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Oct 16, 2024

12 Best Diaper Bags, Tested & Reviewed by Parents in 2024 | Glamour

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Finding the best diaper bags is a hotly contested topic among new parents. Some moms and dads say there’s no need for such a thing—any relatively roomy tote will do, so why pigeon-hole yourself? Others say they “can’t live without” their diaper bag. The conversation is further complicated by just how many different shapes and styles are out there—some more functional, others more rooted in style.

If you decide to go the dedicated diaper bag route, the key is balancing form and function by thinking about what your average day looks like. There’s something for everyone out there—small totes for moms of one, rugged backpacks for adventurous dads, and expansive models decked out in dozens of pockets and compartments for parents of multiples—so we set out to find the best options for the masses.

Spoiler alert: Diaper-bag backpacks are overwhelming faves for both moms and dads—hands-free schlepping for the win! Spacious totes are also appreciated for their versatility. And if there’s a pretty yet functional leather option that doesn’t look at all like a diaper bag? You can bet the moms are running for it—as evidenced by our top overall pick.

From unisex backpack diaper bags to high-quality designer totes, these are the best diaper bags to buy yourself or purchase as excellent baby gifts, presents for new moms, and gifts for pregnant women.

Neiman Marcus

Original image by Glamour tester Brigitt Earley

When our writer put out a call to thousands of parents on social media for the best diaper bags, more than half of them called attention to this exact bag. It’s the aesthetic of the bag that first catches your eye. Parents—and our editors, for that matter—love it because it’s a very attractive vegan leather option. The backpack style is another huge draw, as it leaves your hands free to deal with anything that comes your way: feeding a baby, pushing a stroller, running errands, and more. Alternatively, it also has stroller hooks and a luggage sleeve to attach it to whatever else you’re toting.

“I love the built-in padded laptop sleeve too,” one commuting mom told us. “I find it so much easier not to have to swap bags from day to day, plus this is key when we go away for the weekend. It also means the bag will suit me long after I need it to haul baby gear wherever I go.” And even though the Kinney is one of the brand’s smaller models, there’s plenty of space inside the bag for all of your little one’s essentials. Actually, our editors love this Goldilocks size, because a fair number of diaper bags we tested seemed so bulky. The main compartment has 10 internal pockets, including an insulated bottle pocket. It’s also equipped with a changing pad and stroller straps. “The water-resistant lining is a nice touch,” one mom told us. “This way I don’t worry so much about wet swimsuits after lessons or soiled clothing.”

All in all, even though this is a highly attractive bag, we think it’s very well-made and can handle the rigors of day-to-day wear with a baby in tow. It offers plenty of organizational elements, but not so many that you can’t remember where you stashed it all. It’s also easy to clean inside and out—another huge plus, especially given the faux leather design. The biggest downside we could spot? The thin straps do dig in a little bit, especially if you’re carrying a particularly heavy load.

Type: Backpack | Dimensions: 11" x 7" x 14" | Weight: 3.3 lb. | Changing pad: Yes | Stroller hooks: Yes | Care: Spot clean | Warranty: 18 months

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L.L.Bean

Original image by Glamour tester Brigitt Earley

The price on this canvas tote is stellar, especially considering the overall quality, but the overall value is even better when you consider just how versatile it is. Sure, you might not think of it as a diaper bag at first, but more than a couple of moms—particularly second-time moms—tipped us off to this style. “I guess it’s not really a diaper bag,” one told us. “But it’s been my go-to for nearly two years now, mostly because it’s so durable and holds so much. I love that it can be personalized with my kids’ names too.”

When we tested the bag, we were immediately impressed by its durability as well. The heavyweight canvas has reinforced handles and double-stitched seams, so you can really weigh it down without worry. (The brand says it’s tested to hold up to 500 pounds, though you’ll obviously never come close to that!) Just note: It does start to dig into your shoulders a bit, the more you put inside, since the straps are not padded.

There’s little organization, so that’s something to consider if you’re the type who wants a pocket for everything. Packing cubes or plastic bags can help with that, though. And for some moms, like me, I actually appreciate the flexibility to toss in whatever I want on a whim. On the upside, the interior is water-resistant and the bottom very sturdy—you can plop it on the floor, and it won’t tip over. We also love that it comes zippered or not, and in a variety of different colors to suit your taste.

Type: Tote | Dimensions: 15" x 17" x 7½" | Weight: Not listed | Changing pad: No | Stroller hooks: No | Care: Spot-clean | Warranty: 1 year

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Amazon

Original image by Glamour tester Brigitt Earley

It’s hard to find a high-quality diaper bag for less than $100, let alone from a high-end baby brand like 7AM. But the company sure did deliver with this quilted tote. “Once I had my second baby, I really needed a bigger diaper bag, and the 7AM duffel is the perfect fit,” one mom of two told us. “I explored so many options, including backpack diaper bags, but in the end this one won out because it looks cute, is easily wipeable, and expands to fit so much.”

During evaluations we were impressed by all of the interior organizational pouches. As our tester said, “They help to maintain some system within the bag.” Two of our favorites were the independent zippered wallet pouch and the pacifier clip, but of course the cushioned changing mat is a nice-to-have too. The carrying flexibility was another standout feature—you can carry the bag by the double handles or wear it across your body with the included strap. We found the latter more comfortable, plus this made it easier to multitask. The bag also comes with clips to hang it on your stroller, which is always a plus.

“I use this tote as a daily diaper bag, but I also love the fact that it’s roomy enough to be used as a sleepover or overnight bag for the girls,” our tester told us. We can’t forget to mention: This bag is machine washable and can even withstand a spin in the dryer on low—a huge plus for parents of little ones. “When you consider all you’re getting, the price is so great compared to some of the other bags I looked into.”

Type: Tote | Dimensions: 21.7" x 17.3" x 13.8" | Weight: 1.45 lb. | Changing pad: Yes | Stroller hooks: Yes | Care: Machine-wash, tumble dry | Warranty: 1 year

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Posh Peanut

Original image by Glamour tester Brigitt Earley

This diaper bag is a newcomer to the market, but one we fell in love with at first sight. For a fabric backpack, it’s one of the more attractive we evaluated. We liked that it’s not too large or boxy, either, but still has enough room for at least one child’s worth of stuff. Open the top, and you’ll see one large main compartment with five interior pockets—one larger and four smaller. The bottom is flat, so things stack nicely. On the exterior of the bag, you’ll find two pockets—one in front that’s insulated and can hold at least two baby bottles, and another that’s perfect for some of Mom or Dad’s belongings (wallet, keys, etc.). The sides have two additional pockets that we found perfect for a caregiver’s water bottle, though not something quite as large as a Stanley. Overall, we found this to be all of the organization we needed, but the brand does offer the option of purchasing mesh organizing pouches for those who want a dedicated place for everything.

Another cool thing about this backpack is that it’s actually a convertible diaper bag. It comes with a long strap in case you’d prefer to carry it as a shoulder bag or a crossbody. It also has stroller clips and a luggage sleeve to keep you entirely hands-free during your travels. Our testers liked that the bag sits squarely on the ground without tipping over and even has four metal feet to keep the bottom up from whatever surface it’s sitting on. It’s not machine washable, but we found spot-cleaning very easy, especially considering the dark color. (It also comes in a leopard print, though that was a little too loud for our tester’s taste.)

Overall, the Posh Peanut Quilted Diaper Bag is a great choice for parents who are looking for a stylish, functional, and durable diaper bag that can be worn multiple ways.

Type: Convertible | Dimensions: 13" x 13.5" x 5" | Weight: 2.55 lb. | Changing pad: Yes | Stroller hooks: Yes | Care: Spot-clean | Warranty: Not listed

No Reception Club

Original image by Glamour tester Brigitt Earley

Admittedly, this diaper bag is not for everyone. It’s undeniably rugged and ripe for adventure—but that’s what makes it so great for dads out there. It’s a diaper bag that’s entirely dedicated to them, not one that sort of looks like it could pass as something the man if your life might not complain about picking up. The backpack style comes in two colors—black and olive. We liked the contrast of the the brown leather on the olive bag, but the black is a little bit sleeker for those who want something that’s more likely to blend in.

Though it’s on the larger size, especially compared with other diaper bags we evaluated, we think this is a good thing for guys. It looks more appropriate on larger frames and can hold all kinds of things, from baby gear to a sweatshirt for him. There’s no lack of organization either. The bag has a roomy main compartment, but particularly cool is the side pocket, which has a shelf-like system complete with an insulated lunch bag (it doubles as a bottle holder!). Five additional exterior pockets provide a home for other things, including baby wipes, Dad’s keys or wallet, a water bottle, and more. The zippered bottom pocket is a particularly good home for a baby blanket or even a pair of water shoes if the family is headed to the pool for the day.

Something else that stood out to us about this bag is how comfortable it is to carry. Despite the heft, you don’t feel weighed down at all. It’s all thanks to a fully padded back panel and wide, padded backpack straps. A chest clip would be nice, though its absence is not a deal-breaker.

Type: Backpack | Dimensions: 19.7" x 10.2" x 6.5" | Weight: 2.7 lb. | Changing pad: Yes | Stroller hooks: Yes | Care: Spot-clean; machine-wash if necessary | Warranty: Lifetime

Parents recommended so many great diaper bags, and we personally tested as many as we could. Some others that received a lot of praise during our evaluations include:

Pottery Barn Kids

Like the Mina Baie, this is a beautiful leather diaper bag meant for the parents who would really rather carry their pre-baby bag but crave the functionality of a diaper bag. Ultimately the Mina Baie won out, because it’s nearly $80 less and just as attractive and organized. One of the biggest advantages of the Storksak bag, though, is its versatility. You can carry it as a backpack or adjust the straps to wear it as a shoulder tote or a crossbody bag. It doesn’t, however, have a laptop pocket for the parent who wants to tote the same laptop bag to work or use it beyond their diaper bag era.

Amazon

This is a great daily diaper bag since it’s a backpack style with padded shoulder straps and offered in a neutral color that both Mom and Dad look stylish carrying. The various mesh pockets make it easy to pack up everything you’d need for an outing; plus, there’s room for a wallet, cell phone, and keys, so you won’t need to bring a separate purse. Choose from 15 colors to suit your personal style. We love the go-with-anything beige or black, but parents who appreciate a pop of color will like shades like taro purple or plaid.

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Amazon

We liked this bag because it’s roomier than most daily backpacks and comes with removable mesh pouches as well as a changing pad. The main compartment has a few pockets to hold diapers and wipes but is mainly open, allowing for flexibility in packing how you want. The side pockets have unique magnetic closures and are big enough to hold multiple bottles. There are also a few other pockets and zippered compartments for other baby essentials you might want to throw in there.

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Dagne Dover

Saks Fifth Avenue

If it weren’t for the wet wipes, binkies, and burp cloths tucked away inside, this Dagne Dover number would easily pass as a commuter's backpack or even a gym bag. It's made of soft neoprene, comes in gender-neutral colors (or fun brights!), and has plenty of pouches, because tiny baby gear requires tiny baby compartments. Apart from the sporty design, the best part is it comes with its own matching changing station and anchors for your stroller.

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Amazon

Nordstrom

Maisonette

If you’re on the hunt for a spacious backpack-style diaper bag that easily fits everything you need for multiple kids—say, a newborn and a toddler—consider your search over. Testers say the interior compartment is so roomy it seems bottomless. One parent told us the bag was even big enough to serve as her hospital bag, corraling two nights’ worth of stuff for both mom and baby. Other perks include the quick magnetic closure, the comfortable foldout changing pad, and all the options for colors and designs.

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Amazon

Big enough to double as an overnight bag, but stylish enough to pass as an everyday carryall—and not just for your kid. This one by Freshly Picked is exactly that. It’s highly functional too. The backpack style stands up on its own and has a big interior pocket that stays open so you can dig around, plus the padded straps don’t dig in even when you’re totally weighed down by your kiddos and all their gear.

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L.L. Bean

Is it a traditional diaper bag? No, but parents we spoke to said that’s part of the magic of this option. Sometimes traditional diaper bags have so many pockets that it actually makes it harder to remember where you stashed a binky. And trust us: That’s not at all what you want when your baby is screaming on an airplane. This roomy tote from L.L. Bean has most of the same features as a great diaper bag—light, waterproof, durable, and easy to clean—but is more suitable for the minimalists of the bunch. It’s also cheaper than most true diaper bags. “We end up bringing this—filled with diapers and diaper cream, baby wipes, extra outfits, bottles, and toys—to most of our outings. It’s super easy to clean, so I'm not worried if I have to put poop-blowout outfits or dirty spoons in it. And it fits a lot,” says Kimberly Levine-Pai, an ob-gyn and mom of one.

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To track down the best diaper bags for all family circumstances, this mom of four kids (all aged six and under!) polled parents from around the country on their favorites and compiled all of their picks. We then tested the most promising models—I evaluated some, while other editors and parents from our team of anonymous testers vetted others. We packed, unpacked, and essentially lived our best bag-lady (or -dude) lives for weeks on end in search of the very best diaper bags to meet the criteria we’ve outlined above.

The price of your diaper bag is entirely dependent on your preferences. If you ask me, a mom of four all born within three years of each other, I may surprise you by saying absolutely not. In fact, I don’t think you need to have a traditional diaper bag at all. My favorite totes and backpacks from my pre-baby era were, as a whole, totally fine for stuffing baby gear inside. The stroller basket is another great place to stash stuff. But ask my friend? She told me, “I know I am ridiculous, but the Prada diaper bag was the best investment ever. I’m going on four-plus years with it!” To each their own.

Parents we polled say diaper bags are most useful during, well, the diapering stage. When kids aren’t potty trained, you need more stuff. Yes, diapers, but also a change of clothes and diaper rash cream. And a changing pad. I also recommend stashing some doggy bags in there—you don’t want to stink up a friend’s garbage can, do you?!

At this stage kids tend to need more miscellaneous items, too, like soothers (pacifiers or a lovey, for example), small toys for on-the-go entertainment, bottles or snacks for between meals, and more. Moms may even need a few things they wouldn’t normally, such as a portable pump or breast pads, particularly during the newborn days.

All of this is to say: If you’re opting for a diaper bag, you can plan to use one for about three years.

Best Overall:Best Value:Best Tote:Best Backpack:Best for Dads:Best Overall:Type:Dimensions:Weight:Changing pad:Stroller hooks:Care:Warranty:What we love:What could improve:Best Value:Type:Dimensions:Weight:Changing pad:Stroller hooks:Care:Warranty:What we loveWhat could improve:Best Tote:Type:Dimensions:WeightChanging pad:Stroller hooks:Care:Warranty:What we loveWhat could improve:Best Backpack:Type:Dimensions:Weight:Changing pad:Strollerhooks:Care:Warranty:What we love:What could improve:Best for Dads:Type:Dimensions:Weight:Changing pad:Strollerhooks:Care:Warranty:What we love:What could improve:What we look for in a diaper bagForm:Material:Function:Looks:How we chose the best diaper bags
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