The 5 Best Diaper Bags | Tested & Rated

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 14 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.

Diapering is an all-consuming part of babyhood. Finding the best diaper, best baby wipes, and the best diaper cream can make the process more manageable no matter what kind of mess your little one dishes out. If you choose the best cloth diapers, you might be interested in our favorite cloth baby wipes too.

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. If you want a backpack that will hold everything you need and more, the Itzy Ritzy Boss Plus is an ideal option with a larger size and pockets for great organization. The strap adjustment on the Be Right back 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. If you like the idea of a backpack but need something a little more masculine, the High Speed Daddy is a useful bag with lots of storage most men will happily tote, or the UPPAbaby Changing Backpack is gender-neutral and well-equipped. Despite the smaller size and adjustment, however, the Be Right Back is a bag that almost every parent will love.

Read more: Ju-Ju-Be Be Right Back review

On the downside, this bag was the heaviest that we tested, with a measured weight of 3.1 lbs. This is partly due to its size and partly due to its thick, high-quality materials. We don't see it as a deal breaker, but it is worth mentioning it since bags can get heavy with supplies quickly and many strollers only hold 10 lbs in their storage bins. This backpack does come in a smaller size, the Itzy Ritzy Boss. If you are looking for something a bit smaller, or if weight is an issue, check out the Ju-Ju-Be Be Right Back for a backpack-inspired option with lots of pockets but significantly smaller. Some reviews for this product mention issues with the large-toothed gold zippers, but we didn't have any issues with the zippers or their quality during testing. If weight isn't a concern and you value organization (and maybe a little style) over other things, the Boss Plus should be at the top of your list.

While the Mainframe does transition to a backpack, the straps almost look like a thin seatbelt. While the material is soft, it isn't padded, which can get uncomfortable. If you plan to wear your diaper bag primarily as a backpack, it might be worth checking out some of our other options. You'll want to ensure the Mainframe isn't painful for you, making it an option you should try before buying (hey, Amazon returns!). Also, while we like the exterior pockets, there is very little internal organization, which might require investing in storage bags to avoid losing items at the bottom of the bag. If your budget can stretch, or you find a good sale, the Ju-Ju-Be Be Right Back and Itzy Ritzy Boss Plus scored better overall with more comfortable straps and better storage. These are great options, but also pricey. Given the Mainframe's reasonable price and how often you may only have a single hand for searching, we think the SkipHop Wide Open is a game-changer for parents who enjoy an open bag design they can deftly manage with one hand, but who also have budget in mind.

Read more: Skip Hop Mainframe Wide Open review

The Itzy Ritzy Crossbody is unlikely to replace your regular diaper bag unless you are an expert at pairing down. Despite being relatively large for a crossbody bag, you can still only fit the minimum of diaper-changing supplies, so you should opt for something with more storage if you aren't a minimalist. One tester says, “It is not the right choice for a full day's supplies, but it could be good for a dinner out or brief errands.” It's also quite big for a crossbody. For more petite users, it's going to take up the bulk of your torso when worn on the front of your body, and when full, it can feel a bit unwieldy to be worn front-facing. However, it is only 0.8 lbs in our tests, making it a lightweight option for those who don't want to carry extra weight. We also found that since it's designed to sit at an angle on your body, it's definitely not the best for holding liquids that might be more prone to leakage. The Petunia Pickle Bottom Criss Cross Sling Bag is another option that holds about the same amount (but doesn't come with a changing pad) and is a bit smaller overall, making it a similar minimalist option without the bulky size or leak problem. You could also think of the Itzy Ritzy Crossbody as more of a purse and throw it inside a big bag, such as the Itzy Ritzy Boss Plus for travel. Overall, we think the Itzy Ritzy Crossbody is an affordable accessory that adds simplicity to your on-the-go diaper changes.

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. If you like a backpack style but want something less “military,” the Ju-Ju-Be Be Right Back has backpack straps and a more stylish design. The UPPAbaby Changing Backpack is another option that, although it didn't win an award, is a worthy contender for a gender-neutral diaper bag. We can, however, see The HighSpeed Daddy 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.

Read more: HighSpeedDaddy review

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. Real parents who used the bags and offered feedback on their experience and functionality during the test period and beyond.

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 who 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 seven 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. Katie Brown rounds out the team. As a mother of one, she uses her eclectic and diverse life experience to test various products with GearLab.

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.

You'll likely carry a diaper bag for at least 2-4 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 Be Right Back and Itzy Ritzy Boss Plus Backpack are higher-quality options with ample room and storage features for most families. While they are some of the more expensive options in this review, which could make them deal-breakers, we think they have value over cheaper bags that could require replacement before your diaper bag days are done. 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.

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.

The HighSpeed Daddy, Boss Plus, and the JuJuBe Be Right Back scored the highest for our storage metric with ample pockets and the ability to hold all the supplies you need and then some. However, pockets do not always mean better organization. The HighSpeedDaddy backpack has one of the highest pocket counts in our review, with the Itzy Ritzy Boss Plus a close second. However, the HighSpeed Daddy's pockets range in size; some are slim and narrow, making them less helpful than those in the Boss Plus or 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. If you want to split the difference between good storage but a smaller bag, then the Itzy Ritzy Fanny Pack & Crossbody is a good middle ground with a modern crossbody style.

First-time parents may be surprised by how much stuff they must haul 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:

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 it when bags have a dedicated “mom pocket” that keeps personal items organized separately from baby supplies to avoid messes from leaking baby items.

Your storage needs will vary, and which bag will meet your needs might be different than another person's. 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 or Boss Plus is ideal if you need additional storage or have multiple children, while the Itzy Ritzy Crossbody or the Petunia Pickle Bottom Criss-Cross have considerably less storage and are better for short outings like running errands.

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. The Itzy Ritzy Boss Plus also scored high in the ease of use metric, as you can stand it up, zip it all the way open, and easily access lots of items with one hand.

The only caveat here is that you would need enough space to set the bag next to the baby. Ease of use was the only area where the Ju-Ju-Be Be Right Back fell somewhat short. It's quite floppy and does either need two hands or to be laying on its back so that items don't tumble out upon opening the bag.

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 resemble 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 temperature different from 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, storing a small ice pack with your baby's milk can be helpful.

Closures also impact ease of use. 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.

Your bag should include a secure place for personal items such as smartphones, wallets, and keys. Carrying a purse and diaper bag simultaneously can be challenging, 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 often than you can imagine).

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.

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. Weight may be less important in your final decision if you aren't taking it for long distances but using it in the car.

The 7AM Voyage BK718 is one of the lightest traditional bags we tested at 1.7 lbs, and the Itzy Ritzy Crossbody is a fanny pack-style bag that is only .8 lbs. The 7AM is a slick, puffy-jacket-style material that is easy to wipe clean. Although lightweight, it is worth considering how durable this type of fabric will be in the long term.

Bag quality is more important than most parents think. Ideally, your bag should last from newborn through toddlerhood and 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.

In our experience, inexpensive bags often include lower-quality materials, construction, and function. 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. You can add your diaper bag to your registry if your budget is limited. The lowest-scoring bag we tested is the Ruvalino Backpack. This backpack has an affordable price tag but many zipper issues and flimsy materials.

Diaper bags can be a mess magnet and get soiled in unexpected ways. 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 diggity. 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.

Diaper bags are more susceptible to microbe growth because they often carry items like snacks, breastmilk, or even human waste (aka 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 go in the bag and, at some point, often in their mouths. We encourage parents to select healthy materials to help limit their family's exposure to chemicals.

We don't recommend using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic (aka vinyl) in anything that might come in contact with a baby or baby products. PVC 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, PVC has some potentially significant health effects.

Plasticizers, also known as phthalates, are added during production to make PVC soft. There are concerns about the health effects of exposure to plasticizers (phthalates). There are also durability problems with soft PVC, as it can harden and crack over time, especially if exposed to sunlight or cold temperatures. Soft PVC 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, but with the caveat that they should 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.

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 the most practical for you and your 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 evenly distributes the diaper bag's weight on both shoulders, which may be a requirement 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 or Ju-Ju-Be B.F.F.. These bags offer more than one carry style depending on your needs or if you are sharing. For a smaller bag, the Itzy Ritzy Crossbody can be worn as a crossbody, fanny pack, or shoulder bag.

If you have a baby and leave home, you'll need a diaper bag. The size and storage potential of your bag can impact your experience and whether or not it is useful or painful to carry. With our insider experience, we can help you find the right one for you.

What you need to fit in your bag can impact which bag is best for you. Will it just be for baby goods? Do you have more than one baby? Do you want to carry your typical purse supplies inside, too? Finding a bag that is the right size is important so you can carry what you need and what you want.

The best bags have a variety of pockets and different storage locations. A bag with one big open hole will be frustrating to use because it will become a bottomless pit where nothing can be found. The best bags have multiple pockets to keep you organized and help you find what you need quickly.

Your style is based on personal preference and who will be carrying it. In our experience, dads prefer a less fancy bag when they are the primary carrier. Do you prefer a backpack or a cross-body option? Ensuring the bag is both comfortable to wear and compatible with your lifestyle is important if you want to enjoy bringing it everywhere.