Our Favorite Diaper Bags, Plus How to Pick the Right One for You
9 minute read
Whether you’re running a quick errand or heading out for a day-trip… A diaper bag is a must-have if you’re expecting a little one. Because as any new parent soon learns, babies and toddlers need a lot of stuff to stay happy, well-fed, and well-rested while on the go.
What should you look for in a diaper bag? What features do you need? And ultimately, which diaper bag is best for you?
Let’s dive in and answer your top questions to help you find the perfect diaper bag.
Our Picks for the Best Diaper Bags
Here’s a sneak peek of our favorite diaper bags for new parents:
- Best Diaper Bag for New Moms: Itzy Ritzy Boss Diaper Bag Backpack
- Best Diaper Bag for Dads: UPPAbaby Changing Backpacks
- Best Diaper Bags for Working Moms: Cybex Platinum Shopper Bag
- Best Cross-body Diaper Bag: Itzy Ritzy Double Take Crossbody Diaper Bag
- Best Diaper Bag Backpack: Itzy Ritzy Mini Backpack Diaper Bag
- Best Diaper Tote Bag: Cybex Platinum Tote Bag
- Best Diaper Bag Clutch: Itzy Ritzy Boss Changing Clutch
Scroll down to learn more about each of these amazing diaper bags!
Do You Really Need a Diaper Bag?
Diaper bags are a great option for parents as they have been designed specifically with parents in mind. With lots of pockets and easy-to-reach compartments — diaper bags are perfect for stashing away all the baby items you’ll need while you’re out and about with your little one.
That being said…you can make any bag a diaper bag! If you’re a minimalist, tight on cash, or simply have a bag that you love to carry… You can always repurpose a bag that you already own as a diaper bag.
What Type of Diaper Bag is Best?
There are several different types of diaper bags out there. In our opinion, the best type of diaper bag will be different for each person as it totally depends on your unique style, preferences, and needs.
Here are the main styles of diaper bags to choose from:
- Classic duffel style: Similar to a small duffel bag you’d use for an overnight weekend, this type of diaper bag can be worn over one shoulder or carried with two straps. It is often the largest style of diaper bag out there.
- Backpack style: Rising in popularity, backpack diaper bags are carried on your back — just like a classic backpack! They are great for parents that want to be hands-free and come in many gender neutral options that are perfect for mom and dad.
- Tote style: If you don’t want to sacrifice fashion for function, a tote diaper bag may be the right choice for you! Tote diaper bags have two long straps that you can carry over your shoulder and are a much simpler style compared to other diaper bags.
- Clutch style: A diaper clutch is a smaller diaper bag option that often has a small strap you can carry with your hand or on your wrist. This style of diaper bag is perfect if you only need to carry a couple items while you’re on the go.
- Cross-body/Messenger style: With one long strap that you can wear across your body or on one shoulder, cross-body/messenger style diaper bags function similarly to a purse.
- Fanny-pack style: Another great minimalist option is the fanny-pack style which you can wear around your waist, over one shoulder, or across your body.
If you’re having trouble narrowing in on a specific style of diaper bag…take a look at the style of bags you already have in your closet! Think about which bags you use the most, are the most comfortable and offer the best storage.
What to Look for in a Diaper Bag
With so many different diaper bags out there, it’s helpful to focus on a few main features that you’ll want to consider before deciding which one is right for you:
Materials
You want a diaper bag made from high quality materials that will last! Look for durable materials like nylon, canvas, and vegan leather that will withstand rain, leaks, and spills with ease. And speaking of spills…a waterproof fabric (or at least a waterproof/wipeable liner) is also a good idea when shopping for a diaper bag.
Wearability
You want a diaper bag that’s super easy to carry — especially when it’s packed full of baby gear! Make sure to choose a style that will suit your body type and allow you to evenly distribute the weight of the diaper bag across your body. Look for comfortable, adjustable straps that have padding (if you need it!).
Functionality & Storage
A great diaper bag is not only easy to carry, but also super functional. Make sure your diaper bag has lots of pockets, small and large compartments so that you can organize everything you need for your little one.
Style & Design
Even though your diaper bag is technically for your baby…you’ll be the one who is carrying it every day! From the color and fabric…to the style and design — take your time to choose a diaper bag that you’ll look forward to carrying around.
Bonus Features
You may want a diaper bag that has a few extra bells and whistles. Insulated pockets, a matching changing pad or stroller clips can be really helpful to already have included with your diaper bag.
Ready to start shopping? Here’s a look at our favorite diaper bags:
Best Diaper Bag for New Moms: Itzy Ritzy Boss Diaper Bag Backpack
Our top pick for new parents — the Itzy Ritzy Boss Diaper Bag Backpack has it all. Roomy interior, a ton of pockets (with two insulated bottle pockets!), a matching changing pad…This diaper bag checks all the boxes! Plus it comes in 6 stylish colors and fabrics.
Best Diaper Bag for Dads: UPPAbaby Changing Backpacks
You can’t go wrong with UPPAbaby! And their Changing Backpack doesn’t disappoint. Perfect for busy moms and dads on the go, this diaper bag comes in 8 beautiful colors made of premium fabric with cute leather accents. They’ve thought of it all — attaching to your stroller, an insulated bottle bag, and more!
Best Diaper Bags for Working Moms: Cybex Platinum Shopper Bag
The Cybex Platinum Shopper Bag is an amazing option for working parents. It’s roomy enough to tote around anything you need for pumping and taking your little one from point A to point B…not to mention all your work stuff! We love this bag’s functionality — it comes with a removable insulated bottle holder, a changing mat, and a compartment to store wet items! Pretty cool.
Best Cross-body Diaper Bag: Itzy Ritzy Double Take Crossbody Diaper Bag
You wouldn’t even know this is a diaper bag! The Itzy Ritzy Double Take Crossbody Diaper Bag looks amazing and is super functional as well! Use one compartment for your baby…and the other for you! With an easy-access wipes pocket and included changing pad, this diaper clutch makes it super easy to change your little one on the go.
Best Diaper Bag Backpack: Itzy Ritzy Mini Backpack Diaper Bag
While slightly smaller than Itzy Ritzy’s Boss Diaper Bag, the Mini Backpack Diaper Bag is just as functional and comes with eight pockets and a matching changing pad. This backpack is the perfect size to grab and go for quick outings or when you only need to bring along the essentials.
Best Diaper Tote Bag: Cybex Platinum Tote Bag
With all the same amazing features as the Cybex Platinum Shopper Bag, we love the Platinum Tote Bag as a smaller alternative. This diaper bag is perfect for carrying everything you need to work, professional events, or even happy hour!
Best Diaper Bag Clutch: Itzy Ritzy Boss Changing Clutch
Get it for $44.99
We are obsessed with the Itzy Ritzy Boss Changing Clutch! The luxe vegan leather is so pretty and pairs well with any outfit. It’s small enough to hang around your wrist, but still has plenty of room to tote around your baby, work, and life essentials.
Your Top Diaper Bag Questions Answered:
We get a lot of questions about diaper bags here at Babies in Bloom. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular questions parents have when shopping for the perfect diaper bag.
Do You Need More Than One Diaper Bag?
No, you don’t need more than one diaper bag. For many parents, only having one diaper bag is helpful for keeping track of what’s in the bag and where it is.
That being said, many parents do wind up having two (or more) diaper bags. Each parent may have a diaper bag they prefer. Or maybe you have an extra one for daycare days or to hand off to another caregiver like your child’s grandparent.
Having multiple diaper bags may come in handy if you want to keep one diaper bag in the car and one in the stroller at all times to make sure you’re always prepared.
Or you may have a larger diaper bag with all the baby gear you could need for an all-day outing. And a smaller one for short trips to the store or the park. It totally depends on your family’s unique needs.
How Long Will You Use a Diaper Bag?
Many parents use a diaper bag for the first few years of their child’s life. You may find it helpful to carry a diaper bag until after your little one is potty trained or until your child starts carrying a backpack on their own (like when they go to preschool).
What Should You Pack in Your Diaper Bag?
Once you’ve picked out the perfect diaper bag, it’s time to pack your bag! But deciding how much — or how little — you’ll need while you’re away from home can be challenging. Here’s a helpful list to get you started:
- Diapers — Pack enough for the number of changes you think you’ll have to make while you’re out and about (and a few extras!). You may also want a small tube of diaper cream.
- Wipes — Make sure you have at least one full pack.
- Changing pad — Small and foldable is the way to go.
- Hand sanitizer
- Bottles of milk/formula/water — Enough to cover the meals your baby will have while away from home.
- Extra change of clothes — It’s always helpful to have a spare outfit in case your little one has a major blowout, spit up, or gets wet.
- Optional items — Snacks (for you and baby), bib, burp cloth, pacifier/lovey, toys/books, small blanket or nursing cover, hat and/or sunglasses.
For a more detailed packing list — check out our Perfect Diaper Bag Packing List HERE.
Remember, you may over or underpack the first couple times you go out with your little one. And that’s ok! You’ll learn how to customize what you pack in your diaper bag as you discover your child’s needs.
Where Should You Take Your Diaper Bag?
Whether you’re heading to Target, a friend’s house for a playdate, to the park, or your favorite coffee shop… You never know when your child may need a bottle, diaper change, or extra change of clothes.
And there’s nothing worse than being away from home and getting caught without the essential baby items you need. Trust us, we’ve been there!
For that reason, we always recommend taking your diaper bag with you when you leave the house.
If it’s a small outing — like picking up milk at the store — you may only need a couple things that you can stash away in a small diaper bag. Try to take care of all your little one’s needs before you leave the house so that the trip is quick and easy.
Can You Take a Diaper Bag on an Airplane?
Yes, you can take a diaper bag on an airplane. And most airlines let diaper bags fly for free!
Make sure to check with your specific airline to see if your child’s diaper bag counts as a personal item (replacing a purse, laptop bag, or other small bag) or if it flies for free. You’ll also want to check how many diaper bags are allowed per child.
Don’t Forget the Diaper Bag Accessories!
From pacifier holders and travel wipes cases, to insulated bottle bags and portable changing pads… We’ve gathered all of our favorite diaper bag accessories in the boutique!
Shop online or come by the shop to pick out your diaper bag essentials in person. We’d love to help you put together the perfect diaper bag for your little one!
Boutique Website: https://babies-in-bloom.myshopify.com/
Boutique Address: 127 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084
Boutique Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm (We are closed on Sunday!)
