Take a walk around any park or playground and you are sure to see a barrage of mothers carrying diaper bag backpacks.
They have become an incredibly popular, “hands-free” choice over the last few years, and these days it is hard to find me without mine. I have been so impressed with the evolution of design and function that I have witnessed over the last 5 years, since having my son. When the backpack I bought for my third baby started breaking down last month, I decided it was time to test out some of the most popular diaper bag backpacks to pick the best one for our family. I’m sharing my pros and cons list with you below, so you can find the best diaper bag backpack for your baby’s journey, too.
Xo,
Lizzie
Top Pick: Jujube Be Right Back Backpack
Why this is my favorite backpack: This is a lightweight, comfortable backpack that looks stylish and is packed with function. I love that there is ample storage for mom and that the bag zips all the way open, so you don’t have to dump anything out when you are looking for something. The cushion and padding on the shoulder straps make carrying this bag a pleasure! Hope you love it, too!
Pros:
- This bag is made well, and has nice comfortable padded straps
- There is a flap for easy access to your things in the front
- A spacious zipper pocket keeps your items secure and safe
- There is a cell phone pocket, key ring and other small pockets to keep you organized
- There are 2 insulated pockets for bottles or snacks
- It opens all the way, zipping to the bottom of the bag
- Includes a changing pad
- There is a zipper pocket to keep your change of clothes or gear clean
- There is a strap to wrap up blankets, bibs or a change of clothes
- Breathable fabric on the back keeps parents comfortable
- It has nice metal accents
- It’s machine washable
Cons:
- It’s slightly pricier than other backpacks on the market
- There isn’t as much cup storage as some other bags
- There is no back pocket
1st Runner Up: Itzy Ritzy Boss Diaper Backpack
Why I love the Itzy Ritzy
This stylish backpack made of vegan leather is very comfortable to wear. It hugs your body, and the smooth leather is easy to wipe down and clean. Perhaps my favorite thing about this backpack is the fact that it zips all the way down allowing easy access to all items in your bag without dumping all your contents out!
Pros:
- Tons of storage. There are so many compartments in this bag!
- Includes a plush changing pad
- It has 2 insulated pockets as well as 15 additional pockets
- The main compartment unzips all the way and lays flat for easy access
- Includes a Key Ring
- Stroller loops allow it to easily attach to the stroller
- Nice gold accents make the bag feel nice
- Rubber feet on the bottom keep the bottom of the bag clean
- Wide range of colors and styles for parents of all types
Cons:
- Pricey- This bag runs around $159
- The metal accents, rubber feet, and quality of the bag make this a slightly heavier choice
- The parent pockets in the front do not zip, so items there may not be as secure
Honorable Mention:Parker Baby Large Diaper Backpack
Why I like the Parker Baby backpack
This is a moderately priced diaper backpack with a ton of storage. This is great for working parents on the go. It includes a laptop sleeve, and storage sections for notebooks, pens, and a book. The insulated pockets are spacious to accommodate much more than just a bottle. Pack a sandwich, fruit or other snack and keep them fresh on the go. The canvas is waterproof and durable, too.
Pros:
- 2 insulated pockets on the side are easy to access
- Larger parent pocket in the front for books, a full-size wallet, keys, phone, etc…
- Changing pad included
- The inside is lined with a wipeable fabric
- 2 more bottle or cup nets inside
- The large, zippered compartment inside is great for extra clothes and shoes
- It has a separate open compartment in the back that is good for a laptop
- It is lightweight and weighs less than 2 pounds
- Its moderate price means more parents can get in on the greatness
Cons:
- The straps are not as padded and therefore not as comfortable as some of the options we have tried.
- A large, designed flap sometimes gets in the way
- Fabric is slightly rough to the touch
Other backpacks we tested:
Eddie Bauer Places and Spaces Bridgeport Diaper Backpack
Pros:
- This is a very comfortable backpack with padded straps
- There are 11 storage pockets including a wipes pocket on the outside of the bag
- Its small and compact size makes it easy to fit in small places
- It has 2 insulated compartments for bottles and snacks on the outside
- More bottle pockets can be found inside
- It has a fantastic grab-and-go top handle
- Includes a changing pad
- There’s no flap to navigate so it’s easy in and out
- Price is fantastic, on the lower end of the other diaper backpacks we reviewed
Cons:
- The backpack is smaller than most others we reviewed so you cannot fit as much
- It did not fit on my husband very well, so if your partner carries the bag you would want to make sure it fits them
- It’s more sporty and not as stylish
- I didn’t love the vertical compartments for storage on the front.
Freshly Picked Women’s Convertible Classic Diaper Backpack
Pros:
- This is a quality diaper backpack. I previously carried this daily for 18 months before much wear and tear occurred
- The vegan leather is smooth to the touch and luxurious
- The matte gold metal details are beautiful
- It’s large and spacious, great for storage!
- It comes with a strap to carry crossbody or like a purse (3 choices)
- Changing Pad is included
- Grab and go Top Handle is nice
- A deep pocket on the front has a zipper which keeps mom’s items more secure
- It has a nice pocket on the back side for extra storage
- It contains 1 insulated pocket inside the bag for bottles
- An interior pocket can accommodate a 15” laptop
Cons:
- This is a pricey bag, one of the most expensive we tested
- The magnetic front flap doesn’t always close and takes effort
- The straps aren’t very comfortable for long wear
- This backpack is a bit on the heavier side
Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack
Pros:
- This is the widest option we tested, great for getting a lot of stuff inside
- You can wear it two ways as a messenger bag or a backpack
- It’s made of a wipeable, durable material
- There are nice feet on the bag for protection
- A removable Velcro changing pad in the front extends for a large changing area
- The magnetic closure works well
- It has 2 large, insulated pockets to keep items cool and fresh
- Smooth straps don’t hurt your shoulders
Cons:
- The changing pad in the front means you can’t unzip the main compartment at all on the sides. That means you must dig in the bag for everything. This was a major issue for us
- There is a lack of convenient, easy to grab, storage for moms on the outside
- The small fleece pocket in the back isn’t practical and is hard to clean
- This is an expensive bag at $189
Ramhorn Waterproof Diaper Backpack
Pros:
- This is a good backpack for a bargain price! It costs less than $25
- The design allows the top to stay open for easy access
- This is a lightweight backpack
- The fabric is waterproof
- It has 3 insulated bottle pockets in the zipper in front
- 2 side pockets for easy storage
Cons:
- There is a lack of much parent space since bottles are in front pocket
- Material is rough to touch
- Straps aren’t as supportive
- There is no back storage pocket
- It is not expandable
