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.
Prefer to watch? Check out my YouTube video:
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Everything I Recommend
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The one I recommend most
BÉIS EverydayThe side wipe pocket is the feature I did not know I needed. Well organized, and Dad will carry it.
The one that outlasts the diaper stage
Lululemon New ParentEasy to clean, easy to open, and I will still use it once the kids are past bottles and wipes.
Everything, if the budget is there
Caraa Baby BagMachine washable, with a removable diaper caddy and every feature on my list. I took it to Europe.
Minimal without missing anything
City Mouse Park BagThe magnetic wipe pocket is a game changer, and it fits more than it looks like it should.
The most bag for the money
Skip HopLightweight, huge opening, includes a changing pad and two packing cubes. A genuine go-to.
It does not look like a diaper bag
Mina Baie EmmyI do a double-take every time I see one in the wild. Wear it as a tote or a backpack.
Built for the airport
BÉIS The UltimateThe built-in changing pad still fits my 2-year-old. Big for everyday, which is what makes it great for trips.
Made for traveling parents
No Reception Club GetawayLays sideways on your luggage, which matters when you are babywearing through an airport.
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 been surprised 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 Bradley, 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
| Diaper Bag | Price | Type | Material | Luggage Sleeve | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BÉIS EverydayBest Overall | $158–$178 | Backpack | Vegan leather or nylon | Yes | Shop |
| Lululemon New ParentRunner-Up | $198 | Backpack | Polyester | Yes | Shop |
| Caraa Baby BagBest Luxury | $350–$440 | Backpack | Nylon or cotton | Yes | Shop |
| City Mouse Park BagBest Crossbody | $64.99 | Crossbody | Nylon | No | Shop |
| Skip HopBest Budget | $79 | Backpack | Polyester | No | Shop |
| Mina Baie EmmyMost Stylish | $199 | Tote or backpack | Vegan leather | No | Shop |
| BÉIS The UltimateBest for Travel | $198 | Backpack | Nylon | Yes | Shop |
| No Reception Club GetawayTravel Runner-Up | $235 | Backpack | Recycled poly / vegan leather | Yes | Shop |
BÉIS Everyday Diaper Bag – Best Overall
I LOVE this diaper bag. It is the perfect size, stylish, and Dad won’t mind carrying it. The wipe pocket on the side is so convenient. When you need a wipe, it’s often urgent, and with this bag, you don’t have to go on a treasure hunt to find them. But even if you have to search through the bag, it’s well organized and easy to find things.
They sell the same bag in two different materials if you don’t want to spend as much money.
It also includes stroller straps, but most strollers do not allow for their use, so check your manual.
Pros:
- Easy to wipe clean
- Lots of organization options, easy to find things
- Comfy straps
- Great for Mom or Dad
- The wipe pocket on the side is very convenient
- Includes a changing pad and can be zippered closed one-handed
Cons:
- No insulated bottle pockets, but they sell a bottle cooler
- Side pocket is a little small for big water bottles
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.
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
- Great for Dad and Mom
Cons:
- Materials feel cheap for the price
- Some people have experienced issues with the zipper, and the warranty does not cover this problem. 🙁
Caraa Baby Bag – Best Luxury Diaper Bag
This diaper bag has been growing quickly in popularity and for good reason. It literally has everything a parent could want in a diaper bag (minus a changing pad, you have to buy that separately). This didn’t make my original list because I hadn’t seen it in person, and it is expensive… BUT after trying it, I will be taking it with us to Europe. It is both functional and beautiful, and the pockets are amazing. IF you have the budget, this is a great option!
Pros:
- All the features: backpack straps, travel-ready luggage sleeve, insulated pockets, removable diaper caddy, and so much more.
- Amazing storage
- Stylish
Cons:
- Expensive
- Does not include a changing pad
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.
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.
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!
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
BÉIS The Ultimate Diaper Backpack – Best for Travel
I did not have the BÉIS diaper bag in time for my full diaper bag video, but since testing it, I have been so impressed. The straps are comfortable, it has great organization, and the built-in changing pad still fits my 2-year-old (pictured above). Now, this isn’t as practical for public restroom changing pads, so if you find yourself using those a lot, buy a second changing pad (this one is my favorite for public restrooms because of its size). I also found that this is a big bag for everyday use, but that is what makes it so great for travel.
Pros:
- Lots of storage
- Comfortable straps with a phone holder
- Easy to clean
- Great for dad or mom
- Unique features: a large built-in changing pad, wipe pockets, a removable changing pouch/fanny pack, and more!
Cons:
- Very large and can be a little heavy
- Changing pad is not removable
- Expensive
No Reception Club The Getaway- Best for Travel – Runner Up
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.
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
Other Bags I Liked…
Itzy Ritzy ERAs Backpack
I LOVE this diaper bag, and honestly am so sad they are discontinuing it. 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!
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? 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.
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!
State Lorimer Diaper Bag
Want a diaper bag that does not look like a diaper bag? This bag from State is great! I love all the organizers, the luggage pass through, and look.
Hoping to shop on Amazon? I created this list of the best diaper bags on Amazon.
Bags I am Currently Testing…
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 19, 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!
Diaper Bag FAQs
What is the best diaper bag brand?
There’s no single best brand — it depends on what you need. For overall quality and function, I love BÉIS. For travel, No Reception Club and BÉIS Ultimate are hard to beat. For style, Mina Baie is gorgeous. And if you’re on a budget, Skip Hop punches way above its price.
What is the best material for a diaper bag?
I’ve tested bags in vegan leather, nylon, polyester, and neoprene. Nylon and polyester are the easiest to clean and the lightest. Vegan leather looks beautiful but can be harder to wash. Neoprene is soft and durable, but lighter colors can show stains (I learned this the hard way with my Dagne Dover). If machine-washable matters to you, the Colugo neoprene bag or the Caraa are your best bets.
Why is the Dagne Dover diaper bag so popular?
It’s a genuinely great bag with quality materials, padded straps, a nice changing pad, and good organization. A lot of my friends love it, and it was the first diaper bag I actually liked. The main downside is that lighter colors stain easily, and it can be hard to find things in the larger compartment.
What diaper bags are celebrities using?
I see a lot of Freshly Picked bags and Mina Baie in the wild. The BÉIS bags are also popular since the brand was founded by Shay Mitchell. That said, celebrity picks don’t always mean they’re the most functional — I’d focus on features over brand names.
Which diaper bags are best for dads?
Most of the bags on my list work great for both parents. The BÉIS Everyday, Lululemon New Parent, Skip Hop, and No Reception Club all have a neutral look that my husband would happily carry. The only one he wouldn’t touch is the Mina Baie — it’s gorgeous, but it’s definitely more of a purse.
Do I really need a diaper bag, or can I just use a regular backpack?
You can absolutely use a regular backpack! The difference is that a good diaper bag has features that make your life easier — things like a wipe pocket, insulated bottle holders, a changing pad, and organization that keeps everything from sinking to the bottom. The longer I’ve been a mom, the less I carry, so if you’re a minimalist, a crossbody like the City Mouse Park Bag might be all you need.
