The 5 Best Baby Bags

If there's one thing all parents have figured out, it's that a baby bag is essential. You may or may not have realized at this point that not all Must-Have Baby Items are actually must-haves. But rest assured: a baby bag is absolutely an essential. Vital for leaving the house, the right baby bag will carry all of Baby's necessary items. If you've ever left the house without one, you know: extra diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, food, a few toys...these items are absolutely necessary. And while you might get away with using your own bag a few times, you'll quickly realize that the baby bag becomes a family bag, carrying your own essential items as well. This is why it's important to have a baby bag that fits your lifestyle, fashion sense, and needs. And while there are a ton of options out there, some rise above the rest in terms of quality, style, and functionality. Out of all the options out there, these are our favorite 5 baby bags. We think you'll fall in love, too.

HaloVa Multi-Function Diaper Bag Backpack

Functional Fashion

This cute baby backpack has everything you could need or want in a highly functional, versatile baby bag.

Best Overall

Find on Amazon

I’m not sure what rock I was hiding under when I had my first baby, but I wish someone had removed it for me. Had I known that you can get a baby bag in the style of a backpack, I would have been all over it. The comfort, ease, functionality, and cute looks make me seriously want this baby bag. This one in particular, by HaloVa, is really making me question my diaper bag choice. The backpack style baby bag is a wonderful design for those that have back pain issues, like to have their hands free, and need the versatility of a multi-purpose baby bag.

Just some of the smart features of this bag? Multiple compartments, for one. With useful interior space for wet clothes, tissues, bottles, food, and clothing, this bag contains organizational compartments for all of your necessities, yet isn’t bulky when filled. We also love the durable oxford fabric…it’s waterproof and super durable.

Pros:

Insulated bottle compartment keeps bottles warms or beverages cool.
Multiple colors to choose from.
L-shaped zipper opening at the bottom. This eliminates the pesky problem of having to empty a backpack to find what you’re looking for at the bottom.

Cons:

Smaller, more compact design is great for an every-day bag, but a bit small for more extensive travel.

SoHo Designs Grand Central Station 7 Piece Diaper Bag Set

Tradition and Functionality

This 7 piece set has absolutely everything you need in a beautiful, traditional-style baby bag.

Runner-Up

Find on Amazon

If you love the function and looks for a more traditional diaper bag, you’ll absolutely fall for this SoHo Designs 7 piece diaper bag set. On the one hand, it’s gorgeous, but not only that…it’s super functional. Unlike more basic diaper baby bags, you’ll have everything you need with this durable baby bag set. Included in this set is a diaper bag, personal purse with a carrying strap, an accessories bag, an organizer bag with a mesh top, a changing pad, an insulated bottle bag, and stroller straps that attatches the entire baby bag to the stroller for convenience. Furthermore, because the baby bag is large enough to fit all of these accessories in its main compartment, you have the choice of using this set all together or as separate pieces for different occasions.

There are multiple fabrics to choose from. Each fabric is high quality, durable, and stylish. If you’re going for a more traditional baby bag, we think you’ll agree…you can’t go wrong with this cute Soho Designs diaper bag set.

Pros:

Can be used all together or separate. Each piece is functional and stylish.
Multiple compartments for utmost organization and functionality.
3 ways to carry the bag (shoulder strap, hand strap, stroller strap).

Cons:

Bag can only be spot cleaned.

Koalaty 3-in-1 Universal Baby Travel Bag

The Travel Tote

This travel baby bag is a genius design: cute, sure, but so much more. With a 3-in-1 design that includes changing pad, sleeping crib, baby bag, you'll have everything you need wherever you find yourself.

Best for Travel

Find on Amazon

We’re not sure who first came up with this idea, but we’re digging it. And Koalaty’s take on this smart travel baby bag design? We’re definitely here for it. Here’s what you need to know: this bag is a 3-in-1 baby travel bag that truly makes traveling with a kiddo in tow much easier. With a built-in changing table, portable bassinet crib, and diaper bag, you really can have it all. With four exterior zipper storage pouches sizable enough for diapers, clothing, and accessories, the interior acts as a soft, cozy, and padded sleep or changing space for your little one. Yet with all of this, it’s only measures 14″ x 14″ x 4″ closed, so you can really feel comfortable taking this with you wherever you need to go.

Extras include padded handles, a comfy over-the-shoulder strap for easy carrying, and a gender-neutral tan exterior.

Pros:

Easy to clean.
Compact when folded, yet expands to 29″ x 13″ x 7.5″ when opened.
Durable construction.

Cons:

The plastic smell when brand new can take a few days to off-gas.

Ethan & Emma Universal Baby Stroller Organizer

Grab & Go

A baby bag fit for a stroller? Yes please. We love the functionality of this mini bag that attaches right to your stroller's handlebars.

Best for Strollers

Find on Amazon

Out for a quick stroll and don’t want to take along a bulky baby bag? No need, with this smart stroller organizer. This universal stroller organizer fits most stroller brands, including BOB, Britax, Thule, Joovy, and even an umbrella stroller, just to name a few. While this is small enough to not get in the way of your stroller’s handlebars, this organizer is still large enough to carry along all the essentials. With multiple organizing pockets, you can bring along a diaper or two, wipes, keys, cellphone, wallet, and even a few toys. There are even well-insulated cup or drink holders, as well.

Made with adjustable velcro straps that fit to most stroller bars or handles, this is the perfect mini baby bag for busy parents on-the-go. Easy to clean, durable, and practical…in addition to your larger baby bag, if you have a stroller, you’ll definitely want this one as well.

Pros:

Durable black material that’s super easy to clean.
Collapsible frame that folds with your stroller (no need to remove the bag every time you close your stroller).
Roll up mesh bag included for extra storage.

Cons:

While it does work on umbrella strollers, if you pack too much in the bag, it’ll make your stroller top-heavy.

Skip Hop Grab & Go Insulated Cooler Baby Bag

Dine & Dash

For keeping food and bottles cool (or warm), you're going to need an insulated cooler bag. This one is our favorite. Bonus: it's small enough to fit inside a larger baby bag.

Best for Food Storage

Find on Amazon

For a baby bag that is specific to carrying food, you’re going to want to find an insulated cooler bag that’ll hold both hot and cold items, as well as bottles. This Grab & Go Insulated Cooler Baby Bag by Skip Hop is our favorite. Made with a heavy-duty, durable material on the outside and an insulated, wipeable lining on the inside, bringing along Baby’s food is a breeze. The insulation is designed to keep cold food or bottles cold, and warm food or bottles warm.

For convenience, there’s an easy-open strap that attaches to your stroller, making carrying food with you on-the-go super easy. There’s an interior mesh pocket for additional snack storage, and two-way zippers that give single or double bottle access. And just because it’s a functional baby item, doesn’t mean it has to be ugly. This baby food bag is anything but, with a gender-neutral chevron design.

Pros:

Cute and trendy chevron design.
Includes a freezer pack.
BPA and Phthalate-free.

Cons:

Bag is compact (6.75″ x 3.5″ x 9″), and typically holds two bottles and some food and snacks. For hungry parents, you might have to pack your own bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you look for in a functional baby bag?

There are a number of components to a baby bag that should always be included for ultimate functionality. Sure, a cute bag is a nice to carry around with you, but if it doesn’t fit your lifestyle, it’s just not going to work for you and your baby.

So what, exactly, should one look for in a baby bag? First, you’re going to want to assess what you’re going to be using it for. If you typically run errands, go to the library, playdates, or around town, a smaller baby bag might be just fine. For parents of multiples, a larger one would be a definite plus. Dropping your kiddo at daycare? A bag that holds all of the daycare essentials is important, and this might even include food compartments, separate bottle compartments and holders, as well as multiple changes of clothes and plenty of diapers and wipe.

Next, think about how you prefer to carry a bag. Over your shoulder? On your back? Attached to your stroller? If you like the option of all three, there are baby bags out there that have versatility when it comes to how you can carry them. If you’re not sure, going with one that has multiple options is a safe bet.

Finally, think about all of the family members that’ll be using the baby bag. Make sure there are compartments for you and your essentials, too. This includes cellphones, keys, wallet, and sunglasses. It doesn’t hurt to keep in mind a style that’ll work for everyone, too. The right baby bag can work for the entire family.

How do you clean a baby bag?

Your baby bag should come with instructions on best cleaning practices. Some are spot-clean only, some are fully machine-washable. While it’s perfectly normal for messes to occur in a baby bag (exploding baby food pouch, anyone?), it can be a nice perk if your baby bag is easy-to-clean.