In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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Want a diaper bag worthy of joining your family? We have placed our hands on more than 35 contenders and whittled them down to the top 11 diaper bags available today for hands-on testing and side-by-side comparison. While a functional bag can make outings with your little one more enjoyable, finding one that works for your whole family can be difficult, especially with so many options on the market. Fortunately, our review will outline the information and details you need. We focused on the most pertinent factors, including weight, capacity, organizational features, cleaning methods, etc. We provide the pros and cons of each bag, along with our insider buying advice, so you can determine which bag is best for your family, lifestyle, and budget.
Editor's Note: We updated this diaper bag review on May 11, 2023. We checked the availability of the diaper bags and removed a discontinued bag. In November 2022, we added three new contenders to the competition.
Dimensions: 12"W x 16"H x 5"D | Carry Style: Backpack
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable carry
Excellent organization
Lighter weight
REASONS TO AVOID
Small size
Difficult to adjust straps
The Ju-Ju-Be Be Right Back is an easy-to-use and perfectly sized backpack diaper bag with a plethora of features to make your life as a parent easier. We love the extra-wide zippered openings, and there is always a pocket right where you need it. The down-to-earth style comes in various colors that will keep both mom and dad happy, and it has memory foam padded straps that are comfortable to wear all day.
This bag may not be the best choice for perpetual over-packers or parents of multiples. Its smaller size means you need to carefully select the items you bring along or risk overfilling the bag. The strap adjustment on this bag leaves much to be desired. Double D rings keep the straps securely in place, but the design is challenging to adjust, especially on-the-fly. Despite the smaller size and adjustment, the Be Right Back is a bag that almost every parent will love.
Dimensions: 14"W x 12"H x 6.5"D | Carry Style: Crossbody/Backpack/Tote
REASONS TO BUY
Great quality
Easy organization
Machine-washable
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Zipper problems
The Ju-Ju-Be B.F.F. is a great smaller tote or backpack with unique organizational features. There is a pocket for everything, and each compartment is well-designed and thoughtfully placed. Some of the bags we've tested have pockets that are weirdly sized or not arranged helpfully; however, this is not the case with the Ju-Ju-Be. While it is not as big as other bags, its strategic arrangement makes it easy to organize personal items and baby supplies all in one bag. As a bonus, the B.F.F. is also machine-washable. We've experienced how messy things can get when carrying food, drink, creams, and more, so the fact that you can toss it in the machine and go is something we appreciate.
Despite the smaller size, the Ju-Ju-Be B.F.F weighs in as one of the heaviest options, so you may want to consider how you'll load your bag. Are you an over-packer? Do you need to carry items for multiple children? If this is the case, you could get weighed down or have difficulty finding enough space in the bag. Also, there are some reports about faulty zippers on the B.F.F. We did not experience this during our testing, but it is something to consider. If you have an issue, the return window is only 30 days, so this isn't a bag you want to purchase ahead of time and wait to use. However, we don't think these faults should deter you from considering this bag. If weight isn't a concern and you value organization over other things, the B.F.F. should be at the top of your list.
Dimensions: 14.8"W x 14.2"H x 6.2"D | Carry Style: Crossbody/Backpack/Tote
REASONS TO BUY
Easy internal access
Well-priced
Good exterior organization
REASONS TO AVOID
Straps are uncomfortable
Needs more interior pockets
The Skip Hop Mainframe Wide Open diaper bag can easily stay open to help you find your desired items. It has several good-sized exterior pockets, including two large side pockets perfect for your water bottle or best sippy cups, and enough space for your essentials. This bag is well-made and can transition from tote to backpack, all for a great price.
The backpack straps almost look like a seatbelt but are thinner. While the material is soft, it isn't padded, which could be uncomfortable. You'll want to ensure it isn't painful, making it a bag you want to try before buying. Also, while we like the exterior pockets, there is very little internal organization, requiring investing in storage bags to avoid a black hole situation. Nevertheless, given how often you'll reach for items and how often you may only have a single hand for searching, we think the Mainframe is a game-changer for parents who enjoy an open bag they can manage with one hand.
Dimensions: 12"W x 8"H x 3"D | Carry Style: Clutch
REASONS TO BUY
Small
Large changing pad
Convenient
REASONS TO AVOID
Minimal storage
Wipe container doesn't seal
The Skip Hop Pronto is a compact changing station perfect for shorter outings or ultra-light packers. Two zippered pockets, one mesh pouch, and a wipe case offer a great organizational system that you can use on its own or upgrade to a bag you already have. Many moms love to slip this foldable package into a large tote along with their items so they don't have to carry a purse and a diaper bag. Additionally, the Pronto has a removable changing pad larger than those included with most of the competition.
The Skip Hop is unlikely to replace your regular diaper bag unless you are an expert at pairing down. You can only fit the bare minimum of diaper-changing supplies in the Pronto, so you should opt for something with more storage if you aren't a minimalist. We also found that the wipes container does not seal completely, allowing wipes to dry out very quickly. Many users complain that the case is too small and requires frequent refilling. However, this is part of what keeps the system so compact, so we didn't have issues with the size. We think the Skip Hop Pronto is an affordable accessory to add an element of simplicity to your on-the-go diaper changes.
Dimensions: 18"W x 18"H x 7.5"D | Carry Style: Backpack
REASONS TO BUY
Durable
Storage space and pockets
Quality changing pad
REASONS TO AVOID
Dark interior
Location and performance of insulated pocket
If you're looking for a big bag, this is a keeper. Plus, many Dads may carry the HighSpeedDaddy with pride. This backpack is larger and roomier than others in the lineup, offering plenty of storage space to pack an arsenal of baby gear. The main compartment houses the changing pad and a few pockets to stash items like snacks or a top-ranked baby bib. The other interior pocket is medium-sized and offers numerous pockets. We noticed that smaller and slimmer items, like a bottle of the best diaper cream, sunscreen, diapers, and more, fit perfectly in these pockets. And, if that's not enough, the bag's exterior offers more pockets, such as a fleece-lined pocket on top for things like sunglasses, two easy-access mesh pockets, two insulated side pockets for baby bottles, and an integrated wipes pocket with a zipper closure. The changing pad (25.5"L x 14"W) is of higher quality than others, and it's machine washable (amazing).
The bag's interior material is dark, and this could hinder searching for items. If the bag's main compartment isn't heavy enough, the weight of the baby wipes can cause the bag to tip over. We also tested the insulated pockets and were not impressed as they didn't keep the contents cold for even just a couple of hours. This fancy backpack may be costly for some parents, but we think it's sturdy and offers decent quality at a price on par with much of the competition. We can see this bag becoming a gym or laptop bag once the diaper years pass, giving more versatility and value. If you seek a more masculine bag, we think you may like the HighSpeedDaddy.
The HighSpeedDaddy is loaded with pockets and storage space.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Compare Products
The Ju-Ju-Be B.F.F. has a simple but stylish look with versatile pocket options.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Why You Should Trust Us
We spent over 100 hours researching, analyzing, and testing diaper bags to determine the best options (just like we do with all of our baby gear test subjects). We use several essential factors, such as capacity, weight, ease of use, accessories, style, and quality, to determine the rank of each product. As a final test, we pack the bags full of diapering essentials and evaluate their performance to help you determine which bag is best for your family.
Our diaper bag review team consists of parents who've been trapped in a car with a diaper blowout and sick baby while carrying a useless diaper bag. The team lead is Dr. Juliet Spurrier, mother of two and a board-certified pediatrician. Dr. Spurrier has used multiple bags throughout the years and strongly believes that organization is critical and more important than style.
Senior Review Editor, Wendy Schmitz is a mom of two that got locked into a pricey bag her husband liked that they received as a baby gift. It was far too heavy for her to carry. After a year of frustration and shoulder pain, she realized there had to be something better.
Abriah Wofford is a Senior Review Editor with 7 years of testing experience with BabyGearLab and many more years of hands-on use as a nanny and older sister to 5. All three women are driven to find quality bags that make everyday use and traveling with your baby easier and more organized, keeping supplies you need close and easy to find. The bags in this review reflect the team's twelve years of combined bag experience. With extensive test and research backgrounds from working at BabyGearLab on all kinds of gear, we have unique hands-on experience with many bags you can't find anywhere else.
The Skip Hop Mainframe Wide Open has plenty of interior space and will stay open to easily see inside.
This photo shows the padded tech pocket for your phone.
Analysis and Test Results
Our analysis details the pros and cons of each product. We looked at over 110 diaper bags before purchasing the top bags for hands-on testing. We then spent time testing and comparing the bags individually and side-by-side to give you the information to find the perfect bag for you and your family.
Value
You'll likely carry a diaper bag for at least the first two years of your child's life. Diaper bags go through a lot and can get pretty worn and beaten up depending on your lifestyle and how often they leave the house. Because they act as a lifeline when away from home, we think there is value in spending a little more to get a product with a better chance of seeing you from start to finish with the features you need the most. The Ju-Ju-Be B.F.F. is one of the more expensive options in this review. If you are on a tight budget, it may not be a non-starter, but if you can swing it or put it on a registry, we think there is value in the valuable features and higher-quality construction that could translate to a longer lifespan. Otherwise, the Skip Hop Mainframe Wide Open is a much more budget-friendly option that should last you until your child is out of diapers.
The Ruvalino Backpack has enough storage for all the odds and ends you and baby need.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Storage
When searching for the perfect diaper bag, you should consider storage first. By "storage," we mean both the overall capacity and the organization features, including pockets and other things that make locating and storing supplies easier. A key thing to remember is that more pockets do not always mean better organization. The HighSpeedDaddy backpack has one of the highest pocket counts in our review. However, the pockets range in size, and some are slim and narrow, making them less helpful than the Skip Hop Mainframe Wide Open, a bag with half the number of pockets but more efficient storage.
The diaper bag with the lowest storage score is the Skip Hop Pronto. This small clutch provides only enough room for the bare minimum in supplies, but it keeps your load light. First-time parents may be surprised by how much stuff they need to haul around for one baby. If you toss in a few things for yourself, you'll understand the value of a well-organized bag. Here's our list of the typical supplies you'll find in the well-stocked diaper bag of an experienced parent:
The number of supplies you will likely need to carry may be more than you initially thought. This photo shows some of the essential goods most parents find helpful to take along when out and about with their baby.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Baby Supplies
Diapers
Wipes
Rash cream
Bag for dirty diapers
Changing pad
Burp cloths
Clothing changes
Blanket/nursing cover
Bottle(s) or sippy cup(s)
Binkies and toys
Sunscreen
Snacks
Parent Supplies
Water bottle
Hand sanitizer
Snacks
Wallet
Mobile phone
Keys
Sunglasses
Chapstick and sunscreen
A great bag needs to fit all or most of your supplies. In addition, items should be easy to access, and you should be able to quickly determine when you need to restock the essentials (diapers and wipes). We believe that the most functional bags have exterior pockets for bottles and snacks and compartments for a smartphone, changing pad, diapers, and wipes. We especially love when bags have a dedicated "mom pocket" that keeps personal items organized separately from baby supplies.
The Petunia Pickle Bottom Pivot has an extra compartment under the bag for added storage.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Your needs will vary when it comes to storage. For example, you may need an extra roomy bag for more than one child in diapers or overnight and multi-day trips. A large bag like the HighSpeedDaddy is ideal if you need additional storage, while the Skip Hop Pronto has almost no storage and is better for short outings like running errands.
The backside of the Be Right Back has mesh ventilation, and the shoulder straps have memory foam padding, creating a comfortable carry.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
Your next consideration should be ease of use. Imagine you are in the middle of changing your infant on a public changing table only to discover that your baby's diaper cream is buried at the bottom of the bag in a pocket with a faulty zipper. Scenarios like this make you appreciate a well-designed product where you can retrieve the cream quickly with one hand. Smooth zippers and elastic closures allow easy access, and mesh displays all contents for quick spotting. The product with the highest ease of use score is the Skip Hop Pronto. The small package keeps everything immediately accessible, is super lightweight, and will fit in your purse, stroller basket, or backpack.
We prefer products with a light-colored interior and a wide opening so you can see and access contents easily. We feel bags with deep interiors, narrow openings, and dark linings are akin to locating items in a black hole. It doesn't matter how many pockets a bag offers if you can't see the supplies or quickly find what you need. We also love some excellent pocket variations. It is helpful to have a few zippered pockets, open pouches, and a few insulated compartments to keep milk warm or cool. The Petunia Pickle Bottom Pivot is entirely insulated so that you can pack snacks wherever convenient. A dedicated bottle pocket lets you keep milk at a different temperature than other food items. However, keep in mind that not all diaper bags have high-quality insulation. While testing, we noticed that some didn't keep the contents cold after a few hours. Therefore, if you're going to be away from home for a while, it can be helpful to store a small ice pack with your baby's milk.
The Skip Hop Greenwich has a zippered main compartment that is covered by a flap to keep everything tidy.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Closures also impact the ease of use of a bag. Compartments and pockets have a variety of closures, including zippers, snaps, magnets, or Velcro. We believe it is essential that your chosen bag has an internal compartment that zips closed. If you leave a pocket open, you can lose items if the bag turns over or upside down. Magnetic closures often do not close or stay closed with a full load.
In our opinion, bags without Velcro are a big deal. Velcro is noisy and may wake your sleeping baby. It is sticky and may cling to and damage some fabrics. Velcro also wears out much faster than zippered or snap closures. Once the Velcro has stuck to anything and everything, the hooks get clogged and fail to function properly. For these reasons, we recommend avoiding hook-and-loop closures if at all possible.
Your bag must include a secure place for personal items such as smartphones, wallets, and keys. It can be challenging to carry a purse and diaper bag simultaneously, but you shouldn't need to if you have a great diaper bag. Finding a bag with a parent pocket is valuable but often overlooked. Key clips are also helpful and prevent your keys from getting lost in the bag (which happens more than you'd think).
Important
Some bags can hang onto your stroller's handlebar; however, we don't recommend doing this because the diaper bag's weight can cause the stroller to tip backward. Instead, use the storage basket underneath your stroller to carry items.
Key clips help to keep all items in their correct place.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Weight
When selecting the right diaper bag, you may not consider weight, especially with so many other features to consider. However, you'll likely be carrying this bag a lot. When you look at the long list of items in the diaper bag, it is clear that it will be heavy. Paying attention to the bag's weight and style might mean the difference between a sore shoulder and a happy back.
The 7AM Voyage BK718 is one of the lightest traditional bags we tested at 1.7 lbs, and the Skip Hop Pronto is a clutch-style bag and is the lightest option in this review at .75 lbs. Consider how you'll use your bag before settling on your final purchase. Will you take it in the car or bring it on walks? Drop the bag off at daycare or bring it along for errands? Your bag will carry crucial stuff, so find one you are comfortable lugging around day in and day out. If you aren't taking it for long distances but using it in the car, weight may be less important in your final decision.
A diaper bag's features and accessories can greatly impact your bag experience. Extra thoughtful features like insulated bottle holders, padded shoulder straps, internal key clips, and bag feet can improve your daily use.
The front pocket on the Ju-Ju-Be B.F.F. has pockets to easily access items like a key clip, sunglass pocket, and zipper pocket for cards and cash.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Quality
Bag quality is more important than most parents think. Ideally, your bag should last from the newborn stage through toddlerhood and through unpleasant situations. So, view your purchase as an investment in a valuable tool that you'll use for years. A broken handle, strap, or zipper could be frustrating when you are out with your baby, and replacing that bag is inconvenient.
The Ju-Ju-Be bags and the Petunia Picklebottom Pivot hold the high score in this metric. These diaper bags earned top scores thanks to their use of high-quality materials, sturdy hardware, and durability-minded construction. However, the KeaBabies Original ranks low. Its material has a powerful, unpleasant off-gassing smell that we experienced for several weeks after unboxing it. Those sensitive to smells may be overwhelmed by this off-gassing contender. Also, we noticed that one of the insulated pockets is ripped.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Inexpensive bags often include lower-quality materials, construction, and function, in our experience. The cost of two less expensive bags can equal more than one higher-quality option that will last as long as you need. Cheaper bags can have flimsy linings, weak seams, and subpar storage. Even a small bump in price can provide significantly better quality and durability. Our advice? Choose something at a mid-range price. It often buys a quality product you can use even after your child is out of diapers. Of course, high-end bags often have more bells and whistles. If your budget is limited, you can add your diaper bag to your registry. The lowest-scoring bag we tested is the Ruvalino Backpack. This backpack has an affordable price tag but many zipper issues and flimsy materials.
The material on the inside of the Pivot is wipes down without a problem, however, the suede textured material on the outside may not be so easy.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Materials
Diaper bags can be a mess magnet and get soiled in ways you never imagined. We recommend choosing a product made with materials that are easy to clean and maintain. Smooth, wipe-clean linings are excellent, and water-repellent and stain-resistant exterior fabric can save you from some ugly stains. However, a bag you can throw in a washing machine is the bomb. At the very least, you'll want a bag that you can wipe clean inside and outside with a damp rag, as spills are inevitable. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your bag's care to maintain its longevity and best appearance.
The material on the Petunia Pickle Bottom may be more difficult to clean than some other bags.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Diaper bags are more susceptible to microbe growth because they often carry items like snacks, breastmilk, or even human waste (a.k.a. used diapers). Some manufacturers line products with Agion, an antimicrobial finish, to prevent this kind of growth. This coating is useful in hindering the ability of microbes to spread and grow. Agion is cradle-to-cradle certified, which means it is safe for humans and the environment, which is a bonus. We like an eco-friendly bag; because your baby's belongings will go inside the bag, and babies put everything in their mouths. We encourage parents to select healthy materials to help limit their family's exposure to chemicals.
We do not recommend using polyvinyl chloride (P.V.C.) plastic (aka vinyl) in anything that might come in contact with a baby or baby products. P.V.C. can be a soft plastic, often in the interior of a diaper bag or changing pad linings. The material creates a flexible, water-resistant surface which seems ideal, right? Unfortunately, P.V.C. has some potentially significant health effects.
The Ju-Ju-Be Be Right Back is an entirely PVC-free product.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
To make P.V.C. soft, plasticizers, also known as phthalates, are added during production. There are concerns about the health effects of exposure to plasticizers (phthalates). There are also durability problems with soft P.V.C. as it can harden and crack over time, especially if exposed to sunlight or cold temperatures. Soft P.V.C. also has a strong chemical smell. Aside from being unpleasant, we prefer not to use products with chemical odors around developing babies and children due to the potential risks. The Environmental Working Group has a plethora of information surrounding plasticizers and the possible consequences of childhood exposure. "In general, the E.U. considers many plasticizers safe for use with the caveat that they not be used in children's items." While the subject of chemical plasticizers' effect on health is a very complex one, there are PVC-free products available, and we recommend opting for those whenever possible. The Skip Hop Pronto and Ju-Ju-Be Be Right Back are a few examples.
The 7AM Voyage BK718 has double tote handles at the top of the bag.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Try Before You Buy
We strongly suggest taking your top contender on a test run to ensure it is a good fit. For this test run, gather your essentials, organize them, and see how it feels to carry everything. Pack it around the house for a bit to gauge comfort. See if you can find each item quickly and access pockets using one hand. Zip and unzip, clip buckles, and snap snaps. Hold your baby while carrying the bag. If it is uncomfortable during these stages, you may want to reconsider. We suggest checking the return policy before purchasing so you don't get stuck with a mediocre bag.
Diaper bags come in various styles, including backpack, messenger, and tote-style.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Style
Diaper bags come in all shapes, styles, fabrics, and colors, allowing you to select one that fits your unique style or is more neutral and ideal for sharing. While some parents may not put much thought into what their diaper bag looks like, others may consider it a fashion accessory. Ultimately, we did not score this metric because style is subjective. Instead, we look beyond fashion and evaluate different style components, like size, material, and carry style, and overall versatility.
Your diaper bag will be your sidekick everywhere you and your baby roam, so consider which carry style is more practical, depending on your lifestyle and routine. Multiple carry options include a backpack, messenger, tote, fanny pack, and more. Messenger bags have a one-shoulder carry that can put more weight on one side of your body, but it's easier to access items without removing the bag. A backpack-style bag more evenly distributes the diaper bag's weight on your shoulders, which may be necessary for those prone to neck or shoulder pain. We also appreciate that it provides a hands-free carry, especially if you're chasing after an energized toddler, pushing a stroller, or using a top-ranked baby carrier. If selecting a diaper bag with more than one carry style is ideal, check out the Skip Hop Mainframe Wide Open, which provides more versatility depending on your needs and if you're sharing the bag with another person.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Conclusion
The definition of the perfect diaper bag will be different for every family. Thanks to influencing factors like family size, lifestyle, and personal taste, it is hard to say one diaper bag is the best for everyone. However, with our hands-on experience and our years of adventures with little ones, we have the veteran details new parents need to choose the best diaper bag for your needs and budget. Our favorites offer ample and functional storage and organization, are comfortable to carry hither and yon, and are durable enough to potentially last through the diapering years and beyond.
