Let's be real: for moms who are into fashion even a little tiny bit, one of the worst parts of running around town with the baby is the hideousness that is a diaper bag. The diaper bags our moms used were bulky, ugly, floral-print nightmares that screamed "I'm a mom and that's my entire identity," and we are super deeply not into them. Those classic diaper bags are just the worst looking. However, for anyone who, well, goes anywhere with a kiddo, having a bag full of baby stuff — not just diapers — is pretty much a necessity.
But rather than give up and walk around with one of those monstrosities our moms used, there are some cool, new options now for carrying all of that sweet baby gear: stylish backpack diaper bags. And they're better than traditional diaper bags not just in terms of looks — we love being able to go hands-free, too.
Whether a backpack diaper bag ends up being the right fit — although we think it will be, as it's so much more convenient than a regular diaper bag — there are a few diapering and diaper bag hacks that are good to know. Because a diaper bag is larger than a regular purse, you can pack some mom must-haves — for instance, it had literally never occurred to us to throw in any extra pair of panties for ourselves, but yeah, that's a really, really good idea.
When looking for a backpack diaper bag, it's easy to think "why not just store baby stuff in a regular backpack? Why use some specialized equipment here?" Well, there's a legit answer: It's totally possible to just use a regular backpack, but backpack diaper bags offer several bonuses, like wipes carriers, changing-pads, and insulated bottle holders. We found several great choices in a wide range of prices for moms looking for a backpack diaper bag at every budget.
J is for Jeep Grey Cross Hatch Back Pack Diaper Bag
This one has tons of room, and it's extra comfortable with the padded straps and soft handle. The 15 pockets mean maximum organization, and insulated bottle pockets make being outside longer easier — plus it comes with a changing pad.
J is for Jeep Grey Cross Hatch Back Pack Diaper Bag ($30, Walmart)
Large Capacity Mummy Maternity Nappy Bag Multifunctional Diaper Backpack
This cheerful, inexpensive bag comes in four colors, has a fantastically large capacity, and is made from waterproof fabric. The workmanship is high quality, and a layer of foil in the front keeps bottles safe and warm.
Large Capacity Mummy Maternity Nappy Bag Multifunctional Diaper Backpack ($35, Walmart)
Baby Boom Cross Hatch Backpack Diaper Bag
This bag is just such a great value, and it's so gender-neutral. There's tons of room for baby stuff as well as regular purse items, organizer pockets, insulated side pocket for bottles and food, and a side wipe dispenser pocket makes changing simple.
Baby Boom Cross Hatch Backpack Diaper Bag ($37, Walmart)
Eddie Bauer Crescent Diaper Backpack in Grey
We love this gender-neutral, extremely functional bag with 11 pockets for organization. The insulated bottle pocket keeps bottles and snacks fresh, it has stroller loops, a removable wipes case, and the whole thing wipes clean.
Eddie Bauer Crescent Diaper Backpack in Grey ($55, Bed Bath & Beyond)
Storq Carryall
The Carryall looks absolutely nothing like a diaper bag, and we love it for that. It's sleek, elegant, doesn't come in primary colors, and really doesn't infantilize the mom along with the infant. However, it's super useful and comes in 100% water-repellent cotton canvas. We love it.
Storq Carryall ($98, Storq)
Black Canvas Diaper Bag
This sleek, minimalist, unisex pack is extra handy because it comes with a changing mat. It also has clips for a stroller, places to stash baby bottles, a parents' pouch, and even a space for a laptop — making it kind of the perfect bag.
Black Canvas Diaper Bag ($135, OneDuo/Etsy)
Skip Hop Duo Diaper Backpack
We love this cool backpack that has tons of useful features, including lots of pocket space for organization and comfy, supportive straps. Plus, it lets parents bring their laptop in the separate laptop pocket.
Skip Hop Duo Diaper Backpack ($65, Pottery Barn Kids)
Carter's Backpack Diaper Bag
This bag looks so sleek and classic in blue chambray — we love it. The main compartment is more spacious than it looks, the top closes with a magnet to make life easier, it has two bottle pockets, and well-designed side pockets for easy storage.
Carter's Backpack Diaper Bag ($50, BuyBuyBaby)
JJ Cole Brookmont Diaper Backpack in Cognac
We love that this is so roomy and has 15 pockets — and that it looks so absolutely chic and elegant. A soft, fleece-lined front pocket can hold breakable sunglasses without damage, and the whole bag can also be used as a messenger bag.
JJ Cole Brookmont Diaper Backpack in Cognac ($100, Bed Bath & Beyond)
Freshly Picked Black Diaper Bag
Made of vegan leather, this bag looks so cool, we would never know it's meant for diapers and baby gear. It can also be worn as a cross-body bag and used as a purse. It has side pockets and zip pockets for organization.
Freshly Picked Black Diaper Bag ($175, Crate & Kids)
Cole's Boss Diaper Bag Backpack
We think this bag looks so hip — and we love that it's made of antique brass hardware and vegan leather. Cool for any parent, regardless of gender, with 14 pockets for plentiful organization.
Cole's Boss Diaper Bag Backpack ($170, Itzy Ritzy)
Stone Classic Diaper Bag
This one was designed using mom focus groups who explained what they really want in a diaper bag, and they said "large capacity, ease of use, durability, and style." Totally wipeable, with 10 spacious pockets, an easy-grab top handle, and a magnetic snap.
Stone Classic Diaper Bag ($175, Freshly Picked)
CoolBELL Baby Diaper Backpack With Insulated Pockets
We love that this comes with tons of great pockets, including three insulated milk bottle pockets, a towel compartment, hidden zipper compartment, an extra insulated sleeve, and a changing pad.
CoolBELL Baby Diaper Backpack with Insulated Pockets ($30, Amazon)
Itzy Ritzy Diaper Bag Backpack
This vegan leather diaper bag is so chic-looking, we'd be surprised if our little sisters didn't try to steal it. With 17 pockets — seven external, 10 internal — this one comes with an easy-wipe changing pad, two insulated bottle pockets, parent pockets, and a valuables pocket. Love it.
Itzy Ritzy Diaper Bag Backpack ($150, Amazon)
SoHo Collections Jackson Vegan Leather Baby Diaper Bag Backpack
The capacity on this one is so large and wonderful, with 16 pockets and three insulated pockets to keep things warm or cool. A white diaper bag may seem like a bad idea, but this is delightfully wipe-clean.
SoHo Collections Jackson Vegan Leather Baby Diaper Bag Backpack ($45, Amazon)
Skip Hop Greenwich Simply Chic Diaper Backpack
Nine pockets make this sweet dark pink diaper bag extremely functional, while the cool tassel and overall look definitely stays chic. We love the adjustable straps and the fact that it's made from wipe-clean vegan leather.
Skip Hop Greenwich Simply Chic Diaper Backpack ($80, Target)
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