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Battle of the Diaper Bags

New Parents

Written By Sammy Pandolfo
May 26, 2021

Isn’t it funny the random things that your significant other will have an extraordinarily strong opinion about? For us, that was diaper bags. Before our first baby, my husband was adamant that we have a backpack diaper bag.

dad hiking with kids

I guess he just really didn’t want it to look like a purse? But whatever the reason, that was easy enough, and he pretty much let me do the rest for the registry. Okay, babe, ya got it—backpack diaper bag.

We’ve been team backpacks ever since, and I must admit the backpack is the way to go. I need full access to both arms, and every inch of space around in order to hold a baby and chase a toddler. And in desperate times, holding both on the hips.

The details:

  1. I tested out diaper bags, and gave each a letter grade.
  2. Ensured each bag had plenty of space for baby necessities.

baby items on a table

+ Bonus: checked each bag with a larger load of stuff for 2 kids

baby supplies on a table

Fisher-Price Diaper Bag Backpack

Grade: A+

Price: $39.99 on Amazon

I’ve used more expensive diaper bags, but I always find myself coming back to this one! Cut off the Fisher-Price tag and no one will ever know your secret Amazon find. I seriously get compliments on this bag all the time! I love the black, olive, pink, and blue with the gold hardware.

Pros

  • The main pocket opens wide
  • The Front Zipper pocket is very functional; insulated, and even holds large bottles
  • Side water bottle pockets (travel must-have)
  • Stroller clips
  • Changing pad
  • Outer pocket for what I call the “mama pocket” to keep a phone, keys, etc.
  • The main compartment is functional with pockets to keep organized
  • Two kid test- Pass

Cons

Stitching isn’t always perfect (but you can easily cut any loose ends if it bothers you)

dad on top of mountain holding baby

Fawn Design The Original Diaper Bag

Grade: C for functionality (A+ for being like, really pretty)

Price: $118 on amazon but limited colors; $169.99 from their website, or the bundle is currently on sale for $249.99 (including a changing clutch, stroller hooks, bottle bag, and paci case).

I thought I would love this, but it wasn’t for me. It’s definitely a beautiful bag, and I’m obsessed with the brown color. If you want a stylish bag, it’s a great option! But I’d also recommend getting a more affordable bag for travel or when you need more functionality.

Pros

  • You can use it as a backpack or messenger bag
  • High-quality leather
  • Hidden outside zipper pocket for cell phone, keys aka. “mama pocket”

Cons

  • It’s heavy, which I assume is because of the high quality
  • The front pockets are tight, sofor smaller items only
  • Have to spend extra to get the bundle for a changing pad
  • Two kid test- Fail

I had this as a pro and then moved to con, so it might be a personal preference. There are bottle pockets on the outside of the bag, but I prefer something with a zipper for bottles and other feeding supplies. I can’t see myself putting my bottles there, and it was really tight with the bottles I use. I’m sure it would stretch a little, but I had to really work to get them to fit! Which would be a pain.

Vakker Diaper Bag Backpack

Grade: A+

Price: $39.99 on Amazon

This is the biggest of the diaper bags and would be great for the over-packer, travel, or multiple kids!

Pros

  • Large capacity
  • Stroller straps
  • Aviation straps for suitcase
  • Changing pad
  • Front Zipper pocket is very functional; insulated, and holds even large bottles
  • Main compartment is functional with pockets to keep organized
  • Opens wide
  • Outside pocket for easy access to wipes
  • Two kid test- Pass

Cons

  • No exterior pocket for water bottles

Freshly Picked – Convertible Classic Diaper Bag Backpack

Grade: A

Price: $175 on Amazon

This is a great new mom diaper bag if you want a higher quality leather diaper bag but still functional! It’s definitely more practical than the Fawn Design diaper bag mentioned above.

Pros

  • Opens wide
  • Insulated bottle holders inside the main compartment
  • The main compartment is functional with pockets to keep organized
  • Can also wear it over the shoulder or crossbody
  • Changing pad
  • Two kid test- Pass

Cons

  • The front zipper pocket is relatively tight (especially when the bag is full)
  • Most items will only fit in the main compartment on the bag

Outside pockets are a little squirrely- a water bottle will fit in the exterior pocket. However, only smaller baby bottles fit in the insulated bottle pocket. If you have a larger-sized baby bottle inside the main insulated bottle pocket, it won’t fit. This is pretty easy to work around, but just something to note.

Ruvalino Diaper Bag Backpack

Grade: B

Price: Currently on sale for $39.99 on Amazon

I get California surfer vibes from the bag, and it’s definitely a great bag the dads will love too! If you like many pockets for organization, this is the bag for you!

Pros

  • Has the most pockets for organization
    The Front Zipper pocket is very functional; insulated and holds even large bottles
  • The main compartment is functional with pockets to keep organized
  • Side water bottle pockets
  • Changing pad
  • Outer pocket for what I call the “mama pocket” to keep a phone, keys, etc.

Cons

  • The main compartment doesn’t open as wide; however, you have so many other functional outside pockets I don’t think this is a huge problem.
  • Two kid test- Would pass if I took the item out of the clear organizer bags they were in…but I like being able to pull out my bags. This might be personal.

Is it almost too many pockets for me? I like to quickly tell my husband where something is if he needs it! Or I might get confused myself. But someone else might like this!

A few others to note

I was hoping this would be a good knock-off for a leather diaper bag, but it smells and is awful. DO NOT BUY.

Although I’m not a fan of the Fawn Original for functionality, I really love the Anthropology Fawn diaper bag. I’m bummed because it’s sold out. If it comes back, I will definitely add a review because it’s a really great bag for a more “high-end” option!

Let us know if there are any other diaper bags you’d like us to review!!

 

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Sammy Pandolfo

Hi! I’m Sammy, one of the two mamas behind Supporting Chaos! Below is a little background on me, but above all, thank you so much for being here. We are so excited to watch this community grow and support other mamas like we’ve been able...