If you talk to any mom, she will tell you that a comfortable diaper bag is the key to making motherhood easier.
Of course, you can use any bag you like to store all your baby’s essentials, but a diaper bag will have handy features like insulated bottle pockets, built-in changing pads, and supportive shoulder straps, to name a few.
There’s never a good time to buy a new diaper bag. Whether you’re pregnant or already have all the essentials for your baby or toddler (diapers, snacks, toys, pacifiers, wipes, a change of clothes—you get the idea), everything in that Mary Poppins bag will become a daily necessity. So finding the right diaper bag is crucial. (Tip: They also make a great baby shower gift!)
To make your life easier, I tested some of the best diaper bags that have received rave reviews online, taking into account comfort, functionality, durability, and even aesthetics. Keep reading for my mom-approved diaper bag reviews, and if you’re still looking for other baby gear, be sure to check out our expert-reviewed best car seats and baby wipes.
The Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack comes in three sizes and eight colors. Not only can it hold spare diapers and clothes, but it also has organizers and pockets for wipes, toys, snacks, and more. It also comes with two keychains: one for hanging keys and one for hanging other personal items (like pacifiers). If your little one’s older sibling loves (or needs) a tablet, this backpack is perfect for them, too.
I’ve seen this bag all over the internet and can see why parents love it. It’s customizable to your size needs and style preferences, making it easy to get started. It’s also made from high-quality neoprene, a material that’s both durable and resilient (it can withstand a fall from a 30-story building). While this bag is a little more expensive than some other diaper bags, the quality is definitely worth the money.
As a new parent, you always have a lot to do when you’re out and about, and having a dedicated space to organize all your essentials makes life a lot easier. We recommend Lambert’s stylish and practical baby set, which combines our best-selling diaper bag, bottle case, and storage bag. This bag is made from durable black PU leather, which is super tough (the babies in the photo are testing it for bite resistance).
I was excited to try Lambert’s Parent Bundle because the brand has created an incredible collection of bags, luggage, and accessories made from vegan leather and recycled materials. I love that this bundle is eco-friendly and well-designed: the long opening allows for easy access, the exposed silver zipper keeps everything secure, and the shoulder straps are lightweight. The bottle caps and storage pockets fit perfectly into the backpack with room to spare. At $270, this bundle is a steal.
For those who want to keep their hands free, a backpack is a great option. Unfortunately, it’s hard to find a diaper backpack that’s both durable and lightweight, but this one from Thule fits the bill. It’s made from a thicker fabric, making it ideal for carrying all your essentials. And at less than three pounds, you’ll barely even notice you’re carrying it.
I love how roomy this backpack is — it can even fit a laptop if you’re the type to juggle work and parenthood. The combination of inside and outside pockets is also very convenient. In “emergency situations,” you can separate clean items from dirty ones. I wish there were more colors.
You’ve probably seen stars like Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Garner wearing MZ Wallace’s signature quilted bags. These celebrities can’t get enough of the style—it’s understated luxury that’s practical, sophisticated, and lightweight. But what many people don’t know is that these bags can handle all of your diapering needs.
I’ve heard that these bags are “super lightweight,” but it wasn’t until I tried them on that I realized what two pounds actually means. And not only is it not bulky, but the weight is distributed fairly evenly thanks to the thoughtful design of each of the interior and exterior pockets (of which there are many). Say goodbye to bulging shoulders and a bulging back—it’ll feel like there’s nothing there. Not to mention, its sleek silhouette with gunmetal hardware and fuzzy nylon will turn heads wherever you go. This diaper bag is worth the splurge.
Another great multi-functional diaper bag is the Stonz Urban Backpack, which can be worn as a tote or on your back during outings. Parents love that this bag is expandable, making it easy to stash essentials in case of an emergency. An insulated front pocket allows for easy access to bottles or snacks.
I was really impressed with this small but durable diaper bag, and here’s why. The polyester material is easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth, which helps get rid of any stains and spills that may occur during daily babysitting. Even though this bag is small, I love that it can easily fit under the stroller. However, the real selling point of this diaper bag is that it’s currently on sale on Amazon for just $36, making it a great deal.
Available in three classic shades (my favorite is a charming blush), this elegant diaper bag will never leave you without a sense of style. From the outside, it looks like a casual, sophisticated work bag, with shiny metal hardware and soft faux leather. Open it up and you’ll find five interior pockets for storing your belongings and a zip closure.
I’ve noticed that most diaper bags are compact and have wide pockets. This design is sometimes practical, but can sometimes lead to a lot of spills (especially when filling bottles or other liquids). This tote bag from Little Unicorn is different: it has deeper, narrower pockets that can easily fit a tall water bottle or laptop.
Another standout option from Dagne Dover is the Landon Newopreve Caryall. This crossbody bag is perfect for those who want to take the weight off their back or avoid the hassle of carrying things in their hands. It’s wide and thick, and will easily accommodate even the heaviest items. Reviewers rave about this bag so much that they end up buying it in multiple sizes and colors.
Of all the diaper bag styles, my favorite is the shoulder bag. I find the long strap is the most comfortable for hanging on a stroller or for carrying alone. I’ve heard that smaller diaper bags are also great for baby’s first trips—which makes sense since they’re lightweight, comfortable, and sturdy enough to stand on their own without tipping over.
lululemon has done it again. You may already know and love their iconic Everywhere Belt Bag (it lives up to its name—I carry it everywhere I go and often forget about it). The brand’s new parenting tote is a fancier, larger, and more grown-up version. It’s made from waterproof fabric and features two side pockets for water bottles for easy access. Reviewers note that it’s one of the few bags large enough to fit a breast pump—a big plus for moms who pump.
Personally, my favorite thing about this diaper bag is that it doubles as a gym bag. It’s stylish, wicks away sweat, and keeps my home from getting cluttered. As for using it as a diaper bag, the best part is definitely the size. It’s not too big or bulky, and the inside and outside pockets are just the right size to hold whatever you can think of.
It looks like any other backpack, but it’s so much more. With over 30,000 reviews on Amazon and a price tag of under $50, we knew this one would be among the best. Available in nearly a dozen colors, this diaper backpack also features a changing mat, 16 pockets (including an insulated bottle pocket), a laptop pocket, and more, and it definitely looks like a bargain.
“When you hear the words ‘diaper bag,’ you probably picture something bulky or outdated,” says Matt Levy, an events and experiences reporter for The Washington Post. “The Ruvalino cleverly avoids those cliches; its cool gray color would be at home on any hip college campus. Yes, it can hold diapers, snacks, parenting books, and all manner of parenting gadgets, but no one will notice if you’re carrying it.”
Flying with a baby is no easy task. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a good travel diaper bag. How secure is it? Can it be easily hung on a suitcase? Is the material flexible enough to fit under the seat? And is it strong enough to withstand some flexing.
The JULIA recycled nylon diaper bag from Lambert meets all these needs. I love the simple look of this diaper bag and recommend it to anyone planning to travel with a baby. It can be worn over the shoulder, over the shoulder or in your hand. The diaper compartment is perfect for lightening your load: simply place the diaper bag on the trolley. The nylon is flexible and comfortable, and does not wrinkle. Consider it the perfect companion for your next trip with baby.
Vera Bradley is known for its range of fun quilted bags and covers, but their travel bags can easily double as baby bags too. While most parents will opt for a sturdier diaper bag, some may prefer a fabric bag that’s easier to fit into small spaces like under a seat while traveling. Consumers also like that it comes with a removable and adjustable 53-inch shoulder strap, allowing you to securely attach the stroller to your stroller.
I bought this bag before heading out on a six-hour plane ride with my six-month-old. It feels like one of the best decisions I’ve made as a parent. Unlike other diaper bags that are more compact, this one can be easily folded or stowed away, and it takes up very little space. It also has a clear mesh zippered pocket for easy access.
For parents who want to create an all-natural home, we recommend choosing the Storsak Diaper Bag. This organic bag is made from pure cotton without any chemical additives and comes with a matching large organic changing table. It’s the perfect option for the health-conscious family.
In my opinion, there are a few features that really stand out about this diaper bag. First, it easily converts from a backpack to a shoulder bag. The bag is also waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about spills or stains. Lastly, the stunning light beige polka dot pattern will suit almost any nursery. Even if you don’t plan on buying this diaper bag for yourself, it would make a great baby shower gift.
My ranking of the best diaper bags is based on a few key factors: comfort, functionality, durability, and aesthetics.
Comfort: Diaper bags can be carried on your back or in your hand, and the goal is to make them as comfortable as possible while you are also caring for your baby. I primarily look for the softness of the material, the width of the shoulder and back straps, and whether the bag has adjustable sections inside.
Functionality: When choosing a diaper bag, pockets are crucial. I looked for bags that had both interior and exterior pockets, as well as bags with clear mesh pockets to make things easy to identify. I also looked for diaper bags with insulated pockets for snacks and bottles.
Durability: Some diaper bags are made better than others. I put all of these diaper bags to the test—meaning I dropped them on the floor, stuffed them into tight corners, and even tested whether the ones that claimed to be waterproof lived up to their reputation.
Aesthetics: Every parent has their own style when it comes to choosing a diaper bag — primarily whether they prefer a tote, shoulder bag, or backpack. I’ve tried a variety of styles, choosing bags with bold colors and patterns. I also keep an eye out for bags with different purposes that can be used for other things, like work, travel, or fitness.
This article was written by New York Post business reporter Miska Salemann. As a first-time mom of Gen Z, Miska and her daughter try everything from trendy baby clothes to tried-and-true diaper brands. She evaluates the health and quality of products for mothers and babies (including mom-approved ones) and consults medical and parenting experts for recommendations on safe ingredients, usage, and more. Before joining The New York Post, she covered lifestyle and consumer verticals at The American Sun.