Functional Diaper Bags That Are Mom-Approved

Ever had a mom friend who converted a purse or a tote into a diaper bag? Maybe you’ve even done it yourself. In the not-so-distant past, stylish diaper bags were hard to come by. Most diaper bags were bulky totes made with a design that screamed “diaper bag!” 

Given the previously limited selection of stylish diaper bags, we understand the temptation to instead select a bag you love as your diaper bag. The problem with this technique is that your chic purse isn’t going to be anywhere as functional as a diaper bag. Thankfully, you don’t have to choose form over fashion anymore. The diaper bag space has evolved so much, and now you have way more options.

Functional diaper bags that are also modern and stylish are now readily available for both mom and dad. Looking for a bag that comes with enough pockets and extra features to keep you prepared with your little ones, but that is also elegant and stylish enough to be worn with confidence? Such versatile diaper bags do exist and are much easier to find. Which one you choose will depend on your personal preferences.

If you’re looking for something small and functional, we have the perfect minimalist option for you. If you need something larger, we have several backpacks we can recommend as well. 

It’s not uncommon for households to have a couple of different diaper bags for short or long trips, or even different bags for each parent. Check out these options below and see what fits you and your family best.

Kibou fanny pack diaper bag brownKibou Fanny Pack Diaper Bags

Kibou’s deliberately minimal diaper bags can be worn as a belt bag or as a crossover. It’s just big enough to fit everything you need for an outing with your little ones, and does so intentionally in order to simplify your life. It’s a hit with moms and dads alike and the perfect everyday diaper bag. If you’re looking for a small diaper bag, this option is both stylish, and functional. The Kibou bag comes in five shades of sustainable vegan leather (blush, black, brown, charcoal, olive and smoky indigo) and three shades of canvas material (jade and midnight). Each Kibou has a built-in, waterproof pocket for wipes and a detachable changing pad. For mom or dad’s stuff, there’s credit card and cash slots, and a key hook (can also be used as a pacifier hook). The lining is made with wipeable, stain-resistant nylon. Kibou vegan leather bags are $98 and Kibou canvas bags are $89. 

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Maedn Bags Large All-Day Backpack

When you need more room for an all-day outing, the Maedn Large All-Day Backpack is both a stylish and functional option. Available in five colors (camel, saddle, black, fog and dusty rose) this is technically a diaper bag built with moms in mind, but can be used for school, travel, gym, or anything else. This diaper backpack’s exterior is made with premium oil vegan leather, and also features vegan leather straps. The interior and exterior of the bag is spill-proof (aka wipeable). In total, there are 14 pockets – six exterior and eight interior. The exterior pockets include two expandable, one key pocket, and one padded pocket for a 13” or 15” tablet. The interior pockets include two insulated pockets for bottles, and one interior padded sleeve for a 13” or 15” tablet, or any other small device. Each backpack comes with rings to attach stroller hooks, as well as an easy grab top handle. This bag is available for $175.

Mina Baie Vegan Kinney Backpack

The Kinney Backpack (Vegan) from Mina Baie is a full-sized, modern diaper bag backpack made with high-end microfiber vegan leather. Each Kinney backpack has an insulated bottle pocket and exterior bottle pockets. In all, there are four external pockets and 10 internal pockets. The interior lining is spill resistant and easy to clean. There is both a 13” built-in padded laptop sleeve, as well as another padded sleeve for a laptop or any other device. This backpack comes with D-ring hook attachments, and a key leash. You can get this bag with light gold, silver and gunmetal colored hardware, and four bag colors including black, sand, terra and stone. This diaper backpack comes at $189.

Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack

If the leather aesthetic is not for you, the Indi Diaper Backpack from Dagne Dover is also 100% vegan and made with premium neoprene and performance air mesh and in three sizes: small, medium and large. It is also built with sustainable materials, including the lining made from recycled Repreve (made from recycled plastic bottles). This functional diaper backpack comes in four color options: onyx, heather gray, dark moss, and dune. Inside you’ll find a mini changing mat and extra pouches. On the exterior, you’ll find an extra zipper opening for easy access wipes. The Indi Diaper Backpack comes at $160-$200 depending on size.

Storksak Alyssa Backpack

Storksak’s leather convertible bag is another stylish, functional diaper bag option that can be worn as a backpack, or as a shoulder bag thanks to its detachable leather strap. It comes in black and gold or black and gunmetal. The top is shaped as a square for easy access to what you need most. This backpack features nine pockets for diapers, wipes and storage. This includes two zipped side pockets (ideal for bottle or snack storage) as well as an easy access slip pocket in the front. Each backpack comes with a matching, insulated food and bottle bag and a changing mat. The back panel and straps are both made with moisture wicking and breathable material to avoid sweaty backs. This functional diaper bag is $260.

Choosing the Right Functional Diaper Bag

For your everyday diaper bag, the Kibou is your perfect companion for keeping the most important essentials by you and forgetting the stress of the extra clutter. For longer outings, the backpacks listed here are a good addition to pack extra needs while keeping your hands free. Any of the functional diaper bags listed here can pass as a stylish, regular bag used for non-kid related things. That’s the true test of a stylish diaper bag – does it look decent enough to carry around without my kids, but is functional enough to cover all of my needs when I’m with them? For all of the diaper bags listed here, the answer is yes.

If you’re still not sure what the right diaper bag solution is for you, we have a few more suggestions for you to peruse:

How to Choose a Diaper Bag: Find Your Perfect Match

The Pros & Cons of Each Type of Diaper Bag

The 6 Diaper Bag Personalities: Choose the Right Diaper Bag for Your Personality

The Top 5 Reasons to Use a Small Diaper Bag

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