In a nutshell:
Based-on hands-on product testing by two parents and in-depth research, Dagne Dover Large Indi Diaper Backpack came out on top as the best overall diaper bag. From a roomy interior with plenty of stretchy pouches and pockets to a thick, absorbent changing pad, a stylish design and bonus features like an insulated water bottle holder, Dagne Dover stood out as the best on the market.

In this article:
How we tested and chose the best diaper bags
Best diaper bags to shop
Diaper bags comparison chart
Diaper bags comparison chart
Types of diaper bags

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 while 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 diaper bag that's lightweight enough to carry, but well-made enough to hold up over time.

And while you're looking for practical features, don't forget 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. (I sometimes use my diaper bag as a purse—and why not? All my personal belongings are already there!) With so many different diaper bag brands out there, picking the right bag for you may seem like a daunting task. But variety can be a good thing! Diaper bags come in all shapes and sizes, from roomy totes to sleep messenger bags and sporty backpacks.

For this article, I tested numerous bags with my 9-month old daughter. I try to get her out of the house as often as possible—whether it's heading out for short grocery store runs, clocking time at the YMCA child center while I’m working out or attending her wide array of swim, music and sensory play classes, I've logged plenty of hours figuring out what makes a good diaper bag under many different circumstances.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Diaper Bags

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The Bump has done the hard work of researching diaper bags for you, performing extensive market research to identify the top 15 diaper bags on the market, then narrowing the field to a shortlist of 10 products to test. From there:

I personally tested 10 different bags of varying shapes, sizes, and styles, using each bag for an entire day with my 9-month old daughter and gave honest feedback. Some of these bags were also tested by my colleague Daniel Stecker.
Bags were judged on a scale of 1 to 10 on the following factors: style and design, effectiveness of size, organizational features, additional features, convertible features, changing facilities, comfort, materials and value for money.
To get a better idea of how these bags worked for a diverse range of families with different needs, we did scrupulous research reading user reviews online and in popular parent forums.

Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.

Best Diaper Bags to Shop

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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 diaper 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 look like 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!
Diaper fanny pack. Great if you want to keep your hands completely free, diaper fanny packs conveniently cinch around your waste. While they tend to run smaller than other options, they can be perfect for shorter trips where you just need to pack a few items.

About the writer:
Erin Wisti is a writer and journalist currently living in Los Angeles. Her work has appeared in Fourth Genre, Slate, Electric Literature, Lithub, and other places. She is the mother to one baby, a daughter born in June 2024. And since she takes her daughter everywhere most days, she knows what to look for in a good diaper bag.

Plus, more from The Bump:

The 7 Best Diapers, Put to the Ultimate Test: Real Babies

11 Best Baby Wipes to Keep Tiny Tushies Clean and Happy

How Many Newborn Diapers Do I Need?

Diapering