A backpack puts the weight on both shoulders and leaves your hands free, while a tote opens wide and is quickest to reach into but hangs from one shoulder or one arm. Long walks, stairs and transit point to a backpack, and short car trips point to a tote. Crossbody and messenger bags sit in the middle, and the right choice depends on the part of your day that is hardest to carry through.
How the two styles differ
A backpack has two shoulder straps and rests against your back. A tote has two top handles, and some also come with a longer strap, so it hangs from your forearm or a shoulder. Both come in sizes from small to large and can have the same pockets, linings and closures, so the real difference is how the weight is carried and how you get things out.
Some bags borrow from both styles. The LORADI large diaper bag tote backpack has both words in its name, and the SUPROMOMI large tote diaper bag in grey is a tote by name. Check each product page to see which straps and handles a bag really has.
Carrying comfort and hands-free time
A backpack spreads its load across both shoulders and keeps it close to your back. That helps on a long walk, up a flight of stairs or on a crowded bus, and it leaves both hands for a stroller, a toddler's hand or a door. A lighter bag helps even more over distance, and one option is the LORADI lightweight diaper bag backpack in black.
A tote puts the whole load on one side. That is fine from the car to the front door, and you can switch shoulders as you go, but a loaded tote can feel heavy on a longer trip. If you wear your baby in a carrier, try the bag with the carrier on before you decide, because two sets of straps on the same shoulders can feel crowded.
If carrying a load causes you pain, or you have a back or shoulder problem, ask your doctor or a physiotherapist what is sensible for you.
Getting things out quickly
This is where a tote earns its place. A wide top lets you see inside and reach in with one hand, even while you hold a baby. The catch is that an open tote can tip over and spill, so look for a zipper or a flap that closes the top.
With a backpack, you often need to take it off, or swing it around to your front, before you can open it. Whichever style you choose, keep the things you reach for most, such as a wipes pack and a clean diaper, in an outside pocket so you do not have to open the main compartment every time.
On a stroller, in a car, on transit
- Stroller: a tote's handles can loop over a stroller handle, and some backpacks have a top loop or clips for the same job. A loaded bag hung there can change how the stroller balances, so read the stroller's manual before you hang anything. The basket underneath is often a steadier spot if the bag fits, so measure it and check the manual for the basket's weight limit.
- Car: a tote sits upright on a seat or in the footwell and is easy to reach into. A backpack tends to lean, so wedge it where it cannot slide forward.
- Transit: a slim backpack worn on your front, or set between your feet, takes less room in an aisle. A tote can sit on your lap, but close the top so nothing spills when the vehicle moves.
Sharing one bag between caregivers
A tote needs no adjusting: whoever has it picks it up and goes. A backpack needs its straps set for each person, so check that the straps adjust over a wide range and that the buckles are easy to reach. If two or more people carry the bag, plain styling and a layout everyone can read at a glance matter more than the shape. The diaper bags collection has both backpacks and totes to compare.
Where crossbody and messenger bags fit in
A crossbody or messenger bag has a long strap that goes across your body, so the bag sits at your hip and stays put while you bend or lift. You can swing it forward to open it, which makes it nearly as easy to reach into as a tote without a strap that slips off your shoulder.
The trade-off is that the weight still sits on one side, so it suits lighter loads and shorter outings better than a full day. Look for a strap that adjusts, since the position of the bag changes how it feels, and a flap or zipper that closes the top.
Which style suits which routine
| Your routine | Worth a look |
|---|---|
| Long walks, stairs or transit | Backpack |
| Short car trips, door to door | Tote |
| Quick outings with lots of reaching in | Crossbody or messenger |
| Several caregivers of different sizes | Tote, or a backpack with a wide strap range |
If you are torn, think about the hardest stretch of your usual day, such as the walk from the bus stop or the climb to a fourth-floor apartment, and choose for that. A bag that handles your hardest stretch is likely to manage the easier ones as well.
Shop this guide
- KiddyCare Diaper Bag Backpack, Dark Gray (ships via Amazon)
- Itzy Ritzy Mini Plus Diaper Bag for Unisex Adult (ships via Amazon)
- Warriors Saber Large Waterproof Diaper Bag Backpack, Grey (ships via Amazon)
- Maxi-Cosi Changing Backpack, 19.5L, Ink Black, with Changing Mat (ships via Amazon)
- See all: Diaper Bags
Prices are on each product page. Free shipping on orders of $100 or more within Canada.
Common questions
Can I carry a backpack-style bag by its handle?
Some have a top grab handle, so look for one in the product photos or description. A handle is handy for lifting the bag onto a seat or a change table, but a loaded backpack carried by the handle alone gets tiring quickly.
Which is easier for a quick change in a washroom?
Either works if you set it up well. A tote can stand open on a counter, while a backpack can hang from a hook if the washroom has one. Take the change kit out first so everything you need is within reach before you start.
Do I have to choose just one?
No. Some families keep a backpack for long days and a smaller tote or crossbody for quick trips, and move the change kit between them.
Not sure which style fits your routine? Tell us how you get around on a typical day through the contact page and we will suggest which style to look at first. We reply within one business day.