“Although it’s tempting to bring every possible baby care item with you in your diaper bag backpack, less is more,” explained Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, pediatrician, author of “The Working Mom Blueprint” and founder of Modern Mamas Club. “Too much weight on the back can cause strain in the shoulders, hips, and back itself. What’s more—heavy baby bag backpacks make traveling with a little one that much more difficult.” Consider a diaper bag backpack with a generous size to fit everything you need, like diapers, wipes, or your own items, without weighing you down. The bag should feel comfortable to wear without sacrificing your style. Additional considerations include a changing station or pad, wet bag, easy-to-use zippers, pockets (insulated and uninsulated), easy access, size, and overall value. We considered these criteria when testing them in our lab before narrowing down our list to 18 winners.  Based on our testing, here are the best diaper bag backpacks on the market. Our tester loved the “sleek” design of the diaper bag backpack and scored another 5 out of 5 stars in that category. While the contents inside the backpack are accessible via the top fabric fastener, like the included detachable changing pad, the front zipper was the ultimate highlight feature, allowing easier access to everything inside. Plus, the bag is rainproof on the exterior with waterproof zippers, while the interior is spill-proof to protect from accidents. As for hiccups in the bag’s design, our tester found only one: The outside bottle holder is narrow and will not fit large water bottles (only regular-sized). Despite a small bump, the diaper bag backpack fit in the basket of a big jogging stroller and a smaller umbrella stroller during lab testing. The Bugaboo Changing Backpack works best with Bugaboo strollers, but thanks to separate velcro straps that attach to the stroller’s handles, our tester could attach it to an Uppababy stroller. However, it’s important to note that if your baby isn’t in the stroller or the backpack is full, the bag’s weight will tip the stroller over.  The Bugaboo Changing Backpack isn’t the most budget-friendly diaper bag backpack option (4.5 out of 5 stars for overall value). Still, it’s stylish and comfortable, provides plenty of space for necessities, and has features parents and caregivers will appreciate, like the front zipper and waterproof material. “For the price, you’re getting comfort and also a pretty good laptop bag you could use—even when you’re not with your kid,” said our tester, adding that the bag looks well-made and durable. Price at time of publication: $160 The diaper bag backpack lost half a point in the design category because it could use one more large internal pocket to keep things organized. Still, the Zealous backpack featured several handy pockets on the exterior: two handy zipper pockets, two bottle pockets, and a pocket on the top for keys, phones, and other small items. Inside the bag were a large pocket and four mesh pockets for easy visibility and access to essential items. One feature our tester loved was the internal loops to hold a baby blanket.  The backpack easily fits into the gracious storage compartment of a Graco stroller and a smaller Uppababy cargo compartment (with a little effort on our tester’s end). As for comfort, you can thank the padded straps for the bag’s perfect score in that category. “[The bag] felt extra good on my back because of the padded straps,” our tester said.  Considering the bag’s comfort, compact design, and loads of storage space, our tester thought the $130 price tag was worth it. Moreover, the Jujube Zealous Backpack is machine washable—a priceless feature for any parent or caregiver.  Price at time of publication: $130 One of the pockets was accessible from the back of the bag, though our tester noted that not all the bag’s zippers could be unzipped one-handed. Additionally, our tester had to struggle to fit the fully loaded diaper bag into the storage compartment on a small stroller in the lab. There were no problems with the diaper bag fitting into the larger storage space of a second stroller. The bag’s exterior is 100 percent polyurethane vegan leather that looked “professional” and “high-end,” according to our tester. The bag’s interior features PVC-free lining that’s safe to wipe clean if spillage occurs. A changing pad with a zippered pocket is included for on-the-go diaper changes to hold wipes, diapers, or cream. The backpack’s design nearly got a perfect score but lost half a point because our tester wished for a larger interior pocket or additional side pocket. The bag also comes with a key holder deep inside the bag, making it difficult to access.  Wide padded straps allowed the bag to distribute weight evenly when the backpack was fully loaded. According to our tester, it didn’t feel heavy and earned 5 out of 5 stars for comfort. “Very comfy to wear and walk around with,” they said, adding that nothing fell out of the bag or got moved out of place when tilted over.  Our tester scored the diaper bag backpack’s overall value 5 out of 5 stars. The many pockets (particularly the insulated one) and comfy padded straps are only a few standout features our tester loved about this backpack. If you’re looking for more sparkle than the solid black color option, the same diaper bag backpack is available in a stunning champagne shade. Price at time of publication: $150
Otherwise, the bag’s design earned 5 out of 5 stars for its vibrant color, stylish shape, buckle closure at the top, and sturdy zippers. “I could reach into the bag pretty easily while still holding it on one strap,” said our tester. A front zipper pocket features a removable waterproof changing pad and compartments for wipes and a few diapers, minimizing the need to go digging when you’ve got a wiggling baby in need of a change. In addition, there were a couple of interior pockets for bottles and small items, like a wallet. We also loved the included tiny pouch to keep pacifiers clean and within arm’s reach. The bag fit “quite easily” into small and large stroller cargo compartments in the lab. Another bonus? If you want to loop the shoulder straps over a stroller handle, they detach.  One odd details is that instead of external side pockets there are two elastic straps to hold a water bottle. It worked until our tester put the bag into the stroller’s storage compartment, when the bottle fell out. “This bag was so nice to carry. The weight was well distributed,” our tester said, giving credit to the bag’s “nicely padded” shoulder straps. It earned 5 out of 5 stars for comfort and overall value. The bag is less than $100–a great price for a unique diaper bag backpack that’s chic, functional, and convenient.  Price at time of publication: $90 “The fact that the middle part can be attached or detached would give you many options for how it’s used,” said our tester. It has a healthy capacity to store all items (nearly 7 gallons!) and received 5 out of 5 stars for that category. Plus, it fit into both strollers’ cargo areas in the lab (some effort was required on the smaller stroller, though).  On the bag’s exterior, our tester found three pockets and used one to hold her water bottle. When our tester tilted the bag, everything stayed in place, including the bottles in the interior mesh pockets. However, there weren’t many pockets inside for organization, so our tester knocked half a point off for the bag’s design. Additionally, the zippers on the bag were hard to operate one-handed. However, the backpack’s external zipper was a highlight that allowed quick access to the changing mat.  Our tester had zero complaints about the bag’s comfort but scored it 4.5 out of 5 stars for lacking any wow factor. Still, at $100, this diaper bag backpack is high quality and versatile, and we think it could last through multiple babies or be used as a regular backpack later on.  Price at time of publication: $100 Our tester said he enjoyed the “minimalistic design” of the diaper bag and the neutral charcoal color. The “well-thought pocket placements” for diapers, bottles, wipes, and other items (like the included large changing mat and toiletry bag) were a big hit and earned the diaper backpack 4.8 stars out of 5. In addition, the padding on the shoulder straps provided a comfortable wearing experience and distributed weight evenly. “Everything feels centered and aligned,” our tester said, giving the bag’s comfort a perfect score.  The $120 price tag may be too much for some. But with so many pockets, including an insulated one for bottles, a comfortable fit, and plenty of space, it’s a bag many will find worth the money.  Price at time of publication: $121 While we like the overall design and functionality of the Ruvalino Diaper Bag Backpack, one small flaw is that it lacks a wide enough base to stand on its own when empty (though it’s sturdy when full). Moreover, our tester wished the zippers stopped higher for easier access to open the bag. Still, the bag’s design kept everything organized without having to stuff everything on top of each other and later digging to find items lost at the bottom.  Padded shoulder straps with soft fabric provide a comfortable fit. Although, our tester noticed the polyester material of the backpack was a bit scratchy against the skin and may not be ideal when wearing a tank top. But, “overall, no digging, and the weight is evenly distributed,” the tester added, scoring comfort 4.5 out of 5 stars.  For those who love organization, this diaper bag backpack is a dream come true—and worth the $90 cost. “This is a really fair price for what you’re getting! It’s not the most convenient to zip and unzip or access with one hand, but aside from that, it’s a nicely designed bag,” said our tester.  Price at time of publication: $90 A convenient back pocket converts to a travel sleeve for a luggage handle to make on-the-go adventures effortless. We also appreciate the machine-washable diaper pad and clear wipe pouch for parents and caregivers who don’t want to carry a large wipe package. Perhaps because of all these spacious features, the backpack was tough to fit into our larger stroller’s storage compartment and required both hands to get it out. A better storage choice would be to use the included straps to hang it from a stroller’s handle bar. A thoughtful detail like that is what kept this bag at a healthy 4.5 out of 5 stars for design.  The diaper bag backpack’s straps feature the same padded vegan leather material that felt good on our tester’s back even when loaded with gear. Our tester ran into an issue when adjusting the straps, which she called, “a pain and not intuitive to adjust. When shortened, parts of the straps dangled pretty far, which is annoying.” Our tester noted that the fabric is not breathable, but it didn’t bother her (something to keep in mind for parents and caregivers who run hot) and earned another 4.5-star rating for comfort.  According to our tester, the diaper bag backpack nearly earned a perfect score for overall value. Between the vegan leather material, spacious storage, and special wipes pocket, our tester thought the price of the diaper bag was fair. “It looks really nice and could pass as a regular backpack,” she said.  Price at time of publication: $179 A compact diaper bag backpack doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. The Itzy Ritzy is available in several color and pattern options, like leopard and taupe, and includes a matching changing pad (not padded). Our tester liked how the front of the bag opened wide for easy access and visibility and said all zippers were easy to zip and unzip one-handed. The bag’s rubber feet kept the bag sturdy and upright at all times. However, the interior pockets were small and didn’t provide much flexibility on how you use them, which knocked off half a point for the bag’s design. Comfort earned the same 4.5 score, with our tester saying the bag was a little less comfortable than other diaper bag backpacks with padded straps.  Despite some hiccups during testing, the compact diaper bag backpack earned 5 out of 5 stars for its value.  Price at time of publication: $90 “This is a very attractive bag. It doesn’t look very fancy or leather, but it looks like a quality bag with nice metal details and good construction,” our tester said, giving it 4.8 stars for design. She liked that parents’ and caregivers’ needs were a top priority, though she noted that the bag doesn’t include any clever baby-related features, like a wipe dispenser. As for comfort, this diaper bag backpack scored perfectly. The mesh back and easy-to-adjust padded straps provided an even weight distribution for our tester, who wore the fully loaded diaper bag backpack on a quick walk. However, she says while the bag fit her body well, she’s unsure how it would compare to parents and caregivers of a larger size.  The $175 price tag is a splurge for many families, so the bag earned 4 out of 5 stars for its overall value. However, for families who want to splurge, our tester said the Jujube Be Right Back Backpack is well-made, easy to use, and stylish without looking childish. Plus, it fits easily into an umbrella stroller’s cargo space without bothering the baby. A big benefit? This diaper bag backpack is machine washable.  Price at time of publication: $175 We appreciated the thoughtfulness of this bag’s design (5 stars!). The zippers are easy to use, and there is plenty of space—and then some—for everything. According to our tester, the bag is a great option for traveling families. The bag’s overall value lost a point due to the price of $318. This is the most expensive diaper bag backpack on our list, yet there is so much else to love about it. Our tester said this was their favorite diaper bag to test in the lab because it “really does just about everything.”  Price at time of publication: $318 The backpack has two sturdy handles to be held like a handbag; however, our tester said the bag felt heavy this way and preferred using the backpack straps. “When the weight is distributed onto the back when worn as a backpack, it’s much more comfortable. I would only use the two top straps to attach it onto the stroller versus holding it on a forearm,” she said, ranking the bag’s comfort 4 out of 5 stars. Thanks to the bag’s versatility, it earned a perfect score for design, with our tester saying they liked the built-in stroller straps so you don’t risk losing pieces. “I also like that it’s water-repellent and really chic with the patent look,” she added. There were also separate pockets (both interior and exterior) for additional items, like a laptop, kids’ tablet, or the included changing mat. We also loved the suitcase strap on the back for convenient travel. The bag’s overall value was scored 4 out of 5 stars, mainly due to the uncomfortable top straps that felt heavy to carry when fully loaded. Still, it is a good value for all the features you get in return (it’s even machine washable!). Our tester said the $110 price tag could work in various budgets, making a great gift for expecting parents, caregivers, or families who travel often.  Price at time of publication: $110 The bag’s design is eye-catching. “This bag has both a nice and sophisticated design. I loved the neutral colors and the paint-splatter pattern,” she said. Additionally, several internal and external compartments held necessities and kept everything, including water bottles, in place when our tester tipped the bag over. However, the lack of zippered compartments inside resulted in a point loss for design. The thin, lightly padded straps are comfortable to wear, our tester said, scoring comfort 4.5 out of 5 stars. “I think it definitely helps that the bag itself is lightweight,” she said.  While the diaper bag backpack costs $159, our tester said it’s worth the investment for its quality and functionality (4.3 out of 5 stars for overall value). Price at time of publication: $159 Our tester appreciated the bag’s large size. “It has space for everything a baby could possibly need and space for parents’ items, too,” she said, scoring capacity 5 out of 5 stars. The diaper bag also felt comfortable to wear without digging into the skin, thanks to the padded back and shoulder straps that were easy to adjust (another perfect score for comfort). This backpack’s price is somewhere in the middle of our list—not too high, yet not budget-friendly for all families. It may not be a practical option for those who need to access items quickly. Although, for the amount of space you get, this is a pretty good value.  Price at time of publication: $100 One of our favorite features was the removable fanny pack, which a caregiver can use when they want to leave the heavier bag behind. The drop-down changing station was another of our tester’s favorite features, but she noted that babies might outgrow it quickly. Nevertheless, the bag’s design earned a healthy 4.5 out of 5 stars.  The amount of space was a pro and con to our tester and played a role in its overall value score (4 stars). “The problem is, you may wind up buying a second bag for when you don’t need to take this much with you,” she noted. Considering the amount of storage space and bells and whistles that come with this diaper bag backpack, it could be quite useful for a parent packing for overnight trips or a day out with multiple kids. Price at time of publication: $188 Due to the lack of easy access to items, our tester scored its design 3.5 out of 5 stars. “It could just use a few more conveniences for access,” she noted. She enjoyed the button on the outer diagonal pocket and the easy-to-clean waterproof material, however. The bag also attaches to strollers with included straps. Additionally, the padding on the straps distributes weight well, minus a bit of discomfort around the shoulders for our tester (4.5 stars for comfort).  While the HapTim diaper bag doesn’t look “luxurious,” the price is better than most of the others on this list. It’s still a stylish, neutral diaper bag with plenty of space to hold your little one’s necessities (and your own). Price at time of publication: $60 The opening of the backpack resembles a half-moon shape that unzips entirely so you can reach items inside one-handed. Our tester loved the polyurethane material and said it was nice to the touch and looked “upscale.” The bag stands up on its own and features removable straps that can convert to a crossbody style. Moreover, our tester was surprised to find the backpack so comfortable due to the lack of padded shoulder straps (4.5 stars for comfort).  Our tester scored the overall value of the bag, including its $190 price tag, at 4.2 stars. She felt it could be more spacious inside, but she also appreciated its many features, style, and comfort.  Price at time of publication: $190

In addition to several external and internal pockets (11 total), the baby backpack includes a washable zipper bag, a wipeable changing mat, and a removable pouch for small items. When fully loaded, the diaper bag backpack fits nicely into a stroller’s storage compartment but requires a bit of jostling to remove. When our tester made the bag fall over, nothing got too displaced inside. But despite many pockets providing a snug fit for items, it was a challenge for our tester to fit her stuff into the bag and reach items at the bottom (3.7 stars for capacity).  The pockets problem led to a lower score for design as well. “There are plenty of pockets, but not all of them are intuitive to use, and it just feels like everything is piling on top of itself,” our tester noted. The bag also stands on its own when fully loaded, but not so much when it’s less full. The features we love about the backpack are the included changing mat, removable pouches, and style. “The design is sporty yet chic, and the material is soft to the touch and looks high quality,” said our tester. Bonus: You get extra room when you undo the buckles near the top zipper.  Comfort was the highlight of this diaper backpack, with our tester giving credit to the padded fabric and straps. “The diaper bag felt nice to wear when it was full,” she said, adding that weight was distributed evenly and the puffy fabric was cozy against the skin.  This bag is another high-priced backpack on our list, yet there’s a lot to celebrate. Our tester appreciated the pockets but wished they were more functional. However, for the comfort, size, and added features, it could be worth the price (and you may even use it for yourself later).  Price at time of publication: $165 Testers arrived on site at the Verywell Lab with their keys, phones, water bottles, and wallet to place inside the bags. Additionally, we provided two strollers on site (to test the diaper bags in the storage compartments) and baby items (diapers, wipes, diaper cream, blanket, change of clothes, snack cup, a toy, and baby bottle) to fit inside the backpacks.  Testers examined the diaper bags by unzipping and zipping the compartments, noting all the pockets, compartments, and special features. We asked testers to make notes about whether the diaper bags stood on their own (full and empty) and to inspect the seams and fabric to determine if the material and construction were well-made to last for years and wash well.  We weighed the diaper bag backpacks on the provided scale in the lab and then asked testers to fill the diaper bags with all items provided. We wanted to know if there was enough space for everything, including water bottles and other personal items for adults. We even asked testers to tilt and flip the diaper bags over to determine if items fell out or got so jostled that they’d be frustrating to find, especially with a crying baby in one arm. They put the bags in the cargo areas of the two strollers to see how they fit and tried out any additional stroller-hanging straps the bags came with. Testers adjusted the straps and wore the diaper bag backpacks on a brisk walk to determine comfort. We asked testers to make notes on how the backpack felt when filled. Then, while holding a baby doll in one arm, they tried to take out the diapers, wipes, and changing pad with one hand, if possible. Finally, we carefully considered all other attributes in comparison with the price of each stroller to assess their overall value. 

Diaper Bag Backpacks We Also Tested 

BabbleRoo Diaper Bag Backpack: Another budget-friendly option, this diaper bag backpack features many pockets and padded straps but struggles to hold a large wipe container and a few difficult-to-access internal pockets.  Skip Hop Forma Diaper Bag Backpack: This diaper bag had a functional size that fit all items and then some, but it’s rather unattractive compared to the competition. Happ Levy Backpack: This diaper bag backpack is well-designed and comfy, but it lacks room for adult items. 

What to Look for in a Diaper Bag

Size and Capacity

Size is essential when finding the right diaper bag backpack for your family. First, consider how many children you’re caring for while using the bag, to ensure you have enough space to fit everything. You should have pockets to hold different items, including baby bottles that need insulation to stay warm or cool. If you plan on taking the bag on longer trips, you’ll want a diaper bag with a large capacity, such as the Bèis Ultimate Diaper Bag Backpack,that may also serve as a carry-on when traveling by plane. However, if you only need to leave the house for short periods of time, you can opt for a smaller diaper bag, like the Itzy Ritzy Mini Diaper Bag,  Dr. Casares recommends lightening the load to reduce strain on yourself regardless of size. “Make sure to think ‘minimalism’ when you think about packing your baby’s diaper bag, no matter what style you choose,” she suggested. 

Special Features

When shopping for a diaper backpack, carefully examine the diaper bag’s interior for special features like mesh pouches, extra pockets, hidden storage, or a drop-down changing station. Those things might be useful for your life on the go, or they might not be. Some diaper bag backpacks feature a zipper in the front to easily access everything inside. Overall, what features you’ll find handy daily is up to you.

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. Additionally, certain styles are easier on the back than others, such as a backpack over a crossbody.  “Generally speaking, backpack diaper bag styles are easier on the body than totes or crossbody styles because they more evenly distribute weight across the shoulders and on the back,” said Dr. Casares. 

Material 

Diaper bags are made of many different materials, such as polyester to faux leather, which vary in look and weight (so be aware of that as you’re shopping). Some of them are even different shapes, like circles or squares. 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 how it fits your personal aesthetic.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience under her belt. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism, helping others, and becoming a parent led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. Aside from a backpack design, diaper bags are available in other styles, like crossbody, tote, or fanny pack. These styles still feature special pockets but range in size and how they carry. For example, holding a tote diaper bag on your arm may become tiring after a while, and a fanny pack style is great for quick trips but lacks storage. “When you’re picking a diaper bag backpack, make sure it doesn’t cause any strain on your back or skin irritation from rubbing. Padded straps and a pack that’s designed to fit ergonomically can help with this,” Dr. Casares told Verywell Family.  You simply want to make sure there’s room to fit everything you need to carry, especially if you have multiple children with different needs.