A diaper bag is a must-have for parents. But, when you’re juggling a baby or two, you want to be hands-free and not have to worry about a bag sliding off your shoulder.
Enter the diaper bag backpack, otherwise known as a baby backpack.
A diaper bag backpack is the best of both worlds. It gives you the storage you need while allowing you to be hands-free.
How can you find the best diaper bag backpack? We have some pointers as we review these five top picks.
Jump straight to our reviews of the best diaper bag backpacks:
How to Choose the Best Diaper Bag Backpack
Most Important Features
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Comfort. When you’re looking for the best diaper bag backpack, comfort is number one. If you’re shopping in-store, try the backpack on. This is the only real way you’re going to know if it’s comfortable on your back and shoulders. If you’re shopping online, you’re going to have to do your best and see which backpacks look the most comfortable. Check to see if it’s returnable in case it’s super uncomfortable when it arrives.
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Strap width. Wide, padded straps are the way to go. They’re going to be much comfier than skinny straps with no padding. Also, look to see that they’re adjustable. We’re all not built the same so you want to customize your baby backpack as much as possible.
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Storage. You want to have as much storage as possible without feeling like you’re carrying a suitcase on your back. Look for a diaper bag backpack that will fit all your essentials. Diapers, bottles, wipes, pacifiers, and change of clothes are the basics, but you want to have room for more stuff. If you have twins, you’ll definitely want to double the amount of space you’ll need.
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Exterior Pockets. Need a bottle or pacifier in a jam? An exterior pocket will come in handy here. Just grab and go instead of rummaging through your diaper backpack.
What kind of material should I look for?
This bag is going to be one of your most used baby gear items so you want something durable. Vinyl is out because it can crack after some wear and tear. You can choose from a variety of materials and even faux leather if you want to get fancy. Whichever you choose, look for a diaper bag backpack with a durable exterior and an easy-to-clean interior. Nylon or microfiber are good picks.
How do I clean a backpack diaper bag?
Read the care instructions to see if it’s machine washable. It’s obviously easier if it is. If not, you may have to take a cloth and wipe it down on the inside and out. If there are any spills inside the bag, you may want to leave an open box of baking soda in it overnight to air it out after wiping it out.
As a side note, you may want to choose a darker color or print over something white or light. This will hide dirt easier and not look as grungy when it does get dirty.
What type of print should I choose?
One of the great things about baby backpacks is that they can look like they’re not toting diapers. They’ve become so fashionable that if you choose the right print, you’ll be able to use it long after your diaper days are over. If this is your master plan, go with a solid color over a crazy print or baby-themed print. You’ll get more bang for your buck.
What should I carry in my diaper backpack?
While you’re going to have your diapers, wipes, and pacifiers ready to go, there are other items you may want to have in the bag. Here’s a quick snapshot:
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Diapers
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Baby wipes
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Pacifiers
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Bottles
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Formula or breast milk
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Bibs
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Changing pad
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Extra clothes
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Burp cloths
If you’re going to bring more things than are on this list, be sure you get a diaper backpack that can fit it all.
Should a baby backpack have room for my stuff too?
It depends. If you plan on carrying a lot of personal items, you may want your own bag. But, if you’re just bringing your wallet, phone, and keys, you can probably just throw them in the diaper backpack. It’s all about being hands-free, remember?
Why should I choose a diaper bag backpack over a traditional diaper bag?
If you want to be hands-free and not have to worry about dropping your bag, a diaper backpack is the way to go. The backpack style can also have more compartments so it’s easier to find things. When your baby is screaming for a pacifier or food you don’t want to fumble around in a bag. Trust me!
A baby backpack can also alleviate neck and shoulder pain because you don’t have a heavy bag weighing you down. The diaper backpack is more ergonomic because the weight is distributed more evenly.
Best Diaper Bag Backpack Reviews
Ruvalino Multifunction Travel Backpack
Whether you’re planning a day at the park or a trip to the store, this is one of the best diaper bag backpacks because it checks the boxes of many of the things parents want.
For starters, this bag is going undercover as a diaper bag. From the outside, you wouldn’t even know it’s full of diapers, burp cloths, and other baby essentials. But, when you open it up, there are several compartments to keep everything organized and easy to reach. It even comes with a wipeable changing pad to make diaper changes easier while on the go.
One bonus here is the “mommy pocket” (or daddy pocket) that you can use to put all of your stuff like your phone, wallet, and keys. It keeps them separate from the baby gear, so you don’t have to worry about them getting buried.
What We Love:
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Extra-wide opening makes it easier to find things
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Durable and waterproof
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Thick, padded shoulder straps
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Can hook onto a stroller
Things to Consider:
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May not be large enough if you want to carry a lot of stuff
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May not need or use the padded laptop pocket
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While there are two insulated bottle storage areas, they may not be enough if you’re going to be out for a long time.
Check out the Ruvalino Multifunction Travel Backpack on Amazon
Hafmall Classic Diaper Bag
This diaper bag backpack is all about storage, with 13 different pockets to store your baby gear. There’s room for two bottles, plenty of diapers, and other baby gear. There’s also a side zipper pocket to put your phone or any small items you may want to bring with you.
The dry/wet pocket for any wet clothes is a bonus because no one wants to put those in the bag with all of the other stuff you’ll be toting around. There’s also a side pocket where you can carry a water bottle for yourself or water to mix formula. Since it’s on the outside, you don’t have to worry about it spilling inside the bag.
When it comes to looks, this is another one that you wouldn’t even know was a diaper bag backpack unless someone told you. It’s also gender-neutral making it a great fit for moms and dads.
What We Love:
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Waterproof and made of a tear-resistant polyester fabric
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Comes with stroller straps
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Keychain on the side so you don’t need to dig into your bag to find your keys
Things to Consider:
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Only has one large zipper compartment
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Thirteen storage pockets are great until you can’t remember where you put something and start ransacking your bag for a pacifier.
Check out the Hafmall Classic Diaper Bag on Amazon
Eddie Bauer Places & Spaces Bridgeport Diaper Bag Backpack
If organized bags are your thing, this baby backpack from Eddie Bauer may be what you’re looking for. What makes this standout as one of the best diaper bag backpacks is that when you open the bag, there are several compartments to sort your baby gear. So, it’s not like you’re just throwing everything into a dark abyss.
While there is an open space to put diapers, clothes, and other gear, there are also pockets on the sides to separate items. This makes it easy to grab snacks or other items on the go. There’s even a go-to pocket for your phone, wallet, or other personal items.
The two side insulated pockets make it super easy to grab a bottle on the go. You can even put a water bottle for yourself in one of the pockets.
The removable wipes case on the side is also a useful addition because you don’t have to go fishing inside the bag to get wipes when you need them. This baby backpack also comes with a changing pad for when you’re stuck in a place with no diaper changing areas.
What We Love:
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Extra thick straps for comfort
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Multiple storage areas
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Padded back for extra support
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Has a top handle and stroller loops
Things to Consider:
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The 11 storage pockets are great, just remember where you put things.
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Not as sleek-looking as some other models
Check out the Eddie Bauer Places & Spaces Bridgeport Diaper Backpack on Amazon
Itzy Ritzy Mini Backpack
If you’re looking for a diaper bag backpack that’s really incognito, this is one good choice. No one would suspect that you’re carrying around diapers, wipes, or baby gear in this bag from Itzy Ritzy.
This bag is made from vegan leather which gives it a very stylish look. Besides being stylish, it’s also functional with 8 pockets, 4 inside, and 4 outside. There are two bottle pockets to give you easy access when your baby needs a bottle in a pinch. The parent pocket is also helpful so you don’t have to worry about carrying your essentials separately and dropping them.
One of the features that stands out with this diaper backpack is that it has rubber feet on the bottom. This helps to keep the back standing up and the bottom clean. Speaking of cleaning, the vegan leather exterior makes it very easy to just wipe and clean. Since it is a darker color, this should help to hide any dirt too!
What We Love:
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Very chic looking
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Can be used well after you’re done needing it for baby gear
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Zippered pocket on the back gives extra cushion
Things to Consider:
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Straps are not as padded or thick as with some other baby backpacks
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More expensive than some others
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Doesn’t include many storage areas
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Small, so probably best for quick trips versus day trips
Check out the Itzy Ritzy Mini Backpack on Amazon
HaloVa Diaper Backpack
This backpack diaper bag from HaloVa is a winner because it’s easy to clean and has some handy storage areas.
It comes with two insulated pockets for bottles as well as a separate wet cloth pocket to store bibs or anything else that gets wet when you’re on the go. There’s a tissue bag on the left side which is useful so that you don’t have to open the bag and dig for one. We also like that this bag has a “parent pocket” for all of your essentials.
This diaper backpack holds up to 40 pounds, so you can really load it up. Just don’t put too much stuff in there that you kill your back.
When it comes to cleaning, you’ll love that you can just throw this bag in the washing machine. You can still hand wash too if you prefer.
What We Love:
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Comes with stroller hooks
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Has a sleek look so you can use it all the time
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Made from waterproof materials
- So many color choices – pretty rare for a diaper backpack!
Things to Consider:
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This has just one large zippered compartment so you can’t separate items that much.
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Insulated bottle pockets are on the smaller side.
Check out the HaloVa Diaper Backpack on Amazon
Final Thoughts on the Best Diaper Backpack
Whichever diaper bag backpack you choose will depend on how much space you want, what type of storage, and the look of the bag you’re going for. You want to have enough space to put all of your baby gear as well as some of your personal items.
Our favorite out of this list is the Ruvalino Multifunction Travel Backpack because it checks all of the boxes of what you should look for in a diaper backpack. It has wide straps for comfort, exterior storage pockets as well as plenty of space inside. Plus, it doesn’t even look like a diaper bag from the outside.
This baby backpack’s design is one that clicks with many people who have used it and also consider it their pick for the best diaper bag backpack.
