The Best Diaper Bags for Traveling Parents (2024)

22.02.2024 - 15:07 / cntraveler.com / Airlines

Shortly after having my first child, with a trip on the books, I remember messaging a mom friend and asking: What do you do about a bag? After all, there was a day not too long ago when the diaper bag was an eyesore. An item on a baby registry, it was clunky and baby-centered, and it marked a short life stage, retiring to a closet a mere matter of years later.

Gone are the days; the diaper bag has undergone a rebrand, and three kids and about five years—and many trips by plane and car and train and stroller and foot—later, I’ve found that the best diaper bags have certain features in common: They favor functionality (they come with necessary extras such as a changing mat), they’re stylish (yes, my go-to carry-on has become a diaper bag), and—this is a biggie—they remind parents that you don’t have to stop traveling just because you have a baby.

Below, 10 diaper bags I recommend for travelers. But first, a few things to keep in mind while shopping for the right option for you.

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Much like sunscreen, the best diaper bag is the one you actually use, so think about your needs. Are you a minimalist? Do you love pockets? Are you planning on using one bag for multiple children? Multiple bags for multiple children? Do you tend to travel by plane or by car? Do backpacks make your back ache? Important considerations such as price and size matter, too, of course, but prioritizing needs and individual differences will help you narrow down the (admittedly saturated) market.

While rules and regulations vary depending on the carrier, most major US airlines allow one bag per child. Some (JetBlue), but not all (Alaska), airlines include lap infants—babies under two without a seat—in that allowance. It's best to check your airline’s policy before packing.

The husband-wife duo behind this travel bag biz with a cult-like following created the bag they needed to take long-haul flights and travel the world with their two littles. The Getaway Bag slides over a roller, includes an insulated lunch pack, dividers, multiple entry points, and a side pouch that perfectly fits a pack of wipes. “Globetrotting parent” needs only to sound like an oxymoron. This bag has seen my family through cross-country flights with toddlers (providing easy access to all of the things), day hikes (with drinks and snacks and outfit changes all packed up), and day trips into the city; I don’t know that we’ll ever outgrow it.

Weight: 3.4 lbs.
Size: 6.5"D x 10.2"W x 19.7"H

Many love Dagne Dover for its accessories (a changing mat, two different-sized pouches, stroller clips, etc.), but its beloved Indi Backpack also has a waterproof exterior (because, spills) and even the small size fits most breast pumps. It’ll become a go-to for trips you