Travel Products Luggage + Bags Backpacks, Totes + Small Bags The 11 Best Diaper Bags for Travel of 2023 Whether you want a backpack, tote, or belt bag, there's an option to fit your family's needs. By Cassie Shortsleeve Cassie Shortsleeve Cassie Shortsleeve is a journalist with more than a decade's worth of experience reporting for the country's top health, travel, and parenting magazines including Women's Health, Men's Health, Parents, Conde Nast Traveler, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Forbes, and others. Cassie has a bachelor of arts from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA where she majored in English and Fiction Writing. She is also an integrative health coach with training through Duke Integrative Medicine, and has training in maternal mental health through Postpartum Support International. She's also the founder of Dear Sunday, an online platform for early motherhood. She lives in Boston, with her husband and two daughters. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines and Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 28, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Courtesy of Respective Brands The very best diaper bags are pure genius: precisely placed pockets, didn’t-know-you-needed-them-till-you-needed-them accessories, ergonomic designs, waterproof everything — a parent’s dream. They also come in all different sizes, shapes, and forms. Some are backpacks. Others are fanny packs. Some carry a lone diaper. Others allow you to lug more stuff than you ever thought possible. However, the best ones do more than their name suggests: They make on-the-go changes easier, protect against spills, and happen to do so looking, well, not at all like a diaper bag. Almost every parent we spoke to mentioned Dagne Dover’s Indi Diaper Backpack, our top pick for travel (and beyond). It’s a chic and functional bag with accessories that will long outlast the baby years. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Backpack: Ruvalino Diaper Bag Backpack at Amazon Jump to Review Best Tote: Colugo Diaper Tote at Hicolugo.com Jump to Review Best Satchel: 7AM Enfant Soho Carryall at Amazon Jump to Review Best All-in-one Bag: Contours Explore 2-in-1 Baby Booster Seat and Backpack Diaper Bag at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Toddlers: Go Dash Dot Mini Backpack at Godashdot.com Jump to Review Best Classic: Freshly Picked Classic Diaper Bag II at Freshlypicked.com Jump to Review Best Fanny Pack: Kibou Diaper Bag at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Twins: Skip Hop Duo Signature Diaper Weekender Bag at Amazon Jump to Review Best Large Capacity: Lekebaby Diaper Bag Tote at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack 4.2 Dagne Dover View On Nordstrom View On Babylist.com View On Dagnedover.com Why We Love It It’s a diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag with water-resistant neoprene and accessories galore. What to Consider It’s not machine-washable and, despite all of the bells and whistles, it’s pricey. Among many new parents, Dagne Dover is the brand du jour — and its popular Indi Diaper Backpack is a repeat sellout for good reason. From the outside, it is a sleek, scuba-style neoprene bag in neutral colors with a few flat zipper pockets. Inside, it’s full of goodies: a washable zippered bag, stroller straps, a changing mat, leashes for keys or pacis, bottle holders, and more. There are three available sizes for your specific travel needs with tablets fitting in the small size and a 15-inch laptop in the largest. Flying? A luggage sleeve makes it easy to slip over a roller bag. Schlepping? Even the biggest option is only 3.5 pounds. Your stuff will be more organized than ever and your drink may even stay cold. Price at time of publish: $165 for small The Details: 2.9 pounds (small), 3.3 pounds (medium), 3.5 pounds (large) | 10 x 6 x 11 inches (small), 11.75 x 6.5 x 12.75 inches (medium), 12.25 x 6 x 13.75 inches (large) | Neoprene and mesh | Backpack | 10.73 liters (small), 16.39 liters (medium), 17 liters (large) Best Backpack Ruvalino Diaper Bag Backpack 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It With a lower price tag, this waterproof bag is a good everyday pick for parents. What to Consider The bag falls on the smaller side, and while there are plenty of pockets, they are extra deep, meaning you may have to dig around a bit. This functional bag is good for children and parents alike. It comes with baby basics like a changing pad and insulated bottle pockets that hold most of the wide-neck, tall bottles. It also has 16 pocket organizers to share, and adult-friendly features like a padded laptop pocket, too. There are dual zippers and the backpack straps are comfortably thick with padding. It’s durable enough for everyday use with a waterproof exterior and changing pad and, for the price, a backup isn’t too far out of reach. Price at time of publish: $90 The Details: 1.9 pounds | 11.8 x 7.8 x 16.5 inches | Polyester | Backpack Best Tote Colugo Diaper Tote Colugo View On Hicolugo.com Why We Love It This classic tote has a wipeable interior and tons of pockets — plus, it’ll easily slide into the bottom carrier of most strollers. What to Consider It doesn’t come with extras like a changing mat, if you’re looking for tons of accessories. You may know baby brand Colugo for their affordable, Instagrammable strollers. Whether you have one or not, their diaper tote is a standout mainly because it's kid-friendly in the way that matters most — mess. The inside of this bag is waterproof and easy to wipe down. It’s a simple pick while also nailing the basics: well-placed pockets, a good size that’s big enough to carry the things you need and easy enough to stash away, plus a detachable insulated bottle holder (for you or baby). And, when kids get beyond the age of diapers, it slides over rolling luggage as an adult bag, too. Price at time of publish: $95 The Details: 2.6 pounds | 22 x 12 x 22 inches | Polyester with vegan leather accents | Shoulder The 13 Best Backpacks for Disney Vacations in 2023 Best Satchel 7AM Enfant Soho Carryall BuyBuyBaby View On Amazon Why We Love It Is it a stylish carry-on or a machine-washable diaper bag that does it all? It’s hard to tell. What to Consider Think of this more as a diaper-bag-slash-weekender — it may not be your pick for a short journey. Machine-washable anything is a parent’s dream, but it’s often necessary to sacrifice looks for cleanability. However, not only can 7AM Enfant’s Soho Carryall go right in the washing machine, it’s also water-repellent and lightweight with seven pockets and cross-body and stroller straps. A unique puffer look and colors including glossy black have even fashion-forward parents hooked, too. We can’t help but love the intentional details like a fleece-lined changing pad for cushy bathroom breaks. Price at time of publish: $90 The Details: 1.5 pounds | 17 x 12 x 6 inches | Nylon | Shoulder Best All-in-one Bag Contours Explore 2-in-1 Baby Booster Seat and Backpack Diaper Bag Contours Explore 2-in-1 Baby Booster Seat and Backpack Diaper Bag. Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It This bag quickly converts into a booster seat ... need we say more? What to Consider The booster doesn't offer much back support. Traveling with babies is a lot of work, but this bag means business. It’s a backpack, crossbody bag, and portable booster seat all in one. The water-repellent booster seat attaches to most dining chairs and includes a three-point safety harness to keep your little one strapped in. There are two insulated pockets for bottles and five additional small pockets to keep your gear organized and easy to access. Even while using this as a booster seat, you can quickly reach all of your items through the large front zipper pocket. Price at time of publish: $50 The Details: 12 x 8 x 16 inches | Polyester | Backpack | 10.73 liters Best for Toddlers Go Dash Dot Mini Backpack Go Dash Dot View On Godashdot.com Why We Love It This bag allows parents just enough space to pack for a day out and it’s small enough to be a toddler backpack. What to Consider The bag is fairly pricey, especially considering its size. First, you’re packing bags to change diapers on the go, and then you’re running just about everywhere in the toddler years. That’s where Go Dash Dot’s aptly named mini backpack comes in. With its small size and seven pockets, it’s just the right size for dashing around town or to a flight. It is on the pricey side but there are extra features to justify that like a drawstring pouch (for snacks or laundry) and four little protective “feet” so it’s not sitting in the dirt if you set it down. Also huge: It’s just small enough that your toddler could wear it and, don’t worry, it’s big enough to fit an iPad, too. Price at time of publish: $148 The Details: 1.2 pounds | 13 x 9.5 x 5.25 inches | Polyester | Backpack The Best Travel Totes for Every Occasion From Business Trips to the Beach Best Classic Freshly Picked Classic Diaper Bag II Freshly Picked View On Freshlypicked.com View On Potterybarnkids.com Why We Love It This flap backpack was designed by moms and it comes in 15+ colorways, including limited-edition solids and prints, too. What to Consider You’ll have to pay for the style and features as it’s more of a splurge than others on the market. By running focus groups across the country, the team at Freshly Picked figured out what parents wanted in a diaper bag, then created one to match those needs. The result is their big Classic Diaper Bag II with 10 pockets plus tons of central space for your things. It’s so stylish that nonparents may want it, plus it’s made of a durable vegan leather with padded straps that can be worn as a backpack or over the shoulder. Price at time of publish: $199 The Details: 2.3 pounds | 13 x 15 x 7 inches | Vegan leather | Shoulder or backpack Best Fanny Pack Kibou Vegan Leather Diaper Belt Bag Nordstrom View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Apeainthepod.com Why We Love It Kibou’s fanny pack packs an impressive amount of functionality into a very small space — and looks good doing it. What to Consider Since it can’t hold much, this bag is likely going to be an add-on to your go-to travel diaper bag. You know what they say about small packages? Kibou’s Vegan Leather Bag is proof of it. It’s less than a foot long but still packs a waterproof pocket that’ll fit up to 20 wipes (dry or wet), a changing pad, slots for cards or cash, and a hook for keys or a pacifier. The leather is vegan and you can wipe it down without worrying about wear and tear. While this may not be your pick as the only bag on a multi-hour flight, for a quick trip to a local playground, it’s a must. Price at time of publish: $98 The Details: 11 x 6 x 4 inches | Vegan leather | Fanny pack Best for Twins Skip Hop Duo Signature Diaper Weekender Bag Amazon View On Amazon View On Skiphop.com Why We Love It Two packing cubes, a back sleeve to slide over a roller bag, and insulated double bottle holders make this an organized pick for parents of multiples. What to Consider This is a bigger bag that’s likely best for longer outings. SkipHop used to make a “double bag” that fit perfectly over the back of a double, side-by-side stroller with three bottle holders and 16 pockets, and mothers of multiple loved it. But, while that variety is discontinued, this one — the Duo Weekender — serves parents of small babies just as well. Technically an overnight bag, it provides the added space you need for more than one baby and keeps everyone organized and separated with double-packing cubes. It also features stroller straps, a cushioned changing pad, and a wide open center compartment so there’s also less stress about all of the extras that get thrown in at the last minute. Price at time of publish: $110 The Details: 3.1 pounds | 17.5 x 9 x 14 inches | Polyester with faux leather trim | Shoulder Best Large Capacity Lekebaby Diaper Bag Tote Lekebaby Diaper Bag Tote. Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It It's practically the size of a duffel bag and will store everything you need for traveling with your little one. What to Consider It's packed with pockets but all are specific sizes and don't expand to fit different items. Get even more organized on your next trip with this large diaper bag with nine exterior and eight interior pockets including a dedicated tissue holder and two bottle pockets. Two more of the zippered pockets are even equipped to store wet clothes or towels without ruining items in other compartments. Convenient top handles and a separate crossbody strap provide carrying options when you're juggling a baby or toddler. The bag also has two easy-to-use stroller clips to attach right onto your handle when you don't have the extra hands (or energy) to carry it. This tote even comes with a matching cushioned, fold-out changing pad for quick diaper swaps wherever you go. Price at time of publish: $43 The Details: 2.25 pounds | 16 x 6 x 13.5 inches | Shoulder and tote Best With Charging Port Mokaloo Diaper Bag Backpack Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It It's lightweight, but still spacious enough to carry all of your essentials. What to Consider You must add your own portable charger to the inside of the charging port. Possibly the most convenient bag when traveling (especially with kids) is a durable and multi-functional backpack like this diaper bag with USB charging port. Not only is this the perfect bag to store all of your baby's needs, but it's a helpful way for parents to keep their own travel essentials organized as well. The waterproof bag features two bottle pockets plus an additional insulated pocket to store warm foods or bottles, and even has a top and rear access point to get to your items faster. Plus, the unisex design is stylish enough to wear while exploring a new city long after your baby outgrows their diapers. Price at time of publish: $70 The Details: 1.65 pounds | 11.8 x 7.8 x 16.5 inches | Anti-friction Oxford fabric | Backpack | 15 liters Tips for Buying Diaper Bags for Travel Pick one with space One fairly universal thing in parenting is that there are a lot of things. Whether it’s toys, snacks, and bottles or, yes, diapers and wipes, you want to choose a bag that fits all the essentials but isn’t too cumbersome for your needs either. For example, a cross-country flight with an infant will call for different stuff — and space requirements — than a short drive with a potty-training toddler. Consider your needs The things you need will change over time, and depend on what you’re doing. Want a built-in station to change your baby on the go? Consider looking for bags with changing pads. Know you’ll be carrying bottles? Seek out insulated bottle holders. Forecasting dirty diapers? Find something that comes with a dirty diaper pouch. The truth of the matter is that, while many of the realities of parenting (and of changing diapers) are similar, all of our needs are different. Learning what you use and what you don’t is a big part of figuring out what type of bag will be best for you. Frequently Asked Questions What should I pack in a diaper bag? Diapers, wipes, rash cream, and a resealable bag for dirty diapers plus a change of clothes are a good start (and pack more than you think you’ll need of these essential items). If you’re breastfeeding or formula feeding, bottles of both are allowed in carry-on baggage in amounts greater than the 3.4-ounce limit (and they don’t need to fit within a quart-sized bag), per the FAA. (Just alert a TSA agent before security screening if you’re traveling with liquids for your baby.) You’ll also want to think about extra bottles, burp cloths, pacifiers, sippy cups, snacks, loveys, and any other games, activities, or headphones your children may enjoy during the flight. All in all: Think about your home setup for diaper changes, and what you bring along for errands. Try to recreate those ingredients. Does a diaper bag count as a carry-on? Not usually. Most major airlines allow parents traveling with babies or young children to bring a diaper bag that doesn’t count toward the carry-on allotment. United Airlines lists a diaper bag as one of the items you can bring in addition to your carry-on and personal item “if you're traveling with an infant or child.” American Airlines says that “diaper bags (one per child) ... don't count as your personal item or carry-on.” No matter your airline, it’s worth checking the specific policies before heading to the airport. What makes a bag a “diaper bag”? As mentioned, diaper bags are ones that make the on-the-go changing process easier — this usually means they offer plenty of strategic pockets, they’re made of easy-to-clean materials, and they’re spacious enough to tote around all your essentials. However, lots of bags that aren’t marketed as “diaper bags” offer these same qualities. In researching this story, some parents told us that they find purchasing a separate diaper bag to be unnecessary and an additional cost to the already-expensive adventure of parenting. You may find that you have something you already own that winds up working quite well. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Cassie Shortsleeve is a health, parenting, and travel journalist with more than a decade’s worth of experience writing for national publications including Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Parents, The Washington Post, and others. She and T+L writer Taylor Fox conducted extensive research and utilized their personal experiences to select the best products for all parents. The 15 Best Travel Strollers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! 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