Your baby is going to need a ton of stuff after he’s born. Every time you leave the house it will feel like a major undertaking with all the things you’ll need to take.
Before long, your diaper bag will be an invaluable lifeline to your sanity. You’ll have all the essentials your baby will need in there.
But choosing a diaper bag isn’t going to be easy. It’s a bit like purse shopping, which as we all know, can take forever. You need to examine every little feature before you finally make a decision.
When you’re searching for the best diaper bags, be prepared to spend some time going over your choices to ensure you get the one that best suits your needs.
- Crumb drain keeps bag clean
- Multiple insulated pockets
- Convertible to messenger bag
- Holds three slim bottles
- With special pocket for wet items
- Water-resistant oxford material
- Modern, stylish design
- Easy to clean
- Bottom insulated compartment
- Stands alone
- 2 multi-purpose storage cubes
- Easily attaches to any stroller
- Perfect for airplane travels
- 17 separate compartments
- Protect against mold, mildew, and bacteria
- Easy-to-reach cell phone pocket
- Bag is BPA- and phthalate free
- Cushioned changing pad included
Product Reviews
Here are 13 great diaper bags to consider.
Bag Nation Diaper Bag
Best Diaper Backpack
This bag has all your bases covered. It comes with stroller straps, a changing pad, and a sundry bag. Made out of twill polyester, this bag offers durability and it’s water-resistant, which will be nice in case of rain or spills.
It also has a whopping 14 multi-sized pockets, which will make it easy to organize. You’ll be able to keep your baby’s dirty cloth diapers well away from his clean bottles with this many compartments.
An insulated pocket in this bag will hold multiple bottles at once.
When you’re carrying it, you’ll be sheltered somewhat from the weight by the padded shoulder straps.
Pros
- Manly-looking enough for your baby’s father to use.
- Enough pockets to keep everything clean and organized.
- The stroller straps will save you a lot of heavy lifting — you can just attach it to the stroller.
- You could use this as a real backpack after your small kid days are over.
Cons
- It’s a bit on the expensive side.
Our Ratings
AllCamp Zebra Diaper Bag
Best Large Diaper Bag
This nylon diaper bag comes with a changing pad, and it has more than ten pockets both on the inside and outside of the bag. It has a zipper closure for the one main compartment. You can put bottles in the three insulated pockets.
A larger exterior pocket is great for putting wet items in, and it keeps them away from the clean, dry things in the interior part of the bag.
It also comes with straps that hook onto the stroller, and it has shoulder straps that are padded. The material is easy to spot clean if it gets dirty.
Pros
- Roomy bag.
- Waterproof.
- The color of this bag will go with most of your outfits.
Cons
- Pricier than some other bags.
Our Ratings
JuJuBe BFF Multi-Functional Convertible Diaper Bag
Best Convertible
Are you at the point in life where your diaper bag is full of snacks? Whether you’re supplying an entire playgroup or just making sure both you and your baby can get through a long day, this diaper backpack is a great choice for carrying food.
Two insulated pockets can keep bottles warm or cold, but you’ll also be able to put in cut-up fruits and veggies or juice. You’ve got plenty of room pockets and padded compartments to help keep your essentials away from any food items, especially phones or tablets you don’t want spills getting on.
Our favorite part, however, is the unique crumb drains. Even if crumbs get inside the back, you’ll be able to shake them out easily from the bottom. No more trying to clean nooks and crannies with a cloth.
This backpack can also be converted into a messenger bag with the included strap.
Pros
- Crumb drain helps keep the bag clean and your items safe.
- Includes multiple insulated pockets for food and bottles.
- Converts easily into a messenger bag.
Cons
- Others mentioned that the bag compartments were too small.
Our Ratings
HaloVa Multi-Function Diaper Bag
Best for Breastfeeding Mamas
Breastfeeding is no easy task and moms need all the help they can get. This is especially true when you’re trying to pump on-the-go or from work. Luckily, this diaper bag has everything you need to safely store bottles and breastmilk.
The front compartment features a multi-layer insulation material and three separate bottle pockets. Another compartment was designed specifically for holding wet items. Side pockets and multiple interior pockets also allow you to carry anything and everything you need.
Best of all, the entire bag is made of a waterproof Oxford fabric. If a little milk or water gets onto the bag, wipe it away easily.
Moms will also love the beautiful, sleek design and all of the 16 color options. We’re especially fond of the soft pink and mint green styles. You can carry this bag as a purse with the included handles or as a backpack.
Pros
- Front compartment holds three slim bottles.
- Includes a special pocket for wet items.
- Choose from 16 fashionable colors.
- Made of water-resistant Oxford material.
Cons
- Doesn’t include any stroller attachments.
Our Ratings
Iniuniu Diaper Bag Backpack
Best Unisex Diaper Bag
This diaper bag comes with a diaper changing pad and stroller straps. It also comes with a wet bag so you can toss any soiled cloth diapers or wet clothes in and it will protect the other contents of the bag.
Made of water-resistant polyester nylon, this bag gives you easy access to all your items with a number of handy outside pockets. It also has a cell phone pocket on the outside.
If you need to get some work done and you have extra space in the diaper bag, it also will hold tablets and laptops. There are two water bottle holders on the side.
Pros
- You can use this as a regular backpack once your early parenting days are done.
- It is roomy and has large easily accessible pockets.
- The fabric is soft.
- The dark color won’t show stains that will develop over time.
Cons
- The fabric is thinner and easier to tear than some other diaper bags.
- The bag is shorter so it rides high on your back, which doesn’t make it super comfortable for carrying all day.
Our Ratings
Petunia Pickle Bottom Axis Backpack
Most Stylish Bag
Moms who love to feel stylish and fashionable will appreciate the sleek modern lines and shiny accents of this bag. You’ll feel great carrying it wherever you go, including to the office or more formal events.
The top half of the bag features a spacious compartment with one interior pocket. The bottom section is actually an insulated compartment for storing bottles or food. You also get two exterior pockets, an insulated pocket, and a general front-zippered pocket.
For a modern, yet classy look, the colors are black and white with some pretty unique accents. We love the leather trims and zipper pulls with copper-colored hardware. It’s a great combination of white and black.
Best of all, these stylish materials are easy to clean. The main bulk of the bag is made from special glazed cotton canvas. To clean it, all you have to do is wipe it down with a rag.
Pros
- Moms will love the modern, stylish design.
- All materials are easy to clean.
- Bottom insulated compartment is great for bottles.
Cons
- Not a lot of sections or pockets.
Our Ratings
Kate Spade New York Ellie Quilted Diaper Tote Bag
Best Luxury Diaper Bag
This bag is made of nylon. Its black tone can be used to pair for any outfit.
Measuring about 18 inches high and 12 inches wide, this bag can accommodate all of your baby essentials. It also has full length slip pocket. Apart from that, it also comes with a good-sized changing pad.
Just as many other bags have, this one has two outside pockets which will work well for holding bottles, and another horizontal zip pocket at the back for easy access of essentials.
Pros
- It comes with a changing pad.
- This bag will hold up well over the years.
- Stylish for moms who are concerned about fashion.
Cons
- Super expensive.
- The bottle pockets aren’t insulated.
Our Ratings
Skip Hop Forma Diaper Backpack
Best Stand Alone Bag
If you’re constantly packing and unpacking your diaper bag, this is a great option for you. Not only is it spacious, but the special standing feature allows the bag to stand on its own. You’ll be able to put things in and take things out without the entire thing collapsing on you.
This is a great feature for moms who want to stay organized without adding extra stress. The numerous pockets and compartments will also help.
The front compartment includes two multi-purpose cubes for storing items, such as bottles, baby wipes, food, or some of your mom essentials. One is insulated and one features a mesh panel. The interior of the bag is also spacious and features elasticized interior pockets.
If you like to take your stroller out a lot, it’ll also attach easily. Just use the included stroller straps alongside the cushioned shoulder straps. You’ll have everything you need within reach while keeping the bag secure.
Pros
- Stands alone for easy packing and unpacking.
- Includes two multi-purpose storage cubes.
- Easily attaches to any stroller.
Cons
- The shoulder straps aren’t as padded as they could be.
Our Ratings
JuJuBe B.F.F The First Lady Diaper Bag
Perfect Size
Moms who travel will love this dual purpose carry on and diaper bag. It’s even been designed specifically with air travel in mind, so you know it’ll fit where it’s supposed to. Because it’s so large, it holds everything both you and your baby need.
Choose from 17 different storage compartments, including a mommy pocket, sunglasses holder, and a key fob stretch cord. All are convenient for moms; you won’t have to worry about fumbling for your essentials ever again. Insulated pockets keep bottles at the right temperature and easy to grab.
The entire bag is treated with a special Teflon coating so stains won’t stick. It’s also resistant to mold, bacteria, and mildew. If you do need to wash the bag, simply throw it in the washing machine.
Whether you travel a lot or travel a little, this bag will get you where you need to go.
Pros
- It’s the perfect size for carrying on an airplane.
- Includes 17 separate compartments and pockets.
- Treated to protect against mold, mildew, and bacteria.
Cons
- The bag may get heavy when full.
Our Ratings
Skip Hop Messenger Diaper Bag
Best Diaper Bag for Twins
This classy looking bag has a convertible shoulder strap that can hook onto the back of a stroller, which will give your tired arms a much-needed break. The material used can take a beating and will last for years.
With ten pockets, you’ll be able to stay on top of the essential needs for two babies with a little bit of planning and organization. It has two outside pockets to make baby bottles easy to access when you most need them without tearing apart the contents of the rest of the bag in a frantic search for them.
You can either carry it as a messenger bag or as a tote bag. The main compartment has a zipper closure.
Pros
- It has an easy-to-reach cell phone pocket.
- It offers a good mix of exterior/interior pockets.
- The bag is BPA- and phthalate free.
- It includes a cushioned changing pad.
Cons
- Its length may pose trouble in rummaging the bag.
- It’s so big that it can be a bit much for a shorter person to carry.
Our Ratings
BabbleRoo Waterproof Diaper Multifunction Backpack
Best Travel Diaper Bag
This bag is a powerhouse for traveling because it also serves as a changing station. The changing station option is particularly nice because using the bathroom changing stations while you’re traveling is gross. They never seem to be clean.
The bag has 18 sections and two insulated compartments. It has everything that you will be looking for in a diaper bag; a backside pocket, pocket with keyloop, baby wipes pocket, it even has a detachable pacifier holder. Every piece has a place in this bag.
When you’re not using it, it folds up and fits nicely into any small space.
Pros
- Great versatility with this diaper bag.
- Easy to spot clean.
- Easy to store when not in use.
- 18 practical pockets.
- Attaches easily to stroller.
Cons
- May not have the most durable handles out there.
- The wipe compartment only fits a tissue pack and not the standard one.
Our Ratings
Lekebaby Diaper Tote Bag
Best Tote Diaper Bag
This bag has an interesting pattern. It’s not the type of diaper bag that will fade into the background — it’s a show-stealer. The bag is made of waterproof nylon and uses a zipper to close.
There are seven interior pockets that are smaller in size and are insulated. Four pockets are on the outside of the bag, including two pockets for bottles on both sides of the bag. It also includes straps that can be used to hook it onto a stroller. You’ll also get a changing pad with this.
Pros
- This bag is lightweight.
- It is very inexpensive.
- It has a lot of pockets both on the inside and outside.
Cons
- The shoulder strap isn’t padded.
- The drawstring isn’t easy to cinch.
Our Ratings
SoHo Diaper Luxury Diaper Bag Set
Best Diaper Bag Set
This bag is brightly colored and has an interesting pattern. It’s not the type of diaper bag that will fade into the background — it’s a show-stealer. The bag is made of waterproof nylon and uses a drawstring to close.
There are seven interior pockets that are smaller in size and are insulated. Four pockets are on the outside of the bag, including two pockets for bottles on both sides of the bag. It also includes straps that can be used to hook it onto a stroller. You’ll also get a changing pad with this.
Pros
- 7-piece set includes everything a mom and baby could need.
- Multiple stylish colors are available.
- Extra-wide openings let you see everything inside.
Cons
- The material isn’t super easy to clean.
Our Ratings
Types of Diaper Bags
There are lots of different types of diaper bags and it can be overwhelming when it comes to choosing one. You have to consider many things, including who will use it, how much you’ll be carrying, and how many kids you have.
Diaper bags can come in many styles, including:
- Backpack: Frees up your hands and provides equal weight distribution.
- Tote: Has two long straps so that you can carry the bag over your shoulder.
- Messenger Bag: Has one long strap. Can be worn over one shoulder, or crossbody.
- Diaper Clutch: Is small and portable. Usually only able to fit the bare essentials.
How to Choose a Diaper Bag
If this is your first baby, there are likely some things you haven’t considered when it comes to selecting a diaper bag. And there might be other factors that you are already well aware of and that you’re unwilling to compromise on. Knowing what you want in a diaper bag will make your selection process much easier.
Here are some of the things I considered when buying my diaper bag.
Style
Trying to find a bag that won’t scream to the rest of the world that you’re a mom can be a challenge. We may be moms, but that doesn’t mean we automatically have to embrace looking frumpy or unstylish. I wanted a bag that reflected my own personal style because as a new mom you can feel as though you are losing your identity a bit (1). It was important to me to remind myself of the person I was before I became a mom.
Cost
Some diaper bags are outrageously expensive. But keep in mind — expensive doesn’t always mean better. And, at the end of the day, it’s just a diaper bag. It’s not worth the price of making a car payment. But on the other hand, I wouldn’t buy the cheapest bag you can find, unless you’re totally in love with it, because it might not last as long as you need it to. You should consider buying a middle-of-the-road bag that has both quality and affordability.
Material
Do you want something soft, or a diaper bag that’s a bit more durable? Are you looking for something that will be easy to clean? If you are, you may want to stay away from certain types of material that will be harder to clean when something inevitably gets spilled on it. Because, believe me, at some point, something is going to leak into or onto your bag.
Compartments
A variety of compartments, both big and small, is one of the single most important features in a diaper bag. You need small compartments for things like pacifiers, toys, and teething rings that will get lost in the bag’s big compartments. And you want more than one compartment to keep things like clean bottles away from dirty clothes and soiled cloth diapers. Compartments help you stay organized.
Easy to Carry
Ideally, your diaper bag will have the kind of straps that will make it easier for you to carry around — whether it’s handle straps or a big strap you can put up on your shoulder. If you feel uncomfortable while lugging it around, you should look for a different one. You’re going to be spending a lot of time carrying this thing, so you might as well be comfortable with it.
Size
Some moms like a big diaper bag that can fit everything they’ll ever need. Other moms like things a bit on the smaller side so they don’t have to add a few more pounds to what they’re carrying every time they leave the house. I personally liked larger diaper bags, especially for vacations, weekend getaways or day trips.
Color
That bright pink diaper bag with the crazy pattern might be eye-catching, but you need to think about your wardrobe before you make any rash color choices. If the diaper bag clashes with most of your outfits, you shouldn’t get it. You might want to look for one that has more of a neutral color that will go better with most of your clothes.
How it Closes
Do you want a zipper top or a snap top, or a diaper bag with drawstrings? If you go with a zipper top, you can have difficulty getting it to zip up when you’ve got everything in there. But a zipper top also means you won’t have things falling out of your diaper bag. I can’t count the number of times my diaper bag tipped over in my car while I was driving and spilled everything onto the floor because I didn’t go with a zipper top.
Waterproof Lining
I wholeheartedly believe a waterproof lining is a staple in a diaper bag. Your baby is going to wet through clothes that need to be stored in your bag until you get home. Plus, bottles often leak, and if you don’t have waterproof linings, they’ll leak all over everything else in that bag.
Dad-Friendly
One final thing to consider before ordering your bag is whether your baby’s daddy plans to carry around the diaper bag too. Chances are, he’ll have to do it at some point. How will he feel about carrying around a girlish-looking diaper bag? Will he feel like he has to turn in his man card to his friends when they see him lugging around what looks like an oversized lady’s purse?
If you want to spare him the torment of being emasculated, you could opt for one of the unisex diaper bags they have on the market. Or, you can order the girliest diaper bag you can find and have fun watching him squirm.
Diaper Bag FAQs
Is a Diaper Bag Worth it?
Think of a diaper bag as an investment in your baby’s comfort as well as your peace of mind. It lets you to carry all the usual essentials your baby needs while you’re out and about, making it easier to take care of your little one on the go.
Also, a good diaper bag can help keep you organized, making it easier to find what you need quickly.
What is the Difference Between a Diaper Bag and a Regular Bag?
While a regular bag might be able to hold all the items you need for your baby, a diaper bag is designed specifically for this purpose.
They have multiple compartments and pockets for optimal organization, plus features like insulated bottle holders and changing pad pockets. Diaper bags are usually made from durable and easy-to-clean materials, too.
What Can I Use Instead of a Diaper Bag?
If you don’t want to, or simply can’t, invest in a diaper bag, there are some alternative options for you. A large tote bag or backpack can work wonders as a makeshift diaper bag, as long as it has enough options for organization.
What Should I Keep in My Diaper Bag at All Times?
The items you toss in your diaper bag will depend on your baby’s age and needs. Some common essentials can be diapers, wipes, a changing pad, a change of clothes, bottles or formula, snacks, and a small toy or book to keep your baby entertained.
How Much Should You Spend on a Diaper Bag?
The price of a diaper bag can vary widely, with some options costing as little as $20 and others costing over $200. It honestly depends on the store, brand, and quality.
While you can find good diaper bags at any price point, a mid-range option in the $50 to $100 range is a good investment for most parents.
Where are Petunia Pickle Bottom Bags Made?
Petunia Pickle Bottom bags are designed in California and manufactured in China.
How Do You Disinfect a Diaper Bag?
To disinfect your diaper bag, first, empty it totally. Wipe down the interior and exterior with a safe disinfecting wipe or spray.
Let the bag air dry completely before restocking it with clean items. This helps avoid musk and mold. You can also wash some diaper bags in the washing machine but be sure to check the care instructions first.
