The 17 Best Diaper Bags We Tested for Everyday and Travel

Other Notable Diaper Bags

Skip Hop Diaper Backpack

$79 $56 at Amazon $79 at Target $75 at Macy's

Freshly Picked Classic Diaper Bag II

$199 at Amazon $160 at Target View on Pottery Barn Kids

Beaba Paris Changing Bag

$110 at Amazon $110 at Nordstrom $110 at Neiman Marcus

Ruvalino Diaper Bag Backpack

$43 at Amazon $120 at Target

TWELVElittle Peek-A-Boo Backpack

$120 at Amazon

JuJuBe Everyday Backpack

$150 $120 at Amazon $140 at Target View on Jujube.com

Happ Carryall Diaper Bag

View on Happbrand.com

Our Testing Process 

To find the best diaper bags, we tested nearly two dozen options in our lab and at home in the real world with real babies and toddlers. We asked our testers to consider the following criteria: 

• One-handed operation: Can you open the diaper bag one-handed? Is it easy to open and close zippers and compartments with one hand?
• Comfort: Were the straps adjustable? Were they padded? When fully loaded, was it a burden to carry for extended periods or did it still feel lightweight? If it’s a backpack, was the weight evenly distributed?
• Packability: Was there enough dedicated storage to keep items organized or did the bag’s contents end up as a chaotic jumble of baby gear? Was it easy to pack and unpack? Could you quickly find an item? Does it fit in a stroller basket and if so, can you easily insert and remove it?
• Storage: What kind of dedicated storage was available? Did the compartments prevent items from slipping out? Were there dedicated compartments for caregivers? 
• Capacity: How large was the storage capacity and given the size was it easy to organize supplies in the bag?
• Durability and Cleaning: Was it easy to keep the bag clean? Was it machine washable or wipe-clean only? Did the material stain or scuff easily? Did it show premature wear and tear?
• Design: We asked testers if the diaper bag had an intuitive design and if they felt it was aesthetically pleasing overall. Was it a unisex design? Did it come in more colors or materials? Did it feel bulky to carry?
• Accessories and Features: Did the bag come with a changing pad, stroller straps, or other accessories that would make this intuitive and improve its versatility? Could this double as a work or travel bag given its features, like laptop and luggage sleeves?

Our Experts

To guide our process, we also spoke with several experts for insight into what to look for in a diaper bag, what to pack in it, and how to use it safely, especially immediately postpartum: 

• Abby Ludwig, vice president of creator relations and parent experience at Gugu Guru, a creator community focused on maternity and parenting content
• Natasha Bhuyan, M.D., vice president of in-office care at One Medical (and a new mom who recently shopped for her own best diaper bag) 
• Kelley Miller, pediatric injury prevention program coordinator at Corewell Health in Michigan

Factors to Consider When Buying a Diaper Bag

• Comfort: A diaper bag is intended for babies, but caregivers are the ones using it. So a design prioritizing comfort is critical. Look for adjustable straps and wide shoulder straps. "The size shouldn’t be too big or too small,” says Dr. Bhuya. "While it’s tempting to buy a larger bag in case you need the space, for day-to-day use, a medium-sized bag is easier. Consider a larger bag for longer travel."
• Capacity and Organization: A child’s needs can change quickly as they grow. Finding a diaper bag that helps you stay organized as they grow, with options like zippered compartments, storage bags, and extra pockets, can make a big difference. Dr. Bhuya recommends looking for various pockets that can help separate dirty and clean items. Built-in coolers are also helpful for parents who need to stash breast milk or formula on the go. 
• Ease of Access: Whether it’s a diaper blowout or you just need to get that pacifier ASAP, easy access to essentials is critical. Zippers and magnetic closure flaps offer that, and are much quieter than Velcro, as Dr. Bhuyan points out. Quick access to insulated pockets will come in clutch when little ones get hungry. Dr. Bhuyan suggests looking for a bag with a flat, stable bottom for more convenient access: “The stability keeps it upright,” she notes. 
• Style: Diaper bags come in various styles, the most common being backpacks, totes, or clutches. Along with the look, consider how you will primarily be using the diaper bag and if more than one person will use it. For frequent outings, a hands-free backpack might be best. If you usually use a diaper bag with a stroller, something more compact that fits in a stroller cargo area or can clip to it is best. 
  

How to Use Diaper Bags Safely

Dr. Bhuyan favors backpacks over messenger bags or totes. "It’s better to have the weight distributed evenly across your body rather than just one side," she explains. "[It’s] ultimately better for your posture and spine." Parents who have recently given birth should avoid carrying heavy bags or using bags with straps around the abdomen. “Store heavier objects in the center and lighter objects in the sides to keep the bulk of the weight centered,” she suggests.

When using a diaper bag with a stroller, Dr. Bhuyan recommends stowing the bag in the stroller’s storage basket. Clipping or hanging it on the back of the stroller is actually a safety risk. "The diaper bag could cause the stroller to tip over since most stroller handlebars were not designed for hanging objects,” she explains. Be sure all straps or cords are fully tucked into the stroller basket so you don't trip on them and so children aren't tempted to grab at them. Small items that pose a choking hazard, as well as creams and medications, should be securely zipped in and out of reach of children. 

“Many items that are not intended for babies to ingest can pose a risk, such as sunscreen, hand sanitizer, or even wipes,” Dr. Bhuyan points out. “This is why it’s best to ensure all items, especially small items, are securely placed into the bag.” She offers the following safety tips:

• Wear the diaper bag snug to your body and avoid it hanging too low
• Choose thicker, shorter straps
• Take advantage of adjustable straps to fit different body types
• If you’re walking a long distance, place the diaper bag in the bottom of a stroller if possible
• Call poison control at 1-800-222-1222 if you have questions regarding concerns or potential poison emergencies

Do You Really Need a Large Diaper Bag?

You don’t always need a large diaper bag. Depending on your baby’s age and feeding needs, you could definitely get away with leaving the house with just the basics of a spare outfit and diaper-changing supplies. But when it comes to babies, it’s always best to be prepared. 

What Materials Are Best for a Diaper Bag? 

“Any material that's easy to wipe clean,” recommends Ludwig. Some of her favorites are vegan leather, nylon, and even polyester for their ease of cleaning over time, while Dr. Bhuyan recommends cotton and microfiber. And don’t forget to check that the inside of the diaper bag is easy-clean fabric as well, because spills and accidents will happen in the diaper bag too. 

What Should I Pack in a Diaper Bag?

Ludwig points out that as your little one grows, your diaper bag needs will change, but she sticks to a basic three-category rule: something to eat (formula, breastmilk, or snacks), something to play with (toys, teethers, or loveys), and something to change into and clean up with—for both you and baby! Miller also recommends keeping a list of your child’s allergies, medications, or special needs in a diaper bag to provide to emergency personnel if needed.

Who We Are

Chaunie Brusie, RN, BSN, is a labor and delivery nurse turned Parents writer and a mom of five kids ranging in age from teen to preschooler. She started her journey as a mom with a very uncool Winnie-the-Pooh diaper bag and eventually got cool when someone gifted her an Itzy Ritzy diaper bag that she now refuses to part with because a waiter once complimented her on it.

Dorian Smith-Garcia is a health and parenting writer at Parents, and a mom of one daughter, who is well out of the baby stage. But during that time, she loved her Skip Hop diaper bag which was a sleek, gender-neutral gray that was free from duckies and teddy bear prints.