GB2430143A

GB2430143A - Baby changing bag and changing mat

Info

Publication number: GB2430143A
Application number: GB0518786A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kathryn O'reilly
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-09-14
Filing date: 2005-09-14
Publication date: 2007-03-21
Also published as: GB0518786D0

Abstract

A baby changing bag 1 comprising a changing mat 3 and a holder 20, 30, 50 for holding at least one item of baby changing materials. The changing mat 3 is attached to or attachable to the remainder of the bag 1 and may be used for changing a baby when so attached when the bag 1 is in a baby changing configuration. A dispensing area 5 is also exposed when the bag is in the baby changing configuration to allow access to held changing materials.

Description

Changing Bag This invention relates to changing bags.

When a baby needs to be changed away from a home environment it is usual to have a bag to carry a changing mat and materials necessary for changing a baby (for example, nappies, disposal bags, baby wipes etc) as well as perhaps other items.

A problem in transporting all of these items in a bag is that they may get muddled up. The items and changing mat may be difficult to store, transport and/or deploy when needed. It is an aim of this invention to provide a device that eases the storage, transportation and use of the materials and items required for changing a baby.

According to the present invention there is provided a changing bag for carrying a changing mat and baby changing materials, the bag comprising a holder for holding at least one item of baby changing materials and having a baby changing configuration in which the bag can be put when a user is changing a baby.

Preferably, the bag comprises the changing mat rather than merely being arranged for carrying it. Preferably, when the bag is in the baby changing configuration, the changing mat is attached to and extends from the remainder of the bag.

Preferably, when the bag is in the baby changing configuration, a dispensing area is exposed. In such a case the dispensing area may be presented to the user when the bag is in the baby changing configuration.

Preferably, access to the holder is available at the dispensing area. The dispensing area may comprise the holder.

Preferably, when the bag is in the baby changing configuration the dispensing area is in proximity to the changing mat.

A user changing a baby will generally want to access the baby changing materials available at the dispensing area at the same time as supervising the baby.

The more accessible and the closer these materials are to the changing mat on which the baby is to be changed, the easier the task of changing a baby becomes.

Preferably, the bag is arranged so that when the bag is in the baby changing configuration, access to the baby changing materials is provided on or through a wall of the bag which faces in substantially the same direction as does the surface of the changing mat on which a baby would be placed for changing.

Typically, when the bag is placed onto a surface and is in the baby changing configuration, the surface, the surface of the changing mat and the wall (e.g. the dispensing area) will all be facing in substantially the same direction (i.e. upwards).

The bag may comprise a plurality of compartments.

Preferably, the bag comprises a mat compartment for carrying the changing mat.

The bag may comprise an accessories compartment. The accessories compartment may be for carrying baby changing materials and/or other items. A dividing wall may be provided that separates the mat compartment from the accessories compartment.

There is an advantage in separating the compartments for the baby changing materials and/or other items and the mat in that a mat stored in the mat compartment can be deployed from the bag without disturbing the baby changing materials and/or other items.

The holder may comprise the accessories compartment. The holder may be disposed in the accessories compartment.

A wall of the bag may define an aperture. The aperture may be arranged to allow access to material held in the holder. The wall defining the aperture may be the dividing wall. The aperture may be provided in the dispensing area. The dispensing area may comprise the dividing wall.

Preferably, the access to the baby changing materials is provided through the apertures. Preferably, the apertures are located close to an edge of the bag on which the changing mat is attached. Preferably, this edge is located at the bottom of the bag (when the bag is in a carrying orientation). The apertures may be located closer to the edge of the bag on which the changing mat is attached than to an opposite edge.

There may be a plurality of apertures. There may be a plurality of holders each for holding a respective item of the baby changing materials. Each aperture may be arranged to allow access to material held by a respective one of the holders.

The bag may comprise at least one cover for covering a respective aperture. The cover may be arranged to be openable so as to allow access to the baby changing materials. The cover may be arranged to be closable to block access to the baby changing materials.

Where there are a plurality of apertures there may be a cover for each aperture. There may be a plurality of covers, a respective one for each aperture.

The cover may be integral with the material of the bag. The cover may be integral with the wall of the bag defining the aperture, the dispensing area or the holder. The cover may be attached to the wall of the bag defining the aperture by way of a cover attachment means. The cover may be attached to the wall of the bag defining the aperture by way of a plurality of cover attachment means. The cover attachment means may comprise stitching, riveting, magnetic catch, stapling, hook and loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro ), zips fasteners or the like. The cover may comprise a manipulation member for facilitating the opening and/or closing of the cover. The manipulation member may comprise a tag, a loop, a handle, a finger hold or the like.

The cover may comprise a flap of material. The flap of material is preferably dimensioned to be capable of covering the entire aperture. Preferably, the flap of material is arranged to cover the aperture and a surrounding portion of the wall of the bag defining the aperture. Preferably, the flap of material is stitched along one of its edges to the wall of the bag defining the aperture. A hook and loop fastener may be provided for attaching the flap of material to the wall of the bag defining the aperture. The flap of material may carry a first portion of the hook and loop fastener (for example, the hook' portion) and the wall of the bag defining the aperture may carry a second portion of the hook and loop fastener (for example, the complementary loop' portion).

The provision of apertures with respective flaps is advantageous as they allow for easy access to the holders. It is advantageous to allow for the user to open and/or close the covers with one hand as this may facilitate baby changing and may improve safety during changing.

Preferably, the mat compartment comprises a first wall portion.

Preferably, the first wall portion is an outer wall portion. Preferably, the outer wall portion is positionable adjacent to a second wall portion. The dividing wall that separates the mat compartment from the accessories compartment may comprise the second wall portion. The second wall portion may comprise the wall of the bag defining an aperture.

Preferably, the dispensing area comprises the second wall portion. The dispensing area may comprise the first wall portion. The changing mat may comprise the first wall portion. The bag may comprise a secondary mat portion.

The secondary mat portion may comprise the first wall portion of the mat compartment.

The first wall portion may comprise a dispensing pocket. The dispensing pocket may be comprised of meshed material. The dispensing pocket may be elasticated at the opening. Preferably, there are a plurality of dispensing pockets.

The first wall portion may be attached to the second wall portion.

Preferably a first edge of the first wall portion is attached to the second wall portion. The changing mat may be attached to another edge of the first wall portion. Said other edge may be opposite the first edge. The changing mat may be removeably attached or non-removably attached to the first wall portion.

Preferably, the first wall portion is attached to the second wall portion by way of a first joining portion. Preferably, the first joining portion is provided along a first mat compartment edge. Preferably, the first mat compartment edge is located at the lower end of the bag. Preferably, the first and second wall portions are non-removably attached to one another by the first joining portion. Preferably, the first joining portion is hinged to allow the first wall portion to hinge relative to the second wall portion.

Preferably, the first wall portion is attached to the changing mat by way of a second joining portion. Preferably, the second joining portion is provided along a second mat compartment edge. Preferably, the second mat compartment edge is located at an edge remote from the first mat compartment edge, for example an opposite edge. Preferably, the first wall portion is non-removably attached by the second joining portion to the changing mat. The first wall portion may be removably attached by the second joining portion to the changing mat.

There is an advantage is permitting the detachment of the changing mat in that the mat can be cleaned separately from the bag. Conversely, there is an advantage in preventing the detachment of the changing mat in that the addition of a detachment mechanism may be at an additional cost.

The second joining portion may be hinged to allow the changing mat to hinge relative to the first wall portion.

Preferably, the bag comprises a plurality of hinged regions. The first joining portion may comprise a first hinged region. The second joining portion may comprise a second hinged region. The changing mat may comprise a third hinged region. Preferably, each hinged region is parallel to another hinged region.

Preferably, the hinged regions are disposed at substantially equal intervals from one another.

Preferably, the bag comprises a stowed configuration in which each of the hinged regions is in a folded or closed configuration. When in the stowed configuration, the changing mat may be folded up onto itself. The changing mat may be arranged to fold into the mat compartment when the bag is in the stowed configuration. The mat may have a folded configuration when the bag is in the stowed configuration.

Preferably, the dispensing area is covered when the bag is in the stowed configuration. The dispensing area may be defined within the mat compartment.

The dispensing area may be accessible through the mat compartment.

The bag may comprise an engagement device to maintain the folded configuration of the changing mat. There may be a plurality of engagement devices. Preferably, the engagement device is located on the first and second wall portions. The engagement device may be located on the changing mat, the dispensing area, or elsewhere on the bag.

Preferably, the engagement device comprises a fastener. Preferably, the engagement device comprises a zip fastener. The engagement device may comprise a magnetic catch, pop rivet, a hook and loop fastener or other engagement means.

Preferably, the zip fastener is located between the first and second wall portions. Preferably, the zip fastener is located between an edge of the first wall portion and an edge of the second wall portion. Preferably, the zip fastener comprises zipper track and a latching slider. The zip fastener may comprise a plurality of sliders. Preferably, the first and second wall portions are attached to one another along a perimeter. Preferably, the perimeter is defined at least in part by the engagement means. The perimeter may be defined at least in part by the first joining portion.

The dispensing area may be adjacent to the changing mat when the bag is in the baby changing configuration.

Preferably, when the bag is in the baby changing configuration, the changing mat is extended and arranged so that the underside of the mat is not in contact with the bag.

Typically the bag will be deployed on an underlying flat surface. It is therefore preferable to be able to lay the changing mat substantially flush with this underlying surface. This is facilitated by extending the changing mat out from the bag such that the bag does not lie underneath the mat. There are advantages in not locating the mat on top of any region of the bag that may hold items such as baby changing materials; the items located in that region will be inaccessible to the user when a baby is placed onto the mat; the weight of the baby may squash the items; the items may provide an unsuitable underlay for the mat in that the mat may be uncomfortable for the baby and/or the mat may be unstable.

Preferably the changing mat is substantially flat. The changing mat may comprise surface features such as indentations, bumps and/or embossing.

These surface features may be conducive to the comfort of a baby lying on the mat.

Preferably, the mat is of flexible material. Preferably the changing mat comprises a material that is of a type that is conducive to a babies comfort. The changing mat may be padded, matted or laminated. Preferably, the mat comprises a filling material sandwiched between an outer material. The outer material may be arranged to be easily cleaned and may be arranged to be water and/or dirt repellent so as to promote hygiene. The changing mat may comprise materials so as to be washable by hand or in a washing machine. The changing mat may comprise a material that can be folded or rolled.

The bag may comprise materials that allow the bag to be washable by hand or in a washing machine.

Preferably, the holder is dimensioned to hold at least one item of the baby changing materials.

Baby changing materials typically include baby wipes, nappies/diapers, disposal bags, talcum powders and the like. These materials may come in different predetermined sizes and may be pre-packaged.

Preferably, the holder is odour-proof or waterproof Preferably, the holder is arranged to be configured for use with one particular type of baby changing material. Preferably, the holder is arranged to hold the baby changing materials such that the dispensing of the baby changing materials are facilitated.

Preferably the holder comprises a front wall portion. The front wall portion may comprise a dispensing region through which baby changing materials can be dispensed. Preferably, the front wall portion comprises at least part of the wall defining an aperture. Preferably, the aperture is the dispensing region through which the baby changing materials can be dispensed.

Preferably, the holder comprises a back wall portion. The back wall portion may be disposed parallel to and spaced from the front wall portion. The front wall portion and the back wall portion may be linked by at least one side wall portion. The side wall portion may provide a non-detachable link between the front and back wall portions. The side wall portion may provide a detachable link between the front and back wall portions. Preferably, the detachable link comprises a hook and loop fastener.

Preferably a plurality of side wall portions link the front wall portion and the back wall portion of the holder. The side wall portions may divide the holder into a plurality of holder compartments. Each respective holder compartment may comprise a respective front wall portion comprising a respective dispensing region.

Preferably, the holder comprises a bottom wall portion. Preferably, the holder comprises a top wall portion. Preferably, the bottom wall portion is linked to the front, side and back wall portions. Preferably, the top wall portion is linked to the front wall portion. The top wall portion may be linked to the front wall portion by way of a hinged join such that the top wall portion can be hinged to allow access to the inside of the holder. The top wall portion may comprise a top wall portion manipulation member. Preferably the top wall portion manipulation member comprises a tag.

As mentioned above, the bag may have a stowed configuration in which the bag can be put when a user is carrying the bag. Preferably, when the bag is in the stowed configuration the changing mat is in the folded configuration.

Preferably, when the bag is in a stowed configuration, the changing mat does not extend from the bag. When the bag is in a stowed configuration, the changing mat may be rolled or folded within the bag.

Preferably, the accessories compartment comprises a main opening. The main opening may comprise a main cover for covering the opening. Preferably, the main cover is a flap of material. Preferably, the bag comprises an attachment means for maintaining the main cover in a position in which the main opening is kept closed.

The main opening may comprise widening means to allow the opening to the compartment to be widened. The widening means may comprise side openings. The side openings may comprise side opening attachment means to allow selective widening of the main opening. Preferably the side opening attachment means comprises a zip fastener.

It is advantageous to allow provide a flap as the main opening cover as the flap allows quick access into the main opening. The widening of the compartment allows for the better access to the inside of the accessories compartment.

The bag may comprise a bottle holder. Preferably, the bottle holder is within the accessories compartment. The bottle holder may comprise a thermally insulative material. The bag may comprise a dummy holder. Preferably, the dummy holder is within the accessories compartment. The dummy holder may comprise a dummy quick release means. The dummy quick release means may comprise a hook and loop fastener (for example, Velcro ) . The bag may comprise a spoon holder. Preferably, the spoon holder is within the accessories compartment. The bag may comprise a food holder. The bag may comprise a baby clothes holder.

The bag may comprise a miscellaneous compartment. The miscellaneous compartment may be separate from the mat compartment and the accessories compartment. The bag may comprise a purse holder, a keys holder andlor a mobile telephone holder. Preferably, the miscellaneous compartment comprises the purse holder, the keys holder and/or the mobile telephone holder.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of the baby changing bag in a bag changing configuration; Figure 2 is a side perspective view of the baby changing bag of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows the baby changing bag of Figures 1 and 2 with the accessories compartment exposed; and Figure 4 is a side perspective view of the baby changing bag of Figures 1 to 3 in a stowed configuration.

Figure 1 to 4 show a baby changing bag 1. The baby changing bag 1 has a baby changing configuration as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, and a stowed configuration as illustrated in Figure 4. The baby changing bag I comprises a pair of handles 2, a changing mat 3, a dispensing area 5, a mat compartment 20, an accessories compartment 30 (see Figure 3) and a miscellaneous compartment 50 (see Figure 2).

When the bag is in the baby changing configuration as shown in Figure 1, the changing mat 3 is extended out from the bag 1 and out from the mat compartment 20. The mat compartment comprises a first wall portion 21 and a second wall portion 22. The second wall portion 22 acts as a dividing wall 29 between the mat compartment 20 and the accessories compartment 30. the bag comprises a first joining portion 23 which is located at the edge of the mat compartment 20 and joins the first and second wall portions 21, 22.

A zip fastener 7 is disposed around those parts of the perimeter of the first and second wall portions 21, 22 that are not already attached by the first joining portion 23. This zip fastener 7 is for securing the mat compartment 20 closed.

The first wall portion 21 comprises two dispensing pockets 6 located towards an edge of the first wall portion 21 that is remote from the changing mat 3. These dispensing pockets 6 are elasticated along their openings 9 and may be used to store some of the baby changing materials that may be necessary when changing a baby.

The second wall portion 22 comprises two apertures 16 that lead through the second wall portion 22 into holders 10 (described in more detail below) within the accessories compartment 30 of the bag 1. The apertures 16 are each covered by a flap of material 17 and each of these flaps of material have a manipulation member in the form of a tag 19. The flaps of material 17 are attached to the second wall portion of the bag 22 by way of stitching 18.

The dispensing area 5 provides access to baby changing materials when the bag is in the baby changing configuration. In this embodiment, the dispensing area 5 covers an area including the apertures 16 and the dispensing pockets 6.

The bag comprises a plurality of hinged areas. One of the hinged areas of the bag comprises the first joining portion 23 Another hinged area of the bag comprises a second joining portion 24 which joins the changing mat 3 to the first wall portion 21. The second joining portion 24 comprises a zip fastener that allows for the detachment of the changing mat 3 from the first wall portion 21 of the mat compartment 20. This allows the changing mat 3 to be separated from and so be separately washable from the rest of the bag. In an alternative, there may be no such zip fastener and the mat 3 may be permanently attached to the remainder of the bag.

A third hinged region 25 of the bag is located on the changing mat.

As mentioned above, the bag is shown in Figure 4 in a stowed configuration which will be described in more detail below and in which the baby changing mat 3 is folded up and stored inside the mat compartment 20 of the bag.

Storing the mat 3 away involves moving from the changing configuration to the stowed configuration. This is effected by folding the bag at the hinged areas 23, 24, 25 and then zipping up the mat compartment 20 using the mat compartment zip fastener 7.

When folding the mat 3 away, the mat 3 is folded first along the third hinged region 25, then folded at the second joining portion 24 and then the first joining portion 23 is folded. The sides of the first and second wall portions can then be secured together by closing the zip fastener 7.

When the bag I is in the stowed configuration, the bag, the baby changing materials, the changing mat and other items may be carried with ease using the bag handles 2.

It should be noted that whilst Figure 2 shows the bag in the baby changing configuration it does not accurately depict how the changing mat 3 would be laid upon a surface for use. In such a situation, the changing mat 3 would be flush with the surface upon which the bag is resting and the first wall portion 21 would be inclined downwards.

Figure 3 shows the baby changing bag 1 with the accessories compartment 30 exposed.

The accessories compartment 30 comprises two zip fasteners 36 (see Figures 2 and 4). One zip fastener 36 is disposed on each side of the accessories compartment 30 and is for joining the side walls 52 of the accessories compartment together. The accessories compartment has an opening 54 at its top (see Figure 4) and the bag I comprises a main cover 33 which forms a flap of material that covers the opening 54 of the accessories compartment 30. The main cover 33 comprises a magnetic catch 34 allowing detachable securing of one end of the main cover 33 to the bag. The bottom of the accessory compartment is defined by a joining portion 56 that joins the side walls 52.

The two zip fasteners 36 serve as widening means so that the accessories compartment 30 can be opening out in the way shown in Figure 3. The joining portion 56 along the bottom allows the two side walls 52 of the accessories compartment 30 to hinge away from one another so that the accessories compartment 30 can be exposed.

The accessories compartment 30 comprises a combination of holders including pockets and other structures for conveniently arranging baby changing materials. The accessories compartment 30 comprises two dispensing pockets 13 each of which has an elasticated opening 14. The dispensing pockets 13 and the elasticated openings 14 are similar to the dispensing pockets 6 and openings 9 shown in Figure 1.

The accessories compartment 30 comprises the holders 10, accessible via the apertures 16, these are two box-like holders 10 that are used to hold baby changing materials and keep the baby changing materials that are held in each holder 10 substantially separate from the remainder of the accessories compartment 30. This is so that certain materials (for example baby wipes) and their odours can be kept separate from other items in the accessories compartment 30. The holders 10 are arranged so that they may be accessed from the accessories compartment 30 via an opening covered by a top wall portion 12 which is hingedly mounted to the side wall 52 that comprises the dividing wall 29 between the accessories compartment 30 and the mat compartment 20.

The holders 10 are formed by a surrounding side wall portion 58 which has each end secured to the dividing wall 29, a base portion 59 attached to the surrounding side wall portion 58 and the dividing wall 29, and a moveable internal divider 60. Securing straps (not shown) may also be provided within the holders 10.

The top wall portion 12 has a tag 15 which can be used in opening and closing the top wall portion 12.

The accessories compartment 30 also comprises a dummy holder 41. The dummy holder is made from two strips of material stitched to the wall 52 of the accessories compartment 30. The two strips of material hold complementary portions of a hook and loop fastener (e.g. Velcro ) that can be quickly joined and released so as to hold a dummy in place or to release the dummy (not shown).

The accessories compartment 30 also comprises a spoon holder 44. The spoon holder 44 comprises a narrow pocket stitched to the side wall 52 of the accessories compartment 30. The accessories compartment 30 also comprises a baby bottle holder 38. The baby bottle holder 38 comprises a pocket of material 39 stitched to the side wall 52 of the accessories compartment 30. The material 39 of the baby bottle holder is made from a thermally insulative material.

As mentioned above, Figure 4 shows the baby changing bag in a stowed configuration. In this configuration, the changing mat 3 has been folded up and stored within the mat compartment 20. The zip fastener 7 disposed along the top and sides of the mat compartment 20 has been zipped shut so that the closed zipper track and the first joining portion 23 form a closed perimeter around the mat compartment 20. The zip fastener 7 comprises two latching sliders to allow more choice in opening and closing the compartment.

The bag also comprises a miscellaneous compartment 50. The miscellaneous compartment 50 is intended to hold items that are preferably kept separate from the baby changing materials and the other items that may be kept within the accessories compartment 30. Items that may be kept inside the miscellaneous compartment include items such as a set of keys, a purse and a mobile telephone. Holders may be provided for such articles.

When the bag is in the baby changing configuration, the baby to be changed will be laid on to the changing mat 3. Depending on the size of the baby, the baby may rest entirely on the changing mat 3 or partially on the changing mat and partially on the first wall portion 21 of the mat compartment 20. The first wall portion 21 of the mat compartment 20 comprises an area 28 that is suitable for supporting a part of the baby (for example, the head of the baby may rest on part of the first wall portion 21). Thus the first wall portion 21 may comprise a secondary mat portion.

With the bag in this configuration and the baby laying on the mat 3, the person changing the baby may access materials held in the various holders 6, 10.

In particular the user may lift the covers 17 to access wipes or cotton wool held in the box-like holders 10 via the apertures 16 and access other items such as a clean nappy and a disposal bag from one of the pockets 6.All of this may be achieved without having to open the accessories compartment 30 or the miscellaneous compartment 50 by merely opening the mat compartment 20 and folding out the mat 3.

Claims

1. A changing bag for carrying a changing mat and baby changing materials, the bag comprising a holder for holding at least one item of baby changing materials and having a baby changing configuration in which the bag can be put when a user is changing a baby.

2. A bag according to any preceding claim, arranged so that when the bag is in the baby changing configuration, a dispensing area is exposed.

3. A bag according to claim 2 wherein access to the holder is available at the dispensing area.

4. A bag according to claim 2 or claim 3 arranged so that when the bag is in the baby changing configuration the dispensing area is in proximity to the changing mat.

5. A changing bag according to any preceding claim wherein the bag comprises the changing mat.

6. A changing bag according to any preceding claim arranged so that when the bag is in the baby changing configuration, the changing mat is attached to and extends from the remainder of the bag.

7. A bag according to any preceding claim wherein the bag comprises a plurality of compartments.

8. A bag according to any preceding claim wherein the bag comprises a mat compartment for carrying the changing mat.

9. A bag according to any preceding claim wherein the bag comprises an accessories compartment.

10. A bag according to claim 9 when dependant on claim 8 wherein a dividing wall is provided that separates the mat compartment from the accessories compartment.

11. A bag according to any preceding claim wherein a wall of the bag defines an aperture which allows access to material held in the holder.

12. A bag according to claim 11 when appended to claim 10 wherein the wall defining the aperture is the dividing wall.

13. A bag according to claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the bag comprises a cover for covering an aperture.

14. A bag according to claim 13 wherein the cover comprises a manipulation member for facilitating the opening andlor closing of the cover.

15. A bag according to any preceding claim when appended to claim 8 wherein the mat compartment comprises a first wall portion.

16. A bag according to any preceding claim when appended to claim 8 wherein the mat compartment comprises a second wall portion.

17. A bag according to claim 16 when appended to claim 15 wherein the first wall portion is positionable adjacent to the second wall portion.

18. A bag according to claim 16 or claim 17 when appended to claim 11 wherein the second wall portion comprises the wall of the bag defining an aperture.

19. A bag according to any preceding claim when dependent on claims and 16 wherein the first wall portion is attached to the second wall portion.

20. A bag according to claim 19 wherein a first edge of the first wall portion is attached to the second wall portion.

21. A bag according to any preceding claim when appended to claim wherein the changing mat is attached to an edge of the first wall portion.

22. A bag according to claim 21 when dependent on claim 20 wherein the edge on which the changing mat is attached to the first wall portion is another edge different from the first edge.

23. A bag according to claim 22 wherein said other edge is opposite the first edge.

24. A bag according to any preceding claim when dependent on claim wherein the changing mat is removeably attached to the first wall portion.

25. A bag according to any preceding claim when appended to claims and 16 wherein the first wall portion is hingedly joined to the second wall portion.

26. A bag according to any preceding claim when appended to claim 15 wherein the first wall portion is hingedly joined to the changing mat.

27. A bag according to any preceding claim wherein the bag comprises a plurality of hinged regions, the bag has a stowed configuration, and the bag is arranged so that when in the stowed configuration, each of hinged regions is in a closed configuration.

28. A bag according to claim 27 arranged so that when the bag is in the stowed configuration, the changing mat is folded up onto itself in the mat compartment.

29. A bag according to any preceding claim when appended to claim 2 wherein the dispensing area is adjacent to the changing mat when the bag is in the baby changing configuration.

30. A bag according to any preceding claim in which the holder comprises a front wall portion, which front wall portion comprises a dispensing region through which baby changing materials can be dispensed.

31. A bag according to claim 30 when dependent on claim 11 wherein the front wall portion comprises at least part of the wall defining an aperture.

32. A bag according to claim 30 or claim 31 in which the holder comprises a top wall portion that is linked to the front wall portion by way of a hinged join such that the top wall portion can be hinged to allow access to the inside of the holder.

33. A bag according any preceding claim when appended to claim 9 wherein the accessories compartment has a main opening which comprises widening means to allow the opening to the compartment to be widened.

34. A bag according to any preceding claim wherein the bag comprises at least one of: a bottle holder, a dummy holder, a spoon holder, a food holder, a baby clothes holder, a purse holder, a keys holder, and mobile telephone holder.

35. A bag according to any preceding claim wherein the bag comprises a miscellaneous compartment.

36. A bag substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or shown in the accompanying drawings.