Best Diaper Bags: Pampers Parents Help You Pick!
When you're out and about with your baby, you don't want to be thinking about what you might have left at home. Instead, you want to be prepared with everything right on hand you might need for your little one, such as extra diapers, wipes, and pacifiers. Plus, you also want those essentials on hand that you need, like your phone. This is why having the absolute best diaper bag should be a priority. But with countless different kinds on the market these days, deciding which one to buy can be hard.
Read on to find out what kinds of diaper bags are available, and which features you should look out for when buying one. To help you choose the right one for you, more than 4,500 Pampers Parents voted on the best diaper bags, and many of them shared some useful tips, too. Keep reading to discover the top-rated diaper bags.
Why You Need a Great Diaper Bag
Right now you may be thinking to yourself: Why do I even need a diaper bag when I can use any old bag or even a canvas tote? But when you make a list of everything you need to carry for your baby, you'll soon realize why it's a great idea to have a dedicated diaper bag with lots of pockets and compartments to help you stay organized.
Some of the items you'll need to pack in your diaper bag include diapers, wipes, tissues, diaper cream, any medicine your baby takes, an extra set of clothes for your little one, a pacifier, a burp cloth, and bottles. You might even like to toss in a toy or two to keep your baby occupied. Depending on whether you’d like to carry another bag or have everything in one spot, you might also want your diaper bag to have room for necessities such as your wallet, phone, or tablet.
What Kinds of Diaper Bags Are There?
There are so many different styles of diaper bags available to suit different preferences and needs. For example, you might like a backpack-style diaper bag the best — it leaves your hands free so you can attend to your baby with one arm while grabbing something else with your other arm, for example. Or, you might prefer the kind of bag that you can sling over your shoulder, also freeing up your hands to multitask.
Here are some of the most common types of diaper bags:
Backpack diaper bags. The best feature about this style of bag is that you have complete use of both your hands. With quite a few of the models, you can't even tell it's a diaper bag because it looks just like a sports backpack with multiple compartments and pockets. Look for those diaper bags that also have a large and strong carry handle for when you need to pick it up.
Messenger diaper bags. These models look just like a standard messenger bag from the outside, hiding all your baby's supplies on the inside. Sometimes referred to as sling bags, the messenger-style diaper bag is designed with an adjustable strap that can be slung over the shoulder or worn across the chest. This style might be appealing for professional moms and dads because it can be mistaken for a work bag. Some models can even fit a laptop.
Tote diaper bags. This style resembles a very large women's handbag or pocketbook with straps and handles that can be slung over a shoulder or carried by hand. Many designs feature multiple pockets and compartments.
Convertible diaper bags. These versatile styles offer you multiple options, as they can be converted into a backpack or messenger bag depending on your needs for the day. They are ideal if you can't decide on which type you like best or if you know you’ll have a use for both styles. Most convertible diaper bags also have handles for carrying like a briefcase.
Stroller handlebar diaper bag attachments. Some diaper bags are designed with stroller loops or straps that can be hung from stroller handlebars. However, when the bag is heavy, it can cause the stroller to tip backward, endangering your baby. Check with your stroller's manufacturer whether the handlebar can bear the weight of a diaper bag. Ideally, when you're not holding or wearing your diaper bag, it's best to keep it in the basket that's under the stroller.
What to Consider When Buying a Diaper Bag
When deciding which diaper bag is the right one for you, consider the following features and aspects:
Solid construction. If you can, go for a diaper bag with reinforced seams, which might help the bag last longer and hold up better after machine washing (if the material is machine washable). Stress points on the bag, such as those around shoulder straps and handles, should have rivets or reinforced sewing. The hardware should be heavy-duty plastic or metal. Zippers with large teeth and pull tabs are easier to use. Avoid bags with magnetic closures, which can come open easily if your bag is overstuffed. A flap cover is a plus, providing another layer of protection over a zippered closure.
Lots of storage. Pockets and compartments, both inside and outside, add lots of functionality to any diaper bag. You may also want a convenient space to keep your wallet or phone, too. Some diaper bags may even feature an insulated section for keeping your baby's bottle warm or cold.
Comfortable straps and handles. You'll want to make sure the handles function as they should. With a tote-style bag, if the handles are too long, the bag could drag on the ground; if they're too short, the bag may not fit comfortably over your shoulder. The straps on a backpack should be padded and comfortable to wear. For messenger-style diaper bags, the single strap should be wide and comfortable. For the best comfort, choose a diaper bag that has adjustable straps.
Durable and easy-to-clean material. There are a multitude of choices when it comes to materials, from natural fabrics to coated, modern ones. Some designer diaper bags are even made out of faux leather. Vinyl is not the best choice as the material can crack after some wear and tear. Make sure you choose a bag with a durable exterior and with an easy-to-clean interior fabric such as nylon or microfiber.
A color that suits your lifestyle. This is a personal preference. Bags in pastel colors and with patterns like animals and baby toys tend to look more obviously like diaper bags. But there are also designs that look more like a fashion item and not like a diaper bag at all. These diaper bags might be more appealing for moms and dads who would prefer the bag seamlessly fit with their normal day-to-day style. The choice is yours. Browse a few different products and see what you'd prefer to carry with you each day. Diaper bags in darker colors or with busy patterns are great for hiding dirt and stains. When it comes to this factor, the bottom line is: Do you like it? Will you be happy carrying this bag around, day after day?
Not too heavy. This is an important factor, because once your diaper bag is fully stocked it’ll get quite heavy. Before buying, check how much the diaper bag itself weighs. It might be a good idea to go for one of the lighter options if you plan on carrying the bag on your shoulder or back for longer stretches.
The right size for your needs. You don't want a diaper bag that's too big or too small. If the bag is too big, you might find yourself overfilling it or not finding what you need quickly. It might also be harder to lug a large bag around. If the bag is too small, then you'll soon discover there's not enough room for everything you need to have on hand.
A style you’ll be able to carry with ease. Think about which style will work best for you. If you prefer a backpack diaper bag, look for one with a sternum strap that can help uniformly distribute the weight of the bag and save your back from strain. If you think you wouldn’t like to wear the diaper bag, then a tote-style bag might be a good choice. Keep it stashed in the basket of the baby stroller when you don't need it.
A changing pad is included. Many diaper bags come with a changing pad that can be folded up and stored inside. This means you can change your baby’s diaper more easily when you’re out and about. The bag might even have a dedicated pocket for the changing pad, which is a plus if the pad gets soiled and you want to keep it separate from other items.
Price. How much you want to pay for a diaper bag is also an important aspect to consider. You can purchase a very good bag for between $30 and $80. Some of the designer diaper bags, however, will run you well over $200. Keep in mind that the more cost-effective brands of diaper bags can look just as fashionable as the designer ones, and are sometimes better equipped. No matter which one you buy, you'll be using your diaper bag on a daily basis — so you'll be getting a lot of use out of it.
Shoulder Diaper Bags
If you're leaning toward the more traditional type of diaper bag, any of the following shoulder-style diaper bags would be a great choice. We surveyed thousands of Pampers Parents to arrive at these results, and have added our own research to ensure that you have the best to choose from.
Diaper Bag, Nappy Bag by Maman
Why pick this one? A cross between a tote bag with its short handles and a shoulder bag with an adjustable shoulder strap, this diaper bag is both fashionable and functional. It features a secure zippered main compartment, two insulated side pockets for bottles, and a back pocket that holds a changing pad. This product actually comes with a matching changing pad, so you won’t need to buy this separately.
Highlights: This bag is waterproof, durable, and easy to wipe clean.
Details:
Price*: about $55.00 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents review: It’s easy to stay organized with this bag as there are plenty of compartments for all your baby's needs.
Skip Hop Messenger Diaper Bag, Duo Signature
Why pick this one? You can easily carry this bag around using its tote handles or with the detachable shoulder strap (that adjusts from 27 to 50 inches). The shoulder strap also comes with a slip-on shoulder pad for extra comfort. There are plenty of pockets you can use for everything you’re taking with you, including two elasticized mesh side pockets for bottles and an interior pocket that can hold a 15-inch laptop.
Highlights: There is an external D-ring to attach toys or a pacifier. A machine-washable changing pad is included.
Details:
Price*: about $64.96 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents review: It's a budget-friendly bag that does the trick for all your diapering supplies.
Backpack Diaper Bags
Many backpack diaper bags don’t even look like diaper bags. Plus, they allow you to be have your hands free while wearing them so you can more easily multitask. You might even find these backpacks more comfortable to wear than the shoulder bag versions, as they distribute the weight more evenly on your back. Here are the backpack diaper bags Pampers Parents voted as the best.
HaloVa Diaper Bag Multi-Function Waterproof Travel Backpack
Why pick this one? Made of high-quality oxford fabric, this diaper bag is water resistant and easy to wipe clean. It can be carried as a tote or worn like a backpack. Its large zippered main compartment offers easy access, and you can see all the contents at once. The bag also features an insulated three-bottle storage pocket on the front and a wet clothes compartment on the back. Side pockets can hold a tissue dispenser and a bottle. The downside with this diaper bag is that a changing pad is not included.
Highlights: With 17 colors and designs to choose from, you’ll find a diaper bag that suits your taste.
Details:
Price*: about $35.99 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents review: You'll love the fact this this bag is waterproof, lightweight, and highly organizable.
Skip Hop Forma Backpack Diaper Bag
Why pick this one? The addition of two packing cubes (one insulated and one mesh) sets this backpack apart from the others. This extra storage feature is great for keeping things together but separate from the other contents of the bag; for example, extra baby clothes can go in the mesh cube, and extra bottles of formula or food can be stored in the insulated cube. The bag also features two insulated side pockets and a machine-washable changing pad. There’s also a pocket for the changing pad that also doubles as a tablet or laptop (up to 15 inches) holder. However, this may be a drawback: Do you want your laptop in the same pocket as a soiled changing pad?
Highlights: The fabric is a lightweight, quilted material.
Details:
Price*: about $74.99 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents review: The roomy main compartment is a plus for those who prefer a large pocket over multiple smaller ones.
Ruvalino Large Multifunction Travel Diaper Bag Back Pack
Why pick this one? With a total of 18 pockets, this backpack diaper bag gives you a way to be super organized. It includes an insulated pocket that can hold two bottles, a laptop pocket, a mesh diaper organizer, and two external elasticized pockets for holding additional bottles or baby wipes. A waterproof changing pad is included. It has extended carrying handles, thickly padded shoulder straps for extra comfort, and reinforced seams to prevent ripping.
Highlights: The fabric is lightweight, waterproof, and tear resistant. It also keeps its shape well even after lots of use.
Details:
Price*: about $39.98 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents review: This diaper bag has a unisex design, so whether you’re a mom or dad it might suit your individual style.
Eddie Bauer Sport Back Pack Diaper Bag
Why pick this one? Get ready for a trip with this rugged-looking, versatile unisex diaper bag backpack, perfect for short jaunts or longer day trips with your baby. The fabric is even water resistant. Very spacious and highly functional, the bag features two insulated interior pockets and a large front pocket. The bag has padded and adjustable straps, but it can also be carried from the top handle.
Highlights: The bag includes a changing pad and a removable baby wipes case. However, some Pampers Parents found the case flimsy.
Details:
Price*: about $49.99 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents review: If you're quite the active parent, you'll like that you can simultaneously wear this backpack while having your baby strapped to your chest.
PU Leather Diaper Bag Backpack
Why pick this one? Made of PU leather, this backpack diaper bag is durable and waterproof, and features heavy-duty metal zippers. Its multiple compartments include an insulated foil-lined pocket that can hold two baby bottles. A changing pad and a waterproof bag for storing wet items are also included. The adjustable straps help make this backpack comfortable to wear. The use of the stroller straps for hanging the bag on the back of the stroller is not recommended as it can result in the stroller tipping backward.
Highlights: The interior of the bag features a key strap so your keys don't end up in the bottom of the bag and you can find them quickly.
Details:
Price*: about $49.99 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents review: Spacious and stylish, this diaper bag is so practical for everyday use.
Convertible Diaper Bags
Can't decide on a shoulder bag, tote, or backpack? These convertible diaper bags provide you with all three styles in just one bag.
JuJuBe B.F.F. Multi-Functional Convertible Diaper Bag
Why pick this one? The manufacturer claims this diaper bag will immediately become your new BFF. Could it be true? It can easily convert from a messenger bag to a backpack, or can be carried by the top handle like a tote. The exterior fabric is coated with Teflon to make cleaning easy, and the interior fabric is treated to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew. The quality metal hardware and zippers are another sign of durability. There are also crumb drains for added convenience when it comes to cleaning your bag. One drawback: a changing pad is not included.
Highlights: Among the many pockets are two exterior 3M Thinsulate bottle pockets, designed to keep your baby's bottle either warm or cold.
Details:
Price*: about $144.86 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents review: It's spacious but not too bulky, and multifunctional and efficient in its organization
Twelvelittle Unisex 3-in-1 Convertible Foldover Tote Diaper Bag
Why pick this one? Three-way versatility is this diaper bag's claim to fame. It can be carried as a tote, slung over the shoulder, or jiggered in such a way that it can be worn as a backpack. It's marketed as unisex and could be an appealing option for both moms and dads. It's also highly functional, as the bag has a water-resistant coating, and has lots of compartments, including two insulated side pockets and a hidden pocket for storing soiled items.
Highlights: With just one strap, the bag can be worn in three different ways. It includes a matching water-resistant changing pad.
Details:
Price*: about $159.00 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents review: Both moms and dads will enjoy using this fashion-forward unisex diaper bag.
Designer Diaper Bags
For those who want a diaper bag that looks more like a handbag, consider a designer brand name. Pampers Parents named these as their favorites.
Vera Bradley Women's Stroll Around Baby Bag
Why pick this one? If you're into natural materials, you'll be pleased to know this shoulder diaper bag is made from quilted cotton. On the exterior, the bag has one zippered pocket, two slip-in pockets for bottles, and a compartment that has two mesh pockets along with a snap-off changing pad. The interior of the bag has five mesh slip pockets so that you can store and see everything easily. The bag includes stroller straps, the use of which are not recommended as they can cause the stroller to tip backward. The diaper bag can only be worn like a handbag; there is no shoulder strap, and the tote handles can’t be adjusted.
Highlights: The interior is constructed with laminated fabric, which makes wiping up spills much easier. Or, you can throw the whole bag in the washing machine.
Details:
Price*: about $126.99 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents review: The best thing about this bag is that it's machine washable.
Kate Spade New York Blake Avenue Kaylie Baby Bag Diaper Bag
Why pick this one? For a diaper bag with some city chic, look no further. This bag can be worn over the shoulder with the dual handles (8-inch drop) or across the body using the detachable and adjustable 18-inch drop strap. The exterior is nylon with vinyl accents and the interior is lined with water-resistant polyester. There is a slide pocket for the changing pad (which is included) and exterior bottle pockets.
Highlights: It features a drop-zip closure and hardware that’s 14-karat gold plated.
Details:
Price*: about $174.99 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents review: Since it's stylish and functional, you can wear this bag with your Sunday best or even on a casual Friday.
Michael Kors Jet Set Large Pocket Diaper Bag
Why pick this one? This sleek, travel-ready bag gets you out the door with everything you need. It can be used as a tote bag or worn with the included shoulder strap. The bag is made of durable nylon on the exterior and has a polyester interior. It features seven interior pockets and two exterior side pockets. One thing to consider is that the included changing pad doesn't have a dedicated space; instead it clips to a D-ring, which hangs on the outside. This may be the heaviest diaper bag on our list.
Highlights: The shoulder strap is adjustable from 14 to 22 inches and the handles are also adjustable up to a 10-inch drop.
Details:
Price*: about $222.39 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents review: Stylish and trendy, it's the perfect diaper bag for moms who don't want to look like they're carrying around a diaper bag.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Crosby Nylon Quilted Diaper Bag
Why pick this one? Like many diaper bags, this one features a zip-top closure as well as interior and exterior zip and welt pockets. Also included is a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap.
Highlights: A changing pad is included.
Details:
Price*: about $298.00 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents review: It's stylish, lightweight, and the material is soft.
Men's Diaper Bag
Tactical Baby Gear Deuce 2.0 Tactical Diaper Bag
Why pick this one? A diaper bag designed for dads (and for moms, too) needs to be durable. This one is made from military-grade, water-repellent material. Its interior is fitted with a padded tablet compartment and includes a carabiner keyring. The back of the diaper bag has a modular system with tactical MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) webbing, which allows accessories to be attached, such as clip-on toys or clip-on pouches. This is something you would normally see on military backpacks. There are also three front pockets. This model, however, does not include a changing pad. The material might be too rigid for those who prefer a fabric that has more give.
Highlights: The bag's exterior has Velcro fields to hold patches. And it has a detacachable, padded shoulder strap for extra comfort.
Details:
Price*: about $80.00 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents review: This is perfect for moms and dads who like a bag with some attitude.
As you can see, there are so many diaper bag options to choose from. To order the diaper bag of your dreams, simply weigh the different features against one another to decide which diaper bag will work best for you and your baby, and select the style that you’ll be happy to carry with you as you explore the world with your little one.
Recall Notice
Before buying a product, always check that it’s approved and hasn’t been recalled on sites like the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
*Prices are correct at the time of writing.
How We Got These Results
We surveyed thousands of parents in the Pampers Community and asked them to choose the products they love the most, and to share their views on specific products and product categories. Based on the survey responses, we have taken the top product picks and added our own research to create this article. The aim is to help you choose the right product for you and your family. We might receive commissions on purchases made from the links in this article, but the products featured are the Pampers Community’s top choices.
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