Purell is great stuff, and so are antibacterial wipes. But somehow we always forget to bring them along when we travel, even now that we’re parents and should really own stock in that stuff. Maybe it’s because the large sizes are too cumbersome and the small sizes are – well, too easy to forget?

We’ve come across something that we think we’ll remember to bring along. These soap sheets at Horchow are made for travel, if the fun passport packaging is any clue. Each packet has 20 sheets, and they’re sold in sets of 12 packets: 4 each in lavender, lemon verbena, and fresh linen scents, enough to keep the immediate fam fresh and clean for at least a few journeys. (Organizing a large family group trip? These are great pre-departure gifts to give out.) They do require water, so you might want to keep the antibacterial gel handy for those times when a bathroom isn’t available. Still, we think these are quite cool, fun – and memorable.

www.horchow.com
$60

Diaper bags have come a long way from the days of pink bunnies and blue teddy bears. Check out these options, all lovely enough to have you strutting through airports with flair. You’ll be using these long after baby is out of pullups.

Coach Optic Signature Baby Bag

Comes in pink, blue, black and tan. It has an infinite number of pockets (which we find frustrating but you might love) and the changing pad that makes this a diaper bag versus a regular tote.
www.coach.com
$398

Burberry Close Decorative Shackle Buckle

For Burberry-loving moms, a signature diaper bag; in pvc with nylon lining; includes changing pad.
www.burberry.com
$495

Eva Rocker Diaper Bag by Debbie Rott

Leather bag that comes in an array of colors and celebrity styling: black, tan, red, purple, navy, denim, brown and gold. 6 inside pockets and waterproof changing pad.
www.blissliving.com
normally $310, on sale right now for $295

Audrey Bag by Mia Bossi

This bag performs covert diaper duty, which we love: it has a washable changing pad, a removable insert, and detachable straps for snapping onto strollers. We love the computer insert option to tote the laptop, although for a $1300 bag we think it should come gratis (it’s an additional $54.50). Supple Italian leather with snake skin trim; also comes in glow and orchid.
www.miabossi.com
$1308

Fleurville Diaper Bag

Leather bag shown in Chocolate Luxe; also comes in black, pink and aqua marine. Comes with see-through wipe case, removable insulated bottle holder, and washable changing cloth.
www.fleurville.com
on sale for $197.95

Stork Sak

A great option for dads but cool for moms who want a hip unisex look; in black or espresso tough cowhide leather. Includes leather trim changing mat; a great laptop bag when diaper duty is over.
www.tuttibella.com
$200

It’s your last day of vacation. You’re somewhere warm and lovely on a beach of warm white/pink/black sand. Or perhaps there’s an infinity pool, so named, you think, because you could stay in it until the end of time.

Your flight doesn’t leave until mid-afternoon or evening and you’ve finagled a late checkout, or perhaps there’s a suite you can take advantage of for those odd hours between 11 AM checkout and actual departure. Either way, you’ve worked it so there’s enough time to enjoy one last frolic in the water, all the while pretending that you don’t have to leave your paradise.

Except…

what to do with those soaking wet bathing suits?

Hmmmm…you could stuff them in the plastic laundry bag the hotel usually provides in the closet, but how common. It would be so much nicer to have your own smart-looking wet bag.

Well now you can. Appropriately named “Wet Bag,” the name may not be chic but the style is. Originally designed to hold diaper paraphernalia, these bags come in 3 sizes ranging from small more personal sizes to large hold-the-family-swimwear size. The outside is thick sturdy cotton padded with a polylaminate material, while the inside is, of course, waterproof. There are nine prints to choose from that are appropriate for adults as well as children, and best of all, these bags are completely washable and reusable.

And if you’re bathing au naturel, you can always use your Wet Bag for the body washes, colognes and hair products that you can’t bring on board anymore.

www.minimebabygear.com
$11.95-$17.95