The 7 Best Diaper Bag Backpacks of 2023, According to Parents

While there are a variety of flattering yet functional diaper bag styles available – including crossbody options, totes and even fanny packs – the diaper bag backpack is arguably the most convenient. Not only can a diaper bag backpack hold all of your essentials and free your hands and arms for carrying other important items – like your baby – but it works especially well for travel. The backpack style can easily attach to a stroller or fit neatly under the seat in front of you on the plane, train or wherever you need it to go.

Based on consumer reviews and family travel expert opinion, these are the best diaper bag backpacks on the market.

(Note: Prices were accurate at the time this article was updated; they may fluctuate due to supply chain issues or other factors. All backpack dimensions are listed in order of height by width by depth.)

Weight: 4 pounds | Dimensions: 13.75 x 12.25 x 6 inches

Plenty of pockets (including an insulated bottle compartment)? Check. Mini changing mat? Check. Comfortable shoulder straps? Got it. Style? Totally.

When it comes to diaper bags, the Dagne Dover Indi Neoprene Backpack checks off the most important boxes for parents and caregivers. This trendy bag comes with useful extras, including a washable zipper bag (a must-have when traveling with little ones); the brand’s signature Scout Pouch, which is ideal for small essentials; stroller clips; and two leashes for securing keys and pacifiers.

Convenient for travel, this backpack attaches to carry-on luggage via a trolley sleeve on the back. Because of its versatility, you’ll be able to use it for years to come. “True story: This bag is perfect even if you don’t have kids,” says Summer Hull, mom and director of content at The Points Guy. “It has so many pockets so things can stay organized, has fab material that is easy to clean, holds a laptop, can clip to things, and doesn’t look awful.”

Constructed from recycled materials, this vegan bag is available in several neutral colors, in either neoprene or air mesh material.

Weight: 1.4 pounds | Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 8 inches

Ann Henson, assistant managing editor of travel at U.S. News, recommends the Skip Hop diaper bag backpack. “We’ve used it for almost three years and are still impressed with the quality,” she says. The quilted bag features a spacious main compartment with a variety of pockets, including one designed for a smartphone and another for the included changing mat or a tablet or laptop (up to roughly 15 inches in size).

The bag also has two exterior pockets for baby bottles or cups, adjustable padded straps, and built-in stroller straps. “I also appreciate the packing cubes that came with this bag, especially the insulated one,” says Henson, noting that she also likes how easy it is to keep the bag clean. This diaper bag backpack comes in sage, mauve, gray, black and navy.

Weight: 3 pounds | Dimensions: 14 x 11 x 7 inches

You’d hardly know this is a diaper bag. Constructed of vegan leather, this elegant backpack features five inconspicuous exterior pockets, with an insulated bottle pocket and a compartment that doubles as a luggage sleeve. Inside, the Mina Baie Kinney Backpack features 10 more pockets, including a 13-inch padded laptop sleeve. Other useful features include a key leash, D-rings for stroller hooks (vegan leather hooks are sold separately), a magnetic flap closure and a water-resistant lining. The bag is made in six neutral color styles, and a coordinating changing pad is available as an add-on.

Weight: 2.36 pounds | Dimensions: 15.7 x 15 x 9.1

“Simplicity is key when it comes to the best diaper bags for travel,” says Gina Kramer, founder and director of content at Humble Boots. “My go-to is Petunia Pickle Bottom’s 2-in-1 Provisions Diaper Bag Backpack for its no-frills, intentional design that keeps all my necessities within easy reach – plus, it’s practical even beyond the baby stage.”

This backpack features a discreet, insulated compartment for breast pump parts and a spacious central compartment, plus a padded compartment for a laptop. If or when you don’t need to tote a breast pump around, you can use the lower compartment for one of the brand’s cooler cubes (convenient for storing snacks and drinks), an extra change of clothing or whatever else you might need. This bag is currently available in four styles, including a Winnie the Pooh-themed Disney collaboration. (Disney parents, take note: Petunia Pickle Bottom specializes in other Disney diaper bag backpacks as well.)

Weight: 3.4 pounds with dividers and lunch bag | Dimensions: 19.7 x 10.2 x 6.5 inches

Diaper bags don’t get more efficient than this option by No Reception Club, introduced in 2022 as a packing solution for the seasoned traveler who is now navigating parenthood. The Getaway Bag features a built-in shelving system that can be customized to your needs as well as a variety of useful compartments, including an insulated lunch bag; a water-resistant, odor-proof compartment for soiled items; and a hidden back pocket for securing your passport and other valuables.

This style comes with detachable stroller clips, and a pass-through handle allows you to easily attach the bag to other luggage. Plus, it has both top and side openings so you can easily access whatever you need, wherever you are.

Weight: 3 pounds | Dimensions: 11 x 10 x 6 inches

As your little one grows, you might find yourself searching for a smaller diaper bag backpack that’s less bulky but can still accommodate snacks, a water cup, a couple of diapers and the inevitable lot of random toys. Enter the Dagne Dover Indi (again), this time in the small size. The small version comes with all the same features as the large backpack: a washable bag, the Scout Pouch, key leashes, stroller clips, and plenty of exterior and interior pockets.

Weight: 2.25 pounds | Dimensions: 17 x 12.25 x 6 inches

For a simple yet reliable bag that dad (or mom) will feel comfortable wearing to the doctor’s office, playground and beyond, the Herschel Settlement Backpack is a top choice. This minimalistic diaper bag backpack comes with an easy-to-clean changing mat. It features a padded interior sleeve for a laptop up to 14 inches, an expandable water bottle compartment, an exterior zippered front pocket for small essentials and padded shoulder straps.

Made from recycled fabrics, the bag is available in black, ivy green and other neutral colors. While the newest version of this backpack is exclusively available on Herschel, you can find previous, similar styles for less on Zappos and Amazon.

Amanda Norcross, a content and SEO strategist for travel at U.S. News, purchased the Mina Baie Kinney Backpack and Herschel Settlement Backpack a few years ago while in search of the “anti-diaper bag.” Both diaper bags have proven useful even beyond the baby stage. For her other recommendations, she talked to travel industry experts who are also parents.