Spring Into Gear With The Best 11 Diaper Bags

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Having a baby is hectic, but having the right diaper bag can make the transition to new parents easier.  Whether you need to carry everything for your newborn or save space for the toddler years, having the right diaper bag is key. I’ve searched high and low for some of the top contenders in stylish diaper bags that are sure to be a perfect fit for any new mom, dad, grandma, or grandpa (or even aunt or uncle).

With spring around the corner, it seems like now would be the perfect time to invest in one of these awesome diaper bags. From messenger bags with changing pads built-in to cross-body styles designed specifically for dads, there’s something here for everyone! Some even come equipped with special compartments so you can easily find what you’re looking for at 3 AM when you’re half asleep and your baby is screaming their head off.

They also come in a variety of colors, prints, and materials. You’ll be able to find one that’s made for your personal style, no matter what it is.

We’ve rounded up 11 of our favorite bags to carry all the essentials—and more!

FLOCK THREE Diaper Bag

Best Color

From the maker of the popular reusable bags, we love for shopping trips to Whole Foods comes this incredibly luxe lavender leather diaper bag, designed exclusively for The Land of Nod.

The pretty pastel shade makes this bag a must-have for spring babies.

Leather Diaper Bag Backpack By Miss Fong

Best Metallic Bag

Metallics are always on-trend, so you can’t go wrong with this shiny pewter tote. The insulated pocket for baby bottles and snacks is zippered to prevent leaks and spills.

This is a good thing since you’ll want to preserve this bag to use for work or travel long after your baby’s diaper or potty-training days are done.

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Skip Hop Chelsea Downton Chic Diaper Backpack

Best Hands-Free Bag

You probably haven’t carried a backpack since your high-school Jansport days. Still, when you’re juggling a baby and a stroller on-the-go, you can’t beat the convenience of this portable style.

The stylish shape, gold hardware, and a drawstring opening that allows for easy access to your baby’s gear all put this backpack in a class of its own.

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Lassig Green Label Neckline Diaper Bag

Best Natural Bag

What diaper bag? You’ll have a hard time convincing the other moms at the playground that this bag is made for babies.

The chic chambray and pop of lime green feel fresh, plus it’s made entirely of recycled plastic bottles.

It also comes with a host of accessories, including a removable pouch for keys and cash, an insulated bottle holder, and a built-in wet bag for damp or soiled clothing.

JuJuBe Encore Travel Diaper Tote Bag

Best Floral Bag

Ju-Ju-Be has a brand-new bag this year, in print perfect for spring.

Based on loyal customers’ feedback about their current offerings, the popular diaper bag brand set out to create the perfect baby bag.

The Be Classy is sleek yet spacious, and while it can easily handle the messes of motherhood with a Teflon-lined interior and crumb drains, it still looks good even when your baby isn’t around. Score!

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7AM Enfant Roma Diaper Bag

Best Pop of Color

Put away that gray diaper bag you carried all winter and brighten up warm-weather days with this neon pink tote.

Also available in orange and lime green, you can stuff this lightweight nylon bag, and it won’t ever feel heavy.

The flexible fabric also makes it a good gym bag to hold your sneakers, water bottle, and Lululemon gear too!

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JJ Cole Satchel Diaper Bag

Best for Spring Showers

The weather this time of year can be so unpredictable, but with this diaper tote, you’ll always be prepared.

The water-resistant canvas exterior repels raindrops to keep your baby’s gear dry. It wipes clean in case it gets muddy at the park.

With 13 roomy pockets, there’s a place for everything. Still, the front-access cell phone pocket and matching pacifier pod will come in handy the most.

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TWELVElittle Unisex 3-in-1-Foldover Tote

Best to Share

Are you planning a family vacation? Don’t leave home without this diaper tote.

The practical design won’t turn off Dad, so he can help with the heavy lifting whether you’re navigating the airport or Disneyland lines.

And in a diaper bag, first, it can be carried in three different ways using a single strap, going from a handheld tote to a folded messenger bag or a backpack in seconds.

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Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack

Best Updated Bag

Petunia Pickle Bottom is almost synonymous with the term diaper bag, and their best-selling bag just got an upgrade.

It now comes with all-important stroller straps for maximum portability when you’re on the run, and it opens up wider for better access to what’s inside.

Still, the extra-spacious interior that can hold everything but the kitchen sink makes this a great option for moms of newborns or multiples.

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RUVALINO Large Diaper Tote

Best Diaper Tote

On the other end of the spectrum, when you need a smaller bag for outings with your tot, this compact leather clutch folds out to a full-sized changing mat.

The changing mat comes with a wipes pouch and diaper pocket, plus room for your phone, keys, and whatever else you need on the go.

Then, for date nights or drinks with the girls, remove the diaper pocket and use it as a regular clutch.

Buying Guide

What Should You Look for in a Diaper Bag?

When shopping for the perfect diaper bag, there are some important features to consider. It should be comfortable and easy to carry; roomy enough to hold all of your baby’s essentials with space leftover for any extras you may want to bring along; durable so it can stand up to daily wear and tear; stylish enough that you’ll actually use it once you go back to work or leave the baby at home without fear of damaging whatever is inside, and affordable, because let’s face it, diapering ain’t cheap!

The best diaper bags will also have special compartments where dirty items can be stashed away separately from clean ones so the whole bag doesn’t go stinky. If you choose to use cloth diapers (which are the best choice for the environment), they should be machine washable and come with a separate bag to put soiled items in.

And don’t forget, some diaper bags can also function as messenger bags or backpacks if you switch up the straps! So they won’t just be for diapering day trips.

Size and Style

When looking for the perfect diaper bag, size and style are two extremely important factors to consider. After all, you want something that can hold all your baby’s things as well as any extras, but no one wants to schlep around a huge tote with them! It should be portable enough to wear comfortably on your shoulder, not too big and bulky that it weighs you down and makes it impossible for you to carry anything else (like that lovely postpartum weight), and not so small that there isn’t room to fit everything in.

It should also have exterior pockets where frequently used items like keys or cell phones can be stored, so they are easy to find, especially when you are juggling a wiggly baby on your hip!

Construction

The best diaper bags will consist of heavy-duty material like canvas or faux leather, which stand up better to daily wear and tear. They should also have extra reinforcement around the handles, seam and bottom so that there are no gaps or weak spots for things to fall into.

Choosing a style is all about personal taste. While some would prefer a sleek backpack style, others might want something with more structure that looks professional enough for work. Messenger bags are extremely popular right now because they are trendy but also functional, making them great for dads who want something stylish too! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all your choices, look at what other moms are using—it’s likely you can find where she got it from, which will help you narrow down your search.

Changing Pad

Many diaper bags come with a built-in changing pad, but if yours doesn’t, don’t worry! Most of the time, you can purchase one that fits right into the bag itself. Some go under the main flap while others are part of an exterior pocket, so they remain hidden until needed. If your diaper bag does not come with one at all, there are plenty of other options available. You can buy an inexpensive generic version or invest in a special one made for your specific style.

Weight

For most, the weight of a diaper bag is not something to think about when shopping, and that’s okay! However, suppose you plan on lugging it around all day every day with everything your baby could possibly need in it. In that case, you may want to opt for one that isn’t too heavy when empty. Some backpacks will weigh up to 10 pounds when packed—which can be exhausting after a while. A good rule of thumb is if you would normally walk around town with it on your shoulder already, then there’s no problem!

Comfortable Straps

The best diaper bags will have adjustable straps, so they are comfortable to wear, whether they are full or just holding essentials. It should also be made of a cushioned material like neoprene to make it easy on your shoulder and back.

Amount of Space

When choosing the right diaper bag, it is important to consider how much space you need for all your baby’s things! If you don’t want to be constantly running out and about in search of diapers and wipes, then look for one that has plenty of room inside, along with pockets and compartments, so everything stays organized. Also, plan on using cloth diapers instead of disposables. Some extra storage space will come in handy when having to carry dirty ones around.  

Price

Diaper bags can cost anywhere from $10-$200, depending on the style and materials used in their construction. Most brands carry versatile styles that can be dressed up or down depending on your outfit and what you plan on using it for. When shopping, pay attention to the quality of materials, stitching, and zippers, as well as the overall design to determine how much you plan on taking full advantage of its features.

Practicality

It’s easy to get caught up in the “cuteness factor” when looking at diaper bags, but remember we are talking about practicality here! The best diaper bag will have plenty of storage space while still being lightweight and not too bulky, so you can easily bring everything with you wherever you go. If there is anything missing from this list, don’t worry—there will be 11 more choices coming your way!

What to look for in a diaper bag:

1. Main compartment (large enough for everything baby needs)

2. Outer pockets and compartments (for quick-grab items like snacks and water bottles)

3. Changing pad

4. Waterproof lining

5. Long shoulder strap (so you can wear it as a messenger or across the body)

6. Backpack and crossbody styles (great if you plan on wearing baby too!)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a diaper bag necessary?

Oftentimes moms feel like a diaper bag is an extra accessory they don’t want to “waste money on.” But in reality, these bags can be extremely practical and versatile when used for anything from stashing your own things when flying solo with the baby to keeping everything organized and within reach when taking your little one out and about.

Is it okay to use my personal purse as a diaper bag?

Sure! Many moms do this because the only thing they really need is their wallet, phone, keys, and some baby essentials. If you plan on using diapers or wipes that require trips outside the house frequently, though, then having a dedicated diaper bag close by will make things much more convenient.

Once I start using cloth diapers, do I really need a diaper bag?

The best way to carry around your baby’s cloth diapers is by using a wet/dry bag. These waterproof bags look like regular nylon duffle bags that help you stay organized. You can fit anywhere from 1-8 of them into one large compartment inside any diaper bag—so if you plan on switching out disposables for cloth frequently, it’s easy to tuck them away. This method also allows you the flexibility to not have to carry an extra bulky thing around with you all day!

What size diaper bag should I buy?

Diaper bags come in all sizes—from small ones (that are essentially purses) to large ones that hold everything you’ll need for the day. To get started, choose one that has enough space inside to hold everything you will likely need (plus an extra outfit for your little one), but not so big that it becomes extremely heavy and bulky.

What style of diaper bag should I buy?

Backpacks are great if you plan on wearing baby in a carrier because they allow both of you easy access to all your things! Many styles also come equipped with stroller straps, which can save time when transferring all items between the two modes of transportation. A messenger-style or crossbody bag is also nice if you don’t like wearing things on just one shoulder—and these often have extra compartments instead of just one main space.

What material should my diaper bag be made of?

Considering most spills happen during travel, you want to make sure your diaper bag is easy to clean. Nylon or cotton fabric are great choices because they are both lightweight and durable. Leather can also be a good option if you plan on using your bag for years (just make sure it’s not dyed and instead treated with natural oils). Canvas can work too as long as you hand wash frequently and dry flat! Lastly, if you’d rather invest in a more formal design, then leather, suede, or pebbled textures will look chic and last longer over time compared to regular cloth-like material ones.

Is the changing pad included with the diaper bag?

Some diaper bags include a changing pad, but many do not. This is an important accessory to have if you plan on using baby’s cloth diapers frequently since those require trips outside the house and can be changed anywhere! You can choose ones that attach to your bag or just lay flat inside it—and some even come with pockets for wipes and creams. A lot of times, though, this isn’t an added cost —so don’t worry about splurging too much on one if you find a stylish bag you love already.

How long will my diaper bag last?

Diaper bags are made to last through years of wear and tear—especially if they are made from quality materials like leather or canvas instead of cloth. The only thing that might break is the shoulder strap, so be sure to choose one with a durable design and extra stitching, especially if you’re planning on carrying around a lot of weight inside it.

How can I keep my diaper bag clean?

If you opt for a nylon or cotton fabric bag, make sure to wipe down any spills right away using sanitizing wipes (which usually come free with the purchase of your new selection). If there are food or gum stains stuck in some crevices, then it’s best to spot-clean those with nontoxic cleaners like vinegar and water. Leather and suede materials should never get wet, though—because even when they dry, dark spots will remain.

 If these are the only styles you like, then be sure to wipe them down with a dry cloth instead.

Where should I keep the diaper bag?

Keep your diaper bag close to you at all times by keeping it either on a stroller or inside a designated spot in your house. We suggest storing this near an exit towards the outdoors so that if there’s ever a rush, everything will already be packed and ready to go!

How heavy is my diaper bag going to be?

Although most diaper bags are rather lightweight, some can become pretty weighted down with items—especially if they have anything more than just one main space. Make sure yours has extra pockets so that you can easily find what you’re looking for—and if you are worried about the weight, then opt for a lightweight material or one that comes with straps to wear it across your chest.

 What should I include in my diaper bag?

If you already have a baby, this is no time to start fresh with all new gear! Just because spring has arrived doesn’t mean you have to change the contents of your diaper bag. If anything, summertime is when babies can become more exposed to skin irritations and allergies —so make sure any creams and moisturizers stay on hand at all times (plus an extra outfit too).

Conclusion

 Whether you’re a first-time mom or a seasoned veteran, keeping a diaper bag within reach is a great way to keep all of your baby’s essentials in one place. After all, there can never be enough pockets and compartments for all those wipes and creams!

Last update on 2024-04-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API