Ask any parent and they’ll tell you how essential a good diaper bag is. A quality diaper bag simultaneously needs to house everything that’ll keep your baby clean and happy while also being small and light enough to carry every day. “Almost every parent has a horror story that involves a diaper blowout or food spillage while out and about,” says Dr. Krupa Playforth, a board-certified pediatrician and mom of three. “Having lots of space for extra diapers, wipes and clothing is a must.”
Today, you can find diaper bags with tons of added extras like insulated pockets (to keep bottles cold), USB charging ports and accompanying changing mats (which I found especially helpful once I learned how few restrooms have a dedicated changing table).
To help you find the best diaper bag for you and your baby, we spoke with moms and experts about what to keep in mind while shopping. Our top pick is the Dagne Dover Large Indi Diaper Backpack for its material, size and features.
SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best diaper bags | The best diaper bags in 2024 | How to shop for diaper bags
How we picked the best diaper bags
We spoke with moms and doctors (who are also parents) about what to consider when shopping for a functional diaper bag that is durable and easy to organize. Here’s what they recommended looking for:
- Material: Ideally, you want a sturdy material that will hold up to wear and tear — as well as something that is easy to wipe clean. Neoprene and water- and stain-resistant fabrics are good options.
- Weight: Considering you’re also carrying a baby or pushing a stroller, look for models that are lightweight to help ease shoulder or back strain.
- Bonus features: Depending on your needs, consider extras like ample pockets, USB charging ports, changing mats and insulated bottle pockets.
- Bag structure: Diaper bags typically come as backpacks or totes, with some converting between the two. While it may be a matter of preference, there are some key differences which we explain in further detail below.
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The best diaper bags in 2024
While every diaper bag we recommend will hold diapers and wipes, they do vary in terms of additional features, like the number of pockets, insulated linings, laptop pockets and more. Below, we compiled recommendations from parents, as well as their advice of what to look for. All of the products listed are made from easy-to-clean materials and offer varying levels of features to accommodate every type of parent.
Best overall: Dagne Dover Indi Neoprene Diaper Backpack
- Clips to stroller
- Luggage sleeve for travel
- Fits laptops
- On the pricier side
Dr. Andrea Braden, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist in Atlanta, GA and mom of five recommends Dagne Dover’s diaper backpacks since they’re made of easy-to-clean neoprene that lasts “forever” and has an included pouch and a key hook. “[It has] all the things that I like for a purse, but also all the accoutrements that one might want for a diaper bag as well,” she says. Senior commerce photo editor Becca Delman is also a fan, saying that it’s lightweight and easy to clean (making it a great gift for new parents). It also has stroller clips and a mini changing mat, and comes in three sizes and various colors.
Material: Neoprene | Dimensions: 12.25 x 7 x 13.75 in. | Weight: 4 pounds
Best recycled backpack: Calpak Diaper Backpack
- Has a laptop sleeve
- Water-resistant
- Magnetic closure
- On the pricier side
As you can tell by now, we don't think diaper bags need to be boring and basic. This diaper backpack from Calpak may look simple, but it's surprisingly chic. It has a luggage trolley sleeve and space for a laptop. It's also resistant to water or other water-like substances (cough cough).
Material: Recycled nylon, recycled polyester | Dimensions: 15.25 x 6.25 x 11.5 in. | Weight: 1.75 pounds
Best for travel: Petunia Pickle Bottom Tempo Backpack
- Inner tech sleeve for laptops
- Top handle for carrying
- Easy to clean
You'll find Petunia Pickle Bottom several times on this list — and for good reason. The brand makes practical, but stylish diaper bags and backpacks that moms and dads love. This one is spacious and also has a trolley sleeve, making it great for travel. It can also be easily attached to a stroller.
Material: Water-resistant polyester | Dimensions: 6.7 x 11.8 x 15.4 in. | Weight: 2.25 pounds
Best for active parents: Lululemon New Parent Backpack
- Lightweight
- Water repellant material
- Removable pouch
- Not many color options
We love when diaper bags have a removable changing mat — it's that type of intentional design that shows it was made with parents (and grandparents) in mind. This bag can hold snacks, wipes, bottles, diapers (of course) and other must-haves.
Material: Water-resistant nylon | Dimensions: 12.2 x 7.9 x 15.7 in.
Best for bottles: Baby Brezza Martine Diaper Bag
- Spacious
- Pockets for bottles and water
- Low in stock on Amazon
Breastfeeding moms know that having a water bottle on hand is important. This diaper backpack has space to hold your water bottle and also has an insulated side pocket for your baby's bottle. It also has a removable fold-up changing pad.
Material: Water-resistant polyester | Dimensions: 19 x 15.2 x 2.6 in. | Weight: 1.35 pounds
Most design options: Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta Backpack
- Many patterns
- Accessible pockets
Once again, we love Petunia Pickle Bottom and this backpack makes our list because it is lightweight, while still being spacious. The front zippered pocket is good for easy-to-grab snacks (in the case of a snack emergency) and also comes with a washable changing pad.
Material: Water-resistant polyester | Dimensions: 18.94 x 16.73 x 6.54 in. | Weight: 2.46 pounds
Best diaper backpack: Ruvalino Diaper Bag Backpack
- Functional
- Not the prettiest option
A friend recommended this diaper backpack to me, and while it won’t win a beauty contest, I appreciate how functional it is. The straps are cushioned and supportive, and the gender-neutral design suits both me and my husband. The foldable changing mat has been a lifesaver too, plus the pockets — including three insulated slots for bottles and slimmer ones for wipes, keys and other essentials — help it stay organized. There’s also an external pouch that’s great for storing pacifiers that you need to always keep in easy reach.
Material: Water-resistant polyester | Dimensions: 17 x 12.5 x 8.5 in. | Weight: 2.49 pounds
Most durable: Skip Hop Forma Diaper Bag Backpack
- Durable for years
- Wide opening
Playforth has had a Skip Hop diaper bag, like this one, for eight years and has been impressed by how well it has withstood time. This model has a large interior space with a wide opening that makes it easy to locate items, as well as a changing pad pocket (large enough to hold a 15-inch laptop) and insulated side pockets for bottles.
Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 16 x 8 x 14 in. | Weight: 1.4 pounds
Best convertible diaper bag: Mominside Diaper Bag Tote
- Backpack or tote
- Lightweight
Lauren Nemeth, a fourth-grade teacher and mom of two, likes this diaper bag since she can wear it as a tote or a backpack. “It has a lot of room inside to keep everything I need organized,” she says. “It’s also lightweight so it doesn’t hurt my back. I like that I can fit my wallet, keys and phone in there, too.” It has four insulated pockets designed to fit large bottles (up to 25 ounces), a back pocket that converts into a luggage sleeve and a waterproof changing pad.
Material: Vegan leather exterior, nylon interior | Dimensions: 15.5 x 5.5 x 14 in. | Weight: 3.15 pounds
Best lightweight bag: Béis The Diaper Pack
- Lightweight
- Wear as a cross-body
- Only for short outing
This reimagined fanny pack, which has a 4.8-star average rating from 160 reviews at Béis, is the lightest bag on our list. Designed with short outings in mind, it has just enough space for a few diapers, a pack of wipes and the included changing pad. You can wear the adjustable belt around your waist or in a cross-body style, plus it’s made with a stain-resistant finish, according to Béis.
Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 3.5 in. | Weight: 1 pound
Best vegan diaper bag: Freshly Picked Classic Leather Diaper Bag
- Vegan leather
- Backpack or tote
This vegan leather bag, which has a 4.6-star average rating from 779 reviews on Amazon, has wipeable surfaces and 10 pockets (including two that have insulated lining) in addition to a large compartment. It comes with a changing pad, a top handle that you can hang from a stroller and shoulder straps, which can convert it from a backpack into a crossbody or tote bag.
Material: Vegan leather exterior, nylon interior | Dimensions: 15 x 13 x 7 in. | Weight: 2.3 pounds
Most decked-out option: Hobest Diaper Bag Backpack
- Has phone charger
- Lots of pockets
While it’s one of the more lightweight options on this list, this diaper backpack, which has a 4.8-star average rating from 1,422 reviews on Amazon, comes with various bells and whistles, including a USB charging port, changing mat and dedicated wipe dispenser on the side. It has 14 total pockets, including a hidden anti-theft slot and another slot that’s large enough for 15-inch laptops.
Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 7.9 x 12.9 x 15.75 in. | Weight: 1.9 pounds
Best diaper tote: Dikaslon Diaper Bag Tote
- Magnetic closure
- Adjustable straps
- Pacifier case
With a luggage sleeve and studded feet that keep the bottom of the bag from touching the ground, this tote bag was designed with travel in mind. The bag, which has a 4.8-star average rating from more than 3,500 Amazon reviews, includes a dedicated case for pacifiers, a changing pad and insulated pockets, plus adjustable shoulder straps. It also has side pockets with a magnetic closure, which makes it easy to grab items quickly, according to the brand.
Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 16 in. | Weight: 2 pounds
Best multifunction diaper bag: Ayla Diaper Bag
- Can be used for work
- Stroller straps
This offering from Ayla comes packed with extras to make your (and your baby’s) life easier, including a reusable snack bag and wet bag, stroller straps, an insulated removable bottle and snack pouch, a changing pad and an inner liner that’s both removable and washable, according to the brand. It has inner and outer compartments, and a chic, minimalist design that makes it great for multifunctional use as an office bag or purse. It has a 5-star average rating from 257 reviews on Ayla.
Material: Vegan leather | Dimensions: 15 x 13 x 6 in. | Weight: 4 pounds
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How to shop for diaper bags
When it comes to diaper bags, function is usually more important than form; after all, it doesn’t matter if it looks good if you can’t find the wipes when you’re mid-diaper change. That’s why a durable material that’s waterproof, water-resistant or stain-resistant is essential. “It is worth investing in a high-quality option, because [there’s a] likelihood that you will use the same one for several years — and potentially for longer if you have more than one child,” says Playforth.
Next, consider the initial weight, since that can add unnecessary heft to your back or shoulders. Braden recommends looking for bags that have padding on the shoulder straps for extra comfort since she’s often holding a baby and a bag at the same time.
Finally, the type of bag you choose comes down to a matter of personal preference. While some may prefer carrying a crossbody bag, other parents appreciate the convenience of a backpack. “I think the importance of a diaper bag that can be carried without the use of your hands is often under-appreciated,” says Playforth. “If you can put it on your back, it frees up your hands for all the other things parents end up carrying.”
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Andrea Braden, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist based in Atlanta, GA and a mom to five children.
- Dr. Krupa Playforth, MD is a board-certified pediatrician, mom of three and founder of The Pediatrician Mom. She practices in Northern Virginia at Warm Heart Pediatrics.
- Lauren Nemeth is a fourth-grade teacher in Pine Bush, NY and mom of two.
Why trust NBC Select?
Deanna Pai is a freelance beauty and wellness writer and editor who has been covering beauty and health for more than a decade, including topics like postpartum hair loss and pregnancy pillows, and is herself a mom to a three-month-old daughter.
Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select covering skin care, wellness, home and kitchen and more.
For this article, Pai spoke to a pediatrician, an OB-GYN and a teacher — all of whom are moms — to narrow down the best diaper bags to shop this year, and highlighted their recommendations to consider.
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