Diaper bags have come a long way—so much so, that many moms use them as their everyday bags without feeling like they’re sacrificing in the style department. But with so many options, for diaper bags that don’t look like diaper bags, how do you narrow in on which one to buy?
First, consider your family, lifestyle, and needs. Do you live in the city and walk everywhere? Or do you drive and mainly need a bag that will go from your car to the bottom of your stroller? Will you be lugging around belongings for one child or more? Do you need to carry a whole day’s worth of necessities or do you only need diapers and a few other items? Asking yourself these questions will help you determine the best style diaper bag to try.
What to look for in diaper bags:
From backpacks and crossbody bags, to tote and weekender bags, there are enough options you can rest assured you’ll find one you actually love. Consider these when shopping:
- Functionality: Features important to you, such as size and pockets.
- Style: Ensure you’ll be comfortable and happy using it daily.
- Durability: Fabric matters when it comes to long-lasting diaper bags.
Bunso Neoprene Diaper Bag Backpack
These Bunso Neoprene diaper bag backpacks are a great option if you’re looking for something affordable but still fits your needs. The Bunso is a true diaper bag, complete with a changing pad and many compartments for baby essentials.
But even without kids, it makes for a highly functional backpack you could take on a trip with your laptop in tow, thanks to the luggage sleeve feature. The backpack design is comfortable even when filled, and you can attach it to the handle of your stroller if it doesn’t fit below. The included zip pouches are incredibly practical, as you’ll probably find yourself using them even without the backpack.
What we love:
- Comfortable backpack style with elevated look.
- Lightweight, yet durable fabric.
- Easy to clean.
- Several color options
What we would change:
- Hard to dig for items toward the bottom if it’s packed.
Quick Facts:
- Size: 16.06”L x 3.82”W x 15.51”H (medium)
- Colors: Grey. black, khaki, mauve, rust
- Fabric material: Premium neoprene
Buy now on Amazon; $69.99
Lululemon Everyday Backpack 23L
Lululemon fans are obsessed with their backpacks, and once you get one, you’ll understand why. The everyday backpack is perfect for parents who need a bag with plenty of space but also want something stylish and on trend. There are plenty of compartments for whatever you and your little one need for the day. Store your wallet and other personal items in the outside pouch for easy accessibility, your laptop in the back compartment if you’re traveling and all your baby’s needs in the roomy main compartment.
What we love:
- Many compartments
- Water-repellent fabric.
- Quality from a trusted brand.
What we would change:
- The price, but that’s Lululemon for you!
Quick Facts:
- Size: 11.4″ x 5.9″ x 16.5″
- Colors: Black
- Fabric material: Nylon
Buy now on Amazon; $162.12
Skip Hop Forma Diaper Backpack
At under $80, this backpack is not only functional, but also one of the more affordable diaper backpacks available. The Forma offers plenty of space to store your essentials – even for two kids – and the zip opening is nice and wide so you can actually see what’s in there. It’s lightweight, easy-to-clean, and it has built-in straps to attach it to your stroller handle when you don’t want to carry it.
What we love:
- Attaches to the stroller.
- Extra wide double zip opening.
- Easy-to-clean water resistant fabric.
What we would change:
- Resembles a traditional diaper bag more than others on the list.
Quick Facts:
- Size: 16L x 8W x 14H
- Colors: Black, grey, navy, pink, sage
- Fabric material: Polyester
Buy now on Amazon; $78.99
Kibou Vegan Leather Bag
This “Deliberately Minimal” bag was created by two mom-friends-turned-co-founders raising kids in Brooklyn. They solved their own diaper bag needs by creating a compact, stylish diaper bag that still fits the essentials. While it’s small in size, the details are thoughtful, from the high-quality materials used, to the waterproof pocket and hook for pacifiers or keys. Most importantly, the feature that makes this a true diaper bag is the changing pad that you unfold from the back.
What we love:
- Mom-owned brand.
- Compact size with practical features.
- Worn either cross body or on your waist.
What we would change:
- Won’t fit a day’s worth of essentials (but it’s not intended to).
Quick Facts:
- Size: 11”W x 6”H x 4”D
- Colors: Black, smoky indigo, charcoal, midnight, jade, brown, and blush
- Fabric material: Recycled textiles – vegan leather and nylon
Buy now on Amazon; $98
Paperclip Willow Diaper Bag
If your family is outdoorsy, you’ll be happy to hear Paperclip has a diaper bag backpack that’s perfect for any adventure. Designed for active families, this truly looks like a backpack you’d pick up for everyday adventures, with or without kids. With a portable changing station, a laptop sleeve, water bottle compartments, a luggage sleeve and a roomy compartment for the baby’s needs, this bag carries everything you need.
What we love:
- Simple, neutral yet stylish look.
- Durable for active parents.
- Long-lasting and transitions into a regular backpack.
What we would change:
- On the heavier side
Quick Facts:
- Size: 4.9″L x 12″W x 14.1″D
- Colors: Mushroom, black, baked oak
- Fabric material: Recycled plastic and vegan leather
Buy now on Amazon; $199.99
Mia + Sophia Leather Diaper Bag
Mia + Sophia is unique in their nice-looking vegan leather diaper bag backpacks. The style is simple and sleek, with 15 pockets and a large center compartment. Made with the highest quality vegan leather, this bag also has a built-in USB and power cable, making it convenient to charge your phone or bottle warmer, a portable changing pad, and an insulated milk bottle holder.
What we love:
- Classic style that you can wear as a backpack or purse
- Vegan leather that wears nicely.
- Big interior section with side compartments.
What we would change:
- Vegan leather canmake it heavier than others.
Quick Facts:
- Size: 14”H in x 4.4”W x 15.7”D
- Colors: Beige, black, brownFabric material: Vegan leather
Buy now on Amazon; $185
Freshly Picked Seoul Weekender Diaper Bag
Whether you’re headed on a family road trip or somewhere a plane ride away, the Seoul Weekender will make traveling with kids easier. It’s part of a new collection from Freshly Picked, with bags made from a unique and durable neoprene material. The diaper bag has a roomy interior and 15 pockets, plus it fits underneath most airplane seats. If you don’t need quite as much room, try the Seoul Overnighter, which is a similar style with the luggage sleeve.
What we love:
- Unique weekender style, ideal for travel.
- Large zip opening to easily find what’s inside.
- 15 pockets.
What we would change:
- Priciest diaper bag on the list.
Quick Facts:
- Size: 13.5”H x 19”W x 9”D
- Colors: Ebony, aspen (tan), sage
- Fabric material: Water-resistant neoprene with nylon bottom
Buy now on Amazon; $236.48
TWELVElittle Diaper Bag Clutch
Designing a clutch that actually fits a parent’s diaper bag essentials is certainly not easy – but TWELVElittle has done it. The way this clutch zips all the way open and has compartments and elastics to keep everything in place is simply smart. And its ability to be worn as a crossbody or used as a pouch either on its own or inside any bag makes it even more convenient. It’s so well designed, you can even fit a small bottle or sippy cup in there.
What we love:
- Smart design with three compartments.
- Can be a crossbody or clutch.
- Functional stroller attachment.
What we would change:
- More color options.
Quick Facts:
- Size: 11″W x 7.25″H x 2.75″D
- Colors: Black, taupe, leopard print
- Fabric material: Quilted polyester with vegan leather trim
Buy now on Amazon; $78.99
Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bag
This top-selling baby bag has a sophisticated yet stylish look. Petunia Pickle is woman-founded and woman-led, and this bag was created with the modern mom in mind, complete with an extra roomy interior and a zip-out changing pad. The bag also has a magnetic closure, stroller straps and can be worn as a backpack or as a crossbody bag. The material is easy to clean and water resistant for all of those inevitable spills.
What we love:
- Built-in changing station.
- Can be worn as a crossbody bag
- Fashionable
What we would change:
- Can look bulky when full.
Quick Facts:
- Size: 13″W x 5.5″H x 13.5″D
- Colors: Black, minnie mouse, leopard, sand, indigo, saddle
- Fabric material: Cotton
Buy now on Amazon; $199
Hannah and Sophia Bella Diaper Backpack
If you’re looking for something stylish, on trend and you can take it day-to-night, this diaper backpack is for you. With detachable shoulder straps, the bag goes from backpack to messenger bag in a second. The bag has large storage space, a changing pad, multiple outer pockets for easy access, easy to clean fabric and a beautiful woven design with gold details.
What we love:
- Stylish design.
- Multiple pockets
- Shoulder bag or crossbody.
What we would change:
- May not be big enough for all newborn essentials.
Quick Facts:
- Size: 7.5″L x 16″W x 12.5″H
- Colors: Black, pink, blue, sage greenFabric material: Nylon textile
Buy now on Amazon; $69.85
One Last Thing: FAQ
How do I decide which diaper bag style is best for my family?
Diaper bags now come in all shapes and sizes! Considering your lifestyle is key. Kelly, a mom raising two kids in the city, prefers a backpack style because their family tends to walk everywhere. Maura, a mom of a newborn and two older children, loves the functionality of a diaper clutch that she can throw in whatever bag she’s using that day.
What diaper bag fabric is the most practical?
This depends on how and how often you’ll be using your diaper bag. But more and more brands are starting to use high-quality neoprene fabrics, many of which are water-resistant and easy to clean. Marissa, a second-time mom who recently switched to a neoprene backpack, says she finds it to be more lightweight compared to her previous vegan leather diaper bag.
What should I look for in a diaper bag if I’m formula feeding?
If you’re formula feeding, you’ll be toting around a few more essentials – bottles and formula – in the early stages of your baby’s life. Look for a diaper bag with insulated pockets so you don’t have to worry about carrying another bag to keep bottles at the appropriate temperature.
