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 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. A diaper bag not only provides you with all the space you need to keep these items on hand but ensures they won’t have to take up room in your regular purse or shoulder bag.

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 diaper 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, especially if you’re not in a spot with easy public restroom access.
• Storage: If you like to keep your things super organized, opt for a bag with lots of pockets for division. This will allow you to keep the wipes in one slot, the diapers in another, and so on, so you know where everything is at any given moment instead of constantly digging through the bag to find what you need.

Do you need to sacrifice fashion for function? 

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’s essentials.

Our Picks for the Best Baby 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. And there are only two insulated pockets, which can limit the number of items you’re able to pack and bring along.

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: A common complaint about this bag is 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 them. As a result, this diaper bag is not the best choice for carting heavier items.

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 a spacious and elegant backpack-style diaper bag. It sets itself apart from others with a more feminine silhouette, but it doesn’t sacrifice functionality in favor of looks. It also features 17 total pockets, including two insulated pockets for bottles and patent-pending feet that keep the bag clean and upright when on the ground. The bag comes with attachable stroller straps and a changing mat and can be carried as a traditional backpack or by the built-in handle. Additionally, it comes with a vegan leather tassel for added style.

Cons: This is less gender-neutral than other bag options, so some parents may find it limiting in terms of who can use it. Some buyers have also reported that this bag started to fall apart after regular use, which is concerning considering the bag’s purpose is to carry and store baby essentials. The bag’s material is not the highest quality material, either, especially considering its price tag.

Bottom Line: This is a gorgeous and functional diaper bag that is ideal for fashion-forward parents. It’s not only designed with the practical needs of parents in mind by providing ample space and compartments to store baby essentials but also complements your style, making it the perfect blend of aesthetically pleasing and functional.

 

Pros: While this bag is a more traditional style, it’s built with tons of modern amenities. The tote option allows for even more capacity than the messenger or backpack-style bags, and it doesn’t require as much fiddling with zippers. A changing pad, a bottle holder, a wet wipes case, and more all come included with your purchase. And since it’s a five-piece set, it offers extra organization since you can keep the diapers in the main bag, wipes in one of the smaller bags, a change of clothes in another, etc. Overall this diaper bag set is a great all-in-one buy.

Cons: Tote bags can cause some discomfort on the shoulders when extremely full, and this model is no exception. Especially if it’s filled to capacity, this will make the bag quite heavy and harder to carry or sling over your shoulder.

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, matching print in several different color options.

 

Pros: The most exciting feature of this diaper bag is the expandable crib and changing pad area. When this bag is expanded, it creates a walled pad that makes it easy for your baby to nap on the go and prevents them from rolling away while you’re changing your diaper. Thus it’s a multifunctional diaper bag that also doubles as a safe space for your baby. Additionally, the bag is made from durable materials that naturally repel dirt, making it a low-maintenance option that’s easier to keep clean. Also notable is the high quantity of pockets this bag possesses, providing you with not only extra storage space but superior organization capabilities as well.

Cons: Even though it has collapsible poles to create the crib structure, the poles are still a little clumsy to put together and take apart, so don’t expect to assemble them quickly or efficiently. Additionally, due to the extra crib area, this bag is considerably heavier than most diaper bags, which may be a deal-breaker if you value a lightweight and portable diaper bag.

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. Its features make it an excellent choice for parents who value multifunctionality and organization over anything else.

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.