The 16 Best Travel Diaper Bags of 2024
The best diaper bags have a few things in common: they are durable, they have a ton of pockets, and they are big enough to store a year’s worth of supplies. So, how does the best diaper bag become one of the best travel diaper bags? They become more lightweight, they add changing stations, and they add attaching straps for strollers and luggage, to name a few.
Before you hop on a plane or in a car, be sure to check out our list of the best travel diaper bags of 2022. These bags have it all and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There is something on our list for every parent!
Things to consider when choosing a travel diaper bag
A travel diaper bag looks very different for us than our regular day to day diaper bag. We prefer a messenger diaper bag for our day to day use but we really need a backpack convertible diaper bag while traveling. We love the convenience of being hands free but still having all of the organization and pockets or a traditional diaper bag.
If you are considering buying a travel diaper bag then you should be thinking about which features matter most to you when walking through an airport with a 2 year old or trying to check into a hotel with an infant. We’ve listed a few of the best diaper bags to help you start the process!
Size, Weight, and Style
Bigger is not always better in my opinion. Some of the best diaper bags are compact but extremely efficient with pocket placement. A larger tote diaper bag, for example, will tend to weigh more than a backpack diaper bag. As a mom who frequently packs up my kids for a day trip on my own, this is important!
Style is another personal opinion that matters when you are hectically trying to travel with small children or babies. Do you like messenger diaper bags because they provide cross-body convenience? I always did if I had a baby strapped to me. It was hard to put a backpack diaper bag over the straps of my baby carrier.
Or maybe you prefer the tote diaper bag because it can double as a beach bag which actually saves some space in your trunk. Maybe you want a travel diaper bag that is more of a backpack diaper bag because you travel with toddlers and are not worried about baby carriers anymore.
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer; it is a matter of personal preference.
Access, Pockets, and Organization
If you are Type A like me then you fully understand why this section is here. If you are not Type A, you may want to keep reading because organization might not be top on your list. For me, the number and size of pockets is crucial. I need pockets that fit bottles, diapers, extra pacifiers, etc. I also want them organized in a way that makes it easy for me to find the things in those pockets quickly.
For example, we started with a backpack diaper bag that had a large wrap around zipper. We were so impressed and thought it was so great to be able to open the entire bag…until we opened the entire bag and our things fell out. I would recommend a bag with wide-mouth access on top but not a wrap around zipper.
Carry Options
Many diaper bags have multiple carry options which increases convenience. Some backpack diaper bags also have carrying handles on top which makes for a quicker grab when needed. Some messenger diaper bags have tote handles on top which means the bag can quickly go from a crossbody to a shoulder bag. Consider how you frequently travel with bags and choose one that fits your family’s needs.
Material and Durability
To be honest, this is one of the last things I look at. Our diaper bags get put through the ringer so even the most expensive material gets pretty banged up. However, there are some obviously cheaper bags that do silly things like rip at the seams, have zippers come unstitched, etc.
None of the bags we recommend have these bad reviews! But beware: there are plenty of bags out there that have some pretty bad reviews. The best way to determine the durability of a bag (other than by testing it yourself) is to comb the reviews, especially those with pictures!
The best diaper bags for travel in 2024
I cannot honestly tell you that one diaper bag is the best travel diaper bag because each family will need something different. So, we have instead provided you with the best options from each category, based on overall reviews, useful features, and personal experience.
The best backpack travel diaper bag
Skip Hop diaper bags have made a name for themselves by being lightweight, durable, and designed with moms in mind. They also have cute designs! The Forma definitely checks those boxes.
It features two storage cubes that are not attached (one of which is insulated for bottles or food), stroller straps, a wide-mouth top open, and two large insulated side pockets. The side pockets do not zip, which I prefer, but do allow for more easy access of the contents by being open. It is lightweight, quilted, and has padded shoulder straps.
Eddie Bauer Places and Spaces Bridgeport Diaper Bag
Eddie Bauer has made a perfect backpack diaper bag that can double as an every day backpack once its diaper days are done. The bag pictured is an older model of the Places and Spaces bag but I prefer this one for a couple of reasons. First, it looks and acts like a typical backpack which means it has a long life ahead of it after being used for diapers. The newer bags are more diaper bag-ish.
Second, one of the side pockets is designed specifically for wipes which means you can access them without opening any pockets. I LOVE this feature! It also has a total of 11 pockets, two of which are insulated for bottles. My husband loves backpack diaper bags because they are hands free, but he especially loves the design and adaptability of this one. This could be a great diaper bag for dads!
Backpacks are some of the best diaper bags for travel because of how hands free they are. Many of them, like the Hap Tim bag pictured, even have built in wipe dispensers in one of their side pockets. The Hap Tim backpack diaper bag also features a wide mouth open on top of the bag, stroller straps, waterproof fabric, and a perfect 5-star rating!
It has 18 pockets which includes a massive insulated pocket on the front of the bag. It can easily hold three bottles! It also has a large secret compartment built into the back of the bag with a removable ceiling for extra interior depth if needed. It even comes in five different colors/designs for an added personal touch.
The best messenger diaper bag and tote diaper bag
Skip Hop Diaper Bag: Iconic Duo Weekender
Skip Hop strikes again, but this time with a messenger bag. The Weekender bag features tote straps, a messenger cross-body strap, and a luggage strap across the back (handy for attaching to rolling luggage handle bars). You can adjust your carry style daily with all of those options.
It comes with two storage cubes and a changing pad, as well as an insulated double bottle pocket that closes and a drawbridge side compartment. It should be noted that this is the next step up from Skip Hop’s Duo bag which is their most popular messenger bag. The Weekender is about twice as big; it can literally hold a weekend’s worth of stuff for baby!
Dikalson Large Travel Diaper Bag
The Dikalson large travel diaper bag is an amazing Amazon find with a perfect 5-star review. On thing I like about this bag is that it transitions between a tote diaper bag and a messenger diaper bag to better suit the needs of different preferences.
There are 13 pockets total, 4 of which are on the outside. All of the outside pockets close which is a huge bonus for me! (I do not know why but I really do not like the open side pockets that some diaper bags have.) The inside of the bag has 3 insulted pockets, 5 easy access pockets, and a large zipper pouch. This travel diaper bag comes in three colors: gray, dark gray, and black. .
Ruvalino Large Travel Diaper Tote
In many cases a tote diaper bag doubles as a messenger diaper bag, which just provides some added convenience for parents who travel! This bag is no exception.
Not only does it have carrying options but it also provides a luggage strap across the back of the bag for even more travel convenience. It features 8 interior pockets, 3 of which are insulated. It also features a parent pocket and two zipper pockets on the outside. It currently comes in a neutral gray. .
The best convertible diaper bag with changing station
Travel Backpack Diaper Bag with Changing Station
This bag has some great reviews! It has about 3,000 ratings that average out to 4.5 stars. The bag features 2 insulated pockets, 2 waterproof pockets (for storing wet items until you get home), and 10 additional pockets in various shapes and sizes.
It should be noted that almost all of these convertible diaper bags require a small amount of assembly in order to create a more durable changing station. There are instructions and videos for each bag on their sites.
3-in-1 Backpack Convertible Diaper Bag
This backpack convertible diaper bag is super convenient because it has a built in nap space for baby! Obviously this space is for smaller babies since it is about 29″ long. It comes with a sleeping bad and breathable mesh sides. Convertible diaper bags do have a smaller amount of storage space since they include a sleep station, but there is still a decent amount of room in this bag!
The front section has a large zipper pocket with three insulated bottle pouches. It also features 12 functional pockets in a variety of sizes. It also has a built in power bank/USB charging station. This backpack comes in 11 different color combinations!
Travel Backpack Convertible Diaper Bag by Laluka
Though not a traditional form, this backpack convertible diaper bag works just the same! It even comes with a travel mobile for baby to be entertained while resting on the go. I am truly amazed at some of the latest products, while also being jealous because they were not around when my babies were born.
The Laluka brand backpack can be used as a diaper bag with a changing station or as a rest station for smaller babies. The fold out section is about 28″ long. As with all convertible diaper bags, the interior space is a bit less than a traditional bag but it still comfortably fits the supplies needed for a day trip. Plus it prevents the need for an extra travel bassinet!
The best leather diaper bag
The Honest Company: City Backpack
The Honest Company makes vegan leather diaper bags and we love how they feel. They feature 7 exterior zipper compartments and three additional interior compartments for organizing all of your baby’s tiny things. They come in three colors: black, cognac, and mulberry.
They also get bonus points for being made without glues, AZO dyes, latex, heavy metals or chlorine processing which gives parents peace of mind about the bag they use to house their baby’s things. The other thing I love about this bag is that it comfortably fits a 15″ laptop, meaning the bag can serve a new purpose after baby!
Mominside Leather Messenger/Backpack/Tote Diaper Bag
You read that right: this diaper bag can transform to virtually any style. The convertible vegan leather .messenger/backpack/tote diaper bag has been a best seller on Amazon this year. The reviews are great and we can see why!
First of all, this bag is the most affordable vegan leather option with great reviews. It is almost half the price of comparable alternatives. It is also huge! This bag can easily hold a weekend’s worth of baby essentials. The bag features 6 exterior pockets (including 2 insulated pockets) and 7 interior pockets (including 2 more insulated pockets). It currently comes in two colors: black and cognac.
The Honest Company: Everything Tote
If you are looking for an awesome leather bag from The Honest Company but are not a backpack parent, then the Everything Tote is for you. It is styled after a large purse and has so many convenient features for parents. In addition to the seven exterior pockets, it also features two insulated interior pockets that are perfect for bottles.
It includes an interior stroller strap and a changing pad with attached zipper pouch for diapers/wipes. It currently only comes in black. Like all diaper bags from The Honest Company, this bag is made without glues, AZO dyes, latex, heavy metals or chlorine processing.
The most stylish diaper bag
I feel kind of silly wording it that way but I know there are plenty of moms out there looking for a diaper bag that looks more like a purse than a bag for holding diapers. These are some of our top picks for the most stylish diaper bag:
Mia + Sophia Backpack Diaper Bag
Mia + Sophia create some of the sleekest bags that look nothing like a traditional travel backpack diaper bag. Maybe that is why they are so popular.
Even though they do not look like a diaper bag, they still have all of the amenities! It has 6 insulated pockets (15 total pockets), a separate insulated leather bottle holder (so cool!), a key strap, USB charging port, a luggage sleeve, backpack straps and a messenger strap, and plenty of storage space! The bag also comes in a variety of designs and colors including black, brown, and tan.
Freshly Picked Backpack Diaper Bag
Freshly picked has some of the most stylish leather backpack diaper bags, in my opinion. They also come in 12 different colors/designs, one of which features Mickey Mouse ears! I know of some mamas who love Disney that would love this bag .
The bag features 10 pockets, two of which are located on the outside with easy access open tops. There is also a large zipper on the front of the bag that is labeled as a parent pocket. The inside of the bag features a wipeable, stain-resistant nylon fabric. Beauty is pain so you trade space and functional pockets for style and fashion.
The best diaper bag for dad
HSD Backpack Diaper Bag for Dad
HSD has outdone themselves with this specially made diaper bag for dads. It has absolutely everything imaginable in an easy to use configuration to make life easier for dads on the go. I actually prefer this model to the other selections we have recommended.
It has a dedicated, easy access wipe pocket, insulated side pockets, a fully opening front flap with tons of small pockets and clips for tiny items, and a huge main compartment that opens flat like a suitcase. It comes in dark green, black camouflage, green camp, and brown.
Budget Friendly Diaper Bag for Dad
Almost 3,000 reviewers have given this bag an average of 4.5 stars. It has a wonderfully large wide-mouth open, two insulated side pockets, a designated easy-access wipes pocket, and 7 additional pockets in various sizes/shapes.
It also has extra padded shoulder straps and stroller straps! The bag is made from water-resistant nylon and wipes clean easily. This is not a large diaper bag but it is definitely big enough for a day trip. It only comes in black for now. Plus, it is super budget friendly!
FAQs
Which brand diaper bag is best?
Everybody has a different opinion on this question so just know that I am sharing mine. Skip Hop diaper bags seem to be the most popular because they are affordable, durable, and come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and materials. They are also easily delivered to your door or placed on a baby registry from Target.
For those of you who don’t know, Skip Hop diaper bags come from Target. You can check out their selection here. They generally have 15-20 choices that come in a wide array of styles and colors, including tote diaper bags, messenger diaper bags, backpack diaper bags, etc.. They are consistently made from durable fabrics and are great for multiple babies at once.
Can I use a backpack as a diaper bag?
The short answer is yes, because you can use a grocery bag for a diaper bag if you really want to.
We actually tried purchasing a Columbia hiking backpack as a diaper bag because my husband did not want to be seen carrying a girly bag, but I did not want the permanent responsibility of the diaper bag. It was our compromise. While doable, it was not the most convenient option for our family.
Here are the issues we ran into:
1. The pockets are not the right sizes for bottles, sippy cups, water bottles, etc. They are either too big or too small (in our experience) and many of them are horizontal rather than vertical.
2. Most traditional backpacks do not have insulated pockets, which is more of an issue for parents of babies who need hot or cold milk.
3. Most backpacks are not designed for top to bottom packing and convenient access. They have zippers than span the sides of the backpack which would cause most of your things to fall out while you dig for something in the bottom.
So, can you? Yes, you absolutely can. Consider your needs as a family and maybe order a few at once to compare the sizes and convenience. Also check out our diaper bags for dads. They look and function just like a backpack but they are built like a backpack diaper bag. Amazon has an awesome return policy on almost anything so experiment with a few different options!
Is a backpack or a diaper bag better?
It will ultimately depend on what you use your diaper bag for. As a mom of toddlers I think we could definitely transition to a traditional backpack because we are no longer traveling with liquids and purees. As a mom of a baby I would probably still prefer the travel diaper bag designed for baby things.
What should I pack in my diaper bag for a day trip?
The answer to this will depend on the age of your kiddos. However, I generally say you need these things: diapers or underwear, 1-2 changes of clothes, seasonal gear like a sun hat or a jacket, a bib, a water bottle/sippy cup, snacks, wipes, and something entertaining (baby toys, crayons and paper, etc.).
How do you pack a diaper bag for a flight?
This answer also depends on the age of your kids. A diaper bag for a baby on a flight looks a lot different than a diaper bag packed for a toddler. For babies, I would pack diapers, changes of clothes, baby toys, snacks or empty snack containers if you plan to buy food at the airport, empty water bottle/sippy cup to fill in the airport, a blanket, and a nursing cover to provide some darkness while you hold your baby.
For a toddler, I would recommend a change of clothes, snacks/water bottles, and then a bunch of things to keep your kiddos entertained.
Check out our post for awesome toddler travel toys if you need fresh ideas for packing your bag.
Keeping them seated and engaged is definitely the hardest part once they are mobile. You could also bring a pillow and a blanket if your flight involves nap time.
Is a diaper bag a carry-on?
Unfortunately, this has changed recently for some airlines. As a general rule, diaper bags were considered a free allowance in addition to a carry-on bag. However, many airlines have changed their carry-on policies since COVID-19 and have continued to do so over the last few months.
I would encourage you to call or go online to check your specific airline’s requirements regarding baby items on the plane.
Is a diaper bag really necessary?
We get asked this question a lot by parents who travel with little ones. Is a diaper bag really necessary? A diaper bag may not be necessary but if you travel with a baby you will need something to keep the accessories in. Even if you are nursing a baby and need no travel equipment for feeding, you will still travel with diapers, wipes, change of clothes, etc. So, consider your needs when you travel and maybe purchase a travel diaper pouch instead of a full diaper bag.
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