Getting out and about with Zip and Zoe bags by Babymel

There comes a point in a parent's life where getting out and about start to become slightly easier. Going anywhere with two kids can sometimes seem like a military mission leaving me rather tired by the end of it. I'd usually have a pushchair, a heavy, full change bag and an endless amount of other things which i'm usually left carrying. However, this all changed when the girls starting to carry their own things.

No one ever warned me about how much stuff I'd end up carting around with me with one kid, never mind two, when everything doubles. My change bag was usually bursting to the brim and my back was rather sore after a trip out.

Eva and Ophelia are now at an age where they can both carry a rucksack so when Babymel asked if we'd like to review some bags from their Zip and Zoe range, I couldn't say no. They have a range of uniquely designed backpacks, lunch bags and drinking bottles which are all suitable from ages from 1+. 

I allowed Eva to choose her own bags. She loved doing this. She browsed the selection and opted for a Pink Colour Block Bag and a Daisy Dragon Face lunch bag.

I also allowed her to choose one for Ophelia. She chose her the Daisy Dragon castle.

Eva's backpack is suitable from ages 3+. She adores pink and purple so the colour block style really caught her eye. It also matches pretty much everything in her wardrobe. It has a large main compartment, side bottle pocket and a small front pocket. The straps can be adjusted easily. It also came with a keyring toy.

Ophelia's mini backpack is suitable for ages 1-4. It's a lot smaller than Eva's but it's a perfect size for her. The main zipped compartment area is big. The shoulder straps are padded for extra comfort. There is a musical tag on the bag although I can't tell you what it plays as ours didn't work. The best feature is the safety harness/reins which are detachable. 

Their lunch bag is super cute. It has PEVA lining, is thermo insulated and is wipeable.There is a loop which you can place a drink in which is handy. The feature I love the most is the grab handle. You can attach it to a pram and simply unclip it. It's ideal for grab and go picnics at the park etc.

I recently used the bags on two big days out. One being at Peppa Pig World and one at Folly Farm. The bags had all of our lunches in for the day. Eva did amazingly well at carrying hers all day which had drinks, crisps, sandwiches and snacks in for herself, me and hubby. Ophelia only managed to carry hers for short periods of time which is understandable. 

The reins in Ophelia's backpack are very helpful. She is at the stage where she likes to walk/run off but she's still at the toddling stage. It's a great way of letting her feel like she has some independence and also making sure she doesn't fall over. 

Both girls use their bags for school and nursery too. Eva loves the fact that hers is unique and by that she means that no one else in her class has the same one. It makes it easier for her to find at the end of her school day.

We're all really pleased with the bags. They stand out, look cool and are fairly unique in design compared to others. They are very well made and they still look relatively new considering we have been using them a lot over the last couple of months. 

Babymel also do a great range for parents too. They have lots of changing bags that have caught my eye. This new one which is being released in May is gorgeous, Anya. It looks stylish and quite designer.