The Ultimate Diaper Bag For Travel-Savvy Parents

When travelling with a baby, a good diaper bag can make all the difference. The best diaper bags have multiple compartments and pockets to keep all your baby essentials organised and easily accessible. They also have insulated bottle pockets to keep milk or formula at the right temperature, and are made from durable, water-resistant materials that can withstand the rigours of travel.

When choosing a diaper bag, it's important to consider your needs. Do you want a backpack, a tote, or a crossbody bag? Do you need a lot of pockets, or do you prefer a more minimalist design? Are you a light packer, or do you tend to bring a lot of gear?

- No Reception Club Getaway Bag: This bag has a cult-like following among globetrotting parents. It features dividers, multiple entry points, a side pouch for wipes, and an insulated lunch pack. It also slides over a roller bag for easy transport.

- Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack: This backpack comes with a changing mat, stroller clips, and two different-sized pouches. It has a waterproof exterior and can fit most breast pumps.

- Lululemon New Parent Backpack: This sleek backpack has a removable pouch that can be worn as a crossbody bag. It slides over rolling luggage and has plenty of pockets, including space for your own items.

- State Bags Lorimer Diaper Bag: This adult backpack fits a 15-inch laptop and comes in muted shades of classic colours. It has a mesh pocket for dirty gear and a changing pad. You can also personalise it.

- Caraa Baby Bag Nylon: Dubbed the Swiss army knife of diaper bags, this bag has insulated pockets, a diaper caddy, a luggage sleeve, and stroller hooks. It has a thin puffy nylon exterior that looks stylish.

- Colugo The Parent Backpack: This machine-washable backpack has a luggage sleeve, insulated bottle holders, and an easy-access top flap for snacks.

- Dagne Dover Wade Diaper Tote: For those who prefer a tote over a backpack, this bag has a luggage sleeve, a side zip pocket for wipes, and a changing mat. It's classic in design and can fit a breast pump.

- Béis The Diaper Bag: This oversized tote offers plenty of space and easy access to all your items. It can fit two laptops and is great for those who want just one bag for all their kids' gear.

- No Reception Club Sidekick: This crossbody bag holds four to six diapers, a tube of diaper rash cream, a bottle of hand sanitiser, and a changing pad. It fits inside the No Reception Club Getaway Bag for easy emergency access.

- Kibou Vegan Leather Bag: This stylish fanny pack is less than a foot long and features a waterproof pocket that fits up to 20 wipes, a changing pad, slots for cards or cash, and a hook for keys or a pacifier. It's easy to wipe down and durable.

Diaper bag essentials

Diaper bags are an essential item for any parent, providing convenience and peace of mind when travelling with a baby. The best diaper bags offer multiple compartments, easy access to critical items, and comfort. Here are some diaper bag essentials to help you stay organised and prepared for any situation:

• Diapers and Wipes: Pack one diaper for every two to three hours you'll be away, plus a few extras for good measure. Travel-size packs of wipes are also a great option to save space.
• Diaper Rash Cream: Choose a travel-size tube of diaper rash cream, or opt for petroleum jelly or a barrier ointment to prevent and treat diaper rash.
• Changing Pad: Most diaper bags come with a changing pad, but it's always good to have a few disposable pads as a backup.
• Hand Sanitizer: Keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your diaper bag for times when you can't wash your hands before and after diaper changes or feeding your baby.
• Nursing Cover: Nursing covers are versatile and can provide privacy when breastfeeding, double as a light blanket, or be used to provide extra sun protection when draped over a stroller.
• Burp Cloths or Washcloths: Pack a few burp cloths or washcloths to wipe up any spit-up or spills.
• Bottles and Feeding Supplies: If you're bottle-feeding, don't forget to pack baby bottles, bottle nipples, pre-made formula, or a portable bottle warmer.
• Food, Snacks, and Water: Pack baby food, travel-friendly snacks, and water for your baby. If your baby uses a pacifier, store it in a resealable bag to keep it clean.
• Extra Clothing: Include a change of clothes for your baby and yourself in case of any messes or spills. A lightweight sweater or jacket, depending on the season, is also a good idea.
• Plastic Bags: Use resealable plastic bags to separate and organise different items in your diaper bag. They're also handy for containing dirty or wet items.
• Nursing Pads and Extras for Mom: If you're breastfeeding, don't forget nursing pads, an extra shirt, and any other essentials like keys, wallet, and phone.

By packing these diaper bag essentials and customising them to your specific needs, you'll be well-prepared for any situation while travelling with your little one.

Diaper bag designs

Diaper bags are no longer the eyesores they once were. Now, they are designed with functionality and style in mind, and they come in a range of forms, including backpacks, totes, and crossbody bags. When choosing a diaper bag, it is important to consider your needs, such as whether you are a minimalist or a lover of pockets, and whether backpacks tend to make your back ache. It is also important to consider the unique features that will make your travel experience easier, such as multiple compartments, insulated bottle pockets, and easy-access pockets.

Backpacks

• Bugaboo Changing Backpack: This sleek backpack features a handy front zipper, a laptop pocket, a changing mat, and plenty of pockets to keep your necessities organised. It is comfortable and lightweight, with an evenly distributed weight, and its leakproof interior and water-resistant bottom help to protect against spills.
• Ruvalino Diaper Bag Backpack: This bag is an organised parent's dream, featuring five separate zippered compartments and 16 pockets. While the compartments are challenging to access one-handed, the bag is comfortable and well-designed.
• Caraa Nylon Baby Bag: This bag has a plethora of pockets and compartments, comfortable and versatile strap options, and long pulls on its external zippers for easy one-handed access. However, it does not include a changing mat or wet bag.
• JuJuBe Zealous Backpack: This compact backpack comes in a range of colours and patterns and features plenty of pockets, including a "tech" pocket and loops in the main compartment for holding a baby blanket. While it is lightweight and comfortable, the main zipper can get stuck.
• 7AM Enfant London Backpack: This bag is ideal for air travel, featuring a removable diaper caddy, a suitcase strap, a laptop pocket, and stroller straps. While it has plenty of room, it can be challenging to access items one-handed.
• Baby Brezza Dante Changing Station Diaper Bag: This bag features a unique built-in changing station with small nylon "walls" to keep your baby's hands clean and pouches for easy access to diapers and wipes. While it is not compact, it makes great use of its ample space.
• Honest City Backpack: This stylish and roomy backpack is ideal for overnight trips, featuring two large exterior pockets, a wet bag, and insulated pockets. While the padded straps make it comfortable to wear, the key holder pocket is hard to access.
• Fawn Design The Original Diaper Bag: This stylish and compact backpack is perfect for short trips, with easily adjustable straps and plenty of pockets. However, it lacks a changing mat and insulated bottle pockets.
• JuJuBe Right Back: This small, lightweight backpack still offers plenty of compartments for organisation, including a glasses pocket, a wallet compartment, and a strap for keys. It also features padded, adjustable straps and easily fits into the cargo area of a stroller.
• Itzy Ritzy Mini Diaper Bag Backpack: This miniature backpack includes four external and four internal pockets, a thin vegan leather changing pad, and unpadded straps. While it lacks padding and is less comfortable to carry, it is a good choice for those seeking a compact option.

Totes

• Dagne Dover Wade Diaper Tote: This stylish tote features a luggage sleeve, a convenient side zip pocket, and a changing mat. It is large enough to hold a breast pump and would also work well as a work bag or travel bag.
• Béis The Diaper Bag: This oversized tote offers plenty of space, including room for two laptops, and easy access to all items. It could be a good choice for those wanting just one bag for their children.

Crossbody Bags

• No Reception Club Sidekick: This aptly named crossbody bag holds four to six diapers, a tube of diaper rash cream, a bottle of hand sanitiser, and a changing pad. It fits inside a side compartment of the No Reception Club Getaway Bag for easy access in emergencies.
• Kibou Vegan Leather Bag: This vegan leather fanny pack features a waterproof pocket for up to 20 wipes, a changing pad, slots for cards or cash, and a hook for keys or a pacifier. It is easy to wipe down without worrying about wear and tear.

Diaper bag features

Diaper bags come in a variety of styles, including backpacks, totes, and crossbody bags, and they offer a range of features to meet the diverse needs of parents on the go. Here are some essential features to look for when choosing a diaper bag for traveling:

Multiple Compartments and Pockets

A good diaper bag should have multiple compartments and pockets of various sizes to keep all your baby essentials organised and easily accessible. Separate sections for diapers, wipes, bottles, and personal items will save you time and reduce stress during your travels. Look for a bag with both internal and external pockets, including insulated bottle pockets to maintain the desired temperature for your baby's milk or formula. External pockets with easy access are especially useful for items you need to grab quickly, like diapers and wipes.

Durability and Water Resistance

Look for a diaper bag made from high-quality, durable materials that can withstand frequent use and the rigours of travel. Water-resistant or waterproof fabric is ideal for protecting the bag's contents from spills and leaks. Strong stitching and reliable zippers are also important to prevent wear and tear. Some bags even feature a water-resistant or waterproof bottom to protect against external spills.

Comfortable Carrying

Adjustable, padded shoulder straps can enhance comfort, especially during long trips. An ergonomic design that distributes weight evenly is crucial to prevent strain on your back and shoulders. A lightweight bag can also make a significant difference, as you'll be carrying it for extended periods.

Size and Weight

Choose a bag that balances capacity and portability. It should be spacious enough to hold all your essentials without becoming bulky or cumbersome. Some bags are designed to fit easily under strollers or in cargo areas, making them ideal for travel.

Additional Features

Other features to look for include a changing pad, stroller straps, a luggage sleeve, and a washable exterior. Some bags even have a built-in tech pocket and a dedicated key holder pocket.

Diaper bag packing tips

Diaper bags are a must-have for parents, helping them stay prepared for any situation when they head out with their baby. Here are some tips to help you pack your diaper bag efficiently:

Organise by Category

Keep things in their designated spots so that you know where to look for them. If your diaper bag has pockets and compartments, decide what goes where and always stick to those spots. If your bag doesn't have many compartments, use small bags, like clear resealable plastic bags, to pack different categories of items together. For example, keep pacifiers and bottle nipples in one bag and diaper-changing items in another.

Prevent Leaks

Even if you've ensured that liquid containers are tightly sealed, leaks can still happen. Pack each liquid item in a resealable plastic bag so that if a leak occurs, it's contained and doesn't spill over the rest of the contents of your diaper bag.

Pack Diapers Strategically

As a general rule, pack one diaper for every two to three hours you'll be away from home, plus one or two extra diapers for good measure. So, if you plan to be out for a couple of hours, pack three diapers.

Make a List of Essentials

• Diapers and wipes
• Diaper rash cream or ointment
• Changing pad and disposable diaper bags
• Hand sanitiser
• Baby bottles and feeding supplies (bottle nipples, pre-made formula, or a portable bottle warmer)
• Food, snacks, and water for your baby
• Pacifiers in a clean bag
• A change of clothes for your baby
• A hat, sunscreen, and a blanket for your baby
• Toys and books to keep your baby entertained
• A water bottle for yourself
• Any medications your baby may need
• A small first aid kit
• Nursing pads and an extra shirt for yourself

Choose the Right Bag

When selecting a diaper bag, look for one with plenty of compartments and easy access to critical items. A backpack-style diaper bag is ideal for comfort and should have a sturdy build to handle the weight. It's also a plus if the bag is stylish and can be used for other purposes besides travelling with a baby.

Diaper bag recommendations

Diaper bags are essential for travelling parents, offering unique features that enhance convenience and efficiency. When choosing a diaper bag, it is important to consider your needs, functionality, comfort, and style. Here are some top recommendations for diaper bags that will make your travels with your little one more enjoyable:

No Reception Club Getaway Bag

The Getaway Bag is designed by a husband-and-wife duo who are also globetrotting parents. This bag has multiple entry points for easy access, an insulated lunch pack, dividers, and a side pouch for wipes. It also includes a concealed back security pocket for valuables and passports, and detachable stroller clips. The bag is lightweight at 2.7 lbs when empty and 3.4 lbs with dividers and the lunch bag. It is flight-ready, meeting international personal item size limits.

Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack

The Dagne Dover Indi diaper backpack is a popular choice for its functionality and style. It comes with accessories such as a changing mat, pouches in different sizes, and stroller clips. The exterior is waterproof, and even the small size fits most breast pumps. This backpack is versatile and can be used for trips without the kids too. It weighs 3.8 lbs and has a capacity of 11.75"L x 6.5"W x 12.75"H.

Lululemon New Parent Backpack

The Lululemon New Parent Backpack is sleek and functional, with a removable pouch that can be worn as a crossbody. It has a trolley sleeve, and multiple pockets, including space for your own items.

State Bags Lorimer Diaper Bag

The State Bags Lorimer diaper bag is a stylish option that fits a 15-inch laptop and comes in muted shades of classic colours. It has a mesh pocket for dirty gear and a changing pad. You can also personalise it.

Caraa Baby Bag Nylon

The Caraa Baby Bag is dubbed the "Swiss army knife" of diaper bags due to its many features. It has insulated pockets, a diaper caddy, a luggage sleeve, and stroller hooks. The exterior is a thin puffy nylon material, giving it a stylish look. It weighs 2.5 lbs and has a capacity of 12"L x 12"W x 5"H.

Colugo The Parent Backpack

The Colugo Parent Backpack is machine washable and durable, with insulated bottle holders and a top flap for easy access to snacks. It also has a luggage sleeve. It is lightweight at 1.9 lbs and has a capacity of 12.5"L x 4.5"W x 17.5"H.

Frequently asked questions