For the mom looking for all the ease of a diaper bag without wanting to advertise that she’s carrying a diaper bag, this tote is a gorgeous option. It has an appealing cotton duck canvas exterior (featuring an ornate embroidery design) and a spacious, organized nylon interior that’s both water-resistant and wipeable. Plus, the whole thing is scrunchable (so you can fold it up and carry it in another bag) and washable.
In other words, it’s versatile and beautiful enough to wear during your baby’s diaper years and well beyond.
This bag was a clear favorite for its rugged good looks. “It looks more like a laptop bag than a diaper bag,” says new dad Srikanth Madishetti.
“I’m into organization,” says Madishetti, “I like the waterproof compartments. They keep things separated in case anything spills.”
The top of the brown waxed cotton bag is covered by a flap that hides the zipper and is held closed by magnet, so no unsnapping is necessary.
Changing Pad: Nice and cushy, with a wipe-clean surface on one side and the oiled cotton surface on the other, this was an overall favorite. But it can be a little bit tricky sliding it back into the exterior pocket, especially when the bag is filled to capacity.
Capacity: Fits plenty of diapers, three bottles comfortably, a pack of wipes, snacks and all necessities – including, yes, a small laptop, or a large hardcover book.
Best Features: Variable interior. Two Velcro’able flaps allow you to either compartmentalize the bag into three distinct sections, or lay them flat for wide-open room. Insulated interior bottle pocket. Large exterior pocket space, including zipped area for wallet, keys, phone, etc.
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This multifunctional tote is eco-friendly in a couple of ways: For one thing, you’re literally getting at least two bags in one; for another, it’s made from pollutant-free materials, without any PVC, nickel, phthalates or harmful dyes.
The generous outer bag (which features a pattern on one side and a solid color on the other and can be turned inside out while maintaining all its pockets and function) also holds a separate all-in-one pouch that’s a perfect mini-bag.
Changing Pad: Made with matching material on the outside and padded and wipeable on the changing side. One end is curved to mimic the curve of baby’s head – so you always can be sure that the butt is in the same place (reassuring if you’ve ever had a diaper explosion all over your changing pad). The pad zips up invisibly into the bottom of the bag to keep it both accessible and out of the way.
Capacity: Variable. Depends on whether you keep the pouch in the main bag (in which case there’s room for all the changing and feeding essentials, plus a few pockets for your non-baby items. Without the pouch, the bag is big enough to pack up for a whole weekend’s worth of stuff. Plenty of pockets to keep things organized.
Best Features: Very practical removable all-in-one pouch. Reversible, for multiple looks, in case you feel the need to change things up. Insulated pocket for bottles. Velcro’ed stroller straps that are easy to put on and hold the bag well.
If you’re taking the baby to brunch to meet your girlfriends, or if you just want to feel really ladylike, this unusual diaper bag is a great choice. It’s fancy and pretty, and yet utterly practical for those who can show restraint when packing.
A convertible, removable strap lets you carry it either as a clutch, a wristlet or over the shoulder. Available in a number of high-fashion patterns, with beautiful embroidered detailing.
Changing Pad: Snapped into the purse (but easily removable), it folds out into a large circle (one of the biggest changing pads we tested) and has a nice water-resistant surface.
Capacity: Enough room for the essentials, but this is not the bag for stuffing with loads of extras. It will, however, easily fit a day’s worth of diapers, wipes, diaper cream and a change of clothes. With just enough room left over for your (small) wallet, phone and keys.
Best Features: In addition to one of the best changing pads we tested (love the size, love the fact that it’s round), this clutch comes with a case for diaper wipes. It’s also got a water-resistant lining and a glazed exterior surface that’s both cute and supremely wipe-clean-able.
Available in an array of color and pattern choices and made from durable denier nylon, this bag is a great choice for moms who are looking for room to pack lots and lots of stuff.
The zippered top keeps everything secure, and a supersize zippered interior pocket is great for organizing all your valuables or isolating wet or soiled items (and if you’re wondering about the wisdom of switching back and forth between your keys/cell phone/wallet and dirty diapers, don’t worry: The whole bag is machine washable).
Changing Pad: Separate, foldable nylon rectangle. Machine washable.
Capacity: Nearly infinite. If you have more stuff to carry around than you can fit into this highly expandable design, you probably won’t even be able to lift it!
Best Features: This bag is made to be personalized with a name or monogram; you can select both the style of lettering and the thread color.
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