Babies need a lot of stuff when you leave the house, so a spacious bag is key for any outing. However, I’d argue that style is just as important since you will be carrying this bag with you all the time! The best diaper bag depends on your lifestyle, budget, number of kids and personal taste. Diaper bags used to be ugly, but now you can find stylish diaper bags at pretty much any store that sells baby-related products. When selecting a diaper bag, there are a few key things to look at….
Carrying Style: After personal taste and budget, perhaps the most important thing to consider is how you want to carry the bag. Some moms prefer a tote style that can be carried like any other stylish purse. A messenger bag has a long strap so you can wear it across your chest. They are often marketed towards men, but I tend to prefer the messenger style. Backpack diaper bags are also popular because they allow both arms to be free. Many bags come with detachable straps that allow for multiple carry options.
Storage: Lots of storage is key for a diaper bag! Separate compartments make items easier to find, instead of having them all thrown in together. Make sure there is room for the essentials. Have duplicates of things that never leave the diaper bag (i.e. pacifier, lovey, diaper cream, etc). This way, when you are running out of the house you won’t need to make sure you have what you need.
Closure Types: Most practical diaper bags will have multiple pockets. Take a look at how these close. Some are open, some close with magnets, zippers or velcro. I like a combination of open and zipper compartments.
Material: A diaper bag gets abused. It is often kept on the floor at a restaurant and sometimes ends up on the floor of a public restaurant. Food will get spilled on it. It’s important to me that my diaper bag is easy to wipe clean, especially on the inside.
four: Rebecca Minkoff Ellie Bag • five: Skip Hop Chelsea • six: Honest Everything Tote
seven: So Young Emerson Tote • eight: Itzy Ritzy Triple Threat • nine: Ju-Ju-Be BFF Messenger
ten: Honest City Backpack • eleven: Skip Hop Backpack • twelve: Babymel Robyn Backpack
Skip Hop Grand Central • Skip Hop is probably an industry leader in diaper bags. They definitely know what they are doing. This one has LOTS of storage, so it is a good choice for multiple children. It doesn’t have a messenger bag strap or backpack straps. 
Storksak Bobby Quilted Diaper Tote • The Storksak material is easy to wipe clean both inside and outside. It comes with a changing pad, insulated bottle bag and pacifier holder. 
Skip Hop Duet • This one currently comes in black and taupe. I got this one when I had my second baby. It appealed to me because it is two bags in one: a stylish faux-leather tote with a removable crossbody bag insert. The insert bag has many pockets and can lock inside the tote.
Edited to update: It looks like this one may be phasing out. Here is another similar style one but I different brand that I LOVE!
Rebecca Minkoff Ellie Bag • A huge splurge, but a good looking splurge! 
Skip Hop Chelsea Downtown Satchel • This Skip Hop bag comes in three colors. It can be held as a tote, or over the shoulder with adjustable strap.
Honest Everything Tote • Honest Company’s classy tote is made from 100% polyurethane vegan leather, without any harmful or toxic materials.
So Young Emerson Diaper Tote • This tote has a classic look that both moms and dads will like.
Itzy Ritzy Triple Threat Backpack Tote • This comes in three different patterns and can be carried as a tote, messenger bag or a backpack. It has 13 total pockets, including two that are insulated to keep bottles cold or warm.
Ju-Ju-Be BFF Messenger • I love this bag! It has detachable straps that allow it to be carried like a messenger bag, a tote, or a backback. This bag has so many pockets and compartments, as well as much-needed open space. It comes in multiple patterns, so you are sure to find one you like. 
Honest City Backpack • Honest Company doesn’t use any toxic ingredients or materials, so I always feel safe with their products. This chic backpack comes in multiple colors, and will likely appeal to both moms and dads.
Skip Hop Travel Backpack • Skip Hop knows what they are doing with diaper bags. This lightweight and spacious backpack comes with two storage cubs that fit in the front pocket.
Babymel Robyn Backpack • This water-resistant canvas bag comes in six colors and can be worn on the shoulder, crossbody or as a backpack. It has several pockets, including a wipe pocket. It comes with an insulated bottle holder to keep bottles warm or cold.
Find a diaper bag you like, and get that one! If you don’t like any that are out there, you could also get a diaper bag insert to transform a large tote into a diaper bag that can fit all the essentials. Here are three of the many options for bag inserts:
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