style diaper bag, and some diaper bags convert from one to the other. We’ve found that the backpack style bags and messenger bags worn across the body leave hands most free for dealing with baby. Adjustable straps allow you to get the most comfortable fit for your body.

•Consider the extras. Again, depending on your personal style and needs you may wish to look for these items in a diaper bag: wipe case, wipeable and/or washable bag for soiled items, insulated bottle holder(s), external pockets for baby bottles, sippy cups, or your own water bottle, carbiner clip for keys.

Designer diaper bags for men run the gamut from basic black messenger style diaper bags for under $55 to sports-themed diaper bags such as celebrity favorite Timi & Leslie’s Magic diaper bag made from authentic basketball leather to Diaper Dude’s rock and roll guitar diaper bag and everything in between. With the growing array of choices on the market, isn’t it time the papa in your life got a brand new bag of his own?