These Are the 10 Best Diaper Bags Out There, According to Parents

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Diaper bags are definitely a convenience that almost every new mom or dad is going to want to take advantage of when the baby comes. Not only can the best diaper bags ensure that you never forget anything when you leave home with your little bundle of joy, but they can also make getting out the door that much easier.

When choosing a good diaper bag, it's important to first and foremost evaluate its features and functionality. "They should be lightweight, easy to clean, and have enough storage capacity [and] organization to make your life easier," according to Abby Ludwig, head of parent education for Gugu Guru. Ludwig says this baby essential is crucial because it's one place where you can keep all of your baby's items — bottles, snacks, toys, extra clothes, diapers, burp cloths, and more — as well as those parenting necessities we all need on hand. "I highly recommend a backpack style filled with small pouches to hold each category of item."

But like so many other parenting choices, what works for one family may not work for another. To make sure we found the best diaper bags made with the most durable materials, most ergonomic design, and functional compartments and organization features, we asked multiple parents — with babies and kids of different ages — about their favorite picks and consulted pediatricians, parent education experts, and doulas. Below, here is our list of top-rated and reviewed diaper bags for any family.

Boss Plus Backpack

Several parents praised this capacious bag, which is the upgraded version of their cult classic Boss Backpack. "Lots of pockets and sections so that everything stays organized and is easy to find, it's cute and doesn't necessarily look like a diaper bag, and it still looks brand new and shows almost zero wear and tear," author Nicole Pomarico says of the bag she still uses when she and her 4-year-old head to Disney.

There are 19 pockets total, including the two insulated side pockets meant for bottles. You may think, who needs 19 pockets? The answer is: You, after you have a baby (or two).

Mainframe Diaper Bag

When it comes to bags that provide form and function, Ludwig suggests the Forma bag from Skip Hop. "They have a ton of options to match any style aesthetic," she says, adding that in addition to the Forma, she also loves the Mainframe version of the bag.

The bag comes with plenty of pockets to make it easier to organize all those baby essentials you'll need to carry around with you in the early days, while also seamlessly transitioning into a regular backpack after your toddler has potty trained.

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Diaper Bag Backpack

Over 23,000 people have given BabbleRoo's Diaper Bag Tote five stars on Amazon, making it one of the marketplace's top-selling diaper bags. And, it has Ludwig's approval, too!

Why? It has all the bells and whistles: two main compartments with five insulated pockets, a "mommy pocket" for your keys and wallet, an extra-wide opening, and reinforced seams in the thickly padded shoulder straps to ensure they don't break after years of use.

Dr. BFF Diaper Bag

JuJuBe bags are a favorite for postpartum doula Krystal. The bags come in several sizes and forms, but Dr. B.F.F. is a go-to for travel thanks to its convertible nature (it can be a bag or a backpack), 17 pockets, and trolley pass-thru that makes it easy to attach to luggage. You can fit a lot of after-preschool snacks in this bad boy.

A note from this editor: This is one of the bags I turned to after I had my third child, when my old diaper bag just wasn't cutting it anymore. I also got the matching shoulder bag so that I had something smaller for those quick outings when I didn't need to pack as much.

Large Diaper Bag

Qualyphant's Large Diaper Bag was specifically engineered for families with twins. The 21-pocket pack expands to nearly double in size, meaning you can carry double the bottles and double the diaper rash cream. There's a USB charging port, hidden pockets on the shoulder straps to keep credit cards, and an easy-access pocket in the front that you can open with one hand.`

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Breast Pump & Diaper Bag

No matter how sleek breast pumps have gotten, they're still giant space-suckers. Enter Lovevook's competitively-priced tote. "I have traveled two long trips with it," said Jess, a frequent traveler and mom of three. "It fits perfectly under an airplane seat but can also fit a hospital-grade breast pump and ice packs with room to spare. Good quality overall and I like the short handles for when you're on the go."

Paige Carryall Dusty Rose

This editor has tried a number of diaper bags, but the Paige Carryall (which also comes in black), is my personal favorite. It looks like a cushioned mini-duffle and holds about as much as my toddler's overnight bag. The tagline — "Mom but make it fashion" — is accurate, given how many compliments I've gotten on this "purse." I also use the mini version for short trips out of the house.

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New Parent Backpack

Parents — new and not — love Lululemon's New Parent Backpack. "It’s definitely a splurge but it’s sleek and I like the athleisure look considering I’m wearing athleisure most days," said mom Lindsay. The best part? "You can easily use it as a normal backpack when you’re no longer needing a diaper bag."

As long as it fits the essentials that Dr. Wendi DeFrank, MD, a pediatrician at Children's Hospital New Orleans, says you need. "As for what to pack, always pack more than you think you might need," she says. "An extra set of dry clothes, extra onesie, blanket, powdered formula and bottled water, disposable wipes, extra diapers, wipeable diaper changing pad." In fact, DeFrank values her diaper bag so much, she actually has more than one. "I also keep an 'emergency' diaper bag in my car in case I forget my diaper bag in the morning rush!"

Large Diaper Bag

If you're aghast at the prices on some of these bags, you're not alone. Diaper bags can be super expensive, but there are affordable options out there! Parker Baby Co.'s Large Diaper Bag got high marks from mom Sidney thanks to its impressive capacity and mesh diaper organizer.

Packing Cubes

If you need a little extra organization or would prefer not to buy a new bag at all, stock up on some packing cubes! "We used an Amazon packing cube," said mom Emma. "It worked so well because you can put it in any purse or backpack and move it easily."

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How do I choose a good diaper bag?

✔️ Durable material: Cotton is great for a onesie, but when it comes to diaper bags, you want something water-resistant. Nylon and polyester are your friends! "Waterproof interior is best with a wipeable or washable exterior," DeFrank says.

✔️ Space and pockets: There's never going to be a bag big enough to hold all the diapers, wipes, binkies, blankies, and stuffies, but they can typically fit the things Christine Hernandez, a birth and postpartum doula, says you're most likely to need it while you're away from home. "You should at least have diapers, wipes, extra clothes for the baby, and anything you’ll need for feeding — bottles, nursing cover if you use one, etcetera," she says. "Depending on how newly postpartum you are, you may also bring along some pads if you’re still bleeding or things you may need," she continues, highlighting just how much you may need to squeeze into your bag.

✔️ Comfort and wearability: If you don't like carrying handbags before kids, you're certainly not going to like it while juggling a newborn. Pick the style (backpack, tote, handbag) that you're most comfortable wearing. "I prefer a backpack-type diaper back because my hands are free," DeFrank adds.

✔️ Weight: Your baby is going to be heavy, and all of his or her things (plus your things) are going to be heavy, too. Select a lightweight bag that won't weigh you down once all the stuff is in it.

✔️Style: Because no one wants to be carrying around — or spending a good amount of money on — something that they don't love the look of. Luckily, there are many colors, styles, and patterns to fit any fashion taste. This list alone includes backpacks, carry-alls, and shoulder bag options.

FAQ

• Do I need a diaper bag? According to Hernandez, while running out and buying a diaper bag isn't exactly a necessity, having something to carry all of your babies things around is. "In the first few months of life, babies need a lot of diaper changes (and often full outfit changes) and you don’t want to be caught without extra diapers, onesies and wipes," she says, adding that those needs don't end as soon as your kid is out of diapers. "Even as babies grow into toddlers, you’ll need to tote along snacks and extra clothes."

• At what age can I stop using a diaper bag? Whenever. Some parents use one until their kids are out of diapers (ages vary), but many continue to use it for years after. They're handy!

• Do mom and dad both need a diaper bag? No. "There are lots of 'regular' bags that make great diaper bags," according to Hernandez. "Many moms use backpacks, or totes — as long as it is functional." As long as both parents have something they can use to carry around all of those important baby goodies, then there's no need to double up.

• How much should I pay for a diaper bag? Your budget is entirely up to you, but you can expect to pay at least $30. If you have your eye on a more expensive model, consider putting it on your baby registry.

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