Traveling with your baby means bringing tons of stuff wherever you go – milk, wipes, diapers, extra clothes, bottles, toys, water, snacks, etc. With the amount of stuff you have to take with you, you’re going to need a diaper bag. Obviously, diaper bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes. But there’s only one that’s convenient, practical, and versatile for both mom and dad – the diaper backpack. Of course, even looking at a single type of diaper bag, there are quite a number of options in the market. How to choose? Well, we did it the old-fashioned way – through testing and research. If you don’t have the time to check out every backpack diaper bag in your vicinity, then check out our list of the best ones in the market today.

HaloVa Diaper Bag Multi-function Travel Backpack

 

Stylish, waterproof, and full of pockets galore – just what every parent needs when baby is on-the-go. The HaloVa Land Series is made of a waterproof oxford fabric that’s sturdy and lightweight. It features insulated pockets for milk bottles, side pockets that can also hold a pocket or function as a tissue dispenser, a separate wet cloth pocket, a back pocket that allows you to access stuff at the bottom of the bag, and 5 interior pockets in the main compartment. The bag has handles that allows you to use as a handbag as well as straps for using it as a backpack. And it comes in several colors. However, the bottle pouches won’t fit wide bottles and you can’t close the insulated pocket if you’re using tall bottles like Dr. Brown’s. Some parents report durability issues such as seams getting torn. And it doesn’t have a large capacity compared to other diaper bags.

Bag Nation Diaper Bag Backpack

The Bag Nation Diaper Bag Backpack is the perfect choice for those who want everything they need to be in one bag, including the changing pad. This backpack has fourteen multi-sized pockets including one insulated pocket for storing multiple bottles and another one for baby wipes. And it comes with a changing mat and sundry bag too. The backpack’s material is water resistant, lightweight, and durable. The shoulder pads are padded to ensure your comfort and you can hang the backpack easily on the stroller. Even the back is padded and features a breathable mesh so you’re comfortable carrying the backpack wherever you go. However, it doesn’t seem to be able to stand on its own most of the time. The changing mat is a bit on the thin side. And a lot of parents wish that there was an exterior mesh pocket for their water bottle.

Mancro Diaper Bag Backpack

Like most of its competitors, the Mancro Diaper Bag Backpack has got loads of pockets. But its pockets are a little bit different in terms of use and organization. It has two side pockets that are insulated for snacks, milk, water bottles, etc. It also has a front pocket for baby bottles, a side pocket for stuff, a wipes pocket, and a front pocket for your wallet and phone. Unlike other bags, this one allows you to unzip the entire front of the bag to open up the main compartment. No need to dig around for stuff when you can open it up like a suitcase and get what you need, right? Within this compartment is a pocket for magazines, books, or a tablet. There’s a mesh pocket for small things and another pocket for a bottle. There’s also a zippered net compartment for diapers and clothes. The shoulder strap and back are all padded and there’s even a stroller strap so you can hang it while you push baby around. However, the wipes pocket isn’t as easily accessible as the ones we found in other models. The insulated pockets are not big enough to fit wide bottles like Avent bottles or sippy cups. And there have been a few reports about the zippers – does not open smoothly or breaks.

CoolBELL Baby Diaper Backpack

The CoolBELL Baby Diaper Backpack is the perfect choice for parents who are shopping on a budget. It not only has the right price, it also has the right size and pockets. This cotton backpack features a huge front pocket that is perfect for bottles you want to insulate including your own. There’s another side pocket that’s insulated if you need more room. The wipes pocket features a magnetic cover which allows you to easily access them whenever the need arises. And then there are the extras – a changing pad, an insulated bottle sleeve, and stroller straps. Everything you need which means you get all that bang for your buck. However, some parents have reported problems with the zippers. The material is not water resistant. Also, this is not ideal for carrying stuff for multiple kids.

HapTim Multi-function Diaper Bag Backpack

If 14 pockets aren’t enough for you and your kids’ stuff, then the HapTim Multi-function Large Baby Diaper Bag Backpack may be what you need. It’s definitely got a lot of pockets – 18 of them! And three of these pockets are insulated. Plus, the bottle slots can fit most bottles, even Dr Brown’s wide ones. The bag is extra large and made of waterproof material. It’s got two large compartments to hold all of your baby’s essentials along with pockets for your iPad, wallet, phone, keys, your own snacks and water etc. The back and the shoulder straps feature 3D breathable padding to make carrying the bag as comfortable as possible even for an entire day out with baby. Plus, you get stroller straps and a changing pad. However, it doesn’t stand straight when placed on the ground (tends to fall forward) – not a dealbreaker but may be annoying to some parents. The small pocket on top is too small for some large phones like the iPhone 8. And the changing pad feels a bit cheap.

DadGear Backpack Diaper Bag

Some dads prefer their diaper bags to be a bit more sporty or masculine. And the DadGear Backpack Diaper Bag is just the thing. This backpack comes with 13 pockets, stroller straps, a changing pad, and padded straps. It has a front compartment that features a keychain hanger and mesh pockets. There’s a front pocket with a quick access flap for wipes. The bag features a diaper hammock on top to keep them accessible (don’t want dads panicking when it’s time to change the baby). Plus, this backpack features a clamshell opening so there’s no need to dig around for stuff mom packed away. Just zip the entire main compartment open and see where all the stuff is at. However, dads with long torsos find the straps too short. There are no insulated pockets. And the back isn’t breathable so wearing this all day under the hot summer son is going to leave your shirt wet.

Ecosusi Fully-Opened Diaper Backpack

The ECOSUSI Diaper Backpack first caught our eye because of its very cool designs. But it’s the simplicity of this diaper backpack that really made us test it out. Yes, it has insulated pockets with two mesh pockets each. The main compartment has a clamshell opening; you can easily see everything you’ve packed into the bag. Mesh pockets inside the main compartment can be used to store the changing pad and other small stuff for the baby. There’s even a wet items pocket located at the back of the bag’s cover. Then there’s the back where you’ll find a small compartment for storing phones, wallets, and other valuables – the perfect hiding place since you don’t want anyone picking your pocket, er, your bag as you walk around with your baby. However, the stroller straps included are not good quality. There’s no exterior pocket for wipes to make them more easily accessible. And there have been durability issues, particularly with the stitching.

Maman Diaper Bag Backpack with Stroller Straps

If you don’t like how heavy diaper bags can get, then the Maman backpack may be what you’re looking for. At only 1.23 pounds, you’re not going to find any diaper bag that’s going to be lighter and still able to pack a lot. The puffy exterior is soft to the touch, easy to wipe clean, and absolutely waterproof. The base of the bag is made of leather for durability. There are a total of 8 pockets which isn’t all that many compared to others but if you like to travel light, you don’t need that many. The 2 insulated pockets on the side makes traveling with your baby’s bottles or snacks easy. However, the side pockets won’t be able to fit big bottles. The zippers do not open smoothly. And some parents feel that the bags don’t have enough pockets (like a wipes pocket).

Hip Cub Convertible Diaper Bag Backpack

This is quite possibly the coolest diaper bag backpack we’ve ever seen. This Convertible Diaper Bag Backpack from Hip Cub can be used as a traditional cross body messenger, an over-the-shoulder tote, or a backpack which makes it ideal if more than one person will be carrying the bag with the baby. The main storage area features a clamshell opening with small internal pockets and a back sleeve compartment for storing something as big as a 13-inch laptop. There’s even a loop for storing your keys or the stroller strap. The outer pockets include 2 front ones, a large one at the back, and side pockets for bottles. However, this bag does not feature insulated pockets. It doesn’t stand straight when you set it down. And the inside pockets don’t have elastic to keep things snug inside.

#10: Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack

As incredible as this diaper backpack looks, some may be hesitant to get it due to the price – almost 3 to 4 times more than your average backpack diaper bag. But if you’ve got the budget for it, we recommend the Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack for several reasons. Like the Hip Cub model, this one is also versatile – convertible from backpack to over-the-shoulder carry. It has a glazed coated canvas exterior as well as water-resistant lining. The bag comes with a diaper changing station that you can zip out when necessary as well as a removable changing pad, and pockets for storing diapers and wipes. The magnetic front flap closure ensures you can easily access this when necessary. However, the bag only comes with 5 interior pockets and 2 exterior bottle pockets. Plus, the straps need more padding.

 

Backpack Diaper Bag Buying Guide

Hands-free is your best bet if you’re a parent on-the-go. It’s not only practical, it’s also incredibly convenient. Not to mention, dads often prefer this kind of diaper bag over any other. Plus, a backpack will get more use even after the baby has grown up. Of course, the quest for the best backpack diaper bag isn’t going to be easy. Nothing about parenthood is. Which is why we decided to help ease your burden with this short but informative guide on how to find the right bag for you and your baby’s essentials.

Why can’t I use a regular backpack?

You can, actually. No one is stopping you. However, a regular backpack isn’t going to have a lot of the features you typically find in a diaper bag backpack such as waterproof material and insulated pockets. These are essential if you’re bringing home soiled clothes or need to bring milk and/or baby food on your day out. Plus, this special backpack is specifically designed to carry multiple objects. It should be able to distribute the weight properly which ensures you remain comfortable as you carry the bag on baby’s day out.

What should I look for?

Size: if you’re going to be out of the house for more than a few hours or you have multiple children with you, you’re going to need a bag with a large capacity like the Bag Nation Diaper Bag Backpack. However, for short trips outside or if you only have one child, you can opt for a smaller size like the HaloVa Diaper Bag Multi-function Travel Backpack. Take note that you’ll likely need to be able to fit several diapers, 2 changes of clothes for the baby, an extra shirt for you (in case of spit), a small towel, wipes, a bottle or two of milk, water for you, baby food or snacks, etc. Before you decide on size, make sure that you first list down all the things you prefer to have on hand when on-the-go with the baby.

Weight: your bag is going to be loaded with baby essentials so we already know it’s going to weigh quite a bit. However, some bags weigh more than others even before you load up your stuff. If you aren’t that concerned about weight, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue. However, smaller individuals or those who have a weak back may want to look at backpack diaper bags that are made of very lightweight materials like the Maman Diaper Bag Backpack with Stroller Straps.

Easy to Clean: Babies are messy and mishaps are inevitable. Whether it’s spit, poop, or sticky fingers, the bag is bound to get dirty. Look for a bag that’s easy to wipe clean and with a water-resistant exterior such as the HapTim Multi-function Diaper Bag Backpack.

Storage Pockets: the more pockets, the more stuff you can put in the bag. That’s good, right? Well, it depends. You need to make sure that the number of pockets and compartments offered by a diaper bag backpack is enough for your specific storage needs. Too little and you may end up with a jumbled mess that you’ll need to dig through every time. Too many and you’ll end up forgetting where in the heck you placed that snack/toy/diaper/extra shirt. The Mancro Diaper Bag Backpack is one of the diaper bag backpacks on our list that seems to have found the right balance between too little and too many pockets.

Insulated Compartments: traveling with a baby means bringing food which could be solids or milk, both of which need to be kept cool especially if you’re going to be out for several hours. Take note that not all diaper bags offer this feature. The Ecosusi Fully-Opened Diaper Backpack features two insulated pockets on the sides for bottles.

Stroller straps: You’re not going to be carrying your baby all the time. If you plan on taking a stroller on your trip, you can give your back a rest and let the backpack hang off the stroller. And you can only do that with stroller straps. Not only will you get the weight off your shoulders, the bag and all its contents remain easily accessible to you as you push the little one around town. Most of our picks like the CoolBELL Baby Diaper Backpack and the DadGear Backpack Diaper Bag come with stroller straps.