In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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Want a diaper bag worthy of joining your family? We have placed our hands on more than 35 contenders and whittled them down to the top 10 diaper bags available today for hands-on testing and side-by-side comparison. While a functional bag can make outings with your little one more enjoyable, finding one that works for your whole family can be difficult, especially with so many options on the market. Fortunately, our review will outline the information and details you need. We focused on the most pertinent factors, including weight, capacity, organizational features, cleaning methods, etc. We provide the pros and cons of each bag, along with our insider buying advice, so you can determine which bag is best for your family, lifestyle, and budget.
The Ju-Ju-Be Be Right Back is an easy-to-use and perfectly sized backpack-style diaper bag with a plethora of features to make parent life easier. We love the extra-wide zippered openings, and there is always a pocket right where you want it. The down-to-earth style comes in various colors that will keep both mom and dad happy, and it has memory foam padded straps that are comfortable to wear all day. One mom said, “Comfort is important to me, and the foam padding is the best I've used.”
This bag may not be the best choice for perpetual over-packers or parents of multiples. Its smaller size means you need to carefully select the items you bring along or risk overfilling the bag. The strap adjustment on this bag leaves much to be desired. Double D rings keep the straps securely in place, but the design is challenging to adjust, especially on the fly. If you like the idea of a backpack but need something a little more masculine (or more space), the HighSpeedDaddy is a useful bag with lots of storage most men will happily tote. Despite the smaller size and adjustment, the Be Right Back is a bag that almost every parent will love.
The Ju-Ju-Be B.F.F. is a great smaller tote or backpack with unique organization. Unlike some competitors, there seems to be a pocket for everything, and each compartment is well-designed and thoughtfully arranged. While it is not as big as other bags, its strategic arrangement makes it easy to organize personal items and baby supplies in one bag. As a bonus, the B.F.F. is also machine-washable. We know first-hand how messy things get when carrying food, drink, creams, and more, so being able to toss it in the washing machine is much appreciated.
Despite the smaller size, the Ju-Ju-Be B.F.F weighs in as one of the heaviest options, so you may want to consider how you'll load your bag. Are you an over-packer? Do you need to carry items for multiple children? If this is the case, you could get weighed down or have difficulty finding enough space in the bag. As one tester reported, “It was heavy once we had our second baby and needed more supplies, and I found it harder to carry.” It is also a little more expensive, and budget-minded folks might want to look at the Skip Hop Mainframe Wide Open as an alternative that is lighter and less expensive. Also, there are some reports about faulty zippers on the B.F.F. We did not experience this during our testing, but it is something to consider. If you have an issue, the return window is only 30 days, so this isn't a bag you want to purchase ahead of time and wait to use. However, we don't think these faults should deter you from considering this bag. If weight isn't a concern and you value organization over other things, the B.F.F. should be at the top of your list.
The Skip Hop Mainframe Wide Open diaper bag can easily stay open to help you find your desired items. It has several nice-sized exterior pockets, including two large side pockets perfect for your water bottle or the best sippy cups, plus enough space for your essentials. This bag is well-made and can transition from tote to backpack, all for a reasonable price. One GearLab tester said, “It is the easiest option to use when you only have one free hand to find your supplies.”
The backpack straps almost look like a thin seatbelt. While the material is soft, it isn't padded, which can get uncomfortable. You'll want to ensure it isn't painful for you, making it an option you should try before buying (hey, Amazon returns!). Also, while we like the exterior pockets, there is very little internal organization, which might require investing in storage bags to avoid losing items at the bottom of the bag. If your budget can stretch, or you find a good sale, the Ju-Ju-Be Be Right Back scored better overall with more comfortable straps and better storage, making it our preferred option if you can afford it. Nevertheless, given how often you'll reach for items and how often you may only have a single hand for searching, we think the Mainframe is a game-changer for parents who enjoy an open bag design they can deftly manage with one hand.
The Skip Hop Pronto is a compact changing station perfect for shorter outings or ultra-light packers. Two zippered pockets, one mesh pouch, and a wipe case offer a great organizational system that you can use on its own or upgrade to a bag you already have. Many moms love to slip this foldable package into a large tote along with their items so they don't have to carry a purse and a diaper bag. Additionally, the Pronto has a removable changing pad larger than those included with most of the competition.
The Skip Hop is unlikely to replace your regular diaper bag unless you are an expert at pairing down. You can only fit the bare minimum of diaper-changing supplies in the Pronto, so you should opt for something with more storage if you aren't a minimalist. One tester says, “It is not the right choice for a full day's supplies, but it could be good for a dinner out or brief errands.” The Skip Hop Mainframe Wide Open is relatively small but bigger than the Pronto, making it a better bet for shorter outings where you might need more than one change worth of supplies. We also found that the wipes container does not seal completely, allowing wipes to dry out very quickly. Many users complain that the case is too small and requires frequent refilling. However, this is part of what keeps the system so compact, so we didn't have issues with the size. We think the Skip Hop Pronto is an affordable accessory that adds simplicity to your on-the-go diaper changes.
If you're looking for a big bag, this is a keeper. Plus, many Dads may carry the HighSpeedDaddy with pride. This backpack is larger and roomier than others in the lineup, offering plenty of storage space to pack an arsenal of baby gear. The main compartment houses the changing pad and a few pockets to stash items like snacks or a top-ranked baby bib. The other interior pocket is medium-sized and offers numerous pockets. We noticed that smaller and slimmer items, like a bottle of the best diaper cream, sunscreen, diapers, and more, fit perfectly in these pockets. And, if that's not enough, the bag's exterior offers more pockets, such as a fleece-lined pocket on top for things like sunglasses, two easy-access mesh pockets, two insulated side pockets for baby bottles, and an integrated wipes pocket with a zipper closure. The changing pad (25.5" L x 14" W) is of higher quality than others, and it's machine washable (amazing). One tester said, “I love pockets and everything in its place, making this bag my favorite for keeping organized.”
The bag's interior material is dark, and this could hinder searching for items. If the bag's main compartment isn't heavy enough, the weight of the baby wipes can cause the bag to tip over. We also tested the insulated pockets and were not impressed as they didn't keep the contents cold for even just a couple of hours. This fancy backpack may be costly for some parents, but we think it's sturdy and offers decent quality at a price on par with much of the competition. If you like a backpack style but want something less “military,” the Ju-Ju-Be Be Right Back has backpack straps and a more stylish design. However, we can see The HighSpeedDaddy becoming a gym or laptop bag once the diaper years pass, giving more versatility and value. If you seek a more masculine bag, we think you may like the HighSpeedDaddy.
The HighSpeedDaddy is loaded with pockets and storage space.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
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The Ju-Ju-Be B.F.F. has a simple but stylish look with versatile pocket options.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
How We Test Diaper Bags
We spent over 100 hours researching, analyzing, and testing diaper bags to determine the best options (just like we do with all of our baby gear test subjects). We use several essential factors, such as capacity, weight, ease of use, accessories, style, and quality, to determine the rank of each product. As a final test, we pack the bags full of diapering essentials and evaluate their performance to help you determine which bag is best for your family. Real parents used the ags an offered feedback on their experience and functionality during the test period and beyond.
Why Trust GearLab
Our diaper bag review team consists of parents who've been trapped in a car with a diaper blowout and sick baby while carrying a useless diaper bag. The team lead is Dr. Juliet Spurrier, mother of two and a board-certified pediatrician. Dr. Spurrier has used multiple bags throughout the years and strongly believes that organization is critical and more important than style.
Senior Review Editor, Wendy Schmitz is a mom of two who got locked into a pricey bag her husband liked that they received as a baby gift. It was far too heavy for her to carry. After a year of frustration and shoulder pain, she realized there had to be something better.
Abriah Wofford is a Senior Review Editor with seven years of testing experience with BabyGearLab and many more years of hands-on use as a nanny and older sister to 5. All three women are driven to find quality bags that make everyday use and traveling with your baby easier and more organized, keeping supplies you need close and easy to find. The bags in this review reflect the team's twelve years of combined bag experience. With extensive test and research backgrounds from working at BabyGearLab on all kinds of gear, we have unique hands-on experience with many bags you can't find anywhere else.
How to Pick the Best Diaper Bag
If you have a baby and leave home, you'll need a diaper bag. The size and storage potential of your bag can impact your experience and whether or not it is useful or painful to carry. With our insider experience, we can help you find the right one for you.
What Will You Carry?
What you need to fit in your bag can impact which bag is best for you. Will it just be for baby goods? Do you have more than one baby? Do you want to carry your typical purse supplies inside, too? Finding a bag that is the right size is important so you can carry what you need and what you want.
How is it Organized?
The best bags have a variety of pockets and different storage locations. A bag with one big open hole will be frustrating to use because it will become a bottomless pit where nothing can be found. The best bags have multiple pockets to keep you organized and help you find what you need quickly.
Style
Your style is based on personal preference and who will be carrying it. In our experience, dads prefer a less fancy bag when they are the primary carrier. Do you prefer a backpack or a cross-body option? Ensuring the bag is both comfortable to wear and compatible with your lifestyle is important if you want to enjoy bringing it everywhere.
The Skip Hop Mainframe Wide Open has plenty of interior space and will stay open to easily see inside.
This photo shows the padded tech pocket for your phone.
Analysis and Test Results
Our analysis details the pros and cons of each product. We looked at over 110 diaper bags before purchasing the top bags for hands-on testing. We then spent time testing and comparing the bags individually and side-by-side to give you the information to find the perfect bag for you and your family.
What's the Best Value?
You'll likely carry a diaper bag for at least the first two years of your child's life. Diaper bags go through a lot and can get pretty worn and beaten up depending on your lifestyle and how often they leave the house. Because they act as a lifeline when away from home, we think there is value in spending a little more to get a product with a better chance of seeing you from start to finish with the features you need the most. The Ju-Ju-Be B.F.F. is one of the more expensive options in this review. If you are on a tight budget, it may not be a non-starter, but if you can swing it or put it on a registry, we think there is value in the valuable features and higher-quality construction that could translate to a longer lifespan. Otherwise, the Skip Hop Mainframe Wide Open is a much more budget-friendly option that should last you until your child is out of diapers.
The Ruvalino Backpack has enough storage for all the odds and ends you and baby need.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Storage
When searching for the perfect diaper bag, you should consider storage first. By “storage,” we mean both the overall capacity and the organization features, including pockets and other things that make locating and storing supplies easier. A key thing to remember is that more pockets do not always mean better organization. The HighSpeedDaddy backpack has one of the highest pocket counts in our review. However, the pockets range in size; some are slim and narrow, making them less helpful than the Skip Hop Mainframe Wide Open, a bag with half the number of pockets but more efficient storage.
The diaper bag with the lowest storage score is the Skip Hop Pronto. This small clutch provides only enough room for the bare minimum in supplies, but it keeps your load light. First-time parents may be surprised by how much stuff they must haul for one baby. If you toss in a few things for yourself, you'll understand the value of a well-organized bag. Here's our list of the typical supplies you'll find in the well-stocked diaper bag of an experienced parent:
The number of supplies you will likely need to carry may be more than you initially thought. This photo shows some of the essential goods most parents find helpful to take along when out and about with their baby.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Baby Supplies
Diapers
Wipes
Rash cream
Bag for dirty diapers
Changing pad
Burp cloths
Clothing changes
Blanket/nursing cover
Bottle(s) or sippy cup(s)
Binkies and toys
Sunscreen
Snacks
Parent Supplies
Water bottle
Hand sanitizer
Snacks
Wallet
Mobile phone
Keys
Sunglasses
Chapstick and sunscreen
A great bag needs to fit all or most of your supplies. In addition, items should be easy to access, and you should be able to quickly determine when you need to restock the essentials (diapers and wipes). We believe that the most functional bags have exterior pockets for bottles and snacks and compartments for a smartphone, changing pad, diapers, and wipes. We especially love it when bags have a dedicated “mom pocket” that keeps personal items organized separately from baby supplies to avoid messes from leaking baby items.
The Petunia Pickle Bottom Pivot has an extra compartment under the bag for added storage.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Your storage needs will vary. For example, you may need an extra roomy bag for more than one child in diapers or overnight and multi-day trips. A large bag like the HighSpeedDaddy is ideal if you need additional storage, while the Skip Hop Pronto has almost no storage and is better for short outings like running errands.
The backside of the Be Right Back has mesh ventilation, and the shoulder straps have memory foam padding, creating a comfortable carry.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
Your next consideration should be ease of use. Imagine you are in the middle of changing your infant on a public changing table only to discover that your baby's diaper cream is buried at the bottom of the bag in a pocket with a faulty zipper. Scenarios like this make you appreciate a well-designed product where you can retrieve the cream quickly with one hand. Smooth zippers and elastic closures allow easy access, and mesh displays all contents for quick spotting. The product with the highest ease of use score is the Skip Hop Pronto. The small package keeps everything immediately accessible, is super lightweight, and will fit in your purse, stroller basket, or backpack.
We prefer products with a light-colored interior and a wide opening so you can see and access contents easily. We feel bags with deep interiors, narrow openings, and dark linings resemble locating items in a black hole. It doesn't matter how many pockets a bag offers if you can't see the supplies or quickly find what you need. We also love some excellent pocket variations. It is helpful to have a few zippered pockets, open pouches, and a few insulated compartments to keep milk warm or cool. The Petunia Pickle Bottom Pivot is entirely insulated so that you can pack snacks wherever convenient. A dedicated bottle pocket lets you keep milk at a temperature different from other food items. However, keep in mind that not all diaper bags have high-quality insulation. While testing, we noticed that some didn't keep the contents cold after a few hours. Therefore, if you're going to be away from home for a while, storing a small ice pack with your baby's milk can be helpful.
The Skip Hop Greenwich has a zippered main compartment that is covered by a flap to keep everything tidy.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Closures also impact ease of use. Compartments and pockets have a variety of closures, including zippers, snaps, magnets, or Velcro. We believe it is essential that your chosen bag has an internal compartment that zips closed. If you leave a pocket open, you can lose items if the bag turns over or upside down. Magnetic closures often do not close or stay closed with a full load.
We believe bags without Velcro are a big deal. Velcro is noisy and may wake your sleeping baby. It is sticky and may cling to and damage some fabrics. Velcro also wears out much faster than zippered or snap closures. Once the Velcro has stuck to anything and everything, the hooks get clogged and fail to function properly. For these reasons, we recommend avoiding hook-and-loop closures if at all possible.
Your bag should include a secure place for personal items such as smartphones, wallets, and keys. Carrying a purse and diaper bag simultaneously can be challenging, but you shouldn't need to if you have a great diaper bag. Finding a bag with a parent pocket is valuable but often overlooked. Key clips are also helpful and prevent your keys from getting lost in the bag (which happens more often than you can imagine).
Important Safety Tip
Some bags have designs or straps for your stroller's handlebar; however, we don't recommend doing this because the diaper bag's weight can cause the stroller to tip backward. Instead, use the storage basket underneath your stroller to carry items, or choose a bag you can comfortably carry.
Key clips help to keep all items in their correct place.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Weight
When selecting the right diaper bag, you may not consider weight, especially with so many other features to consider. However, you'll likely be carrying this bag a lot. When you look at the long list of items in the diaper bag, it is clear that it will be heavy. Paying attention to the bag's weight and style might mean the difference between a sore shoulder and a happy back.
The 7AM Voyage BK718 is one of the lightest traditional bags we tested at 1.7 lbs, and the Skip Hop Pronto is a clutch-style bag and is the lightest option in this review at .75 lbs. Consider how you'll use your bag before settling on your final purchase. Will you take it in the car or bring it on walks? Drop the bag off at daycare or bring it along for errands? Your bag will carry crucial stuff, so find one you are comfortable lugging around day in and day out. Weight may be less important in your final decision if you aren't taking it for long distances but using it in the car.
A diaper bag's features and accessories can greatly impact your bag experience. Extra thoughtful features like insulated bottle holders, padded shoulder straps, internal key clips, and bag feet can improve your daily use.
The front pocket on the Ju-Ju-Be B.F.F. has pockets to easily access items like a key clip, sunglass pocket, and zipper pocket for cards and cash.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Quality
Bag quality is more important than most parents think. Ideally, your bag should last from newborn through toddlerhood and unpleasant situations. So, view your purchase as an investment in a valuable tool that you'll use for years. A broken handle, strap, or zipper could be frustrating when you are out with your baby, and replacing that bag is inconvenient.
The Ju-Ju-Be bags and the Petunia Picklebottom Pivot hold the high score in this metric. These diaper bags earned top scores thanks to their use of high-quality materials, sturdy hardware, and durability-minded construction. However, the KeaBabies Original ranks low. Its material has a powerful, unpleasant off-gassing smell that we experienced for several weeks after unboxing it. Those sensitive to smells may be overwhelmed by this off-gassing contender. Also, we noticed that one of the insulated pockets is ripped.
The KeaBabies backpack fell short in quality, as it easily tore at the seams.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
In our experience, inexpensive bags often include lower-quality materials, construction, and function. The cost of two less expensive bags can equal more than one higher-quality option that will last as long as you need. Cheaper bags can have flimsy linings, weak seams, and subpar storage. Even a small bump in price can provide significantly better quality and durability. Our advice? Choose something at a mid-range price. It often buys a quality product you can use even after your child is out of diapers. Of course, high-end bags often have more bells and whistles. You can add your diaper bag to your registry if your budget is limited. The lowest-scoring bag we tested is the Ruvalino Backpack. This backpack has an affordable price tag but many zipper issues and flimsy materials.
The material on the inside of the Pivot is wipes down without a problem, however, the suede textured material on the outside may not be so easy.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Materials
Diaper bags can be a mess magnet and get soiled in unexpected ways. We recommend choosing a product made with materials that are easy to clean and maintain. Smooth, wipe-clean linings are excellent, and water-repellent and stain-resistant exterior fabric can save you from some ugly stains. However, a bag you can throw in a washing machine is the bomb diggity. At the very least, you'll want a bag that you can wipe clean inside and outside with a damp rag, as spills are inevitable. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your bag's care to maintain its longevity and best appearance.
The material on the Petunia Pickle Bottom may be more difficult to clean than some other bags.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Diaper bags are more susceptible to microbe growth because they often carry items like snacks, breastmilk, or even human waste (aka used diapers). Some manufacturers line products with Agion, an antimicrobial finish, to prevent this kind of growth. This coating is useful in hindering the ability of microbes to spread and grow. Agion is cradle-to-cradle certified, which means it is safe for humans and the environment, which is a bonus. We like an eco-friendly bag because your baby's belongings go in the bag and, at some point, often in their mouths. We encourage parents to select healthy materials to help limit their family's exposure to chemicals.
We don't recommend using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic (aka vinyl) in anything that might come in contact with a baby or baby products. PVC can be a soft plastic, often in the interior of a diaper bag or changing pad linings. The material creates a flexible, water-resistant surface, which seems ideal, right? Unfortunately, PVC has some potentially significant health effects.
The Ju-Ju-Be Be Right Back is an entirely PVC-free product.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Plasticizers, also known as phthalates, are added during production to make PVC soft. There are concerns about the health effects of exposure to plasticizers (phthalates). There are also durability problems with soft PVC, as it can harden and crack over time, especially if exposed to sunlight or cold temperatures. Soft PVC also has a strong chemical smell. Aside from being unpleasant, we prefer not to use products with chemical odors around developing babies and children due to the potential risks. The Environmental Working Group has a plethora of information surrounding plasticizers and the possible consequences of childhood exposure. “In general, the E.U. considers many plasticizers safe for use, but with the caveat that they should not be used in children's items.” While the subject of chemical plasticizers' effect on health is a very complex one, there are PVC-free products available, and we recommend opting for those whenever possible. The Skip Hop Pronto and Ju-Ju-Be Be Right Back are a few examples.
The 7AM Voyage BK718 has double tote handles at the top of the bag.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Try Before You Buy
We strongly suggest taking your top contender on a test run to ensure it is a good fit. For this test run, gather your essentials, organize them, and see how it feels to carry everything. Pack it around the house for a bit to gauge comfort. See if you can find each item quickly and access pockets using one hand. Zip and unzip, clip buckles, and snap snaps. Hold your baby while carrying the bag. If it is uncomfortable during these stages, you may want to reconsider. We suggest checking the return policy before purchasing so you don't get stuck with a mediocre bag.
Diaper bags come in various styles, including backpack, messenger, and tote-style.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Style
Diaper bags come in all shapes, styles, fabrics, and colors, allowing you to select one that fits your unique style or is more neutral and ideal for sharing. While some parents may not put much thought into what their diaper bag looks like, others may consider it a fashion accessory. Ultimately, we did not score this metric because style is subjective. Instead, we look beyond fashion and evaluate different style components, like size, material, and carry style, and overall versatility.
Your diaper bag will be your sidekick everywhere you and your baby roam, so consider which carry style is the most practical for you and your routine. Multiple carry options include a backpack, messenger, tote, fanny pack, and more. Messenger bags have a one-shoulder carry that can put more weight on one side of your body, but it's easier to access items without removing the bag. A backpack-style bag evenly distributes the diaper bag's weight on both shoulders, which may be a requirement for those prone to neck or shoulder pain. We also appreciate that it provides a hands-free carry, especially if you're chasing after an energized toddler, pushing a stroller, or using a top-ranked baby carrier. If selecting a diaper bag with more than one carry style is ideal, check out the Skip Hop Mainframe Wide Open. This bag offers more than one carry style depending on your needs or if you are sharing.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Conclusion
What makes a diaper bag perfect will be different for everyone who carries one. Every family and parent is different, so their chosen bags will also be. With influencing factors like family size, lifestyle, storage needs, and personal taste, it is hard to say one diaper bag is the best for everyone. This is why we offer so many award winners and so many style variations. With our hands-on experience and our years of adventures with little ones, we have the veteran details new parents need to choose the best diaper bag for their needs and budget. Our favorites typically offer ample and functional storage and organization, are comfortable to carry hither and yon, and are durable enough to potentially last through the diapering years and beyond.
