M+A Edit
Diaper Bag Essentials
Diaper Bag for Mom
How to Choose a Diaper Bag
Remember the days before diaper bags when you could leave the house with just a wristlet? Even for minimalists, motherhood means walking out the door with a lot more stuff—but you don't have to forsake style to fit your new army of add-ons. Whether you're buying a traditional diaper bag (or standard bag that simply rocks as a diaper caddy) keep the five rules below in mind. Then check out our 10 favorite bags for stylish moms on the move!
1. Avoid leather.
Spilled milk and formula do not bode well for your new leather bag. Look for bags with cotton or polyester lining. Bonus if they’re machine washable!
2. Polyester interior lining is key.
You'll find snacks, pouches, napkins, and who knows else in the floor of your diaper bag. Anything with an easily wipeable interior will make your life a bit easier.
3. Avoid velcro
It’s super hard to clean, and you’re not going to want to rip that bag open with a sleeping baby nearby!
4. Pockets are great but not crucial.
The more pockets, the better. You’ll feel more organized being able to have a place for everything baby needs. However, don’t let that cute open tote with no pockets steer you away from purchasing. You can drop an insert like the ToteSavvy right in for extra organization.
5. The lighter the better.
You’re going to be carrying quite a bit in your diaper bag -- change of baby clothes, bottles, snacks, diapers, wipes (you get the idea). The lighter the bag, the more stuff you’ll be able to comfortable carry!
For the first time in your life, you’re going to need a bag that delivers way more than just good looks. Dirty clothes, baby food, and diaper changes are all part of being a new mom. Your diaper bag needs to be roomy, it needs lots of compartments, and it’s a plus if it can easily wipe clean. Since you’ll stuff it to the gills (more on that below), it’ll need to be lightweight and have zippers, pockets, and compartments to keep ve zippers, pockets, and compartments to keep organized. We’re here to tell you you can have it all.
Best Diaper Bags:
Here are some of Monica + Andy’s favorite bags:
Skip Hop Wide Open Diaper Backpack
Trust us, you’re going to need to pack in quite a few things into your diaper bag. The Skip Hop features a structured frame that opens wide and stays put for a clear view so you can easily access and organize your backpack diaper bag. If that’s not enough, it’s super lightweight and has lots of pockets for all your essentials.
Rebecca Minkoff Knocked Up Baby Bag
This is our choice as the best stylish diaper bag because it looks like a chic handbag but performs a master class in diaper bag design. Black nylon with leather details make it lightweight and easy to wipe-clean, while three exterior and eight interior pockets make it uber-functional. It receives bonus points for an included changing pad and stroller straps.
State Wellington Baby Bag
Not only does Sate’s diaper bag check all the fashion and function boxes (unisex, detachable pouches, changing pad, plenty of pockets), but it can also be personalized. Bag organizers, side pockets, and Plus, partial proceeds from every purchase go towards helping kids in need.
Fawn Design Original Diaper Bag
It’s a messenger bag… It’s a backpack diaper bag… It’s a good-looking vegan leather carryall with 12 pockets for both moms and dads. The versatile Fawn Design Original Diaper Bag will happily carry all of your diaper bag necessities in the perfect blend of style and function.
Kibou Diaper Bag
For those times that you're on the go and don't want to carry a diaper bag, the Kibou bag is our go-to. It's light enough to be worn on your waist and small enough to find exactly what you're looking for. The deliberately minimal diaper bag is made up of high quality vegan leather and features a built-in waterproof pocket, a detachable changing pad, credit card slots, a key (or pacifier!) hook, and more.
ToteSavvy Original Insert
This smart removable organizer has a stash spot for everything and drops inside your favorite oversized handbag or a tote. Whether you need to add bottle pockets or spots for extra pacifiers, an extra outfit, wipes, or diapers, this bag organizer will set your up for success.
What to Pack in a Diaper Bag
Before you walk out the door, you’ll want to make sure you know what to pack in your diaper bag. It should have all the necessary baby gear and extra touches that make life on the go with a baby just a little bit easier. Here’s what we recommend you keep in a diaper bag.
- Changing pad
- Diapers & wipes
- Pacifiers (yes, plural)
- Hand sanitizer
- Extra clothes
- Rattle
- Pacifier Clip
- Burp cloth
- Baby bottle
- Formula dispenser
- Nursing cover
- Plastic bag for soiled clothes and dirty diapers
- A healthy snack
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