Parents don’t just rely on nannies for childcare. Parents often rely on nannies for their wealth of knowledge. They’ve been to the parks, the libraries, the museums… meaning they are frequent users of diaper bags and know what really matters. We love conveniently placed and functional pockets, wide openings that make things easy to find and access, and bags that are easy to clean. Here are my top 10 recommended diaper bags from over a decade of professional nanny experience.

Table of Contents

  1. The Best Diaper Bags on a Budget
  2. The Cleanest Diaper Bag
  3. The Most Stylish Diaper Bags
  4. The Best Diaper Bags with Changing Stations
  5. The Most Compact Diaper Bags

Best Diaper Bags Overview

  • The Best Diaper Bag on a Budget: Skip Hop Forma Diaper Bag Backpack —
    Buy on Amazon
  • The Cleanest Diaper Bag: JuJuBe Be Right Back Backpack —
    Buy on Amazon
  • The Most Stylish Diaper Bag: Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta Backpack —
    Buy on Amazon
  • The Most Comfortable Diaper Bag: Bugaboo Changing Backpack —
    Buy on Amazon
  • The Best Diaper with a Built-in Changing Station: Baby Brezza —
    Buy on Amazon
  • The Best Compact Diaper Bag: Béis Fanny Diaper Pack —
    Buy on Béis

Best Diaper Bags on a Budget

    Skip Hop Forma Diaper Bag Backpack

    The Skip Hop Forma is decently sized (14” x 8” x 16”). 

    Product Features

    • The utilitarian bag is still stylish with quilted fabric that’s easy to wipe clean, which is important for those sticky fingers.
    • It can be worn with padded backpack straps, grabbed quickly by the top handle, or hung with built-in stroller straps.
    • The Forma has 8 pockets, including two removable storage cubes for convenience (one insulated and one mesh).
    • Also included, though not of the greatest quality, is a changing pad.
    • The dual zippers make it easy to use one-handed, and the top opens wide to easily look inside and grab what you need.

    Skip Hop Mainframe Diaper Bag Backpack

    The Skip Hop Mainframe is slightly smaller, but also a great option. 

    Product Features

    • This diaper bag is slightly smaller in height and depth than the Forma, but wider (14.25” x 6.25” 14.75”). It has a structured frame and a wide opening that allows for easy access to the main compartment, as it stays open so you can fill and find everything.
    • The spacious interior is the main feature, which means little organization with two internal elasticized pockets, but also includes two exterior zip pockets and two insulated side bottle pockets.
    • Like the Forma, the Mainframe can be worn with adjustable backpack straps, grabbed by two top handles, or hung with built-in stroller straps.
    • Con: One recurring complaint is regarding the thin straps, so if you want more padded backpack straps, go with the Forma.

    RUVALINO Diaper Bag Backpack

    The Ruvalino ranges in price from $45- $90, depending on the many color options (and you can find it at great sale prices, putting it under $32!).

    Product Features

    • The backpack (11.8” x  7.8” x 16.5”) is taller and bulkier, but dual zippers allow you to use it one-handed.
    • This recommended diaper bag has an extra-wide opening, making it easy to find essentials quickly, and the versatility of the backpack makes its use extend beyond infancy/diaper-changing stages.
    • If you’re a fan of pockets for organization, this is a great pick with 16 total.  The insulated bottle pockets can hold most wide-neck or tall baby bottles (including the tall Dr. Brown’s!).
    • The Ruvalino can be worn as a backpack or grabbed by the handle. D-rings are available to attach to a stroller, or they can be hung by the grab handle on the top.
    • Con: The amount of pockets can feel unnecessarily chaotic, and to note, the locations of the diapers, changing pad, and wipes are all organized in various areas, making it less convenient than other recommended diaper bags.

    BabbleRoo Diaper Bag Backpack

    The BabbleRoo is very similar to the Ruvalino in size (12″ x 8″ x 16.5”), with tons of color options and a similar budget. 

    Product Features

    • The backpack has 2 main compartments, 5 insulated pockets that fit all major baby bottles, a wipe pocket, and a multi-function changing pad pocket.
    • Like others, the material is very easy to clean.
    • Along with the backpack straps and top handle, the bag comes with built-in stroller clips on the straps. Save
    • Con: Recurring complaints include that the backpack is tall but not very wide, quickly becomes heavy when filled, and the outer pockets are difficult to use when the inner pockets are full. 

    The Cleanest Diaper Bag with Lots of Pockets

    JuJuBe Diaper Bag— Be Right Back

    If buying from a small business is important to you, this JuJuBe backpack is a great option that combines a lot of the features other bags have.

    Product Features

    • If you have a bit of a higher budget, value items that are machine washable, and POCKETS, go with this diaper bag! The JuJuBe Be Right Back bag is completely machine washable, making it the ultimate bag for mess.
    • The bag has 17 total pockets (12″W x 16″H x 5″D) with a quick-access top storage pocket and a large front pocket that completely opens up. Additionally, it includes two insulated bottle pockets and a memory foam changing pad.
    • It can be worn as a backpack or picked up with the top grab handle and includes D-rings to attach to a stroller.

    Stylish Recommended Diaper Bags

    Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta Backpack

    The Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta Backpack is aesthetically pleasing with several fun designs.

    Product Features

    • The designs can be subtle and sleek with graphite, black, leopard, or fun and whimsical with Disney princesses, Baby Yoda, Star Wars, Pixar characters, and more.
    • The bag is relatively small (13.4” x 6.3” x 13.8”), but is spacious enough to hold things without feeling overly bulky, with 9 pockets to stay organized, and includes an insulated bottle pocket and changing pad.
    • The bag has an easy magnetic closure and a zipper that fully opens the bag.
    • It’s easy to wipe clean and can be worn as a backpack or by using the top strap. With separately sold clips, it can also attach to a stroller.

    The Béis Backpack Diaper Bag

    The Béis Backpack Diaper Bag is very cute and chic, passing as a regular fashion bag at $148. 

    Product Features

    • The bag is multi-wear with a top handle, backpack straps, a luggage sleeve (great for travelers), and removable stroller clips.
    • The bag is also great for multiple kids as it is wider than most other bags (H 15″ x D 7.75″ x W 12″) and is incredibly functional with 14 pockets, including an extra-large main compartment with usable interior space, a medium zippered pocket, and elastic top pockets.
    • The bag is also easy to wipe down, comes with a changing pad, an insulated bottle pocket, an odor-proof bag (amen!), and side pockets that are functional even when the backpack is full. 

    Freshly Picked Classic Diaper Bag Backpack

    The Freshly Picked bag is a fashionable vegan leather with many color options. 

    Product Features

    • The bag can be worn 3 ways: as a backpack, as a crossbody, or carried with the top handle.
    • Metal feet keep the bag off the ground and allow the backpack to stand up on its own while you’re rifling through it.
    • It has a spacious central compartment (13″ W x 15″ H x 7″ D) with 12 pockets, including a zipper wall pocket, mesh pockets, and an insulated bottle pocket.
    • It also has a big front pocket, self-expanding sides, and side bottle pockets.
    • It’s easy to wipe clean and includes a washable changing mat.
    • Con: While fashionable, the top zip closure has a magnetic snap button flap is a little less functional as it may be difficult to close one-handed, unlike other recommended diaper bags!

    Best Diaper Bags with Changing Stations

    Baby Brezza Ultimate Changing Station Baby Diaper Bag Backpack

    The Baby Brezza Ultimate Changing Station is both a diaper bag and a changing station. 

    Product Features

    • The bag features a large top opening to a spacious interior (16.5” x 7” x 17.5”) with 17 total pockets, including 2 insulated side pockets, front zippered pockets, and a large drop-down mesh compartment.
    • The detachable drop-down changing station has sidewalls and a zippered pocket for wipes close by for convenience.
    • While this is functionally convenient for diaper changes, with only 3 zippered pockets on the outside, there’s no easy way to quickly grab what you need— making it especially helpful for this diaper changing phase but doesn’t really transition into a general use backpack for older kids.

    Bugaboo Changing Backpack

    The Bugaboo Changing backpack is a highly recommended diaper bag made of recycled material and is not only convenient, but very comfortable to wear.

    Product Features

    • You can access the inside from the top like a regular backpack or from a zip-open front that opens up into a complete changing station, including a changing pad and internal pockets.
    • This makes the backpack relatively narrow, but still deep (18″ x 5.5″ x 12″) and includes two clutches for organization, an insulated bottle holder, and side water bottle holder.
    • Surprisingly, this backpack can be packed full and still feels comfortable. 

    Bonus: Most Compact Diaper Bags

    A fanny pack is great when you graduate from needing a full diaper bag, but still need some essentials for on the go.

    Béis The Diaper Pack

    The Béis Diaper Pack is 11″W x 7″H x 3.5″D at $58.

    Product Features

    • This fanny pack diaper bag has plenty of room and can even fit a baby bottle and a change of clothes inside!
    • The bag is easy to wipe clean.
    • It has a front pocket with a built-in wipe dispenser allowing quick access and can be worn as a fanny pack or cross body.
    • Con: While nearly the same size as its competitor, it’s rather bulky for a fanny pack. However, if you think you will need a few extra items, go with this fanny pack.

    Kibou Vegan Premium Leather Fanny Pack Diaper Bag

    While a bit pricey for a fanny pack, it is very convenient and chic!

    Product Features

    • The built-in organization of 4 pockets allows you to fit what you need, and a waterproof lined pocket for wipes.
    • The belt and buckle are extendable so that you can wear it as a fanny pack or a crossbody.
    • The bag is 11″x6″x4″ and includes a detachable changing pad for on-the-go diaper changes.

    Pick the Best Diaper Bag for You!

    Choosing the right diaper bag can make all the difference in your daily routine with your little one. Whether you prioritize budget, style, comfort, or functionality, there’s a diaper bag out there that will meet your needs. From the budget-friendly Skip Hop Forma Diaper Bag Backpack to the stylish Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta Backpack and the versatile JuJuBe Be Right Back, these recommended diaper bags have been tested and trusted by nannies and parents alike. With features like easy-to-clean fabrics, ample pockets, and built-in changing stations, these bags are designed to make your life easier. Invest in the best diaper bag that suits your lifestyle and enjoy the convenience and peace of mind it brings.

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    About The Author

    Sarah Carlisle Stewart, The Modern NannySarah Carlisle Stewart, known as The Modern Nanny, is a Nanny Culture & Career Coach. Passionate about sharing information and fostering connections in a traditionally co-workerless career, she uses humor and commentary to shed light on the unique and often invisible shared experiences of domestic workers. Using her background in research from prior to her nannying, Sarah also developed the Biannual Nanny Census Report, surveying nannies every 6 months on wages and benefits, education and experience, and retention and satisfaction to give an accurate pulse on the industry. Follow her on Instagram @the.modern.nanny.