best travel diaper bag

2021’s Best Travel Diaper Bag for Planes & Road Trips

2021’s Best Travel Diaper Bag for Planes & Road Trips

Looking for a travel diaper bag to make your trip with your baby easier? Air travel or road tripping with a baby makes your diaper bag far more important than you ever imagined.

Most parents love the hands-free convenience of backpack diaper bags, and they’re the best option for travel, but even if backpacks aren’t your jam there are plenty of options for you.

Ready to change the way you travel with your tiny human?

But before we get into it…

How to Choose a Travel Diaper Bag

Your mileage may vary depending on whether you like to travel light, are concerned with style or function more, and frankly, how organized you are, but always keep an eye out for these things during my selection process.

Popularity: Real life user experience is a fantastic way to gauge quality, ergonomics, and durability. If a diaper bag has a decent number of reviews and you find yourself noticing a recurring trend (think shoddy stitching, uncomfortable straps, or premature wear), that's what you'll get too.  

Function: Size, weight, and strap comfort are all key. A travel diaper bag should be big enough to hold everything without being bulky. Remember, it has to fit under the seat in front of you on a plane. Opt for lightweight, and choose wide, well-padded straps for comfort.

Style: Nobody wants to be seen carrying a cringe-worthy bag. With today's selection of diaper bag designs, you're more likely to end up with something demure than something disastrous.

Price:  Cheap diaper bags usually won't last as long as pricier models, you can still find a good balance of style and durability at a mid-range price.


Hip Cub Convertible Backpack Diaper Bag

Popularity:5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)
Function:5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)
Style:5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)
Price:5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)
Average:5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

If you’re looking for a super versatile travel diaper bag at an insanely good price, this one is hard to beat. In fact, it compares favorably to the ever-popular JuJuBe BFF Convertible Diaper Bag (number 4 on this list), so if you've been eyeing that one for a while, but couldn't swallow the price tag, this is the next best thing.

Not only does it look amazing, but it also comes in a multifunctional design that converts from a tote, to a crossbody bag, to a backpack — great news if you can’t decide which style you like best.

In terms of the finer details, it offers 10 pockets for organization, padded straps, and a matching changing mat, so your little one can clean up in style.

Pros

  • The price is freakin’ fantastic.
  • Lightweight and a great size for travel.
  • Loads of compartments and a zip-down front make it easy to stay organized.
  • All of the straps are padded for wearer comfort.
  • Water-resistant polyester construction is durable and easy to care for.
  • Feet on the bottom help prevent wear and tear.

Cons

  • The bottle compartments aren't insulated (why, Hip Cub? Your bag was thisclose to being perfect).
  • Dad might have a few gripes about carrying this one.
Lekebaby Expandable Diaper Bag

Popularity:4 out of 5 stars (4.0 / 5)
Function:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)
Style:5 out of 5 stars (5.0 / 5)
Price:5 out of 5 stars (5.0 / 5)
Average:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Like the idea of being able to customize your travel diaper bag's size and capacity? Well, it looks like the diaper bag gods just answered your prayers.

Boasting an innovative design with an expandable base, this diaper bag makes packing extras a breeze. What's more, it can easily be collapsed, so you won't have to lug around extra bulk on days when you feel like traveling light.

Oh, and it's convertible too, so you can choose between carrying it as a tote, messenger bag, or backpack. Sheesh, is there anything this bag can't do? The only thing we could find was carry your own travel water bottle to avoid getting dehydrated on the plane, which is a big problem.

Pros

  • Pop out base is great for bulky items like diapers, blankets, towels, or extra clothes.
  • Comes with ample pockets for organization, including insulated bottle holders and a tissue dispenser.
  • Double zippers allow it to open up nice and wide.
  • Heavy-duty 600D polyester construction is durable and water-resistant.
  • Looks great.

Cons

  • Although the backpack straps are comfortably padded, they don't exactly do a stellar job of maintaining length and need to be adjusted often.
  • The bottle holders are small and don't fit every bottle.
 HaloVa Diaper Bag Multifunction Waterproof Travel Backpack

Popularity:5 out of 5 stars (5.0 / 5)
Function:4 out of 5 stars (4.0 / 5)
Style:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)
Price:5 out of 5 stars (5.0 / 5)
Average:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Ok, so you knew this was coming. There's just no getting around the fact that backpack diaper bags are great for travel.

And this one happens to be one of the best. It’s spacious, comfortable to carry, waterproof, and looks nothing like a diaper bag.

Of course, that's not all. It's also fully kitted out with all the compartments a parent on the move could ask for, including a wet clothes pocket. Oh, and did I mention that it costs less than $50?

Pros

  • Holds everything you could possibly need a travel diaper bag to hold.
  • Waterproof oxford fabric keeps contents well protected from moisture.
  • Comes with a generous number of compartments, including several insulated bottle holders and a handy tissue dispenser.
  • A zip-down panel at the base provides easy access to the bottom of the bag.
  • Gender neutral.

Cons

  • Zipper can't be opened with one hand.
  • The bottle holders don't easily fit wider bottles.
  • A little extra padding on the straps would be nice.
JuJuBe BFF Multifunctional Convertible Diaper Bag

Popularity:5 out of 5 stars (5.0 / 5)
Function:4 out of 5 stars (4.0 / 5)
Style:5 out of 5 stars (5.0 / 5)
Price:3 out of 5 stars (3.0 / 5)
Average:4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5)

No diaper bag line-up would be complete without the coveted JuJuBe BFF. It’s not the biggest and it’s definitely not the most affordable, but, hot damn, this is one sexy little number.

The fact that it’s convertible only adds to its appeal and it even comes with a “mommy pocket” (good looking out, JuJuBe).

If you pack light and don’t mind sacrificing a little space for loads style and convenience, this makes a great travel diaper bag.

Pros

  • Convertible for carrying convenience.
  • Plenty of compartments (it even offers a dedicated spot for your stuff).
  • Well-padded straps make this bag a pleasure to carry.
  • Treated to resist stains and odor causing bacteria.
  • Comes in a huuuuge selection of colors and prints.
  • It’s just so beautiful. Sigh…

Cons

  • Costs a pretty penny.
  • The size is decent enough for sightseeing or day trips, but don’t expect this bag to hold a ton of extras.
Fisher-Price Fastfinder Deluxe Messenger Diaper Bag

Popularity:4 out of 5 stars (4.0 / 5)
Function:4 out of 5 stars (4.0 / 5)
Style:3.5 out of 5 stars (3.5 / 5)
Price:4 out of 5 stars (4.0 / 5)
Average:3.9 out of 5 stars (3.9 / 5)

Not too big and not too small, this diaper bag strikes a happy medium between two size extremes (yes, the pun was intended).

Specifically designed for on-the-go convenience, this travel diaper bag is equipped with thoughtfully placed exterior pockets to provide quick and easy access to frequently reached for items, like wet wipes, pacifiers, and bottles.

And thanks to its gender neutral color and style, Dad definitely won’t have any issues carrying this one.

Pros

  • Roomy, but not too bulky to carry comfortably and since the exterior is soft, you can stuff it if you really need to.
  • Easy to access compartments are great for travel and it even comes with it’s very own wipes dispenser.
  • The base is reinforced and fitted with feet to keep it off the floor.
  • Guy-friendly design.

Cons

  • The built-in wipes case doesn’t keep wipes moist for long, so you might want to buy a travel pack and stick the whole thing in there.
  • It only has one insulated bottle compartment.
  • The velcro flap closures could be stronger.
Scuddles 3-in-1 Diaper Bag

Popularity:3.1 out of 5 stars (3.1 / 5)
Function:5 out of 5 stars (5.0 / 5)
Style:3 out of 5 stars (3.0 / 5)
Price:4 out of 5 stars (4.0 / 5)
Average:3.8 out of 5 stars (3.8 / 5)

Ok, so you probably won’t be able to fit as much into this option as you would a regular diaper bag, but if your baby is under the age of one, the nap time convenience is sooo worth the sacrifice.

It has all the necessary features of a diaper bag and enough room for essentials, but what really sets it apart is the fold out bed. This nifty feature allows your baby to nap anytime, anywhere and also makes diaper changes a easy as pie.

Pros

  • Travel-friendly design offers a diaper bag, bassinet, and changing station in a single package.
  • Unlike similar products, this one comes with telescopic poles to reinforce the sides of the bassinet.
  • Five zippered compartments, an insulated bottle holder, and a reasonably spacious interior take care of all your baby must-haves.
  • Surprisingly lightweight.
  • Gender neutral.

Cons

  • It only has shoulder straps, and isn't the most comfortable carry for hours on end.
  • I’d love it more if the foot of the bassinet zipped down to accommodate a growing baby.
Skip Hop Duo Signature Messenger Diaper Bag

Popularity:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)
Function:3.5 out of 5 stars (3.5 / 5)
Style:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)
Price:2.8 out of 5 stars (2.8 / 5)
Average:3.8 out of 5 stars (3.8 / 5)

This is one popular messenger diaper bag, and with everything it has to offer, it's easy to see why.

It's well constructed, it looks great, and it’s roomy enough to hold all your baby gear. If staying organized is a priority, you’ll be happy to find it offers 10 pockets, including a dedicated tech compartment for laptops or tablets up to 15”.

There are also plenty of color variations to choose from, so you can decide if you want something girly, guy-friendly, or in between. I personally love the sleek look of the black and it doesn't hurt that it's the most affordable option, either.

Pros

  • Good size with pockets for babies and parents.
  • Contrasting lining makes it easier to find stuff.
  • Elasticated bottle holders fit any size bottle.
  • Shuttle clips allow for effortless stroller attachment.

Cons

  • It's kind of tall and reaching stuff at the bottom of the bag requires some digging.
  • The bottle pockets aren’t insulated.
  • The sides don't give much, so if you’re a serial diaper bag stuffer, this might not be the best choice.
RUVALINO Travel Diaper Tote

Popularity:4 out of 5 stars (4.0 / 5)
Function:3.1 out of 5 stars (3.1 / 5)
Style:4 out of 5 stars (4.0 / 5)
Price:4 out of 5 stars (4.0 / 5)
Average:3.8 out of 5 stars (3.8 / 5)

If you prefer structured diaper bags, this one's for you. With a solid top and sides, you won't have to worry about your baby gear getting squashed and because it maintains its shape, packing and unpacking is a breeze.

Thoughtfully designed to make traveling easier, this diaper bag offers plenty of room without being unnecessarily bulky or heavy.

Although it's a small detail, I really love the fact that it comes with a strap that slides over a rolling suitcase handle, ‘cos who couldn't do with one less thing to carry? Of course, it also delivers all the basic diaper bag features, like compartments and bottle holders.

Pros

  • Attractive and has a reasonably gender neutral look.
  • Lightweight and comfortable to cart around.
  • Reinforced with a metal frame, so you can count on it holding its shape.
  • Interior is spacious and easily accessible.
  • Can be carried as a tote or a crossbody bag.
  • Super affordable.

Cons

  • Lining on the inside tears a little too easily.
  • No feet on the base, so expect a few scuffs and scrapes.
  • Structured diaper bags have benefits, but there’s no way to maneuver them into gaps that are just a tad too small.
Columbia Outfitter Messenger Diaper Bag

Popularity:3 out of 5 stars (3 / 5)
Function:3 out of 5 stars (3 / 5)
Style:3 out of 5 stars (3 / 5)
Price:3 out of 5 stars (3 / 5)
Average:3 out of 5 stars (3 / 5)

Understated and somewhat masculine, this is a solid choice if you’re searching for a travel diaper bag with Dad’s best interests at heart.

On the outside, it looks just like any other messenger bag, but the interior tells a whole different story. An expandable main compartment holds the bulk of baby’s stuff while a smattering of pockets helps keep smaller items separate. Even the insulated dual bottle holder is well disguised by a zipper and dad is sure to be impressed by the Therma-Flect radiant technology that reflects heat so drinks stay fresh.

But it's not all for dads — any self respecting OCD mom will love the fact that it’s made with a built-in antimicrobial to combat bacterial growth.

Pros

  • Design is ideal for men, so you can hand that bulging bag over without having to listen to incoherent grumbling first.
  • Boasts some impressive high-tech antibacterial and heat-resistant features.
  • Its expandable, so go ahead and stuff another blanket in.
  • Leak proof lining is FDA and CPSC compliant and contains no lead, BPA, PVC, or phthalates.

Cons

  • Velcro fasteners are super noisy to open and stick to EVERYTHING.
  • The lining on the bottle compartment wears faster than I'd like.
  • Loses a couple of style points for its generic, manly appearance.
JuJuBe Be Prepared Travel Diaper Bag

Popularity:3.5 out of 5 stars (3.5 / 5)
Function:3.5 out of 5 stars (3.5 / 5)
Style:2 out of 5 stars (2.0 / 5)
Price:3 out of 5 stars (3.0 / 5)
Average:3 out of 5 stars (3.0 / 5)

Mammoth dimensions, ample compartments, and a robust construction make this plus sized offering from JuJuBe a great option if you have more than one kid and some cash to spare (I know, I know — I crack myself up too).

Seriously though, just about every detail is carefully engineered for ease of use and isn't that what everyone needs when traveling with a baby?

The main compartment opens up like an accordian so you can reach the bottom without a struggle and a whopping 17 separate compartments will help even the most scattered parents stay organized. Just like other diaper bags in this range, it comes with a handy “Mommy pocket” to make life a little easier.

Pros

  • The extra size is perfect for multiple kids or long trips.
  • Wide opening provides easy access.
  • Compartments and pockets galore.
  • Comes with a luxurious memory foam changing pad.
  • Well made.
  • Available in a variety of prints and colors.

Cons

  • It's a big bag with a price tag to match.
  • It's huge, so don't count on keeping this one at your feet if you're flying.
  • Bulky, heavy, and awkward to carry.
  • Stroller straps need to be bought separately, adding another $20 dollars or so to the cost.
  • I don't know about you, but to me the floral print feels kind of frumpy.

There you go. Ten awesome travel diaper bags that are guaranteed to make your next trip memorable for all the right reasons.

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