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I packed seven of the most popular diaper bags and used them in my daily life as a mom of four. I liked some a lot more than others, and spoiler alert: Bigger isn’t better.

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As I embark on my fifth time shopping for baby items, ahead of my May due date, I got into a deep, existential mom dilemma: What makes a great diaper bag? I’ve had ones that are too small, too large, bulky and inconvenient, and just plain not well-designed for a messy diaper change on the go. I had never really found one to meet all of my—and my kids’—needs. So when I decided to evaluate some of the top trending diaper bags, I had high standards. 

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that diaper bags have evolved since my first child was born in 2014. Not only are they more stylish and convenient, but it seems as if real parents were on the panel determining what should go where and why. From built-in stroller hooks to intuitive diaper changing stations, pockets clearly designed for the latest large smartphones, and nooks and crannies for pacifiers, modern diaper bags are a far cry from a basic tote or purse. Through this evaluation process, I went from highly doubtful I’d purchase a new bag to wondering how I lived without a more-than-basic one before.

Rebecca Coluntino, occupational therapist, doula, and childbirth educator in Boston and surrounding areas, gets parents started on the must-haves of daily life with a new baby, including packing a diaper bag for the first time if needed. She says parents pack a variety of items: Diapers, wipes, diaper rash or barrier cream, bottle, sometimes a manual pump, and a change of clothes for the newborn as well as for the parent, nodding to any parent who has ever had their own shirt covered in spit-up unexpectedly.

“It’s always nice when a diaper bag has a variety of compartments—for example, some insulated pockets to keep cold bottles inside or storing pumped milk if needed.” She’s also a fan of those fold-out changing table pads which can come in handy when a public bathroom has no changing table.

Parents should prioritize which style is most comfortable to them, whether it’s a backpack, messenger bag (also sometimes worn crossbody style), a tote, or one that converts to multiple styles. Some diaper bags also have smaller wristlets and pouches that can be separated from the bag for a quick trip that doesn’t require carrying the whole diaper bag. 

If you’ve ever carted a large diaper bag around an amusement park, or a similar adventure, you know that a parent’s comfort is key in selecting the best bag. Ai Mukai, MD, physiatrist at Texas Orthopedics, Sports, and Rehabilitation Associates in Austin, has some tips for parents choosing diaper bags, to save their own backs and joints.

“Crossbody bags and messenger bags unevenly distribute the weight of the bag on your body and spine, and is not preferred compared to a backpack style bag,” she says. “Ideally, find a backpack with wide straps so they don’t dig into the shoulder. Make sure the bag bottom is above your hips.” She recommends the bag and its contents weigh less than 10% of your body weight. “I think maximizing the ergonomics of the bag, minimizing the weight of the bag, and also being strategic about having a bag that fits on the stroller so you don’t have to constantly carry it would be good.”

She especially cautions those who might have just had a C-section to consider using an abdominal binder or pregnancy support belt for six weeks to 3 months after delivery to prevent pressure and stretching during diaper bag use. Finally, opting for thicker straps over thin ones can reduce strain on the neck and shoulder.

If you do opt for a backpack style, she recommends wearing it between the shoulder blades, down to the hips, in a snug position rather than “hanging out and pulling down.” 

Using these experts’ suggestions, we experimented with seven diaper bags, from designer brands to more budget-friendly products at widely varying levels of fanciness, size, and functionality.

Is the Diaper Bag Comfortable to Carry? You aren’t going to want to wear a bag that isn’t comfortable, especially when it’s stuffed full of all your kids’ wants and needs for the day. So, we kept an eye out for exceptionally comfortable straps and an appropriate bag weight that didn’t feel cumbersome. In addition, knowing what we learned from our experts on choosing backpacks when possible over messenger-style bags, for neck and back health, we prioritized bags with those options. But it’s not just the parent’s comfort we considered—in exploring changing pads, we opted for those with a bit of padding in case a dreaded public bathroom floor diaper change becomes necessary.

How Functional Is the Diaper Bag? Diaper bags come with some serious pockets, more than the most functional purses. But those pockets have to fulfill a few criteria. The drink pockets must be stretchy enough to accommodate multiple types of sippy cups and parent water bottles, which we tested using a standard and popular sippy cup, but one that is wider on the bottom than the top to ensure others will fit too. The diaper changing station access must be sturdy, if attached to the bag, with enough pockets to house diapers and wipes within easy reach. Finally, there needs to be a place for caregiver items like phones and keys, personal products, and more. So, we experimented with the most convenient spots to throw in our phones, opting for magnetic closures and easy-to-close zippers.

Is the Diaper Bag stylish? As a go-to baby registry option, most parents want a diaper bag that reflects their style, and one that brings them joy to carry. All of the models we evaluated are available in a variety of trendy colors and fabrics, and we watched for details that make you feel like you have it together, even on your worst days. This means tiny details like leather pulls, gold hardware, and beautiful designs were pros.

Is the Diaper Bag Spacious but not Bulky?  The diaper bag’s size reflected how much stuff we were able to put in it. We evaluated the bags to include a variety of items a parent and at least one child would need. In each bag, we packed: • 4 diapers • 56-count pack of wipes • Change of clothes for the baby • Soft toy • Bib • Keys • Lip balms • 2 masks • Continental-sized wallet

Photo: Alexandra Frost Photo: Alexandra Frost

This allowed us to see how much room we’d have to accommodate an additional child’s items, if needed. We also watched for easy access to each compartment, especially the main internal compartment of the bag, because everyone hates digging for the last baby food pouch at the bottom when the baby is screaming.

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