Best Diaper Bags and Totes

I’ll admit it. I have never been a fan of the idea of a traditional diaper bag. I’ve always been a “carry a big tote and toss everything in” type of gal. But now with my second babe, I’ve become a tad more strategic in my preparedness-before-we-leave-the-house. One thing’s for sure: the diaper bag bag is king.

Why do you need a diaper bag, you ask? You see, parenthood is full of unpredictabilities: a blowout, your little one’s beloved pacifier dropping on the floor, a sock that miraculously disappears the second you look up to see if you can cross the street, another blowout, a hangry babe that won’t chill until you give them that one pouch they’re craving right that second… You get the gist: your little one comes with key essentials, and it’s humanly impossible to carry it all while pushing a stroller (and probably also holding your third morning cup of Joe). So if you want to be prepared for any and all scenarios coming your way, we recommend you equip yourself with a trusty diaper bag.

Now, there are different types of diaper bags (you can check out diaper backpacks and unisex bags), but on this page we’re covering diaper bags, satchels and totes. So without further ado, here are the best diaper bags in 2023.

1. Skip Hop Duo Weekender Bag ~$110

Skip Hop is an affordable, crowd-favorite brand. They have really stepped up their fashion game over the last couple years, making these “basic” bags anything but.

The Duo Weekender, formerly known as the Duo Signature Diaper bag, is both simple and utilitarian. Bigger than its predecessor, the bag boasts a zip-top closure, tote handles and a crossbody strap, an easy-access tech pocket for your phone, tons of pockets (including an insulated two-bottle compartment), 2 mesh packing cubes, and a changing pad (among other features). The weekender is large enough to fit tablets and computers up to 15″, so you can use it even when you’re not toting baby and all their belongings around. And we love that it has a luggage sleeve to slide over a rolling luggage handle – perfect for your globetrotting family.

What’s really nice about Skip Hop, is that you can get matching diaper bag accessories: changing station ($29), insulated bottle bag ($10), wet and dry bag ($15) – I (Melissa) use mine all the time – and pacifier pocket ($10)

2. Little Unicorn Citywalk Faux Leather Tote ~ $90

We discovered Little Unicorn’s diaper bags at the 2016 ABC Baby Show and were instantly swooning over their collection. Since then, the brand thinned the herd since, now offering just one diaper tote and one diaper bag (both in various colors).

This tote is perfect for moms who want a diaper bag that doesn’t look like one. You can use it as a shoulder bag or as a crossbody, and it even has a stroller strap for the days your back needs a break. It is water-resistant, and has protective metal feet to keep the faux leather intact.

3. TWELVElittle ‘Love’ Water Resistent Nylon Diaper Tote ~$119

Leopard print is an awesome neutral pattern that pairs well with nearly any outfit. This bag is beautiful and functional. Inside you’ll find the perfect pockets to tote around all the necessities, as well as a great foldout changing pad. It also has the perfect strap to wear the bag comfortably across your body.

I am a huge fan of TWELVElittle’s water resistant nylon (I am a Seattleite, after all). It’s durable and never feels saturated on wet days. Is leopard print not your thing, but you love this tote? No worries: this bag comes in simple black, pewter, and plum options too!

4. Vilah Bloom Cafe Crossover ~$170

The Vilah Bloom can be worn in four- YES four – different ways.

These bags are known for their exterior access wet wipe pouch, which we love. Those wet wipes are front and center for easy access during the messiest moments in parenthood. They are sleek and don’t scream diaper bag, for the parent who also prefers a more discreet bag choice.

5. Ju-Ju-Be “B.F.F.” Diaper Bag ~$138

Ju-Ju-Be is on the pricier side, but you get what you pay for. Their bags boast features that moms need, like metal hardware instead of plastic, insulated bottle pockets, luggage style feet, multiple carry options (back, shoulder, stroller, etc.), tons of prints, cell phone pocket, anti microbial lining and, best of all, you can WASH THESE BAGS in the WASHING MACHINE! Huh? Awesome. People are nuts over these bags.

Debatably their most popular bag, the B.F.F. is a convertible backpack that comes in many beautiful designs. I highly recommend.

6. Rebecca Minkoff Knocked Up Baby Bag ~$229

Rebecca Minkoff is one of my favorite designers and gets extra points with me because she’s also a mom.

This bag is on the smaller side as diaper bags go, so be forewarned. But despite its small stature, it should still fit your necessities with ease. It has a fold-out changing pad and a number of labeled pockets for organization.

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