15 Best Diaper Bags of 2023, Tested and Reviewed by Parents

Every item on this page was chosen by a Woman's Day editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Experienced parents share which bags they think are actually worth the splurge, based on extensive use.

If there's one thing you can count on when welcoming a new baby into your family, it's the reality that you're suddenly going to have a lot of stuff to lug around with you. Where are you supposed to put all those bottles, burp cloths, and bibs? In your newly purchased diaper bag, of course! A quick perusal of Amazon may find you completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of options, which is why we've test-driven the models on the market and come up with the 15 best diaper bags and backpacks.

A diaper bag is one of the most impactful purchases you'll make when planning for a baby. This bag will go everywhere with you. Milk and/or formula will leak on it. Pirate's Booty will be crushed into its inner seams. It will probably even get poop on it. The diaper bag will eventually become your best friend, so you must choose wisely. Bag or backpack? Minimalistic or over-the-top? Mini or full size? Freshly Picked or Itzy Ritzy?! Only you can answer those questions for yourself, but we can help inform you with our suggestions below, based on testing from real parents.

Several parents praised this capacious bag, which is the upgraded version of their cult classic Boss Backpack. "Absolutely love," said mom Sarah. "Opens all the way up and tons of space. Great for a zoo trip." There are 19 pockets total, including the two insulated side pockets meant for bottles. You may think, "Who needs 19 pockets?" The answer is: You, after you have a baby (or two).

Over 28,000 people have given Ruvalino's Diaper Bag Tote five stars on Amazon, making it the marketplace's top-selling diaper bag. Why? It has all the bells and whistles: 16 pockets including two insulated bottle pockets, a "mommy pocket" for your keys and wallet, an extra-wide opening, and reinforced seams in the thickly padded shoulder straps to ensure they don't break after years of use.

This editor has tried a number of diaper bags, but the Paige Carryall (which also comes in black), is my personal favorite. It looks like a cushioned mini-duffle and holds about as much as my toddler's overnight bag. The tagline — "Mom but make it fashion" — is accurate, given how many compliments I've gotten on this "purse." I also use the mini version for short trips out of the house.

If you're aghast at the prices on some of these bags, you're not alone. Diaper bags can be super expensive, but there are affordable options out there! Parker Baby Co.'s Large Diaper Bag got high marks from mom Sidney thanks to its impressive capacity and mesh diaper organizer.

Parents — new and not — love Lululemon's New Parent Backpack. "It's definitely a splurge but it's sleek and I like the athleisure look considering I’m wearing athleisure most days," said Lindsay. The best part? "You can easily use it as a normal backpack when you’re no longer needing a diaper bag."

The Freshly Picked Convertible Classic Diaper Bag Backpack is a whole vibe. It's one of the slickest models out there, but that doesn't mean it's low on space. There are 10 pockets total, including two bottle pockets on the sides. It's an investment, but several moms surveyed said it was worth every penny. (There's also a mini version at a lower price point.)

JuJuBe bags are a favorite for postpartum doula Krystal. The bags come in several sizes and forms, but Dr. B.F.F. is a go-to for travel thanks to its convertible nature (it can be a bag or a backpack), 17 pockets, and trolley pass-thru that makes it easy to attach to luggage. You can fit a lot of after-preschool snacks in this bad boy.

This diaper bag unzips and folds out to become a changing station with mesh sides, making it the Transformers of the diaper bag world. It also comes with all the bells and whistles: a changing pad, 14 pockets including two waterproof pockets, a USB charging port and internal pocket for power bank, and stroller straps.

Meet the classiest wee diaper bag there ever was: Fawn Design's The Mini. Momma Sasha loves her Mini, which she's able to carry as a purse, wear as a backpack, or sling over her shoulder with a detachable strap. While it won't carry everything you need for a day at the beach with your baby, it does hold the essentials for a trip to the store or an afternoon out. Plus, the trendy color selection of faux leathers can't be beat.

Qualyphant's Large Diaper Bag was specifically engineered for families with twins. The 21-pocket pack expands to nearly double in size, meaning you can carry double the bottles and double the diaper rash cream. There's a USB charging port, hidden pockets on the shoulder straps to keep credit cards, and an easy-access pocket in the front that you can open with one hand.

Mina Baie's Kinney Backpack comes in three colors (black, sand, and terra) and the minimal design means people will have no idea it's actually a diaper bag — unless, of course, you have bottles in the side pockets. There are 10 internal pockets to hold various baby accoutrements. You might think this bag is too beautiful to muck up with baby poop, in which case you'll be glad to know the material is easy to clean.

Several parents mentioned the ample storage in Petunia Pickle Bottom's bags. That's great and all, but the brand's ongoing collaboration with Disney means they have the cutest prints to choose from — whether you're traveling within the Disney parks or just going to the playground. "It feels sturdy, has a huge opening, and is beautiful," said mom Michelle. "People often ask me about it. I have twins and it fits so much!" This particular bag comes in two other Disney styles (as well as a neutral, non-Disney color combo), and you can check out the full selection of Disney bags on Petunia Pickle Bottom's Amazon page.

This Stokke bag is technically made to go with the brand's strollers, but it's compatible with almost any stroller on the market. While it's easy to hook on for the farmer's market, you can also wear it as (an astonishingly comfortable) backpack.

If you need a little extra organization or would prefer not to buy a new bag at all, stock up on some packing cubes! "We used an Amazon packing cube," said mom Emma. "It worked so well because you can put it in any purse or backpack and move it easily."

If you have a wee little baby who doesn't require bottles, you may just want a changing pad with pockets for diapers and wipes. This minimally designed portable pad from Skip Hop can be carried on its own or tossed into a tote.

No matter how sleek breast pumps have gotten, they're still giant space-suckers. Enter Lovevook's competitively priced tote. "I have traveled two long trips with it," said frequent traveler and mom of three Jess. "It fits perfectly under an airplane seat but can also fit a hospital-grade breast pump and ice packs with room to spare. Good quality overall and I like the short handles for when you're on the go."

Not into the whole "diaper bag" thing? Consider going a different route with a simple gym bag. Mom Jenn used her Nike tote throughout multiple kids and given that this model has pockets in front, back, inside, and expands outwards to fit more items, she may be onto something.

✔️ Durable fabric: Cotton is great for a onesie, but when it comes to diaper bags, you want something water-resistant. Nylon and polyester are your friends!

✔️ Space and pockets: There's never going to be a bag big enough to hold all the diapers, wipes, binkies, blankies, and stuffies, but they can try. Think about the types of things you'll be carrying and count the number of pockets you'd ideally like to have. Maybe it's 19, but maybe it's closer to five.

✔️ Comfort and wearability: If you don't like carrying handbags before kids, you're certainly not going to like it while juggling a newborn. Pick the style (backpack, tote, handbag) that you're most comfortable wearing.

✔️ Weight: Your baby is going to be heavy, and all of his or her things (plus your things) are going to be heavy, too. Select a lightweight bag that won't weigh you down once all the stuff is in it.

After over a decade as a digital editor, Maggie Panos is navigating freelance writing and full-time parenting. She covered entertainment for POPSUGAR from New York and San Francisco before setting down roots in tree-covered Portland and focusing on local journalism. A self-proclaimed "okay baker", Maggie is interested in all things lifestyle — especially if those things involve Bravolebrities.

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