If you ask any seasoned mom what item is most vital to everyone’s survival when traveling with children, she will more than likely immediately say, “My diaper bag!” (or nappy bag, depending on where you are from!).
The diaper bag is the glue that holds everything together regarding organized travel with young children. It’s also a kind of statement piece of parenthood, representing the essence of our individuality.
It houses the spare wipes, nappies, juice bottles, breast milk, emergency snacks, passports, and other necessary documents, and those backup wipes just in case you don’t have enough in the first go-around. Travel diaper bags are specially designed with a child’s needs in mind, with extra pockets and insulated areas for bottles and other food items.
Choosing a suitable travel diaper bag is a must if you’re planning on going anywhere beyond the front door with your children. It’s essential when taking extended trips, whether on the road or in the air. Everyone’s style is different, but there are several qualities you’ll want to consider before purchasing the best diaper bag that will suit you and your family.
This post is part of our Tried & Tested baby travel products series
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Summary of The Best Travel Diaper Bags of 2023
We summarise all of the best travel diaper bag brands here but keep reading below to see the key features we love and help you decide which type of diaper bag might be best for your family travel needs.
| Product | Style | Size | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bag Nation Diaper Bag Backpack | Convertible | 17" x 7.5" x 14" | $$ |
 | Skip Hop Diaper Bag Backpack | Backpack | 16" x 8" x 14 " | $$ |
 | Cfun Landuo Mummy Diaper Bag | Backpack | 13" x 6" x 15" | $$ |
 | RUVALINO Diaper Bag Backpack | Backpack | 12" x 8" x 16.5" | $$ |
 | HaloVa Multifunction Diaper Backpack | Backpack | 16" x 2" x 12" | $ |
 | Itzy Ritzy Diaper Tote | Tote | 18" x 7" x 13.5" | $$$ |
 | Eddie Bauer Sport Tote | Tote | 8" x 14" x 17" | $ |
 | JJ Cole Caprice Tote | Tote | 14.8" x 8.1" x 15.6" | $$ |
 | SoHo Collection Grand Central Station | Tote | 17.6" x 2.2" x 13.6" | $ |
 | JuJuBe Multifunctional Convertible Diaper Bag | Convertible | 14" x 6.5" x 12" | $$$ |
 | ALLCAMP Convertible Diaper Backpack | Convertible | 14.5" x 8.5" x 13" | $$ |
 | Tactical Baby Gear (TBG) Men’s Tactical Diaper Bag | Dads | 20" x 8" x 11" | $$$ |
 | Eddie Bauer Traverse Backpack | Dads | 12" x 6.5" x 16.5" | $$ |
 | Columbia Summit Rush Backpack Diaper Bag | Dads | 13.5" x 7"x 19.25" | $$ |
 | Qwreoia Diaper Bag Backpack with USB Charging Port | Dads | 18" x 2" x 11" | $ |
Cost $ – under $40 USD: Cost $$ – $40 to $80 USD; Cost $$$ – over $80USD
Essential Travel Diaper Bag Features
Comfort
I speak from extensive experience when I say that your traveling diaper bag’s most important feature must be comfort. There is nothing more draining than lugging around an uncomfortable and overloaded bag at the airport during a five-hour layover.
I strongly recommend choosing a diaper bag with padded straps if you carry it for any length of time beyond about 10 minutes. It’s amazing how quickly they will begin to dig into your shoulders. If you can find one that evenly distributes weight across your body while carrying, it will benefit you in the long run. Conversely, investing in a style that clips securely to your stroller will also do wonders for your posture.
Size
While it may be tempting to select the largest diaper bag on the market to pack everything you might need, from a change of clothes to cloth diapers, that mentality might backfire on you while trying to check your bag at the gate.
You’ll want something that can be stored easily underneath an airplane seat in case you need it mid-flight or fit into the overhead bin above you. Carry-on size and weight is key when flying and isn’t a bad idea for other modes of travel as well.
Also, think about the practicalities of carrying a diaper bag and a child. As you might know, one of our top tips for navigating around an airport is to use a baby or toddler carrier rather than a stroller, so think about how you will then carry your bag and baby together; enough space for the essentials, but don’t overpack.
Material and Durability
Pause for a moment and think about the potential contents of your diaper bag while travelling and how often it will probably be jostled, dropped, and accidentally stepped on. In addition to those hazards, someone’s sippy cup will more than likely be upended inside of it at some point.
Let’s discuss the durability and, more importantly, washability of your next travel diaper bag. Here are a few, shall we say, essential qualities you’ll want your perfect diaper bag to have:
- Tear-resistant
- Machine-washable OR easy wipe
- Stain-Resistant
- Moisture Resistant or Waterproof
Your diaper bag will be your steady companion on several long and potentially grimy adventures, and you’ll want to keep it as clean and sanitary as possible.
Additional Accessories
In addition to the diaper bag itself, you’ll want to consider what additional accessories you might desire to have. What features or add-ons are important to you? Here are some common extras that many travel diaper bags have included in their purchase:
- Stroller strap attachment
- Built-in changing pad
- A “mum” section for personal items
- Insulated pockets for bottles
- Multiple sections vs. large open area
- External pockets for easy access
As a mum who has traveled as much as I have, I liked having a travel diaper bag with multiple sections. It just kept everything neater and organized as opposed to feeling like everyone’s items were floating around in one big open abyss!
Given that everyone has their distinct preference when choosing the right diaper bag, I’ve rounded up some of my favorites in a range of styles and price points to suit almost every fashion taste and budget. I’ve even included a few choices for Dads as well!
Our Favorite Travel Diaper Bag: Bag Nation Diaper Bag Backpack
This sleek, multi-functional travel diaper backpack may not be the fanciest contender on the market, but it’s a shoo-in for functionality and durability. Perfect for moms and dads alike, this is the only travel diaper bag you’ll ever need for any journey you undertake – in fact, we’ll bet you find it great for everyday use too!
Features We Love:
- Water-resistant twill polyester material
- Upgraded padding for shoulder and back straps
- Built-in stroller straps
- 14 open pockets with changing pad and sundry bag included
- Gender-neutral style and colour
- Lifetime warranty
- Dimensions 17 x 14 x 7.5 inches
Best Backpack Diaper Bags For Travel
A diaper backpack is our favourite style for travel. It leaves your hands free and is super practical for moving about in busy places with plenty of easy-to-reach pockets. With quite practical, neutral designs, you can keep using a diaper backpack well after your diaper years are finished!
Best Backpack Diaper Bag: Skip Hop Diaper Bag Backpack
This is the best travel diaper backpack for the family who likes extra space and wants easy access to all their most important items. Its unisex design is a little bland but oh-so-practical
Features We Love:
- The polyester fabric easily wipes clean
- Machine washable removable changing pad
- Insulated cube can hold two bottles
- Easy grab top handle
- Multi-function changing pad pocket also includes a laptop sleeve (up to 15” devices)
- Dimensions 16 x 8 x 14 inches
Runner Up: Cfun Landuo Mummy Diaper Bag
Another strong contender as one of the best diaper backpacks for traveling families, the Mummy Diaper Bag with adjustable straps and several separate pockets will help you keep your important things in order.
Features We Love
- Modern colour combinations and design
- Water-resistant, wipe-clean fabric
- Spacious main compartment with additional pockets
- Bottle holder in insulated side pockets
- Dimensions 12.99 x 5.91 x 15.35 inches
Great For the Working Mom: RUVALINO Diaper Bag Backpack
Another sleek design available in a good variety of color options, this is the perfect diaper bag for a multi-tasking mama. This backpack-style diaper bag includes insulated exterior pockets as well as room for your travel documents and electronics.
Features We Love:
- Constructed of durable, waterproof fabric
- Two large dual-zipper extra-wide compartments
- 16 pockets, including a padded laptop pocket and cell phone pocket
- Ergonomic design with padded shoulder straps
- Dimensions 11.81 x 7.87 x 16.54 inches
Also Consider: HaloVa Multifunction Diaper Backpack
Features We Love:
- Multiple designs and colours to suit any style preference
- Anti-theft pocket to keep cell phones, credit cards and other valuables safe
- Unique L-shaped wide opening to easily access the bottom of the main compartment
- High-density, waterproof Oxford fabric
- Comes in a compact 15L and a 25L with enough room for all your baby stuff!
- Dimension 16 x 2 x 12 inches
Best Tote Travel Diaper Bags
Best Tote Diaper Bag: Itzy Ritzy Diaper Tote
Features We Love
- Eye-catching prints with a wide variety of different colors
- Constructed of vegan leather
- 25 pockets-18 internal and 7 external
- Converts from tote to messenger bag
- Colour-coordinated stroller clips included
- Dimensions 18 x 7 x 13.5 inches
Runner Up Best Tote Diaper Bag: Eddie Bauer Sport Tote
Features We Love
- Fashionable and neutral grey heather fabric
- Roomy main compartment
- Several interior pockets for essentials
- Extended-length carrying handles
- Dimensions 8″ x 14″ x 17″
Also Consider: JJ Cole Caprice Tote
Features We Love
- Available in several stylish designs
- Multiple carrying options for ease and comfort
- Removable padded shoulder strap and wipeable changing pad
- 11 pockets with insulated spaces for bottles, food pouches, etc.
- Dimensions 14.8 x 8.1 x 15.6 inches
Also Consider: SoHo Collection Grand Central Station
Features We Love
- Multilayer fabric is waterproof and stain-resistant
- 7-piece set allows you to customize accessories based on trip requirements
- Can go in the washing machine
- Multiple specially designed compartments to fit every parenting need
- Dimensions 17.6 x 13.6 x 2.2 inches
Best Convertible Travel Diaper Bags
If you are uncertain whether to go with a backpack or a messenger-style shoulder bag, then a convertible model could be just for you. These designs have plenty of adaptability for different situations, though do be mindful that added features can add a little extra weight to the bag itself.
Our Favorite Convertible Diaper Bag: JuJuBe Multifunctional Convertible Diaper Bag
A good choice for those seeking a more traditional diaper bag that can convert to a carry backpack for when you’re traveling and need your hands free. The wide opening helps you fit a lot of stuff, from diaper changes to your water bottle, in the open side pockets.
Features We Love
- Sophisticated, elegant design
- Bottle pockets insulated with Thinsulate by 3M
- Specially designed front pocket just for Mum
- Memory foam changing pad and shoulder strap
- Dimensions 6.5 x 14 x 12 inches
Also Consider: ALLCAMP Convertible Diaper Backpack
Another cute convertible diaper bag option that can be worn in different ways over the shoulder or as a diaper backpack. The large zip opening and main compartment are real bonuses when you have a lot to carry, but it’s still the right size to fit with you on an airplane.
Features We Love
- Waterproof animal print is a statement-making piece
- Machine washable, high-quality fabric with metal hardware
- Roomy interior houses several thoughtfully designed pockets
- Attaches easily to stroller
- Dimensions 14.5 x 8.5 x 13 inches
Best Diaper Bags for Dads
Whilst other than the most florally of prints these days can be considered a unisex baby diaper bag, some popular diaper bags are that little more masculine for the fellas (and come with loads of added features that us moms adore too!)
Top Diaper Bag For Dad: Tactical Baby Gear (TBG) Men’s Tactical Diaper Bag
Topping our list of the best travel diaper bags for dads, the TBG diaper bag has a large main compartment and included changing pad. This is a great option for hiking with a baby
Features We Love
- Rugged, durable materials use MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) webbing
- Removable padded changing pad
- Full-open zipper front has heavy-duty YKK zippers
- Redesigned, contoured, heavy-duty straps
- Dimensions 20 x 11 x 8 inches
This is the Swiss army knife of dad diaper bags! The interior storage space is vast, so it best suits those tall backs who like to fit all their gear in one spot.
Runner Up: Eddie Bauer Traverse Backpack
For your guy who likes quick access to everything he needs and multiple zip pockets to stay organised, this might be the right diaper bag for you.
Features We Love
- Rugged, functional design
- Spacious interior compartments with 11 pockets, including 2 insulated bottle pockets
- Removable, push-button baby wipes case and changing pad
- Built-in stroller loops and padded back and shoulder straps
- Dimensions 12 x 6.5 x 16.5 inches
Also Consider: Columbia Summit Rush Backpack Diaper Bag
Backpack-style diaper bags are perfect for rugged use; these strong and functional diaper bags can handle a heavy load with good weight distribution.
Features We Love
- Sporty style and variety of colors
- Durable polyester fabric with breathable mesh panels
- Ultra Safe wipe the clean floor and changing mat
- Changing pad pockets protected by Microban
- Dimensions 13.5 x 7 x 19.25 inches
Another Great Choice For Dads: Qwreoia Diaper Bag Backpack with USB Charging Port
At an affordable price point, this makes a great diaper bag for dad days out (with bonus points for how much stuff this functional diaper bag for dad can carry!)
Features We Love
- Tear-resistant, waterproof Oxford fabric
- Built-in USB charging port and anti-therft pocket
- 14 multi-purpose zip pockets, including insulated bottle pouch
- Dimensions 17.72 x 11.02 x 1.57 inches
So as you can see, there is a huge range of diaper bags out there to suit your individual style preferences and unique needs, from a quick jaunt to the market to globetrotting across continents.
The best travel diaper bag for you is just a few clicks away, and you and your family will be on your way to a well-prepped adventure of your own making.
(Pssst – we’ve loved our diaper backpack so much, we still use it even after passing our third round of potty training! Invest well at the start, and you have the perfect family travel bag for years to come!!)
More Helpful Travel Product Guides For Parents of Babies and Toddlers
If you’ve found this buying guide helpful, why not also check out:
- Baby Travel Essentials – Ready to fill your travel diaper bag? Here are 10 items we never leave home without traveling with babies!
- Toddler Travel Essentials – moving to the next stage, items that have made traveling with our littles easier
- Mom Bags for the Beach – ideal accessories for a new mom planning a beach vacation
- Do I Need a Travelling High Chair? – pros and cons with different designs to choose from when it comes to baby and toddler dining on the go
- Best Nursing Covers for Travel – keep feeding while being discreet on the move
- Best Baby Bottle warmers – the fastest and most convenient way to warm a feed on the move
- Best Portable Baby Monitors – helping you keep an ear or an eye on your little ones when you’re away from home
- Best Portable Breast Pumps – making pumping on the go easier for moms with these easy-to-transport, even wearable pump options
- Portable Baby Bassinets – the best way to get infants to sleep well on the go
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