The Best Diaper Bags, According to Experienced Moms

If you’re looking for a backpack, you can’t do much better than this diaper backpack from Skip Hop, which combines the storage of a larger diaper bag with hands-free convenience. A top pick among What to Expect community members (and a 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019 What to Expect Mom Must-Have Award winner), the front pocket allows you to stash all your necessities (like baby’s pacifier) in an easy-to-reach spot.

If you’re someone who likes to stay hyper-organized, then this bag is great because of the special packing cubes — an insulated one for bottles and a mesh one to store a couple of extra changes of clothes or even snacks when baby gets older. No more having to dump out your entire baby bag just to find one thing. (Hey, it happens.)

In addition, you’ll also like the side pockets that are wide enough to hold bottles. Between these and the additional insulated case, you can easily transport three bottles securely without worrying about spills and leaks. Like all Skip Hop bags, the backpack also comes with stroller straps. It measures 16 inches long by 8 inches wide, so you can even slide a 15-inch laptop inside if you're also in work mode.

Weight: 1.4 pounds

Dimensions: 16 x 8 x 14 inches

This bag may look small, but with nine pockets — including a large interior pocket, two insulated bottle pockets and a padded "mommy pocket" to keep your essentials safe — you can stay organized to the max. You can also keep important essentials in the plastic pocket, which will ensure they stay clean and dry. Plus, it's easy to keep clean, since you can simply toss it in the wash when it gets dirty (and germaphobes will appreciate that it's lined with antimicrobial fabric that protects against mold and mildew).

It measures 14 inches wide by 12 inches high, so it's a bit more streamlined, but nicely organized so it doesn't feel like a black hole. The variety of colors and prints that this comes in — 14 currently — are chic and cute. (Navy and white polka dot, pale aqua, blush.) Two recent upgrades make the bag more appealing than ever: The shiny gold hardware is now matte gold and the interior is a nice silver (versus the previous satin lining).

Weight: 2.8 pounds

Dimensions: 14 x 12 x 6.5 inches

No one wants to be on the hunt for a changing station when a dirty diaper calls. And this backpack diaper bag comes with a lot of convenience. In addition to the bag, you get a generously sized changing pad (big enough to fit a toddler! — because, yes, you still will use a diaper bag for the toddler years), 16 pockets, insulated bottle pockets and a padded laptop pocket.

Plus, you can use the bag as a backpack or handbag. Stylish with a unisex design, it’ll last for years. Speaking of long-lasting, the durable construction can handle just how often you’ll use this thing, resisting rips and tears.

Weight: 1.78 pounds

Dimensions: 11.8 x 7.8 x 16.5 inches

This bag checks a lot of boxes for families on the go. Big enough for a getaway, it’s the supersized version of the brand’s Duo Signature Diaper Bag (a bestseller) and comes with two packing cubes. Plus, it’ll slide over any rolling luggage (a must) if an airport is in your future. It’s roomy enough to hold everything for a baby (or two!), plus some of your stuff, too — like the softly lined cell phone pocket, which comes in handy in avoiding the constant where’d-I-put-my-phone parent problem.

One of the things you’ll really love is the fact that this bag opens really wide. Being able to see the bottom of a bag is important for finding everything that you need when you need it, and so this will take some of the stress out of the search. Many moms also say that they like this bag as a hospital bag when they give birth because it just fits so much.

Weight: 4.9 pounds

Dimensions: 17 × 13.5 × 6 inches

If you’re looking for a diaper bag that doesn’t scream, “diaper bag!” this vegan backpack-meets-bag is for you. (Take your pick on how you want to wear it.) It’s made from stain-resistant faux leather and has no potentially harmful materials such as BPA or PVC, so you can feel good about your purchase — but it’s functional, too. With an extra-large size, the zipper top adds style but also allows for easy access and there are 12 pockets for organizing all of the essentials (because we know there are a lot of 'em!). Will hold four bottles snugly in the interior. The best part? You don’t have to retire this vegan leather bag when baby grows out of needing a diaper bag — it’s that stylish.

Weight: 4.11 pounds

Dimensions: 17 x 14 x 3 inches

This beloved diaper backpack — which has almost 20K five-star Amazon ratings — proves that you can have a quality diaper bag without shelling out tons of money. It has all the standard features you’d want in a diaper backpack, like insulated pockets, multiple compartments, stroller clips and a washable changing pad, but at more than half the price of many other competitors. WTE moms overwhelmingly rave about how spacious this bag is and how much it can fit, too. “There’s so many pockets!” says one mom. There’s even room for your laptop, too, in case you want to make this your commuter bag. 

Weight: 2.2 pounds

Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 16.5 inches

Dagne Dover’s diaper tote is indeed a diaper bag, but it’s so stylish, we wouldn’t blame you for using it for more than just baby stuff. (You’ll look like the most put together parent on the block hanging this off your stroller handles.) Of course, the neoprene bag comes with just about everything you’d need for a little one: a mini changing mat, two stroller clips, a small pouch and a water-resistant bag. Don’t forget about the wipe compartment at the side of the bag, hidden by a zipper. You’ll be ready for any mess or spill.

Plus, it fits most 15-inch laptops and has plenty of pockets and compartments to keep you organized. If baby is going to daycare, you can drop her off and take this to work with you, and it looks just as sleek as any high-end work bag. Carry it with the cross-body strap or hold it by the handles.

Dimensions: 16.25 x 12 x 6 inches

Weight: 3.1 pounds

If you have multiple little ones in the diaper phase, you’ll need a roomier diaper bag that can fit the diapers and clothing changes of more than one child. What to Expect parents love this chic large-size diaper backpack from Itsy Ritzy. “Itsy Ritsy is my favorite! A little on the pricey side for a diaper bag in my opinion but I bit the bullet and I’m glad I did. They’re the best quality and also so pretty,” raves one WTE mom.

The big backpack comes with a whopping 19 pockets to ensure nothing gets lost, including two insulated exterior pockets to fit baby’s bottles (or your own water bottle) and a “mom pocket” on the front to easily access your wallet, keys and other essentials on the go. The front compartment also zips down all the way, making it a cinch to load stuff up or see what you have inside. The vegan leather material and elegant design ensure that this pick doesn’t scream “baby” either. We also love that it comes with a dedicated laptop compartment.

Weight: 3.1 pounds

Dimensions: 14.5 x 10 x 18 inches

Pumping mamas, rejoice — this might be just the diaper bag of your dreams. This tote style bag is super roomy, and features a special side compartment that fits most breast pumps (including Medela, Evenflo and Spectra S1 or S2). A separate compartment keeps all of your pump parts organized. Even if you’re not pumping that often on the go, any mom can appreciate the thoughtful details like an included diaper changing pad, a removable shoulder strap and an insulated pocket to hold bottles and wipes. The waterproof material makes dealing with leaks or spills a cinch. It’s also the lightest bag on our list — ideal for long days out and about lugging all of your gear.

Weight: 1.76 pounds

Dimensions: 15.7 x 7.9 x 11.8 inches