I hated my diaper bag with my first. And because I didn’t realize how much a good diaper bag actually matters, I didn’t replace it until my third baby. At the time, my checklist was short: it had to look nice, my husband had to be able to wear it, and it couldn’t look “girly” because that’s what everyone said I should prioritize. What I ended up with was a heavy bag that felt like a black hole and was missing basic features I now consider essential, like a top carry handle, padded straps, and a luggage sleeve.
Over the past year, I’ve been testing various diaper bags. Fifteen of them, to be exact. I tried popular options from brands like CALPAK, Lululemon, Mina Baie, Skip Hop, and Dagne Dover. In this post, I’m sharing the ones I actually liked, the ones that were fine but forgettable, the ones I’d skip, and the features I wish I’d understood from the start. I’m also including discount codes where available.
Before we jump in, I want to share the things I wish I had known before buying my first diaper bag. We’ll cover the different types of bags, whether size actually matters, and the features that make a difference day-to-day. Style is always personal, but function is universal. Every diaper bag should be easy to clean, easy to carry, and able to hold diapers, wipes, a water bottle, and a few essentials without becoming a black hole.
Disclosure—This post also contains affiliate links. You don’t get charged any extra, but my family receives a small commission when you shop through one of my affiliate links, and we are grateful for your support!
Table of Contents
Different Types of Diaper Bags
There are three different types of Diaper bags you can choose from:
Backpack – This has been the most popular style of diaper bag in recent years because it allows mom or dad to be hands-free while carrying a lot. The biggest downside of this type of diaper bag is that it can be hard to carry when babywearing.
Crossbody – This style is growing in popularity because it still allows parents to be hands-free but in a more minimal way. The biggest benefit of this style is also a downside because it is not ideal for travel or when you need to transport more things.
Tote Diaper Bag – This style of diaper bag has great storage and is easy to grab. It often offers a more sophisticated purse look. The biggest downside is that it can be heavy on one shoulder when worn for extended periods.
What should you look for when buying a diaper bag?
- Budget: Diaper bags range widely in price, and more expensive doesn’t always mean better. Decide what you’re comfortable spending, then focus on function within that range.
- Style: A diaper bag is a personal purchase and is something you will use a lot. Some parents prefer a bag that looks like a backpack, while others prefer a tote or cross-body bag. Same goes for materials. Style matters, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of comfort or usability.
- Comfortable Straps: Padded, adjustable straps make a huge difference, especially when your diaper bag somehow gains five pounds every time you leave the house.
- Top Carry Handle: This is an underrated feature. A sturdy top handle makes it much easier to grab your bag quickly or lift it in and out of the car. My first diaper bag didn’t have one, and it drove me nuts.
- Insulated Pockets: Insulated bottle pockets help regulate the temperature of milk and water, keeping spills contained. I have personally not found this to be an essential, but for some parents, it is.
- Organization: Good internal organization makes it easier to find what you need quickly. The best bags prevent everything from sinking to the bottom and disappearing into a black hole.
- Quality, Washable Materials: Diaper bags get dirty fast. Some materials like leather, vegan leather, and polyester are easy to wipe clean. I have bee suprised at how few diaper bags are machine washable.
- Close with One Hand: Zippers, magnets, or snaps should be easy to open and close with one hand, especially when you’re holding a baby.
- Luggage Sleeve: If you travel at all, this is a must. A luggage sleeve (also known as a trolly sleeve) lets your bag sit securely on top of a rolling suitcase. This is a MUST for me.
- Drink Holder: Exterior or interior drink pockets are essential for water bottles, baby bottles, or toddler cups so they don’t end up loose inside the bag.
- Changing Pad and Extra Storage Pouches: An included changing pad can be nice, especially when you are paying a lot for your diaper bag.
- Key Holder: A key leash saves you from digging through your bag every time you need to leave the house, which my husband especially appreciates when I actually use it.
- Laptop Pocket: A padded laptop pocket is helpful if you work outside the home, travel, or want your diaper bag to also serve as a work bag.
Why stroller straps shouldn’t be a factor when choosing a diaper bag!
Many diaper bag brands advertise stroller straps, but did you know that using them may void your stroller warranty? Sadly, having a diaper bag on a stroller increases its tipping risk and could cause damage to the stroller by adding weight where it is not intended.
I personally do not hang my diaper bag on my stroller handle, but I do use a parent organizer, which can be great for small items and doesn’t have the same risks as hanging a diaper bag. Here are some of my favorite Parent Organizers: Itzy Ritzy, MomCozy, CALPAK, Vera Bradly, and SkipHop.
What size diaper bag should you get?
Many of the brands on this list offer different bag sizes. So which one should you choose? In most cases, I would recommend a large size.
I thought the reason I didn’t like my first diaper bag was because of its size, when in fact it had more to do with the materials and functionality of the bag. A large diaper bag can be nice, especially for travel, long outings, cloth diapering, or if you have kids close in age.
Some parents prefer a more minimalist approach and may opt for a crossbody bag, which is great too! The more kids I have, the more I realize you don’t need much more than a diaper and wipes, especially as your baby grows.
My Favorite Diaper Bags
Itzy Ritzy ERAs Backpack – Best Overall
I LOVE this diaper bag, and honestly, you cannot go wrong with any Itzy Ritzy Diaper bag. I even have an Itzy Ritzy discount code for 15% off with code: STROLLERMOM, making it one of the more affordable options on this list.
This bag checks every box for me. It’s the one we brought to Disneyland recently, and my husband and I wore it on our backs all day. It’s comfortable, stylish, easy to organize, and works well for both mom and dad. I also love how easy it is to find what I need without digging.
It also includes stroller straps, but most strollers do not allow for their use, so check your manual.
Price: $160 – Save with code STROLLERMOM or on Amazon
Material: Vegan Leather
Includes: Changing pad, stroller straps, and laptop pocket
Sizes: One Size, 2.6 lbs
Features: Stroller straps, can fit a laptop, but only the Era has a luggage sleeve.
Wash: Vegan leather – spot clean
Pros:
- Easy to wipe clean
- Lots of organization options, easy to find things
- Comfy straps
- Can be purchased on Amazon
Cons:
- I wish they made more colors
- Side pockets are too small for large water bottles
Itzy Ritzy offers many other popular diaper bags, including the Boss Plus, and my code works sitewide. I also love Itzy Ritzy’s Stroller Organizer, and my code works on these too!
Lululemon New Parent Backpack – Best Overall Runner Up
I understand the hype behind this bag! It is easy to clean, find things, open, and it will work beyond the diaper bag stage. I will personally use this bag even when I am not traveling with kids.
When I first got it, I thought the materials felt cheap for the price, but they make up for that by being very easy to clean. I also love that I can fit large water bottles in the side pockets, and the zipper pocket on top is perfect for my phone and keys.
Price: $198 – Buy it here
Material: Polyester
Includes: Built-in Stroller straps, changing pad, and crossbody pouch
Sizes: One Size 17L – 3 lbs
Features: Luggage sleeve, laptop sleeve
Wash: Spot Clean Only
Pros:
- Easy to wipe clean
- Lots of organization options, easy to find things
- The changing pad is nice and easy to wash, but tricky to fold
Cons:
- Materials feel cheap for the price
- Great for Dad and Mom
- Some people have experienced issues with the zipper, and the warranty does not cover this problem. 🙁
City Mouse Park Bag – Best Crossbody
If you’re looking for a minimal diaper bag that doesn’t lack features, this is a great option. The wipe pocket is fantastic, it fits a surprising amount, including bottles, and still looks sleek. The longer I’ve been a mom, the more minimalist I’ve become, and I love how this bag handles the essentials.
Price: $64.99 – Save 10% with my link
Material: Nylon
Includes: Bag (Changing pad can be purchased separately)
Sizes: One Size
Features: Wipe pocket, 2 insulated bottle holders, strap can be changed, and key leash
Wash: Spot clean only
Pros:
- Easy to wipe clean
- Magnetic Wipe Pocket is a game-changer
- You can personalize the straps
- Fits a lot for the size
- Small Business
Cons:
- On the smaller side
- Does not fit all cups
Skip Hop – Best Budget
This bag is lightweight, cute, and holds a lot thanks to its extra-large opening. It includes a changing pad and two packing cubes, and it’s become one of my go-to bags because it’s easy to carry and easy to find things. The water bottle pockets are great, and it genuinely has everything you need.
Price: $79 – Buy on Amazon, Carters, and Target
Material: Polyester
Includes: Bag, 2 packing cubes, and a changing pad.
Sizes: One Size
Features: laptop sleeve, insulated bottle pockets, wide opening, and stroller straps.
Wash: Spot Clean Only *I machine-washed once and air-dried, but do so at your own risk. 😉
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Amazing storage and organization
- Easy to find things
Cons:
- The lighter color stains easily
- Not the highest quality materials
Some other bags worth considering are the Cloud Island ones from Target and the Colugo bag, which I included in the other bags I liked below.
Mina Baie Emmy – Most Stylish
Every time I see one of these bags in the wild, I do a double-take. They are beautiful and do not look like a diaper bag. I love that you can add straps and use it as a backpack or a tote, and the space on the full-sized one is great. It lacks some of the features that other diaper bags at this price point offer, such as a changing pad, a laptop pocket, and a luggage sleeve. However, if you are a mom who wants a diaper bag that does not look like a diaper bag, this might be the one for you!
Price: $199 for full-size – Buy on Babylist
Material: Vegan Leather (they also sell leather and nylon)
Includes: Blackpack straps, shoulder strap, and dust bag
Sizes: Micro to Carryall – I have the Full, which weighs 1.9 lbs
Features: Key leash, straps (stroller straps sold separately), lots of pockets
Wash: Spot clean only
Pros:
- Multiple Carry Options (backpack, carry strap, and handles)
- Easy to clean
- Stylish
Cons:
- Expensive
- Dad likely won’t touch it
- No luggage strap or laptop sleeve
- Does not include a changing pad
Another stylish diaper bag I am seeing grow in popularity, but also comes at an even higher price tag, is the Caraa bag.
No Reception Club The Getaway- Best for Travel
This bag was made with traveling parents in mind. The storage is incredible, and it is so easy to access every pocket. It even has a luggage sleeve, so you can lay it sideways on your luggage, which is a travel essential for me, since I am usually baby-wearing through the airport. As an everyday diaper bag, I personally found it to be too big, but it really depends on your needs.
Price: $235 – Use link code STROLLERMOM20 to save!
Material: Recycled Polyester and Vegan Leather
Includes: Insulated lunch bag, 2 detachable stroller clips, and 2 customizable shelves
Sizes: One size, 3.4 lbs
Features: Multiple access points and storage pockets, a laptop sleeve, and luggage access.
Wash: Spot clean only
Pros:
- Great Organization and storage
- Hidden pocket for travel essentials
- Great for dad!
- Stylish
Cons:
- Expensive
- Big and a little stiff
- Changing pad not included unless you buy a bundle
Another travel diaper bag to consider is the Beis Diaper bag! This bag is spacious and has so many amazing compartments. I have not reviewed this one yet, but let me know on Instagram if you would like to see a review.
Other Bags I liked…
Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Bag
So many of my friends LOVE this diaper bag, and it was the first one I tried that I actually liked. It didn’t make my top list because it shows stains easily (You can see it in the image above) on lighter colors and can be hard to find things, but that said, it is an amazing bag and one I still really like.
It has everything you look for in a bag, from pockets to padded stroller straps, an easy-to-clean changing pad, and quality materials. I think if I could do it again, I would choose the large one (I got the medium), especially since I have three kids. The bags are light, and I love the changing pad. Check out the diaper bag here!
They have also added a diaper tote with a lot of the same features, just in tote form. Ultimately, it depends on your preference!
Colugo Neoprene Parent Diaper Backpack
Want the Dagne Dover at a better price with better storage and machine-washable (the only one on this list)? This is the bag for you! I have been so impressed with this bag and love the storage, as well as the fact that it includes a changing pad and a separate pocket, making diaper changes incredibly easy. I don’t love that there is no laptop pocket, and I wish they made more colors. Save with code THESTROLLERMOM.
Freshly Picked Diaper Bags
Freshly Picked Diaper bags were everywhere when I had my first, and I love their baby shoes. I have tried two of their bags, including the Classic, and while I do love their quality and design, they are a little heavy and lack a luggage/trolley sleeve, which is essential for me in a diaper bag. If you don’t need it, then I highly recommend it. I also just ordered their stroller organizer and am excited to try it. Save $5 sitewide with this link.
Tushbaby The Pack Crossbody
Just like the City Mouse bag above, this one is perfect for the parent who prefers a more minimalist bag. The leather design gives it a more sophisticated look, and though it may be small, it can hold everything you need. Save sitewide with code THESTROLLERMOM.
CALPAK Diaper Backpack, Diaper Crossbody Bag, and Diaper Tote
The CALPAK Backpack almost made my top list. The pockets, luggage sleeve, cute and practical design, and I love that they come in all different styles. But for one issue. It stains easily and is not machine-washable. I have been fighting some grease stains for months. I think if you went with black, it would not be an issue, but diaper bags get SO DIRTY, especially in the toddler years, that it is hard to have a bag that is not easy to clean. Use code EMILY10 to save!
WAYB The Toddler Tote
I love a good tote bag, and this one has been so nice, especially with 3 busy kiddos. From a luggage sleeve to a laptop pocket, a magnetic pocket for my phone, and a cup holder, this bag can hold a lot and is easy to throw over my shoulder or stuff in my travel stroller basket. I use this bag for trips to the splash pad, for packing picnic lunches when we go to the park, and even for personal travel without kids. It is not the prettiest bag, but I debated adding it to the favorites list. Use code THESTROLLERMOM20 to save!
Hoping to shop on Amazon? I created this list of the best diaper bags on Amazon.
What about the diaper bags that didn’t make the list?
There were a few diaper bags that did not make my top list, and all have a few things in common… they were stiff and uncomfortable to wear, but most importantly, the material did not hold up.
Thankfully, my original diaper bag no longer exists, but I did experience wear with a few other brands, including Miss Fong and Petunia Pickle Bottom. I have heard this can happen with Freshly Picked, but I never experienced it. I used the Miss Fong bag as my pump bag for many years, and while I liked the look at first, the materials quickly showed signs of wear, the straps had no padding, and it regularly fell off my shoulders.
I have a few friends who have this bag and like it for the price. On the other hand, my best friend had the Petunia Pickle Bottom bag, and within less than a year, hers started experiencing the same issue, but hers was double the price of my Miss Fong bag. She now uses Dagne Dover and LOVES it.
Which Diaper Bag Is Right for You?
There are numerous options to choose from when it comes to diaper bags, and even after reviewing 15, I have realized I have barely scratched the surface.
I primarily focused on testing the most popular brands because I get the most questions on those. Ultimately, the best diaper bag depends on your style preference and budget, but I hope this post helped you narrow in on the features and things to look for. If this post has helped you decide, please consider shopping through my links and using the discount codes. It helps support my blog at no additional cost to you. Thank you for being here!
