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15 Best Diaper Bags for New Parents

A practical guide to choosing the best diaper bag for your family.
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profile picture of Martina Garvey
By Martina Garvey, E-Commerce Editor
Updated November 14, 2022
best diaper bags 2022
Image: Petunia Pickle Bottom, Skip Hop, Nordstrom | The Bump
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You’ve nabbed the car seat, stroller and carrier—basically all the gear you’ll need for life on the go with baby. But there’s one more thing you won’t want to leave the house without: a diaper bag. The best diaper bags hold all the stuff baby (and Mom or Dad) will need whilst out and about: diapers, wipes, spare clothes, bottles, snacks and more. Phew! Given the amount of stuff you’ll need to transport your little one from A to B, it’s worth investing in a lightweight diaper bag with designated compartments to keep everything organized.

Aside from practical features, it’s important to pick a bag that suits your personal style and aesthetic. After all, you’ll carry it with you pretty much everywhere for the foreseeable future. The good news? Diaper bags come in all shapes and sizes, from roomy totes to sleek messenger bags and sporty backpacks. Ready to get shopping? Check out our top tips on what to look for in a diaper bag and browse a few editor-approved options below.

What to Look for in a Diaper Bag

A diaper bag is just like a regular bag, right? Wrong. Diaper bags are specially designed for new parents, with unique features to help keep baby’s stuff organized when you’re on the move. Here, find a few things to keep in mind while shopping for a baby bag.

  • Pockets. The key to an organized diaper bag? Pockets—and lots of them. Having special compartments for diapers, wet wipes or soiled clothes is a life-saver when you’re changing baby on the move. Moreover, an insulated bottle pocket ensures baby’s milk is kept at the perfect temperature. Other purpose-built pockets that are sure to come in handy are security pockets (for your cards and keys) and a padded sleeve for storing a laptop or tablet.

  • Size. Size is a key consideration when it comes to diaper bags. For newborns or families with more than one child, a large diaper bag that fits plenty of gear is a safe bet. However, if you like to travel light, or your child is potty-trained, a small bag will fit all of the essentials. Before you purchase a bag, pause and think about your particular needs to determine the best size for you.

  • Changing pad. A changing mat gives parents a comfy and hygienic spot to change baby’s diaper. Opt for a diaper bag with a removable mat or a built-in changing station that folds right out of the bag.

  • Stroller straps. Many diaper bags come equipped with straps or clips that can be attached to a stroller’s handlebars, but these straps are not always a given. If you rely on your stroller for most outings, this feature is a must-have.

  • Easy-to-clean material. Parenting can be a messy business, so it’s best to buy a diaper bag that’s easy to keep clean. Go for bags that are machine-washable or made with wipe-clean materials.

Types of Diaper Bags

Diaper bags come in all shapes and sizes. Before we get to our roundup of the best diaper bags, here’s a brief rundown of the different styles on the market:

  • Diaper backpack: A backpack is a great hands-free option for busy parents on the go. Backpack-style diaper bags tend to have plenty of interior and exterior pockets, which is an added plus for parents. Bonus: This is one of the most common styles on the market, so you’ll have plenty of diaper bags to choose from.

  • Messenger diaper bag: A messenger diaper bag (also known as a crossbody bag) has one long strap that can be worn on the shoulder or across the body.

  • Diaper bag tote: Tote bags come equipped with small grab handles as well as a long shoulder strap. Fashion-conscious parents will love diaper bag totes, as they offer lots of room and are almost identical to a regular handbag.

  • Convertible diaper bag: A convertible diaper bag is a hybrid of all three of the styles listed above. They are ultra-practical and can be clipped to a stroller or worn as a backpack, tote or messenger bag. Some convertible diaper bags even come with a built-in luggage sleeve that can be slipped over the handle of a suitcase. Now that’s functional fashion!

Best Diaper Bags for Every Need

Ready to start your search? Here, find 15 of the best diaper bags for new parents. From practical backpacks to stylish totes (there’s even a fanny pack in the mix!), you’ll find options to suit your needs and style.

Best diaper bag backpack

Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack
Dagne Dover Indi Designer Diaper Backpack
Image: Dagne Dover

Sling Dagne Dover’s beloved Indi backpack diaper bag over your shoulder for easy on-the-go organization. This lightweight diaper bag is made from a stretchy (and easy-to-clean) neoprene material, so you can stuff it to the brim. Need even more space? Simply unclip the side buckles for a little extra room. Inside the bag, there’s a roomy interior compartment with an insulated bottle holder, laptop sleeve and mesh pockets to hold diapers, snacks, clothes and more. Not a fan of black? Not to worry, this diaper bag comes in six stunning colors and three different sizes. Oh, and did we forget to mention that this diaper bag comes complete with a changing mat, stroller clips and a travel sleeve? Trust us, this is one of the best diaper bags we’ve seen.

What We Love
  • Laptop sleeve
  • Changing mat included
  • Easy-to-clean material
Things To Consider
  • High price point

“I’m a big fan of diaper backpacks when you’re really on the move, as they keep your hands free. The Dagne Dover backpack looks chic, but man can it hold a ton of stuff. Pro tip: When you really need to pack it full, release the side snaps to free up the corners of the bag. With the streamlined design and multiple colorways, it’s also a great gender-neutral diaper bag—both my husband and I were happy to wear it,” - Ashlee Neuman, mom of two and content director at The Bump.

Best travel diaper bag

Skip Hop Duo Weekender Diaper Bag
Duo Weekender Diaper Bag
Image: Skip Hop

Skip Hop’s Duo Weekender travel diaper bag makes overnight trips easy—whether it serves as your hospital bag or the only thing you pack for a visit to Grandma’s house. Keep everything organized in the large bag, which features an insulated pocket with space for two bottles, two mesh packing cubes and plenty of other pockets for stashing your passports, keys and other travel essentials. The main compartment has a “drawbridge-style” opening for easy access to all your items. It also boasts a luggage sleeve, easy-grab handles and an adjustable shoulder strap. And there’s even a laptop sleeve, meaning you can use it long after baby stops using diapers.

What We Love
  • Travel-friendly features
  • Double bottle pocket
  • Spacious main compartment
Things To Consider
  • Weighs 3 lbs.
  • No changing pad

Best diaper bag for twins

Twelve Little Companion Carry Love Quilted Diaper Bag
Twelve Little Companion Carry Love Quilted Diaper Bag
Image: Nordstrom

If you’re a parent to twins, comfort is key—but space is a close second. And TWELVElittle’s designer diaper bags are practical, spacious and stylish. Weighing just over a pound, it’s super-lightweight, but the roomy interior makes it big enough to carry around everyday essentials for two babies. It has 10 pockets in total, including two exterior bottle pockets. The soft, padded material is flexible and water-resistant—while the celestial print adds an extra layer of interest to this practical item. When it’s time to clean the grime off, simply toss the bag in the washing machine. Oh, and this diaper bag comes complete with a changing mat and stroller straps (of course).

What We Love
  • Lightweight
  • Two bottle pockets
  • Changing pad and stroller clips included
Things To Consider
  • High price point

Best small diaper bag

Petunia Pickle Bottom Criss-Cross Sling
Petunia Pickle Bottom Criss-Cross Sling
Image: Petunia Pickle Bottom

Like to travel light? Check out this minimalist diaper bag by Petunia Pickle Bottom. The crossbody bag may be small, but it has space for all baby’s essentials. Inside, you’ll find a spacious compartment with a water-resistant lining. At the front, there’s an insulated zip-pocket for snacks or small bottles. And a slip pocket at the back is the perfect place to store your phone, cards and keys.

What We Love
  • Wipe-clean material
  • Insulated front pocket
  • Minimalist design
Things To Consider
  • No changing pad

Best large diaper bag

JuJuBe B.F.F.
JuJuBe B.F.F. diaper bag
Image: JuJuBe

This stylish JuJuBe B.F.F. diaper bag comes in 12 super-cute machine-washable styles (from stripes to polka dots, so there’s something for every aesthetic. But as cute as this option is, it’s the functionality that makes it one of the best diaper bags out there. It has two exterior Thinsulate-lined bottle holders, plus a front “mommy” pocket with a key fob and a microfiber glasses pocket. Inside the large interior compartment, there are four slip pockets and three zippered pockets to keep all your baby gear organized. The removable straps allow you to quickly convert it from a backpack to a tote or messenger bag. Bonus: This large diaper bag comes with a memory foam changing pad.

What We Love
  • Machine-washable
  • Convertible style
  • Two insulated bottle pockets
  • Changing pad included
Things To Consider
  • Weighs 2.8 lbs.

Best unisex diaper bag

STATE Lorimer Diaper Bag
STATE Lorimer Diaper Bag
Image: STATE Bags

Designed for parents by parents, this diaper bag is lightweight and utilitarian. And you’d never guess this sleek backpack was a diaper bag, making it the perfect pick for low-key moms and dads. Inside, you’ll find an insulated bottle pocket plus mesh inserts for diapers and wipes. There’s also a slip pocket for your phone and space at the side for a water bottle. It’s designed to suit a busy lifestyle with built-in stroller straps, a luggage sleeve and a padded laptop compartment. Bonus: Get 10 percent off all purchases plus free shipping with the code THEBUMP10.

What We Love
  • Gender-neutral design
  • Fits a 15” laptop
  • Changing pad included
Things To Consider
  • High price point

Best diaper bag tote

BEIS The Diaper Bag
Beis The Designer Diaper Bag
Image: Beis

Who knew a diaper bag could look this chic? The faux leather tote boasts silver hardware for a polished look—andit doesn't skimp on practical features either. This baby diaper bag has bountiful pockets, including one for diapers, a pacifier pouch and an odor-proof bag for dirty bibs or clothing. It even comes with a teether to keep your little one entertained. This versatile option comes with four sets of interchangeable straps, meaning you can carry it by the grab handles, wear it as a shoulder bag or clip it to a stroller.

What We Love
  • Stylish design
  • Comes with a teething ring and pacifier pouch
  • Changing pad included
Things To Consider
  • Weighs 4 lbs.

Best messenger-style diaper bag

E.C. Knoxx Madison Diaper Bag
E.C. Knoxx Madison Diaper Bag
Image: Nordstrom

Sick of rooting through a jam-packed backpack to find what you need buried at the bottom? Consider this stylish messenger style by E.C Knoxx. Open it up to get a bird’s-eye view of all your items, and unzip the compartment at the back to reveal a fold-out changing station. There's also a magnetized exterior flap that lifts for easy access to wipes. And if you have your hands full, you can attach it to a stroller or adjust the straps and wear it as a backpack.

What We Love
  • Convertible style: backpack, crossbody, shoulder or clipped to stroller
  • Changing mat included
Things To Consider
  • Bottle pocket isn’t insulated

Best affordable diaper bag

Billiton Mashi Baby Diaper Bag
Billiton Mashi Baby Diaper Bag
Image: Amazon
Buying Options
Amazon | $31.99

Out to bag a bargain? There are plenty of affordable diaper bags on the market, but we think the Billiton Mashi is the best of the bunch. Why? The diaper bag has ample storage, with a roomy interior compartment and nine pockets. On the outside, there are two insulated bottle pockets and a diaper organizer, plus an easy-access pocket for wipes on the side. All that for $32? Now that’s a bargain! It’s no wonder this affordable diaper bag has tons of five-star reviews on Amazon.

What We Love
  • Affordable price point
  • 18 pockets
  • Changing pad included
Things To Consider
  • Some customers report that the zippers aren’t great quality

Best diaper bag for working parents

Honest Urban Convertible Tote Backpack
Honest Urban Convertible Tote Backpack
Image: Honest

Honest is a go-to brand for all things baby, but did you know they make some of the best diaper bags in the game? Our personal favorite is this work-appropriate bag. Made from vegan leather, it can be worn as a backpack or shoulder bag, and comes with stroller straps tucked inside. Working moms appreciate the laptop sleeve and slip pockets for your phone, cards and keys, and all parents will be pleased with the bottle holder, diaper pocket and baby-wipe holder. Bonus: Use code THEBUMP to get 15 percent off a purchase on the Honest website.

What We Love
  • Wipe-clean PVC lining
  • Changing pad included
Things To Consider
  • Straps aren't removable

Best diaper bag fanny pack

Kibou Vegan Leather Bag
Kibou Vegan Leather Bag
Image: Kibou

Next up on our list of the best diaper bags: the Kibou diaper fanny pack. (Yes, that’s right, a fanny pack!) Created by two Brooklyn-based moms, the Kibou is a minimal diaper bag that fits everything you need for a day out with baby—nothing more, nothing less. It’s light enough to be worn around your waist, but is still chock-full of cool features. Inside you’ll find a built-in waterproof pocket for wet wipes or soiled clothes, a slot for credit cards and cash and a large pocket that’ll store baby essentials like diapers, snacks and bibs. It’s made from wipeable vegan leather and comes in five fabulous colors. The best part? This small diaper bag has a detachable changing pad that unfolds from the back flap. Wow!

What We Love
  • Minimalist design
  • Made from recycled vegan leather
  • Changing pad included
Things To Consider
  • Not suitable for the newborn stage

“Fanny packs, belt bags—whatever you call them—they’re having a major moment. Function meets fashion with the Kibou diaper bag—it’s sleek, it’s chic and it’s practical to boot. I’d wear mine on long walk where I didn’t feel like schlepping a big bag or for quick errands that didn’t warrant having #allthethings. Curating the mommy must-haves can be a challenge, but it’s a welcome relief to not carry everything and the kitchen sink.” - Lauren Barth, mom of three and senior editor at The Bump

Best convertible diaper bag

Fawn Design The Original Diaper Bag
Fawn Design The Original Diaper Bag
Image: Fawn Design

The best baby diaper bags are stylish and practical. Case in point: The original diaper bag by Fawn design. This diaper bag, made from sumptuous vegan leather and gold hardware, exudes elegance. The bucket bag has a wide zip-top opening that reveals six interior pockets to keep baby’s stuff organized. Wear it as a shoulder bag, backpack or tote—the choice is yours. Bonus: Use code BUMP30 to score a whopping 30 percent off Fawn’s diaper bag collection.

What We Love
  • Chic design
  • Wide zip-top opening
Things To Consider
  • Weighs 4 lbs.
  • Changing pad sold separately

Best leather diaper bag

Storksak St. James Convertible Leather Diaper Backpack
Storksak St. James Convertible Leather Diaper Backpack
Image: Nordstrom

Yes, StorkSak’s leather diaper bags are a bit of a splurge—but think of it as an investment for life with baby and beyond. One of the best diaper bags made from real leather, this beauty is all clean lines and soft leather, but it still has all the practical features you’ll need. It comes complete with insulated bottle holders, plenty of hidden pockets and a changing pad for those inevitable rest stops. This baby diaper bag can be worn three ways: as a backpack, crossbody bag or as a tote. Once your little one has outgrown the diaper bag, you can rock it as a regular backpack or handbag—and no one will be the wiser.

What We Love
  • Insulated bottle pocket
  • Changing pad included
  • Protective metal feet
Things To Consider
  • Not suitable for vegans
  • High price point

Best sustainable diaper bag

Product of the North Elkin Sustainable Diaper Backpack
Product of the North Elkin Sustainable Diaper Backpack
Image: Nordstrom
Buying Options
Nordstrom | $99.99

A list of the best diaper bags would not be complete without a sustainable option. Introducing the Elkin backpack by Product of the North. The durable, water-resistant canvas material is made from recycled water bottles. But the eco-friendly features don’t stop there, the included changing pad is made from recycled plastic too. In terms of design, the bag has a wide zip-top opening and plenty of pockets to keep parents organized.

What We Love
  • Made using recycled materials
  • Insulated bottle holder
  • Changing pad included
Things To Consider
  • It’s easy to lose things inside the large interior chamber

Best diaper bag insert

ToteSavvy Original
ToteSavvy Original diaper bag insert
Image: ToteSavvy

If you’re dead set against buying a diaper bag, invest in an organizer to keep your regular bag organized. This option by Tote Savvy has 11 pockets, including an insulated bottle holder, key clasp and washable changing mat. It comes in a wipeable nylon material or a durable cotton canvas, and is best suited for large totes.

What We Love
  • Removable insert can be added to most bags
  • Insulated bottle pocket
  • Changing pad included
Things To Consider
  • Organizer is best suited to large bags

“I never used a traditional diaper bag—we typically corralled everything in pouches in the bottom of the stroller. But when I was traveling sans stroller, I swore by the Tote Savvy insert. It has so many pockets, sized just-right for diapers, toys, a change of clothes and even an insulated bottle keeper. The organizer fit perfectly in all my existing totes, and transferred from bag to bag with ease. Best of all, I never had to dig around when I needed something quickly,” - Lauren Kay, mom of two and executive editor at The Bump

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