The Best Baby Diaper Bags

Buying Guide for Baby Diaper Bags

Why buy a diaper bag? 

You’ll inevitably need to leave the house after bringing a newborn home. When you do, it’s important to be prepared with the basics and for the unexpected. Diaper bags can be considered as parental preparedness kits. You can put hygiene products like wipes, diapers, and diaper cream to bottles, toys, pacifiers, a changing pad, and an extra change of clothes (trust us on this one) inside your diaper bag since you just might end up needing all of those things while you’re out with baby.

What should you consider when buying a baby diaper bag? 

• Size: Pick something that will accommodate all of the diapers, wipes, gadgets, toys, snacks, and accessories that you need to take along with you. If you have multiple young ones to care for, you might want to get a larger diaper bag to accommodate more.
• Sets: A set can be ideal to have smaller and larger bags for shorter and longer trips, respectively. You might just need something small for quick trips to the store, but when it comes time for a long day of travel, you’ll be glad to have a larger diaper bag, too.
• Style: Do you want to throw it over one shoulder or slip it on your back as a backpack? Both options are available; it will come down to what makes you more comfortable. Also, consider if both parents will be using this bag—you might want a style that you’ll both like.
• Additional Changing Station: Some bags come equipped with a built-in changing station; this is ideal for taking care of those surprise blow-outs or diaper changes away from home.
• Storage: If you like to keep your things super organized, opt for a bag with lots of pockets for division.

Do you need to sacrifice fashion for function? 

Not anymore! Diaper bags have gone through a major revamp in the last 20 years, and the bulky, black nylon bags and hook-and-loop straps of yore are long gone. Think of it as your new everyday purse, because you’re rarely going to want to take a purse in addition to the diaper bag. Luckily, there are many stylish diaper bags out there that can accommodate your purse essentials as well as your baby essentials.

Our Picks for the Best Diaper Bags

Pros: This backpack has impressive storage capacity with 16 pockets and two large compartments. Some pockets are conveniently sized for specific items like bottles and diapers. You can even zip it and unzip it with one hand. It has easy-grab handles and custom D-rings, so you can carry it by hand or hang it from your stroller if you don’t want to wear it. The gender-neutral style is suitable for both moms and dads, and it comes in several colors, so there’s a style for just about everyone. The lightweight material is waterproof for extra durability and peace of mind.

Cons: Some customers noted that the zippers can get caught and come apart.

Bottom Line: This unisex baby diaper bag is classic and ultra-functional with its capacity and features. Plus, backpacks are generally much easier on shoulders and backs than cross-body bags, so this is a fantastic pick for parents who use public transportation or walk with their children often.

 

Pros: Not everyone wants a diaper bag that looks like a diaper bag. And you know what we mean—cute baby animals, pastels, and an awkward design that’s not actually travel-friendly. This diaper bag looks like a discreet backpack in gender-neutral hues and is all business. it features plenty of compartments and even has a charging port so that you don’t have to worry about your smartphone or tablet dying when you’re on the road.

Cons: Although the majority of the reviews are positive, a common complaint we did see was that the straps aren’t as durable as some might like. If you’re the type that likes to overfill your bags or is rough on items, you might find yourself needing to replace it.

Bottom Line: For those tired of overly cute diaper bags, this low-profile and gender-neutral alternative means no one has to do a walk of shame with an embarrassing bag. It screams convenience, especially if you travel often.

 

Pros: This is an elegant backpack-style diaper bag. It sets itself apart from others with a more feminine silhouette, but it doesn’t skimp on any of the functionality. It has ten internal and seven external pockets, a portable, cleanable changing pad, and rubber feet to keep the bag upright.

Cons: This is less gender-neutral than other bag options. Some felt that the bag started to fall apart after regular use.

Bottom Line: While this won’t work for every family as an everyday diaper bag, it is a gorgeous and nifty diaper bag offered in several trendy but unique designs. It’s great for fashion-forward families looking for a high-quality bag.

 

Pros: While this bag is a more traditional style, it’s built with tons of modern amenities. The tote option also allows for even more capacity than messenger or backpack-style bags, and it doesn’t require as much fiddling with zippers. It includes a changing pad, a bottle holder, a wet wipes case, and more. This is a great all-in-one buy.

Cons: Tote bags can cause some discomfort on the shoulders when extremely full. And with all of those accessories, you’ll lose storage room.

Bottom Line: This option is perfect for parents who want a one-and-done shopping solution for diaper bags and their accessories. And each piece in the set comes in an adorable print.

 

Pros: The most exciting feature of this diaper bag is the expandable crib/changing pad area. By expanding the bag, you have a walled pad that makes nap time on the go easy and prevents rolling away during diaper changes. It’s also made from durable materials that naturally repel dirt.

Cons: Even though it has collapsible poles to create the crib structure, they are still a little clumsy to put together and take apart. Additionally, because of the extra crib area, the bag is considerably heavier than most diaper bags.

Bottom Line: If you want a bag that can double as a place to sleep or change your baby, you can’t beat this unique design. It’s a diaper bag with impressive features.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right baby diaper bag can be a daunting task when there are so many great options now available to parents. Be sure to consider your family’s daily needs, like where you’ll be going most often, which parent will be the primary user, and any extras that are important to you and your little one. We hope this list has helped to make your shopping experience a little easier as you prepare for a newborn or shop for a loved one.