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Best Backpack Diaper Bags

Updated November 2023
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Natemia Diaper Backpack
Natemia
Diaper Backpack
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Best for Everyday Use
Bottom Line

This diaper bag backpack is an excellent choice for the more fashion-conscious parent.

Pros

There is a surprising amount of organizational opportunity in this bag, including three main compartments, two mesh interior pockets in the largest compartment, and insulated exterior pockets. It comes in five colors and also includes a changing pad.

Cons

The pockets have minimal stretch, so you can’t fit larger items in them.

Best Bang for the Buck
KeaBabies Diaper Bag Backpack
KeaBabies
Diaper Bag Backpack
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Useful Features
Bottom Line

Our baby expert appreciates the changing mat included with this diaper bag; it's perfect for comfortable carrying.

Pros

Lots of multifunctional pockets and the changing mat offer on-the-go convenience. Made from premium Oxford fabric, which is both durable and scratch- and water-resistant. Comes in a variety of color options. Great bag to keep things organized during travel. Very affordable.

Cons

The zippers tend to break for some consumers, and the material quality is a possible culprit.

HaloVa Diaper Bag Multi-Function Waterproof Travel Backpack
HaloVa
Diaper Bag Multi-Function Waterproof Travel Backpack
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Most Stylish
Bottom Line

This very affordable diaper bag can also be used as a backpack or handbag.

Pros

Made from durable Oxford fabric, which is water-resistant and easy to wipe clean. With a large main compartment, separate storage pockets with insulation, and wet clothes pocket, you can put a milk bottle, water bottle, clothes, diaper, towel, and more in their own sections. Suitable for everyday occasions.

Cons

Some issues with seams ripping.

Ruvalino Diaper Bag Backpack
RUVALINO
Diaper Bag Backpack
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Portable Convenience
Bottom Line

A waterproof diaper bag with a versatile design that lets you use it as a backpack or handbag.

Pros

This gray diaper bag has 16 pockets, 20 big zippered compartments, and mesh pocket organizers. It has an ergonomic back design, padded shoulder straps, and insulated bottle pockets, so your baby's formula or milk never gets too hot or cold.

Cons

The bottle pocket is only suitable for smaller baby bottles, and the wipes pouch isn't big enough to accommodate many wipe containers.

KiddyCare Mini Small Diaper Bag
KiddyCare
Mini Small Diaper Bag
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Innovative Design
Bottom Line

Recommended by our baby and kids expert, this diaper backpack features roomy pockets and adjustable straps to suit your comfort.

Pros

Constructed with 15 various pockets for parents to organize based on their own preferences. Back pocket has thermal insulation to keep milk warm and fresh. Roomy without feeling bulky. Straps are built with extra padding for back support.

Cons

Can be too small for parents with multiple children.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
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Considered
60
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Researched
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Buying guide for Best backpack diaper bags

Diapers, wipes, bottles, extra clothes – the list of items you need when out and about with a baby goes on and on. Keeping it all organized is an ongoing challenge, but a backpack diaper bag keeps everything orderly and leaves your hands free to carry and take care of your baby.

Backpack diaper bags range from basic backpacks with a single compartment to couture bags for the fashion-forward family. To find the right bag, you’ll need a balance of size, style, and features.

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Frequent flyers might want a backpack diaper bag that meets airline carry-on specifications. However, these specifications differ, so check with the airline to make sure the diaper bag will fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.

Key considerations

Size and capacity

Size and holding capacity are really the biggest considerations when it comes to choosing a backpack diaper bag. There’s a fine line between a bag that’s big enough to hold all your baby gear and one that’s so cavernous you can’t find your car keys.

You first need to decide how much you’ll be carrying. Is it the basics – diapers, wipes, and an extra onesie? Or will you be carrying supplies for more than one child? Diaper bags can be deceptive in size, so thoroughly examine the interior organization. You might be excited about a bag that’s big enough to hold everything but be disappointed to discover it’s one large compartment where everything gets lost in the mix.

Weight

You'll already be carrying a fair amount of weight, and the backpack diaper bag shouldn't add too much to it.  Strong, lightweight materials like nylon, polyester, and microfiber cut down on weight more than leather or canvas. Also, the more accessories and pockets the bag has, the heavier it becomes. Generally speaking, any backpack diaper bag that weighs under three pounds when empty is considered lightweight.

Fit

The size of the backpack diaper bag and the placement of the shoulder straps create the bag’s unique fit. Most are designed to fit an average-sized adult. If you fall outside the norm, you'll need to give more consideration to fit. For example, a backpack diaper bag with wide-set shoulder straps might not work for a woman with a small frame because the straps will slip off her shoulders. Conversely, narrow straps that are too close together won’t work for someone with broad shoulders.

Your best bet is to try on the backpack. If that's not possible, take a good look at the position of the shoulder straps. Straps that originate from the center of the pack will have a narrower fit, while those with a wide-set origin point have a broader fit.

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Caution
We don't recommend hanging the backpack diaper bag from the handle of your stroller. While the bag might have straps for this purpose, the weight of the bag could tip the stroller backward.
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Backpack diaper bag features

Pockets

You probably need to organize far more than just diapers and wipes in a diaper bag. Pacifiers, extra socks, toys, and snacks can all become a jumbled mess without enough pockets. Common pocket types include the following:

  • Zippered: You’ll find zippered pockets on the interior or exterior of a backpack diaper bag. These keep everything safe and secure with no risk of the contents falling out. It's nice to have at least one if not two or more of these pockets to secure your cell phone, wallet, and keys. They’re also handy for pacifiers and other baby items you want to keep clean.

  • Elastic closure: Pockets with an elastic closure hold items in place and provide quick access. They can be found on both the exterior and interior. When used on the interior, these pockets are usually intended to hold diapers and wipes. Exterior elastic closure pockets are often meant for water or baby bottles.

  • Flap: Flap pockets may have a snap, hook-and-loop fastener, or magnet to hold the flap closed. These are more secure than elastic-closure pockets but less so than zippered ones. This type of pocket is usually found on the exterior of the diaper bag and often acts as a decorative feature.

  • Mesh: Mesh pockets have an elastic closure and offer ventilation for items that might be wet, such as a washcloth or bib.

  • Insulated: Insulated pockets keep breast milk, milk, formula, or drinks cold until you’re ready to use them.

  • Waterproof: Some diaper bags have a special waterproof pocket for wet clothes or used bottles.

  • Accessory organizer: An accessory organizer pocket is a good place for your phone, wallet, and writing utensils.

Expert tip
Having lots of compartments helps you find that pacifier, and other small necessities, quickly since you don't have to dig through one large main compartment.
BestReviews Baby and Child Expert

Padding

Padding prevents shoulder straps from digging into your skin by spreading the weight of the backpack diaper bag across a larger area of your shoulders.

Water resistance

With a backpack diaper bag, you definitely want both a water-resistant exterior and interior. You might need to carry soiled clothing, blankets, and burp rags for several hours before you can remove them. You might also be carrying formula, breast milk, or water, all of which can spill. And, of course, a water-resistant exterior protects everything in wet weather.

Materials

  • Canvas: Canvas is durable and repels water, especially when treated with a water-resistant coating. It also has a  down-to-earth look and feel.
  • Microfiber, polyester, and nylon: These synthetic materials are relatively inexpensive, incredibly durable, lightweight, and water resistant. They can be found in a rainbow of colors and patterns. Of the three, nylon is the most durable, but it also costs more.

  • Leather and faux leather: Leather and faux leather add a touch of luxury and style. They're often used as an accent, but there are backpack diaper bags made entirely of either material. On the downside, leather can show wear and tear more easily and is susceptible to water damage.

Changing pad

A backpack diaper bag that includes its own changing pad offers an extra touch of convenience. You can always purchase a changing pad separately and store it in the bag, but a changing pad that’s included with the bag is probably more compact and fits inside the bag better.

Handle and cross-body strap

Models that have handles or a cross-body strap provide extra carrying options. Sometimes you can detach these features so you don't have extra straps hanging from the backpack diaper bag.

Color and pattern

Backpack diaper bags are almost considered a fashion accessory. You can find them in virtually any color and pattern. Chevrons, florals, and houndstooth are just a few that are readily available.

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Expert tip
 Find the bag with reviews that call it durable. These bags are used every day for years.
BestReviews Baby and Child Expert

Backpack diaper bag prices

Inexpensive

For less than $25, you can find a bag that includes two large compartments and insulated, zippered, elastic closure, and mesh pockets. Backpack diaper bags in this price range come in fun prints and colors.  While these models have many of the same features as higher-priced bags, they often lack the quality and durability needed for diaper bags that will be used daily.

Mid-range

These backpack diaper bags offer a balance between durability and affordability and cost between $35 and $100. They offer the same pocket and compartment options as lower-priced bags. Some bags in this range have leather and faux leather accents.

Expensive

Bags that cost $100 and up usually feature designer labels and fabrics. Fabrics may be thicker, with heavier waterproofing treatments. However, they have many of the same features as the best mid-range models.

Tips

  • Empty and wipe out your backpack diaper bag regularly. You'd be surprised how quickly crumbs, wrappers, and unidentified stickiness accumulate. You might even want to use the vacuum hose to clear out some of the mess.

  • Avoid bags that require dry cleaning. You’re likely to be cleaning messes out of the diaper bag weekly, if not more often.

  • Opt for a machine-washable bag. This can be a great time-saver. Just be sure to remove any valuables before you throw it the washer.
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Some backpack diaper bags have plastic or rubber feet to keep the bag off the ground.

FAQ

Q. Are there backpack diaper bags specifically made to hold breast pumps?

A. Breast pump and baby bottle manufacturers often produce their own backpack diaper bags that are designed to hold the pump and all the accessories. However, there are plenty of other models with the space to hold a breast pump. Look for a backpack diaper bag with a large interior compartment that also has an insulated pocket and several elastic closure pockets to hold bottles.

Expert tip
Bags that come with a changing pad make changing diapers on the go more convenient.
BestReviews Baby and Child Expert

Q. Can a backpack diaper bag also carry a laptop?

A. You'll have to check the interior dimensions because some backpacks might be too narrow to carry a laptop. Others that are horizontally oriented will likely be able to hold a laptop along with your baby supplies.

Q. Are there backpack diaper bags that are freestanding when placed on the ground?

A. Yes. Freestanding backpack diaper bags make it easier to access your supplies while keeping a hand on your baby. These models usually have feet or a hard base to stabilize the backpack.