What is the best diaper backpack?

The best diaper backpack is one that suits your lifestyle and the way you like to organize things. The person who needs a diaper backpack to go from the beach to a hike to a playdate is very different from the person who needs a diaper bag for going out to dinner or commuting to work with a baby in tow. When shopping for a diaper backpack, you'll want to examine the interior of the diaper bag carefully for special features like mesh pouches, extra pockets, hidden storage, and a charging port. Those things might be important to you for your life on-the-go, or they might not be. If you want a diaper backpack that's as good-looking as it is functional, the Indi Diaper Backpack and the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Backpack-Multi-Function-Changing/dp/B0731TBBWF/?ascsubtag=4163608%2525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525257Cn866db411751a48098f3f8c875fe158b101%2525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525257C&tag=verywellfamily-20" class="pseudoStyle" data-component="amazon" data-source="affiliate" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="sponsored nofollow">Skip Hop Forma Diaper Backpack are can't-go-wrong picks.

Is a diaper backpack or bag better?

Whether a diaper backpack or a diaper bag is better is a matter of personal preference and comfort. You may like the aesthetics of a backpack, and appreciate how it distributes weight across your body. A diaper backpack can be worn with both straps or slung over just one shoulder. Some have special clips or straps to hang them off of a stroller. Many people like diaper backpacks because they let you carry your gear hands-free. If you and your partner will both be using the diaper bag or backpack, take their tastes and preferences into account as well. Test-drive both backpacks and bags to see which is right for you, and remember to try them when packed with stuff so you'll get a real sense of how comfortable and usable they are.

Can I use my diaper bag as a backpack?

It depends. Some diaper bags come with adapter straps that can turn them into backpacks, and some do not. Some diaper backpacks come with a single strap so that you can use it as a diaper bag and wear it over only one shoulder, or even cross-body. If your diaper bag has two handles and zips closed, you can turn it into a diaper backpack in a pinch by zipping the bag shut and looping one strap over each shoulder.

What do I need to look for in a diaper backpack?

The most important things to look for in a diaper backpack are size, special features, and style. You’ll want to make sure there’s room to fit everything you need to carry, especially if you have multiple children with different needs. You’ll also want to note any special pockets, pouches, liners, or other features that might be useful to stay organized. A diaper bag that is either machine washable or wipes down easily is always a good choice, but at the end of the day, this is a bag you’ll be carrying a lot, so consider if it also fits your personal aesthetic.

The 9 Best Diaper Bag Backpacks of 2022

Easily tote around everything you'll need for your baby

Ashley Ziegler

Updated on October 20, 2021

Medically reviewed by

Rachel Gurevich, RN

Fact checked by

Marley Hall

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products, and articles are reviewed by healthcare professionals for medical accuracy. You can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Best Diaper Bag Backpacks — Verywell Family

Once you have a baby, just grabbing your keys and phone and walking out the door will be a thing of the past. Every trip out of your house will mean packing diapers, burp cloths, wipes, toys, bottles, pacifiers, and a changing mat, along with your keys and phone (if there’s room for them). Having a diaper bag that can hold all of this is essential. Having a diaper bag backpack means you’ll not only be able to carry everything with you, but you’ll also be able to have your arms and hands free for other things like pushing a stroller or carrying your baby.

If this slice of freedom sounds good, check out these backpack diaper bags.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack at Dagnedover.com

Ideal for parents with older children, it's as heavy-duty as it looks with its multiple compartments and Performance Air Mesh.

Best Budget:

Ruvalino Diaper Bag Backpack at Amazon

An affordable pick that doesn't skimp on features, it's wearable as a backpack, handbag, or a stroller accessory.

Best Leather:

Luli Bebe Monaco Diaper Bag Backpack at Amazon

A faux leather pick that's both stain-resistant and stylish, it features all the space you need for a day with the family.

Best Unisex:

Skip Hop Forma Diaper Backpack at Amazon

Keep the essentials organized and separated with the included packing cubes and insulated side pockets.

Best Circle Backpack:

Fawn Design Premium Vegan Leather Diaper Bag at Amazon

Wearable as a messenger or a backpack, its wide zipper opening means quick and easy access to whatever baby needs.

Best for Dad:

Bag Nation Diaper Bag Backpack at Amazon

Dad won't be left out with this water-resistant bag that's attachable to any stroller and includes a changing pad.

Best for Multiples:

HapTim Large Baby Diaper Bag at Amazon

Extra-large and comfortable to carry, it ensures you stay hands-free while toting all of the staples.

Best Compact:

Petunia Pickle Bottom District Diaper Backpack at Nordstrom

Perfect for a short outing, especially if you prefer a sleeker bag, its water-resistant material makes accidents a breeze.

Best for Travel:

Itzy Ritzy Diaper Bag Backpack at Amazon

Its wide, easy-to-access opening simplifies the packing process while the multiple interior pockets store all you need.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For

Pros

Mini changing mat
Magnetic closure

Cons

Costly

Available in three sizes and a variety of colors, there is a backpack to suit every life stage whether you have an infant, toddler, or bigger kid. The largest size is perfect for infants and has tons of storage space as well as pockets and pouches so everything will have a place. It comes with a little mat for safe diaper changes and even has a laptop sleeve for parents. The soft and easy to clean neoprene exterior keeps this backpack stain-free. The included stroller straps and luggage slit in the back mean that you don't have to carry it on your back while traveling. The sleek, unisex design is perfect for mom and dad to wear.

Dimensions: 10 x 6 x 11 inches | Material: Neoprene | Number of Pockets: 7

What Our Editors Say

"There is a pocket for literally everything in this backpack. It even has a laptop sleeve inside, so I know I'll get use out of it once we're past the baby and toddler years. And I love that the style is a little sporty." — Ashleigh Morley, Editorial Director of Verywell Family Commerce

Pros

Waterproof
Different style options

Cons

Straps sold separately for stroller attachment
No charger included

If you’re looking to get a lot of bang for your buck, this stylish convertible bag is for you. It can be worn as a backpack or crossbody bag, or it can be carried by the top handles. It has several interior and exterior pockets to make storage organized and easy to access and it has plenty of room for bottles, wipes, diapers, clothes, and more. This backpack also comes with a changing mat and is available in several color options.

Dimensions: 11.8 x 7.8 x 16.5 inches | Material: Polyester | Number of Pockets: 16 pockets

Pros

Stylish design
Stain-resistant exterior

Cons

Costly

You’d never guess this backpack is faux leather from looking at it, but it is and it’s water-resistant! The interior lining is wipeable and is loaded with pockets for storage and a changing pad. There are also a few exterior zip pockets and side pouches for things you need quick and easy access to and you can opt to carry the bag as a backpack, shoulder bag, or crossbody bag.

Dimensions: 14 x 7 x 14 inches | Material: Faux leather | Number of Pockets: 9

Skip Hop 203100 Forma Diaper Bag Backpack

Pros

Changing pad included
Affordable

Cons

Not machine washable

This diaper backpack will look great on anyone. It’s designed to be lightweight, includes two storage cubes that are great for bottles and other items you need to grab quickly, and comes with a cozy mat for changing your baby’s diapers. It has tons of space inside as well as pockets and pouches both inside and out. The shoulder straps are adjustable to ensure a comfortable fit, and it has a top carrying handle for when you need to quickly grab the bag on-the-go.

Dimensions: 15.5 x 9 x 15 inches | Material: Polyester | Number of Pockets: Not Listed

Pros

Versatile
Easy to clean

Cons

Heavy
Costly

This diaper backpack is available in four colors, each of which has gold hardware for an added stylish touch. You can carry the bag as a backpack, crossbody bag, or remove the straps to just carry it by the handle on top. It has several interior and exterior pockets, some with zippers, so you’ll be able to store—and find—everything you need to keep your baby happy on outings.

Dimensions: 8 x 15 x 13 inches | Material: Faux leather | Number of Pockets: 12

Bag Nation Diaper Bag Backpack Review

Pros

Large capacity
Lifetime guarantee

Cons

No sternum strap
Some bottles don't fit inside insulated area

You’ll be able to fit all of the essentials, plus a few extras, in this water-resistant diaper backpack. The adjustable straps have padding for comfort, it comes with a pad for changing diapers on the go, and it’s uniquely designed so you have easy access to essentials (like baby wipes). The best part? It has a lifetime guarantee, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking down over the years.

Dimensions: 17 x 14 x 7.5 inches | Material: Polyester | Number of Pockets: 14

"For our trip to Italy, we used the backpack as one of our carry-ons, and it fit perfectly under the seat in front of us. The spacious bag was a lifesaver on the overnight flight, as we were able to fit our toddler’s pajamas, diapers, diaper cream, milk, and loads of snacks." — Michelle Piccolo, Verywell writer and product tester

HapTim Multi-function Large Baby Diaper Bag Backpack

3.7

Hap Tim Diaper Bag Backpack Review

Pros

Waterproof
Budget-friendly

Cons

No external wipe pocket

This backpack may look small, but it’s actually quite impressive and can easily fit everything you need for multiples! It’s equipped with 17 pockets for organized storage and easy access to everything you need. The bag is made from high-quality materials to ensure it’s durable and strong enough to withstand the weight of all you need to carry and it comes with padded shoulder straps to make physically carrying the load a little easier on you.

Dimensions: 18 x 14 x 7 inches | Material: Nylon | Number of Pockets: 17

Hap Tim Diaper Bag Backpack — Verywell Family / Michelle Piccolo

Petunia Pickle Bottom District Diaper Backpack

Pros

Stylish design
Compact

Cons

Costly

Available in several color and pattern combinations, this backpack has all the space you need to carry the necessities. It comes with a machine-washable changing pad, has a two-way zipper closure, side pockets for easy access to bottles, and it’s packed with pockets so you can always know where to find what you need. The shoulder straps are adjustable for proper fit or the bag can be carried using the handle on top.

Dimensions: 6 x 12 x 14 inches | Material: Polyester | Number of Pockets: Not Listed

Pros

17 pockets
Rubber feet on base

Cons

Spot clean only
Costly

For families with wanderlust, this backpack has enough space to get you and your baby through a day of travel without worry. It’s packed with interior and exterior pockets for quick access to bottles, burp cloths, and pacis, and it has a zipper opening to make things even easier. You can carry the bag by the top handle or use the adjustable straps to carry it as a backpack.

Dimensions: 10.5 x 7 x 18 inches | Material: Polyester | Number of Pockets: 17

Final Verdict

The best diaper backpack for you depends on a lot of factors, but if you’re looking for one that is basically the Jack of all trades, you can’t go wrong with the Indi Diaper Backpack (view at Dagne Dover) or the Skip Hop Forma Diaper Backpack (view at Amazon).

What to Look for in a Diaper Bag

Size

One of the most important deciding factors when it comes to purchasing a diaper bag is its size. Depending on how many children the bag will be used for, you want to make sure you have enough room to fit everything.

Consider how many pockets the diaper bag features to give you an idea of what you can fit inside. You especially want a diaper bag with a large capacity in case you need to travel or pack extra clothes and toys. Check out the dimensions of diaper bags if you’re shopping online to get a real idea of how big the bag will be.

Special Features

Many backpack diaper bags provide families with helpful extra features. For example, many now have charging ports, so you can charge your phone while out and about with your little one. Others feature a zipper in the back that once unzipped, pulls out an attached changing table mat. It’s up to you to decide which special features you don’t necessarily need and which ones you can’t live without.

Style

While style isn’t the most important factor to look for in a diaper bag, it is one that many parents and caregivers consider. Because you will be carrying around the diaper bag for quite some time, its look may be important to you. And some bags are so attractive that you'll want to carry them beyond the diapering years.

Diaper bags are made of many different materials, from polyester to faux leather, with all of them having their own flair (and weight, so be aware of that as you're shopping). Some of them are even different shapes, like circles or squares, and that’s something to think about before purchasing as the capacity inside may be different.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best diaper backpack?

The best diaper backpack is one that suits your lifestyle and the way you like to organize things. The person who needs a diaper backpack to go from the beach to a hike to a playdate is very different from the person who needs a diaper bag for going out to dinner or commuting to work with a baby in tow.
When shopping for a diaper backpack, you'll want to examine the interior of the diaper bag carefully for special features like mesh pouches, extra pockets, hidden storage, and a charging port. Those things might be important to you for your life on-the-go, or they might not be. If you want a diaper backpack that's as good-looking as it is functional, the Indi Diaper Backpack and the Skip Hop Forma Diaper Backpack are can't-go-wrong picks.
Is a diaper backpack or bag better?

Whether a diaper backpack or a diaper bag is better is a matter of personal preference and comfort. You may like the aesthetics of a backpack, and appreciate how it distributes weight across your body. A diaper backpack can be worn with both straps or slung over just one shoulder. Some have special clips or straps to hang them off of a stroller.
Many people like diaper backpacks because they let you carry your gear hands-free. If you and your partner will both be using the diaper bag or backpack, take their tastes and preferences into account as well. Test-drive both backpacks and bags to see which is right for you, and remember to try them when packed with stuff so you'll get a real sense of how comfortable and usable they are.
Can I use my diaper bag as a backpack?

It depends. Some diaper bags come with adapter straps that can turn them into backpacks, and some do not. Some diaper backpacks come with a single strap so that you can use it as a diaper bag and wear it over only one shoulder, or even cross-body. If your diaper bag has two handles and zips closed, you can turn it into a diaper backpack in a pinch by zipping the bag shut and looping one strap over each shoulder.
What do I need to look for in a diaper backpack?

The most important things to look for in a diaper backpack are size, special features, and style. You’ll want to make sure there’s room to fit everything you need to carry, especially if you have multiple children with different needs. You’ll also want to note any special pockets, pouches, liners, or other features that might be useful to stay organized. A diaper bag that is either machine washable or wipes down easily is always a good choice, but at the end of the day, this is a bag you’ll be carrying a lot, so consider if it also fits your personal aesthetic.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce content for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to 1-year-old and 4-year-old daughters and an aunt to 3 nieces and 2 nephews ranging from 5 to 11 years old. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families.

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