Choosing a nappy bag that is both practical and stylish is one of the most considered decisions for new parents. With so many styles available —ranging from sleek backpacks to spacious totes to compact buggy organisers—it’s essential to find one that fits your lifestyle & needs. A good nappy bag should be comfortable to carry, easy to organize, and durable enough to handle daily adventures with your little one. Whether you’re looking for a simple tote bag or a backpack option with all the extras, this article will guide your decision so you can make the best choice for your needs.
How to choose the best nappy bag for your lifestyle
Why do I even need a dedicated nappy bag?
At first glance, you might think you can get away without a specialised nappy bag, especially if you already own a large tote or backpack that you love. However, nappy bags have been specifically designed to carry all your baby needs. They often have several pockets and pouches to easily store baby essentials and are built to be more durable than a standard bag. Nappy bags can handle everything a baby can throw at them. So, if you’re on the fence, a nappy bag is definitely worth the investment.
How long will I use a nappy bag for?
This will depend on when your child is toilet trained and if you have more than one child, but it’s likely you’ll need a nappy bag for at least three years.
What styles of nappy bags are there?
There are several styles of nappy bags, so think about your lifestyle and what you need to fit. Styles include totes, backpacks, buggy organisers, travel clutches and caddy style organisers. Read more below.
Tote Bags
Tote style bags tend to have a longer life as they can be used beyond the nappy years. They also tend to look more like a normal handbag than a backpack style nappy bag. Totes tend to carry less than a backpack and can get heavy when you have them on the one shoulder for a long period of time, so consider what you’ll be carrying and how heavy your load may be. Tote style nappy bags can also make it harder to multitask as your hands/arms aren’t quite as free as they would be with a backpack.
Backpacks
Usually larger in size, backpack style nappy bags are highly versatile because of the sheer amount of gear they can carry. With two straps, a backpack will spread the weight better than a tote, allowing a more comfortable carry, especially if you’re carrying gear for more than one child.
Buggy Organiser
Compact and lightweight, stroller organisers are designed to be clipped to the handles of your buggy, allowing easy access to your gear. They don’t hold as much as a tote or backpack style bag, however if you’re going for a short walk,need fast access to a few things or your child is toilet trained, then they can be a great option.
Mini Travel Clutches
These styles are made for very quick trips or to be used as a backup option to your main nappy bag and will usually only fit one nappy and a change of clothes. If you’re quickly popping out to the shops or doing school pick up, a travel change clutch can be a handy option to leave in the car so you don’t need the whole bag. Travel clutches usually fold out to double as a change mat and have enough space to pack a nappy, small pack of wipes and a change of clothes.
Caddy Style Organisers
Whilst not technically a nappy bag, many of our customers use a Caddy Organiser as a second nappy bag that permanently lives in the car. They keep a stash of nappies, change of clothes, wipes and creams, so they can take a smaller bag with them for the outing, knowing if there’s a bigger explosion they can head back to the car for backup!
Is a tote style or backpack nappy bag better?
It really comes down to personal preference. Many of our customers prefer a backpack style so they can keep their hands free for chasing after their little one or carrying a drink. However some still prefer the tote style as they can look more like a traditional everyday tote bag. It’s also wise to consider how much you need to carry as a backpack will likely fit more than a tote.
What features do you need in a nappy bag?
No two nappy bags are the same and so before you buy it’s important to think about which features will be important for you. The main thing to consider is what you might want to carry in the bag, how many children you have and where you’ll be using the bag.
Internal Pockets: It’s handy to have a minimum of two internal pockets, plus the main pocket, allowing you to store nappies in one, wipes and cream in the other and then spare clothes and other items such as a muslin wrap in the main pocket. You’ll then likely want another easy-access pocket for your own items such as keys, phone or wallet. Additional pockets for baby bottles and an adult pocket is also handy. If you don’t love pockets, consider using packing cubes, wet bags or pouches to divvy things up. Have a spare outfit in one cube, feeding gear in another etc.
Bottle Pockets: Will you be bottle feeding your baby or do you need to take a water bottle for an older child (or yourself)? A specific pocket for bottles can be very handy, especially if it’s insulated. If you want easy access, look for a bag which has the bottle pockets in an easy-access section. Breastfeeding and chasing after toddlers can be thirsty work, so make sure you’re taking water with you. A larger bottle pocket to fit an adults bottle is super handy.
Durability: Nappy bags are used day in, day out for many years and so they need to stand up to constant use. Look for strong zips, wide straps, a heavy fabric and potentially feet so your bag can stand up on it’s own.
Closures: Most bags are zippable, but some of the more modern styles will have a roll top close with magnets. Zips tend to offer more security but a roll top with magnets may get difficult when the bag is full.
Wipeable/Washable: Easy-wipe or washable fabric is essential. Your nappy bag is going to get dirty, there’s no doubt about it, so make life easier for yourself with a bag that’s easy to wipe down or can be machine washed. Vegan leather bags or coated canvas styles both look good and are easy to wipe, so are a strong contender.
Clippable: If you’re using a smaller bag, a tote style or an organiser, check if it can be easily clipped to buggy handles. This lightens the load for you as the weight of the bag is on your buggy, not your back and it also makes things more accessible. Some nappy bags, such as stroller organisers are specifically designed to be clipped to a buggy, whereas other styles, such as backpacks, it’s an added bonus. Some options include clips, but often you can purchase clips separately.
Matching Accessories: It’s likely that you'll at least want to have a wet bag to use alongside your nappy bag. You’ll be able to store any wet or dirty items in the bag without contamination or you can clip it to the bag outer. Other accessories which may be important include dummy containers, bottle pouches, wipes pouches and more.
Removable changing mat: You never know where you’ll need to change your baby and the cleanliness of some places can be questioned. So a removable changing mat is super handy, because it gives you a clean surface to change your baby which you can fold back up and take home. You can whip it out on the beach, on the grass, in the back of your car or wherever you need it. They’re usually lightweight and compact, so it’s not too much extra to carry. A lightweight muslin will also do the trick.
Is one nappy bag enough?
For most people, one nappy bag is enough, though many mum’s like to complement their main nappy bag with a smaller clutch style travel bag for short trips or emergencies or a stroller organiser to get out and about easily, without carrying so much. It really depends on your lifestyle.
What essentials should I pack in a nappy bag?
It’s easy to get carried away when packing a nappy bag as you never know what you’ll need, but remember, you have to carry it too! Too many extras just add to the weight. Here’s the absolute essentials to pack in a nappy bag:
Nappies: If you’re out for a short trip 2 nappies is likely enough, one for a change and one spare. If you’re out longer, you’ll need more. You know your baby best, so think about how many changes you typically get through in a day and then pack one or two extras just in case.
Wipes: A smaller packet of wipes is handy for a nappy bag as there’s less bulk and weight. If you’re using reusable wipes, put enough for your outing in a wet bag or container and add those. They’re also handy for cleaning sticky, dirty hands.
Change of clothes: Take one or two outfits depending on how long you’ll be out for. You never know when you’ll get an explosion or spill if you have a spilly baby. Consider adding a spare top for yourself too. And don’t forget spare baby socks which seem to have a habit of disappearing!
Travel Change Mat: Handy to whip out for an instant clean surface wherever you are.
What else should I pack in a nappy bag?
Creams: If you normally use a nappy balm at home, consider a travel size option for the nappy bag. If you’re only on a small trip, you may not need it. Sanitiser: Enough said.
Muslin wrap/swaddle: Muslin wraps are lightweight and have a multitude of uses, so adding a Muslin is a good idea. Use it for shade, burping, a breastfeeding cover, an additional light layer or as a playmat when out and about.
Dummies: If your baby uses a dummy, you definitely want to pack a spare (or two) in case the original gets lost or falls on the ground. Breast Pads: If you’re breastfeeding, you may want a spare set of breast pads to change out if needed (and perhaps a fresh top for yourself).
Bottle Feeding Supplies: If you’re bottle feeding, don’t forget the bottle, formula and any other supplies you need for feeding. Remember to think about how long you’ll be out for and plan accordingly.
Wet Bag: Any dirty or wet clothes can be added to the wet bag to keep them separate from the main bag or hung on the outer.
Hat: A merino wool hat for winter and sunhat for summer
Water bottle: Keep yourself hydrated and have a water bottle on hand, especially in the summer months. Snacks: Depending on the age of your baby you may need to start bringing food, but also think of yourself! If you need to bring baby food, remember a feeding spoon and bib as well to try and prevent the mess!
Small toy/book: For newborns you don’t really need to bring any entertainment as they’ll often be sleeping, but if you’re planning a coffee date with friends or doing the shopping, a small toy / book for an older baby may help keep them entertained just a little longer.
Comforter: If you have an older baby or a toddler who needs their cuddly, make sure you pack it! Portable white noise machine: If your baby is used to white noise at home, get a portable version for naps on the go. This will help bubs stay asleep longer and block out all those unfamiliar noises.
Does Dad need his own nappy bag?
Many of the modern day backpack style nappy bags are unisex in style so can easily be used by mum or dad. If you want a version that will suit both, consider how adjustable the straps are and if there’s any individual requirements you may have.