Shortly after having my first child, with a trip on the books, I remember messaging a mom friend and asking: What do you do about a bag? After all, there was a day not too long ago when the diaper bag was an eyesore. An item on a baby registry, it was clunky and baby-centered, and it marked a short life stage, retiring to a closet a mere matter of years later.
Gone are the days; the diaper bag has undergone a rebrand, and three kids and about five years—and many trips by plane and car and train and stroller and foot—later, I’ve found that the best diaper bags have certain features in common: They favor functionality (they come with necessary extras such as a changing mat), they’re stylish (yes, my go-to carry-on has become a diaper bag), and—this is a biggie—they remind parents that you don’t have to stop traveling just because you have a baby.
Below, 10 diaper bags I recommend for travelers. But first, a few things to keep in mind while shopping for the right option for you.
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What to consider when finding the right diaper bag for you:
Much like sunscreen, the best diaper bag is the one you actually use, so think about your needs. Are you a minimalist? Do you love pockets? Are you planning on using one bag for multiple children? Multiple bags for multiple children? Do you tend to travel by plane or by car? Do backpacks make your back ache? Important considerations such as price and size matter, too, of course, but prioritizing needs and individual differences will help you narrow down the (admittedly saturated) market.
Is a diaper bag considered a carry-on and/or personal item?
While rules and regulations vary depending on the carrier, most major US airlines allow one bag per child. Some (JetBlue), but not all (Alaska), airlines include lap infants—babies under two without a seat—in that allowance. It’s best to check your airline’s policy before packing.
The best backpacks
No Reception Club Getaway Bag
The husband-wife duo behind this travel bag biz with a cult-like following created the bag they needed to take long-haul flights and travel the world with their two littles. The Getaway Bag slides over a roller, includes an insulated lunch pack, dividers, multiple entry points, and a side pouch that perfectly fits a pack of wipes. “Globetrotting parent” needs only to sound like an oxymoron. This bag has seen my family through cross-country flights with toddlers (providing easy access to all of the things), day hikes (with drinks and snacks and outfit changes all packed up), and day trips into the city; I don’t know that we’ll ever outgrow it.
Weight: 3.4 lbs.
Size: 6.5″D x 10.2″W x 19.7″H
Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack
Many love Dagne Dover for its accessories (a changing mat, two different-sized pouches, stroller clips, etc.), but its beloved Indi Backpack also has a waterproof exterior (because, spills) and even the small size fits most breast pumps. It’ll become a go-to for trips you don’t bring your kids on, too.
Weight: 3.8 lbs. (medium)
Size: 11.75″L x 6.5″W x 12.75″H (medium)
Lululemon New Parent Backpack
Yes, it’s as sleek as you’d expect. Plus, it checks the boxes: The backpack—which has a removable pouch that you can wear as a crossbody—slides over rolling luggage and has pockets galore, including enough space to pack your own things, too.
Size: 12.2″L x 7.9″W x 15.7″H
State Bags Lorimer Diaper Bag
You might know State for its cool, patterned kids backpacks, but it might be time to match. The adult pack fits a 15-inch laptop, comes in muted shades of classic colors (a burnt red/orange or a light pink), has a mesh pocket for dirty gear, and a changing pad. You can also personalize it.
Size: 5.9″D x 13″W x 16.5″H
Caraa Baby Bag Nylon
Caraa calls its baby bag the “Swiss army knife” of diaper bags. We can see why: It features insulated pockets (to keep milk cold or bottles warm), comes with its own diaper caddy, has travel musts like a luggage sleeve and stroller hooks, and, with a thin puffy nylon exterior, it simply looks good.
Weight: 2.5 lbs.
Size: 12″L x 12″W x 5″H (medium)
Colugo The Parent Backpack
When seasoned parents see the words ‘machine washable,’ sometimes they need to know no more. But this backpack from Colugo, which has a luggage sleeve, is also durable, comes with insulated bottle holders, and has an easy-to-access top flap for snacks (for you and them).
Weight: 1.9 lbs.
Size: 12.5″L x 4.5″W x 17.5″H
The best tote bags
Dagne Dover Wade Diaper Tote
For those who favor a tote bag over a backpack, Dagne Dover’s diaper tote—which, much like its backpack counterpart, is big enough to hold a breast pump and comes with a changing mat—has the added bonus of a luggage sleeve and a convenient side zip pocket for wipes or tissues. The look is classic.
Weight: 4 lbs.
Size: 16.25″L x 6″W x 12″H
Beis The Diaper Bag
Work bag, travel bag, diaper bag, Béis’s The Diaper Bag could be all three. Space is a big selling point on the oversized tote—it fits two laptops! It could also be a good pick for those who want just one bag for the kids; it allows easy access to everything while keeping everything in the bag. No mid-airport dump outs here.
Weight: 4 lbs.
Size: 7″D x 19″W x 14″H
The best crossbody bags
No Reception Club Sidekick
Aptly named to be your apprentice during a diaper change, this crossbody holds four to six diapers, a tube of diaper rash cream, a bottle of hand sanitizer, and a changing pad (included). It also fits inside a side compartment in the company’s Getaway Bag for easy emergency access.
Weight: 0.5 oz.
Size: 3″D x 11″W x 6″H
Kibou Vegan Leather Bag
A fanny pack worth loving: Less than a foot long with a waterproof pocket that’ll fit up to 20 wipes, plus a changing pad, slots for cards or cash, and a hook for keys or a pacifier, you can easily wipe down this vegan leather bag without worrying about wear and tear.
Size: 4″D x 11″W x 6″H
