The right diaper bag is the one that fits how you actually get around: how much you carry, how fast you can reach it and how it feels on your shoulders after an hour. Work through size, pockets, materials, straps and extras in that order, then hold the checklist at the end up against any product page. You do not need every feature, only the ones that match your days.
Start with how you get around: car, transit or on foot
Picture your next few outings and where the bag will spend its time.
- Mostly by car: the bag rides on a seat or the floor, so weight matters less. Easy access and a base that stays upright matter more.
- On transit: you need both hands for the stroller, the railing and your baby. A bag that stays on your back or sits tidily on your lap is easier than one that keeps sliding off a shoulder.
- On foot: weight is the issue. Wide, padded straps spread the load, and a bag that sits close to your back can feel lighter over a long walk.
In a Canadian winter, add one more test. Do the straps lengthen enough to go over a bulky coat, and can you work the zipper pulls with mittens on?
Size and capacity: how much you really carry
Lay out what you would pack for a typical outing on a table: diapers, wipes, a spare outfit, a bottle or snack, a changing pad and your own things. Then compare that pile with the dimensions on the product page, or with a bag you already own.
A bag that is too small gets overstuffed and strains at the zippers. A bag that is much too big tends to get filled simply because there is room, and then it is heavy. Check the empty weight if the page lists it, and go by the measurements rather than the word Large in a product name, since makers size their bags differently.
Pockets, compartments and insulated bottle sleeves
Pocket layout varies a great deal from one bag to the next. Look for:
- A main compartment that opens wide, so you can see everything without digging.
- One or two outside pockets for wipes and a clean diaper, within reach of one hand.
- Side pockets that hold a bottle upright.
- A zippered pocket for keys, phone and wallet, so your things stay apart from your baby's.
Some bags add insulated pockets. One option is the MUIFA diaper bag backpack with insulated pockets. Read the product page to see what the maker says they are for. For how long expressed milk or prepared formula can safely be carried, ask your doctor, nurse or public health nurse, and follow the label on your formula.
Materials and linings that wipe clean
Leaking bottles, spilled milk and a messy diaper in the wrong pocket are all likely at some point, so pick a bag that cleans up easily.
- Exterior: a smooth or water-resistant fabric wipes down more easily than a loosely woven one.
- Lining: a smooth, light-coloured interior shows spills and makes small items easier to find.
- Seams and zippers: look at the stitching around the handles and strap anchors, since that is where the weight pulls.
Some bags are described as waterproof, such as the Warriors Saber large waterproof diaper bag backpack. Even then, read the care label before you clean it, and plan on a separate wet bag for soiled clothes.
Straps, closures and one-handed access
You will often open the bag with a baby on one arm, so test for that. Can you open the main compartment with one hand? Are the zipper pulls big enough to grab? Does the bag stay upright on the floor or a change table when it is open, or does it flop over?
For carrying, look for padded shoulder straps with adjustable length, a top handle for quick lifts and a back panel that sits flat. A zipper closes the whole opening, which helps if the bag tips over. A flap or snap is quicker with one hand. Many bags combine the two, so check how each pocket closes on the product page or in the photos.
Extras worth having: changing pad, stroller clips, wet pocket
- A changing pad. Some bags include one, and the RUVALINO diaper bag backpack with changing pad says so in its name. If your bag does not, a separate pad from the changing pads and covers collection works too.
- Stroller attachment. If you use a stroller, check the product page for loops or straps that hook onto the handle, and confirm they are included. Read your stroller's manual too, since a loaded bag on the handle can affect its balance.
- A wet pocket. A separate zippered pocket, or a wet bag, keeps soiled clothes away from clean items.
A short checklist to use on any product page
When you are ready to compare, run each bag in the diaper bags collection through these questions.
- Do the dimensions fit the pile of items you laid out?
- Can the straps adjust to fit over a winter coat?
- Does it open wide, and can you open it with one hand?
- Is there a quick-reach pocket for wipes, a side pocket for a bottle and a place for your own things?
- Is the lining smooth and easy to wipe?
- Does the page or care label say how to clean it?
- Is a changing pad included, or will you buy one separately?
- Is there a wet pocket, and a way to attach the bag to a stroller if you use one?
Shop this guide
- Omanmoli Leather Diaper Bag Backpack, Brown, 17 Pockets, Changing Pad (ships via Amazon)
- KeaBabies Organic Cotton Changing Pad Covers, Elly, 2 Pack (ships via Amazon)
- Skip Hop Forma Diaper Backpack, Black (ships via Amazon)
- Blissful Diary Muslin Changing Pad Cover, Roman Green and Leaf, 2 Pack (ships via Amazon)
- See all: Diaper Bags
- See all: Changing Pads & Covers
Prices are on each product page. Free shipping on orders of $100 or more within Canada.
Common questions
Is a built-in changing pad better than a separate one?
Neither suits every family. A built-in pad saves a step, while a separate pad can live in the car or at home and be cleaned or replaced without touching the bag.
When should I buy a diaper bag?
It helps to have the bag a few weeks before your due date, so you can load it, carry it around the house and find what is awkward before you are in a hurry.
Where do my own things go?
A zippered pocket on the back panel side works well for keys, phone and wallet, since it sits against you while you carry the bag.
Still comparing bags? Send us a message through the contact page and we will help you narrow it down, with a reply within one business day.