Ask five parents which diaper bag to get and you'll hear five answers. That's because the right one depends less on the bag and more on how you get around. Here's how the main styles compare.
The diaper backpack
Best for: long days out, carrying a baby at the same time, parents who walk or take transit.
A backpack spreads the weight across both shoulders and keeps your hands free, which matters when you're also holding a baby or pushing a stroller. The Swift diaper backpack has seven inside compartments, three insulated bottle pockets, a front phone pocket and a changing pad. It also has a detachable pacifier case, a wet and dry bag, and straps to hang it on a stroller.
The trade-off: you have to take it off to get into it, so keep things you reach for often, like wipes and your phone, in outside pockets.
The messenger-style diaper bag
Best for: quick access, car trips, parents who like a shoulder bag.
A messenger bag opens right at your side without taking it off. The Lark diaper messenger bag has ten pockets inside and out, two top handles and a shoulder strap, and weighs about 1.2 pounds empty. It comes in lots of prints if you'd like it to look less like a baby bag.
The trade-off: all the weight sits on one shoulder, which you'll notice on long days.
The small pouch
Best for: short errands, older babies and toddlers, or as an add-on to your regular bag.
Once you're past the newborn stage, you don't always need the full bag. A pouch with a couple of diapers, wipes and a spare outfit covers a quick trip. The Posy diaper pouch is quilted cotton, 9.8 by 6.3 inches, and clips onto a stroller handle. Keep it light when it's clipped on, so the stroller stays balanced.
Whichever you choose, add a changing pad
A portable changing pad makes any bag a diaper bag. The Robin changing pad folds to 11.8 by 7.9 inches, has a wipes pocket that works open or folded, and straps onto strollers and bags. Always keep one hand on your baby during changes.
Quick comparison
- Most hands-free: backpack
- Fastest to get into: messenger
- Lightest for errands: pouch
- Most organized: whichever has pockets for the things you reach for most
A stroller safety note
Hanging a heavy bag on a stroller handle can tip the stroller backward when your child climbs out. Use the stroller basket for heavy things and keep hanging bags light.
Questions parents ask
Do I really need a diaper bag?
Not strictly. Any bag with pockets works. Diaper bags just make it easier with bottle pockets, a changing pad and wipe-clean linings.
Backpack or tote for a newborn?
Many parents find a backpack easier in the early months, since you're often carrying the baby too.
What size diaper bag do I need?
Big enough for a day's diapers, a spare outfit, feeding supplies and your own essentials. Pack it once before you buy to see how much you really carry.
Not sure what to put inside? See our diaper bag checklist, or shop the On the Go collection.
