The ultimate guide to picking and packing your diaper bag | Coterie

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The ultimate guide to picking and packing your diaper bag

Diaper bag essentials, the best diaper bags, real diaper bag reviews, and more.

February 23, 2026

As a parent, your diaper bag is your trusty sidekick with a big and important job to do—carry all your stuff for you. Everyone has different wants and needs in their bag, but as a team of experienced parents, we’ve made a diaper bag guide that outlines diaper bag features parents love, some of the most popular diaper bags, and a packing list with all of your diaper bag essentials.

Diaper bag features parents love

• Insulated pockets: Large enough to fit bottles or sippy cups, often preferred on the exterior of the bag for easy access.
• A “parent pocket”: A zippered area for phone, wallet, keys, etc. Some prefer it larger for laptops or tablets.
• A separate place for dirty clothes: Waterproof inner pockets or wet/dry bags for soiled items.
• Luggage sleeve: Helpful for travel, allowing you to slip it over roller bags.
• Stroller straps: To hook the bag onto a stroller or shopping cart.
• Easy to clean material: Look for materials that can be wiped clean or are machine washable.
• Easy diaper and wipe access: Flaps or outer pockets for quick access.
• Included changing pad: Some bags come with or have a built-in changing pad.
• Considerations: Space vs. built-in changing pads.

Big Diaper bag vs small diaper bag: two schools of thought

Factors to decide:

• Number of kids.
• Requirement for bottles or pumped milk.
• Tendency for messes (blowouts, spit-ups).
• Duration of outings.
• Availability of a car for extra items.

Different styles of diaper bags

• Backpack diaper bags: Versatile and hands-free.
• Crossbody diaper bags: Good for travel, though may hinder carrying other items.
• Belt bags (fanny packs): Ideal for short outings.
• Repurposed purse diaper bags: Can lead to items spilling if not zipped.

Popular diaper bags parents love

1. Skip Hop Forma Diaper Backpack: Affordable, includes a changing pad and insulated bottle pockets.

Rave reviews:

• "Best daycare bag, stands up well."
• "Fits everything, easy to use."
• "Not too oversized!"

Critical reviews:

• "Needs a horizontal luggage sleeve."
• "Wipe pocket is not easily accessible."
• "Strap quality issues."

2. Beis The Ultimate Diaper Backpack: Built-in changing pad, easy-access pocket for wipes.

Rave reviews:

• "Perfect size for multiple kids."
• "Plenty of pockets, love it."

Critical reviews:

• "Changing pad should be separate."
• "Strap issues after two months."

3. Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Bag Backpack: Neoprene construction, multiple sizes.

Rave reviews:

• "Comfortable straps, fits all essentials."

Critical reviews:

• "Material stains easily."

4. Lululemon New Parent Backpack: Sleek design, roomy with crossbody pouch.

Rave reviews:

• "Looks stylish and roomy."

Critical reviews:

• "Difficult to clean, prone to tears."

5. Calpack Diaper Bag: Good organization, with various compartments.

Rave reviews:

• "Very spacious and well organized."

Critical reviews:

• "Weak magnet closure."

6. Caraa Baby Bag: Cotton or nylon options, insulated bottle pockets.

Rave reviews:

• "Great for organization and insulated pockets."

Critical reviews:

• "Too big for some users; material concerns."

What to pack in your diaper bag (aka the diaper bag essentials)

Basic diaper bag essentials for every stage:

• Wipes ( Coterie travel packs are really convenient)
• Diapers (bring 2 more than you think you’ll need)
• Plastic bags for dirty diapers
• Changing mat
• Diaper cream
• Extra outfit for baby
• Emergency contacts (pediatrician, poison control, etc.)

Newborn diaper bag items:

• Swaddle blanket
• Nursing gear (cover, shields, etc.)
• Burp cloths
• Pacifiers
• Extra formula or breastmilk
• Hat
• Portable sound machine
• Snot sucker
• Gas drops
• Thermometer

Older baby + toddler diaper bag essentials:

• Snacks
• Sippy or straw cup
• Water bottle
• Bib
• Sanitizing wipes
• First aid kit
• Teethers
• Toys
• Sunscreen
• Extra socks

Parent essentials to pack in the diaper bag:

• Hand sanitizer
• Wallet, phone, keys
• Lip balm
• Water bottle
• Tablet or laptop
• Extra shirt for you

Travel diaper bag tips:

• Use clear packing cubes labeled by category.
• Have a removable changing bag for quick access.
• Bring a smaller fanny pack for essentials.