Best Diaper Bags 2023 - Forbes Vetted

The best diaper bags make it easier to carry all that baby gear in one sleek package, often in backpack form—given that parents always have their hands full, literally and mentally. After testing 10 of the best diaper bags (and considering many more contenders) for a number of attributes including comfort and functionality, I found the Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta Backpack to be the best diaper bag overall thanks to its robust features and high quality. The Skip Hop Forma Diaper Backpack as the best value option with its lightweight feel. It’s also the only one here that can be had for under $100.

I found two more worthy diaper bags that might please parents looking for something a bit well, more. The Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack is a splurge-worthy bag that’s giftable given its sleek look that provides parents with something special to carry; and the Béis Backpack Diaper Bag is the best diaper bag for those in need of a larger size, possibly for travel, with its roomy main compartment and durable but stylish build. Mochilas

The best diaper bags are those that are most comfortable to carry for the parent and that arrive ... [+] with strategically placed pockets and zippers.

Whatever the age of your baby, toting around essentials like diapers, snacks, a change of clothes and toy distractions quickly becomes necessary to avoid meltdowns and messes, whether you’re running out for five minutes or five hours. That’s why these bags come with indispensable features for parents like insulated bottle pockets, built-in changing mats and supportive shoulder straps. This is the full list of the best diaper bags after my testing. I hope they make your life easier, too.

The beauty of the Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta Backpack is its simplicity. It offers everything you need and not much more. After stuffing it full of items (see the full list of my testing kit below) and wearing it on my back for a full day, the Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta continued to feel compact and lightweight. It was the sixth-lightest bag (2.4 pounds) of those I tested, but the most comfortable to carry.

It’s the only contender on this list with a main-compartment zipper that extends all the way to the bottom of the bag, making it exceptionally easy to pack and retrieve items. It includes nine pockets, plus an easy magnetic closure. It did take some thoughtful packing to fit all items, so I wouldn’t mind a touch more space. Still, I found the size ideal for everyday use. Some other bags, like the Dagne Dover Indi and Béis, felt better suited to parents who need to carry more.

The Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta backpack was comfortable without feeling too bulky.

I should note that this diaper bag came in third in terms of keeping a bottle warm in the insulated pocket, after the Skip Hop Forma and the Béis, but far ahead of most other contenders, including the Freshly Picked and Herschel diaper bags. The temperature of the water dropped to 87.2 degrees Fahrenheit from 109 degrees after 2 hours.

The Meta’s exterior didn’t get dirty whatsoever with all-day wear. The water I spilled on it simply ran off, not leaving a trace of moisture, and I was able to remove the blueberry puree I had left on it overnight with a single swipe of a towel, whereas some other bags I tested, including the Dagne Dover, took soap and water to remove the stain. The light interior of the Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta made items inside easy to see, and its water-resistant interior makes for easy cleanup, even if your child’s food pouch explodes. Seven of the other bags tested didn’t have interiors that were water-resistant. In terms of maintenance, this bag requires almost nothing, which is a major win for parents who are already bogged down with innumerable cleaning tasks.

(Read my full in-depth review of the Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta Diaper Bag here.)

The Skip Hop Forma Diaper Backpack is incredibly lightweight at just 1.4 pounds, plus it’s comfortable to wear and possesses just the right amount of pockets (eight). The straps felt snug and comfortably padded, and it rested at a great spot on my back that helped me feel supported. It’s a bit larger than the Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta, but just by a couple of inches. Like the Meta, the Skip Hop Forma feels like it has exactly what you need and nothing more—and it’s almost half the price, making it the best value diaper bag.

The Skip Hop Forma was the lightest diaper bag I tested.

The Skip Hop Forma’s main compartment features a wide double-zipper opening and a bright teal, easy-to-wipe-down interior. The interior is deep and more spacious than expected. The built-in stroller snaps were nicely spaced out, and I appreciated that they were built-in, so I could avoid forgetting them at home.

Two of its biggest selling points are the spacious exterior side insulated pockets and the larger front pocket’s packing cubes. The packing cubes helped me to pack smarter and to keep items organized.

Compared to the other more affordable (under $100) diaper bags that I tested, the Ruvalino, Eddie Bauer Cascade and BabbleRoo options, the Skip Hop Forma Diaper Backpack is far more streamlined. While some families might like the excess pockets in some of the other bags—16, 12 and 18, respectively—I found this bag’s pockets a better use of space. The side insulated pockets fit my massive Hydro Flask water bottle and my son’s smaller bottle, regardless of how stuffed the bag was.

The included changing pad was the narrowest of all that I tested and not the most plush, but it did its job and made for easy cleaning. The hot water bottles left in the Skip Hop Forma had the smallest water temperature change out of all the bags I tested: a mere 16.2-degree drop (from 109 degrees Fahrenheit to 92.8 degrees) after 2 hours in the insulated side pockets and insulated packing cube.

It’s made of polyester, which textile expert Deborah Young says is “the most common” choice for diaper bags—and a practical one, because it proved easy to clean. The water I spilled on it immediately ran off, and the pouch wiped off with a single swipe. It didn’t leave a mark or any residue on the body of the bag.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this affordable backpack diaper bag. I think it offers more utility than some of the more inexpensive options that I tested, such as the Ruvalino Diaper Bag Backpack and the BabbleRoo Diaper Bag Backpack. Both of those value backpacks are just $42, but they weren’t nearly as comfortable to wear or as functional.

(Read my in-depth review the Skip Hop Forma diaper bag.)

The Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack is hard not to like. When I was running my errands, I felt like I was carrying a stylish backpack, not a diaper bag, which makes me think this bag will be just as useful once my kids are older and I no longer need a diaper bag. It’s a splurge at $215, but a worthy one given the potential for longevity, as well as the quality and functionality.

As I noted, one of the main factors that set this bag apart was its look. It’s sleek and cool and fun to carry. While the fabric certainly isn’t as easy to clean as the Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta, it’s one of those designer items that I’m willing to put a little work into because I love the overall aesthetic.

The Dagne Dover Indi felt like something I could carry to work or on travel, long after our diaper ... [+] days are done.

I also love that the Dagne Dover Indi has just the right amount of pockets—10, so similar to the number in the Skip Hop Forma (eight but also two packing cubes) and the Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta (nine). The bag’s spacious interior features a deep magnetic-closure pocket on the front and a padded Velcro-closure option on the back to hold a tablet, laptop or anything else you’d like. There are two deep mesh pockets that fit diapers and a neoprene bottle holder that can snap on and off. It comes with two additional zippered bags that I found useful: One is neoprene and similar in size to a cosmetic bag, and one is made of waterproof material and nearly the same size as the entire diaper bag.

The interior is spacious but did feel somewhat crowded because of the bottle holder. I had to put in more effort to organize my things than I did with the Béis. Expand it by releasing the exterior side straps (the Herschel diaper bag also does this). This takes the bag from a sort of squat square shape to an upside-down trapezoid. Although the Dagne Dover Indi bag can expand, the Béis still offers a bit more main compartment space. The Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta and Skip Hop Forma diaper bags feel a bit smaller than the Indi.

During the bottle test, the temperature dropped from 109 degrees Fahrenheit to 86.5 degrees after 2 hours, a 22.5-degree deviation, which is nearly the same temperature as the bottle in the Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta bag and not as good as the Skip Hop Forma or the Béis.

I wished the changing pad were a bit more cushioned, but one side is made of a coated, easy-to-wipe-off canvas, and it rolls up to a nice closed position, secured with a Velcro strap.

The Indi bag is the only bag I tested that possessed multiple hooks and fobs to attach necessities, but the Béis, does have one too. Interestingly, the top two winners, the Meta and Forma bags, do not offer have key fob attachments.

One thing to note is that if the main body of the bag is extremely packed, the exterior pockets of this diaper bag aren’t easy to use. I wasn’t able to fit anything in the side pockets when I was carrying all of my testing items. You may not want to overstuff this bag. The plus side was that the backpack still felt comfortable on my back while full, and the thick, padded straps meant I had no problem wearing it throughout the day. It did feel heavier than the Béis, though, which is technically the heavier bag when empty (3.5 pounds for the Dagne Dover Indi compared to 4 pounds for the Béis).

It cleans up well, too. Despite my visit to a coffee shop and the tennis courts, in addition to my parenting duties, it didn’t get dirty during a full day out. I spilled water on it, and it dried without leaving a mark or dampening anything inside. The blueberry puree I spilled on it required soap and water to remove the light mark it left, but it did come out.

Between the features, aesthetic, durable construction and multiple use cases this Dagne Dover diaper bag provides, I felt that $215 was a steep but worthwhile splurge on a diaper bag that I might end up using as my daily bag while running errands.

The Béis Backpack Diaper Bag offers no shortage of parent-friendly features. It’s large enough to fit everything you might possibly need, but not so large that it feels too awkward or bulky to carry. And thanks to all the thoughtfully placed pockets, of which there are 14 (more than the other winning diaper bags), plus some brilliant add-ons, it’s a sound parenting investment for those seeking a larger diaper bag. It may not be the least expensive diaper bag, but given its quality, it provides great value for the under-$150 price tag.

The main interior of the backpack features a clamshell-like opening with a wide mouth. I was dubious of this at first because, like the Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta, it requires two hands to open. However, I soon realized the utility of this bag. The interior is deep enough that I didn’t need to organize my items to make everything fit, and you can easily see everything without having to root around. Although technically the Skip Hop Forma is a smidge larger when looking at the dimensions, the Béis’ clamshell opening and pocket placement create more usable interior space.

The Béis backpack’s interior comprises easy-to-clean material; it features two small pockets at the top for personal items, a large padded changing mat or laptop pocket, a medium zippered pocket (which I found was great for toys) and four elastic-top pockets ideal for diapers and wipes. The changing pad felt luxe and folded compactly, while still offering substantial padding. You’ll also find a tether inside that attaches to a waterproof bag that proved handy for dirty diapers, wet clothes and other messes.

Lastly, the bag’s insulated bottle warmer can be cinched tighter depending on the circumference of the bottle, which no doubt helped this diaper bag achieve the second-smallest temperature change in the hot water test, dropping to 90.5 degrees Fahrenheit from 109 degrees.

The Beis diaper bag has an extra larger main compartment, along with several additional pockets.

The exterior is just as high-end as the interior. It’s made of durable nylon twill and has a vegan-leather accent. I’d say the zippers featured on this bag are the smoothest of all the options tested. The stitching, fabric and materials used appeared to be of exceptional quality and made the bag feel and look higher-end than the price point would suggest. The side pockets were a personal favorite, as they fit our large water bottles easily, even when the bag was full.

While the features alone certainly set this bag apart, the quality of the materials and easy maintenance made carrying it far easier than some of the others. The bag didn’t get dirty whatsoever with wear. The water I spilled on it pooled off, the blueberry puree came off easily with a towel and, thanks to the wide opening, crumbs came out of the bag with little effort.

The Béis is also comfortable, despite how heavy it can become (due to the size, I could easily see parents packing far more than they might actually need). I’d happily take it to work or on a trip sans child. Overall, if you’re in need of something with sufficient space and all the bells and whistles, this is a great backpack diaper bag option.

I tested 10 diaper bags to determine the best.

I tested six additional diaper bags that didn’t make the cut.

Freshly Picked Classic Diaper Bag: This bag came highly recommended and was beautiful. However, the one I received for testing arrived with frayed stitching, which wasn’t the type of quality I expected from a $189 diaper bag. The bag closure wasn’t quite ideal either. The fold-over-flap uses a magnetic closure that requires the user to snap it closed to truly secure it, which isn’t possible to do one-handed.

BabbleRoo Diaper Bag Backpack: This backpack diaper bag appears to offer many of the same features you’d find on higher-end options, yet it costs only $42. The BabbleRoo is made of a performance-type fabric, making it easy to clean, and it also has tons of pockets. Unfortunately, the changing pad is of poor quality, and the bag can become bulky, making it awkward to carry.

Ruvalino Diaper Bag Backpack: The Ruvalino is identical in price and similar in features to the BabbleRoo, but it is larger and not as easy to clean. I found it to be bulky, too, but enjoyed the well-padded changing mat and the ideally sized pockets. The top handles also snap together to make it easily attachable to a stroller.

Herschel Baby Strand Sprout Shoulder Bag: This is a minimalist bag with ample space and a superb changing mat that can be used as a diaper clutch. It was one of the few shoulder bags I tested; most others were backpacks. You can wear it crossbody or as a shoulder bag. However, the actual bag is 17 inches wide and just felt too big and unwieldy. I found it harder to access the contents of the bag with the strap in the way as well.

JuJuBe B.F.F. Diaper Bag: The main selling point of the JuJuBe is that it offers multiple ways to wear it: as a backpack, shoulder bag or messenger bag. Unfortunately, it didn’t offer adequate space for my necessities. Furthermore, it wasn’t as comfortable as other options.

Eddie Bauer Cascade Back Pack Diaper Bag: I appreciated this bag’s size, magnetic closure, wipes-specific side pocket, built-in stroller straps and padded back pocket. But the main compartment didn’t zip down low enough, which made finding something at the bottom difficult. Also, the interior pockets were too narrow for larger diapers, and the changing mat proved lackluster.

I packed each diaper bag full of the same essentials.

Parents need diaper bags that make their lives easier, not more difficult. Each bag I considered underwent a full and rather messy testing process. I loaded the same set of parenting essentials into each bag: two diapers, a pack of wipes, a formula dispenser, a bottle, water bottles for myself and my son, an assortment of toys, a wallet, my keys, gum, a first-aid kit, lip balm, my phone, AirPods, sunglasses, sunscreen, hand lotion, tissues, a receiving blanket, diapering essentials, teething medicine and three different types of snacks.

I wore each bag for a full day, taking extensive notes on the functionality of the features, comfort, durability, maintenance, value, aesthetic, size and weight. I went on stroller walks and attended school drop-off, tennis lessons, swim class and doctor’s appointments with these bags and my diapered toddler.

I also packed a baby bottle of hot water in each bag, taking the temperature before and after two hours to determine the temperature variation after the time had elapsed. I spilled blueberry puree and water on each bag’s exterior and left them overnight. In the morning, I determined how difficult it was to clean and if the spills had left a mark. I also sprinkled crumbs from chips and Cheddar Bunnies into the bottom of the diaper bags to see how hard it was to remove them, because this is a scenario many a parent can relate to.

And lastly, I asked my husband to weigh in from an aesthetic standpoint to find out whether he would wear it, too. That might seem trivial until you start thinking about equitable division of household labor and child care tasks, as in: Will your partner also willingly carry this bag to attend all those baby appointments and into the public restroom when it’s time for a change, or will they leave it behind?

The best diaper bags fit all the necessary baby gear.

With so many diaper bags on the market, it can feel daunting to pick out just one to carry. Here are some key aspects to consider when determining which one is right for your family.

When choosing a diaper bag, it’s important to consider your daily activities, your baby’s needs and what you typically carry in a day. Will this be something you use occasionally on trips to pediatrician appointments and the grocery store, or are you the type of family that likes to take regular visits to parks, museums, zoos and other public spaces? In the former case, you’ll likely want something with just enough space for diapers, wipes, snacks and water bottles, so something more compact and simple. In the latter case, going with an option that has a great insulated bottle holder, changing pad, tons of pockets, handy pouches and more might prove to be a game changer.

Personally, I like to have a substantial amount of pockets and interior space in my diaper bag, several exterior pockets for my keys and wallet, as well as dedicated space for water bottles and a changing pad. When I interviewed Grayson, he reminded me that “the magic word” when it comes to diaper bags is “pockets—lots of them.”

Dr. Elliot Berlin, who specializes in postpartum care, suggests “avoiding anything too big,” especially if you just gave birth. “A bag that’s too heavy to wear comfortably isn’t going to be of much use, and it’s important to be gentle with your body, especially during the ‘fourth trimester,’ when your abdominal muscles and pelvic floor are still recovering from pregnancy and birth,” he said. It’s also important to remember that in addition to your diaper bag, you may need to carry your baby, push a stroller and juggle other things.

But overall, selecting the right size bag does depend on your personal needs. Some might want something more compact, like the Skip Hop Forma or Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta, while others might need more space and opt for the Béis or Dagne Dover Indi.

No matter how cute a diaper bag is, if it’s not comfortable, you won’t enjoy wearing it, and it may cause back or alignment issues. Dr. Berlin encourages selecting “backpack-style diapers bags” because “the two-strap design balances the weight, putting equal pressure on both sides.” I have certainly found this to be true as well. Not only is a backpack far more comfortable, but it also allows for more hands-free movement and the ability to hold your baby in your arms, push a stroller more easily or to sprint after a toddler if need be. Each bag tested, whether backpack or otherwise, had adjustable straps to suit different bodies and comfort levels.

No matter your needs, a diaper bag that requires little to no maintenance is definitely a boon to busy parents. Look for something that wipes down, doesn’t retain moisture and can easily be cleaned.

What is the best material for a diaper bag then? In terms of fabric, Young says, “Polyester is the most common choice. Nylon is a close second (and nylon is stronger, if you’re inclined to load it up with heavy things).” Skip Hop Forma’s lightweight bag is polyester, while the Béis bag is made of sturdy nylon, which helps explain its rugged disposition, wipeable surface and storage capacity. The Dagne Dover Indi’s interior lining is made from a recycled polyester material, making it easy to clean, too.

While Young notes that cotton is a great material for things close to baby’s skin, it’s not an optimal fabric for a diaper bag, because it retains moisture and odor too readily. However, she says a coated cotton, which is the fabric used for the Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta (and the BabbleRoo), is durable and easy to clean, which I certainly found to be true.

Grayson also pointed out that the best diaper bag “is designed to hold all of your diapering and baby necessities and will eventually get very messy. Accidents happen. And so do crumbs.”

“One feature that a lot of people don’t think about is the color of the interior of the bag. If your bag has a black or dark lining, you’re basically searching in a bottomless pit for things when you need them,” Grayson adds. “So look for bags with lighter linings and wide openings for better access.”

I’ve written shopping and review content for five years, previously as an entertainment and lifestyle editor and more recently as a freelance writer. But what really qualifies me most to review diaper bags is my primary job as a mother to an active 2 1/2-year-old son. In my personal life I’ve purchased seven diaper bags in an effort to make my outings and daily life easier. (I know that number may seem over-the-top for a single child, but I’m thorough.)

When determining how to test these diaper bags, I drew from firsthand experience as a parent, as well as conversations with other parents and a number of baby gear experts. I read through dozens of reviews (both good and bad ones) of the bestselling diaper bags and those topping other outlets’ “best” lists in order to select which bags to test. I weighed factors like price and overall functionality. I interviewed chiropractor and “Informed Pregnancy” podcast host Dr. Elliot Berlin, who specializes in postpartum care; parenting gear expert Jamie Grayson; and textile expert Deborah Young. Each helped me to hone in on important factors like weight distribution for spinal health, bag features ideal for parent life and the best fabric choices to ensure a durable bag. I tapped into my network of fellow parents on social media, in parent-and-me groups, my friend group and our preschool community to further build on the suggestions of which diaper bags to include in my experiment.

Before becoming pregnant, I might have said it was a personal choice. Now, several years into my parenting journey and with a second child on the way, my answer is a resounding yes. Even if you’re just running out for a minute, if your child is still in diapers, you definitely need diapers and wipes, and preferably a changing pad. And because babies need to eat in regular increments (and parents, too), having something that can store milk and snacks is helpful.

You’ll also need space for your personal items, maybe some toys and a receiving blanket, depending on your baby’s age. If your baby is formula-fed, you’ll need a place to store a warm bottle and formula, or if you’re nursing, you’ll definitely need to carry water and sustenance for yourself.

Basically, your diaper bag will become your lifeline when you’re outside of your home, so investing in one that makes your life easier and that you enjoy carrying is essential. I’ve used handbags as diaper bags, too, and while it’s been fine, they’re not as comfortable or as easy to clean. Your everyday tote also doesn’t include use-specific features, such as bottle holders or enough pockets to stash all those tiny baby items into.

Per Dr. Berlin, a backpack diaper bag is best for spinal health and ease of use. This allows for even weight distribution and applies equal pressure to each shoulder. Backpacks are also easier to carry while you are wearing your baby in a carrier, while pushing a stroller or while chasing a new walker or excessively fast toddler. After extensive testing, I found the Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta, Skip Hop Forma, Béis and Dagne Dover Indi diaper bags to be the best diaper bags on the market.

At the bare minimum, you’ll need to pack two diapers, a pack of wipes and possibly a bottle and snacks for your baby. A water bottle for yourself, adult snacks, a wallet, hand sanitizer, your keys and phone are also essential. I also almost always found a change of clothes necessary for newborns and younger babies more prone to blowouts, accidents and heavy spit-up.

Depending on your baby’s age, you’ll likely also want a receiving blanket, burp cloths, a change of clothes for you (or at least an extra shirt and a spare set of nursing pads, if using), a pacifier, a teething ring, diaper cream and sunscreen. I also like to have sunglasses, hand lotion, a small first-aid kit, medicines for teething, lip balm and tissues. This way, you have everything you might need and more—because there are few things worse than a blowout or sticky hands when you don’t have wipes available.

While you’ll need to confirm with your specific airline, most agree that diaper bags are neither a personal item nor count as your carry-on luggage. You are, however, allowed only one diaper bag per child. That means you’ll also be allowed to carry a personal item like a handbag and a carry-on in addition to a diaper bag.

This really depends on your lifestyle and child, but most families find them to be useful for two to three years, or until their baby is out of diapers. Once your toddler transitions out of diapers, you’ll likely be able to carry something much smaller. But depending on where you’re going, it might still be convenient to bring one or some sort of backpack to lug the now-older kid’s gear, which still likely includes water bottles, snacks, wipes, hand sanitizer, possibly a change of clothes and certainly diversions like small toys, stuffed animals or sticker books. It’s really all about personal preference.

I lead the Forbes Founders team that covers the Forbes 30 Under 30, the Top Creators franchise, and cutting edge entrepreneurs. Tell stories about founders, leadership, CEOs, technology, startups, and investing. Founder of the Forbes Opportunity Zones Summit. Former Podcast Host of The Forbes Interview.

Please follow me on Twitter at @stevenbertoni

For product reviews, gift ideas, and latest deals, Subscribe to the Forbes Finds newsletter.

Erica Finamore is a New York City–based editor who has more than a decade of experience covering home decor, lifestyle, and gifting content. She has worked at Real Simple, Food Network Magazine, HGTV Magazine and InStyle, among other publications, and has written for sites including Cosmopolitan.com, Apartmenttherapy.com and Refinery29.com.

For product reviews, gift ideas, and latest deals, Subscribe to the Forbes Finds newsletter.

I'm a writer specializing in the outdoors and travel. I splits my time between Alaska and Colorado, where when I'm not writing, I spend my time camping, hiking, fishing, and snowboarding (often with dogs in tow). My byline can also be found in The New York Times, National Geographic, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and beyond. Connect with me on Instagram (@byebaileyberg) and Twitter (@baileybergs).

For product reviews, gift ideas, and latest deals, Subscribe to the Forbes Finds newsletter.

I’m the Forbes Vetted deputy editor, currently living near Detroit. After serving in the Air Force where I operated satellites and planned space launches, I have had a varied career as a tech journalist, wildlife photographer, scuba instructor and podcaster (including co-hosting the popular Battlestar Recaptica).

I am the author of nearly three dozen books about photography, mobile tech, and more; I’ve even authored a digital interactive storybook for kids. I spent eight years as a content lead at Microsoft where I helped to develop Windows Vista and Windows 7. And before joining Forbes Vetted, I contributed to many popular websites including CNET, PC World, How-To Geek and Business Insider.

For product reviews, gift ideas, and latest deals, Subscribe to the Forbes Finds newsletter.

I'm the executive strategy editor at Forbes Vetted and a functional nutritionist. In between geeking out over SEO and obsessing over products, from mattresses to treadmills to every kitchen gadget I can get my hands on, I've written more than a dozen books and cookbooks and created over 1,000 original recipes.

Pencil Bags For product reviews, gift ideas, and latest deals, Subscribe to the Forbes Finds newsletter.