From carrying around essentials for their little ones to organizing their own belongings, moms need a reliable and functional backpack that can keep up with their busy lives. And, we need it to fit our personal style.
However, the quest for the perfect backpack can often be overwhelming. With countless options available in the market, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of choices.
So we reached out to our vibrant social media community, consisting of nearly 50,000 parents, to get their insights and recommendations on the best backpacks for busy moms.
Our readers provided invaluable feedback, sharing their personal favorites and shedding light on the features that make a backpack truly exceptional.
In this blog post, we have compiled the top 25 backpacks for moms as recommended by our engaged community of parents.
Whether you’re a new mom looking for a stylish diaper bag alternative or a seasoned parent seeking a versatile backpack to tackle everyday adventures, we’ve got you covered.
Each backpack on this list has been carefully selected based on its functionality, durability, comfort, and of course, style.
From spacious compartments for diapers, bottles, and wipes to dedicated pockets for laptops, tablets, and personal belongings, these are the best diaper bags (in backpack style) that offer a perfect blend of practicality and fashion-forward design.
Whether you’re running errands, going on a family outing, or simply need a reliable companion for your daily routine, you’ll find the ideal backpack that suits your lifestyle and surpasses your expectations.
Let’s dive in!
This article includes affiliate links.
1. Best Overall: Dagne Dover
The Indi diaper backpack from Dagne Dover emerged as the top recommendation among parents for its functionality and convenience.
This backpack is designed to hold all of your baby essentials and is particularly suited for new parents on-the-go. It allows for hands-free wrangling and offers ample space to carry everything you need.
One of the standout features of the Indi diaper backpack is the extra zipper opening, providing easier access to wipes, making diaper changes a breeze. It also includes a mini changing mat and extra pouches for added convenience.
Additionally, the backpack features a luggage sleeve, making it an excellent travel companion, and a dedicated laptop carrier that can accommodate most 15″ laptops.
The Indi diaper backpack goes beyond functionality by incorporating sustainable materials. The lining, shoe bag, and dust bag are made from REPREVE® recycled polyester, a durable and versatile material created from recycled plastic bottles. This backpack is also 100% vegan, appealing to environmentally conscious parents.
Designed with the needs of children in mind, the Indi diaper backpack offers plenty of storage for diapers and clothes. It includes pouches and handy pockets for wipes, toys, snacks, and other essentials. The backpack even features two key leashes, one for keys and one for binkies, ensuring important items won’t get misplaced. Moreover, there’s room for a tablet, which can come in handy for keeping older siblings entertained.
The Indi diaper backpack measures 12.25″ L x 6″ W x 13.75″ H and has a volume of 17L. It weighs 3.5 lbs and can accommodate most 15″ laptops. It is designed to fit most electric and manual breast pump models, including popular brands like Avent, Bellema, and Spectra.
Overall, the Indi diaper backpack stands out as a highly recommended choice for parents seeking a versatile and sustainable solution for everyday use to carry their baby essentials. With its stylish design, functionality, and commitment to the environment, it’s the perfect bag for parents on-the-go.
Reader Comments:
Love my Dagne Dover – pricey but worth it!
Dagne 100%
I love my Dagne Dover and my husband does, too.
Medium Dagne Dover diaper bag is great for us especially traveling with our 4 year old! A bit heavy though.
Large Indi Diaper from Dagne Dover is the best.
Dagne Hands Down. Indi style.
2. Best Pockets: Itzy Ritzy
The Itzy Ritzy Boss Backpack Diaper Bag has quickly gained popularity among our community as the second most recommended backpack. This stylish diaper bag is designed to provide both fashion and functionality, making it a must-have for parents on-the-go.
Crafted from vegan leather, the Itzy Ritzy Boss Backpack combines a chic appearance with practical features. With a roomy interior and a total of 17 pockets, including 10 internal and 7 exterior pockets, this backpack ensures you have ample space to keep you and your baby organized throughout the day.
The bag’s thoughtful design includes not just one insulated bottle pocket, but two. An insulated pocket allows you to keep your baby’s bottles hot or cold as needed. It also features a felt-lined valuables pocket, perfect for storing your personal items securely, and an easy-access “parent pocket” for quick access to mom and dad’s essentials.
The Itzy Ritzy Boss Backpack comes complete with useful accessories. Coordinating stroller clips make it effortless to attach the bag to your stroller, providing convenience and freeing up your hands. The backpack also includes an easy-wipe changing pad with “head” and “toes” markings on the inside. The changing pad has its own zippered pocket on the back of the bag, adding extra cushioning when wearing the backpack.
To maintain cleanliness and durability, the backpack is equipped with rubber feet on the bottom. Inspired by the soles of driving moccasins, these feet prevent the bag from touching the ground, keeping it clean and upright.
The versatility of the Itzy Ritzy Boss Backpack is notable. It can be carried by the built-in handle for a quick grab-and-go option or worn as a traditional backpack using the comfortable and adjustable shoulder straps. This backpack is designed to cater to the adventurous parent, offering a spacious interior with an easy-access opening, ensuring quick access to pacifiers, snacks, diapers, and all your baby essentials.
The Itzy Ritzy Boss Backpack Diaper Bag offers the perfect combination of fashion-forward design and practical functionality for daily use, making it a top choice for parents seeking a stylish and organized solution for their baby essentials.
Reader Comments:
100% hands down Itzy Ritzy. The Boss is huge and I ADORE my mini backpack.
Itzy Rizy makes the best backpack fro moms hands down. Soooo many pockets!
Itzy Ritzy! I have the full size and mini and they’re both incredible.
Itzy Ritzy – pricey but so worth it!
Itzy Rizy backpacks are the best!
Buy the Itzy Ritzy Backpack on Amazon >>
3. Simple Design: Lululemon New Parent Backpack
The Lululemon New Parent Backpack has earned its place as the third most recommended backpack by our community of parents. Designed with the needs of busy parents in mind, this backpack offers a combination of functionality and style to make parenting on-the-go a breeze.
This backpack is equipped with an array of pockets to accommodate snacks, wipes, diapers, and other essential items that parents need to carry. It even includes a removable pouch with a changing mat, providing added convenience for diaper changes while away from home.
Constructed with water-repellant fabric, the Lululemon New Parents Backpack ensures that your belongings stay protected even during unexpected weather conditions. The dimensions of the backpack are 31cm x 20cm x 40cm (12.2″ x 7.9″ x 15.7″), providing ample space for your baby essentials.
The backpack features a sleek, simple design. Side pockets that allow quick and easy access to water bottles and small items, ensuring you stay hydrated and organized throughout the day. It also includes a secure front pocket and a hidden zippered pocket, providing additional storage options to keep your belongings secure and within reach.
For added versatility, the Lululemon New Parents Backpack comes with a removable pouch that can be worn as a cross-body bag, offering flexibility and convenience when you need to travel light. The backpack straps can be unclipped and the bag can be easily attached to a stroller, providing a hands-free option.
Inside the backpack, you’ll find interior pockets designed to hold your essentials, keeping them organized and easily accessible.
When it comes to materials, the Lululemon New Parents Backpack is made with quality in mind. The mesh is crafted from 100% polyester, while the body is constructed with 100% recycled nylon. The liner is composed of 100% recycled polyester, highlighting the backpack’s commitment to sustainability.
To care for the backpack, spot cleaning is recommended. Washing, bleaching, tumble drying, ironing, and dry cleaning should be avoided to maintain the integrity of the product. With these care instructions in mind, you can keep your Lululemon New Parents Backpack in great condition for all your parenting adventures.
Reader comments from Instagram:
“I got all my girlfriends on the Lululemon Backpack Train.”
”Definitely Lululemon”
”Lululemon New parents backpack is the best!”
4. Mom-Designed: Freshly Picked
The Freshly Picked Classic Diaper Bag has gained popularity among our readers, making it another favorite choice for parents.
This diaper bag was created by moms for moms, incorporating feedback from focus groups across the United States to ensure it meets the needs of modern parents.
Crafted from premium quality vegan leather in many different colors, this diaper bag combines durability with a stylish aesthetic. The wipeable and stain-resistant nylon interior lining ensures easy cleaning and maintenance, while the included nylon changing pad adds practicality for diaper changes on the move.
The bag features a spacious central compartment that can accommodate larger items, along with 10 additional pockets for easy organization. Whether you need to carry diapers, wipes, bottles, or other essentials, this bag provides ample storage without sacrificing style or convenience.
The Classic Diaper Bag offers multiple carrying options, allowing you to use it as a backpack, crossbody bag, or purse. It even includes optional shoulder straps, providing flexibility to suit your preferences and needs. The grab-and-go top handle is sturdy enough to hang on a hook or attach to a stroller, offering added convenience on the go.
Designed with attention to detail, the Classic Diaper Bag boasts premium easy glide YKK zippers and custom matte gold hardware, adding a touch of luxury to its functionality. It features a magnetic closure on the easy access front flap, ensuring quick and effortless access to the bag’s contents.
To keep the bag germ-free and protected, it is equipped with metal feet on the bottom, preventing direct contact with the ground. This feature adds an extra layer of cleanliness and peace of mind for parents.
The bag’s design includes an electronics sleeve, a designated space for your cell phone, wallet, and water bottle, making it versatile enough to double as your everyday purse.
With its wipeable and spill-resistant surfaces, large capacity, and attention to detail, the Classic Diaper Bag offers the functionality you need without compromising on style. It is an excellent option and reliable companion for parents on the go, providing organization and convenience while exuding a chic and fashionable appearance.
Buy the Freshly Picked Diaper Bag on Amazon >>
5. Best for Working Moms: Lily & Jade
The Anna Backpack by Lily & Jade is a top recommended choice among moms for its smart and versatile design.
This stylish bag is crafted to function as two bags in one, providing you with optimal packing options. The interior of the Anna Backpack is divided in half, and the back half can fully unzip down the entire length of the bag. This allows you to separate and organize your baby gear, work materials, gym clothes, and everyday items into their designated sides of the bag.
The bag is thoughtfully designed with the busy woman in mind, featuring a grab handle for quick dashes out the door. It easily converts from a backpack to a crossbody carry in seconds, providing convenience and flexibility. The side pockets are spacious enough to accommodate even the largest bottles and tumblers.
The Anna Backpack offers a range of special features including two exterior front zipper pockets, two large open side pockets for bottles and tumblers, an interior zipper pocket in the front compartment, two interior slip pockets in the front compartment, a magnetic snap slip pocket in the back compartment for a laptop, tablet, books, or binders, and two interior elastic pockets in the back compartment. Additionally, it features an exterior magnetic pocket for extra storage or for tucking in the backpack straps when not in use.
Accessories included with the Anna Backpack are an adjustable and detachable extra-long strap for messenger carry, as well as a gorgeous double-sided leather tassel with a natural stone bead and individually cast logo bead.
The dimensions of the Anna Backpack are 15″ in height, 13.25″ in width, and 7.5″ in depth. It comes with a crossbody strap measuring 56″ in length, with a drop range of 16″ to 30″. The backpack weighs 3.5 lbs without the crossbody strap and 3.86 lbs with the strap.
These quality bags can last well beyond the baby years, making it a good choice for someone who wants their diaper bag investment to last for a long time.
6. Best For Travel: No Reception Club
The No Reception Club Travel Backpack is the best travel backpack you’ll find, catering especially to to parents who are avid travelers, offering unparalleled organization, and featuring a stylish unisex design.
This backpack comes with great features and accessories to enhance your travel experience. Included is an insulated lunch bag, two detachable stroller clips, and two customizable shelves for the main compartment. The customizable shelves enable flexible organization, ensuring that all your essentials are neatly arranged and easily accessible. With top and side openings, you can conveniently reach inside the bag from different angles.
The No Reception Club Travel Backpack is not only designed for baby needs but also considers the parent’s essentials. It features parent pockets, including a hood, front and back compartments, to store your personal belongings. An emergency compartment, resistant to odors and water, is available to handle any unexpected messes. The diaper essentials compartment is perfectly sized for items such as diapers, wipes, changing pads, and creams, fitting the NRC Sidekick Hip Pack perfectly (bundle available for savings).
The dimensions of the No Reception Club Travel Backpack are 19.7″ in height, 10.2″ in width, and 6.5″ in depth, with a capacity of 24 liters. It meets international carry-on size limit requirements, making it flight-ready. When empty, the backpack weighs 2.7 lbs, and with dividers and the lunch bag, it weighs 3.4 lbs.
The NO Reception Club Travel Backpack offers several additional features that make it a standout choice. It provides instant side access, allowing you to reach directly into different areas of the backpack without rummaging through the entire bag. A soiled items compartment is water-resistant and odor-proof, ensuring mess-free storage when you child needs a change of clothes. The backpack’s luggage pass-through and included stroller straps help reduce your load and make transportation easier. The two adjustable shelves securely velcro inside the main compartment, providing additional organization options.
In summary, the No Reception Club Travel Backpack is a versatile and highly functional travel companion for parents. It combines exceptional organization, travel-friendly features, and premium materials and is a great choice for parents who travel a lot.
Highly Rated on Amazon
If you’re on a budget, here are some highly rated backpacks on Amazon that can fit the bill:
7. Fjallraven (From $119.95)
The Fjallraven Kanken Laptop is a practical and attractive backpack made from dirt-resistant and water-resistant Vinylon F fabric. It has a 18L volume with a two-way zip-around closure and a rain flip. The backpack features a padded laptop pocket that can accommodate a 15″ laptop and has straps with a content information tag for personalization. It also comes with a foam sitting pad.
The design of the Kanken Laptop is an iconic Scandinavian style, similar to the classic Kanken school pack. Fjallraven, founded in the 1950s in Northern Sweden, is known for its sustainability and heritage. The backpack is versatile and accessible, with a front zipper compartment, two side pockets, and padded, adjustable ergonomic shoulder straps. It measures 15.7″ x 11″ x 6.3″ and weighs 1.0 lbs.
8. Fawn (From $189.99)
The Fawn Original Diaper Bag is a versatile backpack made in the USA and imported, featuring a faux leather lining and a zipper closure. It can be worn in three ways: as a backpack with adjustable straps, with a removable messenger strap, or using the grab handle. The bag has a total of 12 pockets, 6 on the exterior and 6 on the interior, providing ample storage space. It is designed to be functional and easy to clean, with a half-round zipper top for quick access and a water-resistant premium faux leather material. The bag measures 13″ in height, 13.5″ in width, and 7″ in depth, with various strap lengths and pocket sizes.
9. Cotopaxi (From $90.00)
The Del Dia Cotopaxi is a unique backpack made in the Philippines, where each backpack is created by an employee who has creative control over its colorway, making each one distinct and one of a kind.
The backpack features a durable cotton/polyester canvas shell and a full-wrap zippered opening. It includes front box pockets, internal mesh storage compartments, and tuck-away straps. Additionally, it has a padded laptop sleeve that can accommodate most 15-inch laptops.
10. Ruvalino (From $42.99)
The Ruvalino backpack diaper bag offers a normal size with two spacious compartments and 16 pockets, providing organization without being too large or small. It includes insulated bottle pockets, a padded laptop pocket, and mesh organizers for convenience. The wide opening and dual zippers allow easy access, and the bag can be worn as a backpack, handbag, or attached to a stroller. Made from durable, waterproof fabric, this bag is designed to last for years.
11. Mokaloo (From $29.99)
The Mokaloo diaper backpack is made from lightweight and durable Oxford fabric, with a polyester lining and zipper closure. It features a large size with 13 internal and external pockets for organization, and a 25L volume capacity. The backpack includes a USB charging port for convenient on-the-go charging. It offers spacious compartments for wet and dry items, insulated pockets for bottles, and side pockets for wipes and other essentials. The bag is water-resistant, tear-resistant, and designed for durability. It can be used as a backpack, handbag, and is suitable for various occasions.
12. Omloon (From $26.99)
The Omloon Diaper Bag features 14 independent pockets for organizing baby essentials. It includes a multifunctional changing pad pocket, anti-theft pocket, and insulated pockets for bottles. The bag is made of tear-resistant, waterproof Oxford fabric, with a sturdy bottom frame and smooth metal zippers. It offers convenient features like a built-in USB charging port and comfortable, breathable shoulder straps. The bag is travel-friendly with a luggage strap and has plenty of capacity for baby essentials. It makes an ideal baby shower gift and registry item for new parents.
Buy the Omloon backpack on Amazon >>
13. MomInside
The MomInside diaper bag is made of vegan leather and waterproof nylon, making it durable and easy to clean. It features 14 pockets for organized storage, including insulated pockets and a padded laptop pocket. The bag can be worn as a backpack, tote, or crossbody bag, and it has a convertible shoulder strap. It offers versatile storage space for bottles, diapers, wipes, and personal items. The wide-open design and stylish appearance make it a practical and fashionable choice for parents. It can also be used as a travel backpack or everyday bag.
Buy the Mominside Diaper Bag on Amazon >>
14. BabbleRoo
The BabbleRoo diaper bag is designed with parents and babies in mind. It features a wide opening and comes with a foldable changing pad. The bag has built-in stroller straps, insulated pockets, and various useful compartments. It offers convenience and thoughtfulness with easy-access pockets, SBS easy-glide zippers, and a transparent small pocket. The bag is hands-free with stroller straps and a luggage sleeve, and it provides comfort with cushioned shoulder straps. Made with water-resistant and lightweight polyester, this practical diaper bag can be used as a backpack, handbag, or tote.
15. Jiefeike
This large capacity Jiefeike diaper bag is designed with multiple compartments and pockets for convenient organization. It includes insulated pockets for baby bottles, a mommy pocket, an organizer pocket, an RFID pocket, and a dry and wet separation bag. The bag also features a USB charging port, side pockets, and a luggage strap. It is made of waterproof fabric and comes with a diaper organizer and a pocket for wet clothes. The bag has stroller straps, an RFID pocket for security, and a comfortable shoulder pad. It is a functional and practical diaper bag, suitable as a Valentine’s gift for women.
16. Venatin (From $25.99)
The Venatin diaper backpack offers a large capacity to accommodate all the necessary items for the baby’s travel. It features a scientifically designed partition for easy access and organization. The bag includes a thermal insulation milk tank to keep bottles warm, a portable back open bag for separating dry and wet items, and a stroller connection buckle for hands-free convenience. It is a practical and functional bag that ensures a worry-free and enjoyable outing with the babe.
More Recommended Bags
Here are other backpacks our readers recommended:
17. Caraa Sports Bag
18. Day Owl
19. Azaria Petite Backpack
20. Canvelle
21. Radrev
22. JanSport
23. REI Trail 25 Pack – Women’s
24. Portland Leather Goods
25. Beis Diaper Backpack
When buying a backpack to fit your busy lifestyle, there are several important factors to keep in mind:
- Size and Capacity: Look for a backpack with sufficient space to accommodate all the essential items you need for your children. Consider the number of compartments, pockets, and overall capacity to ensure you can organize and carry diapers, wipes, bottles, snacks, toys, extra clothing, and other necessary items comfortably.
- Organization: Opt for a backpack that offers ample internal and external pockets, compartments, and dividers. Having lots of pockets will help you keep everything organized and easily accessible, reducing the time and effort required to find specific items when you’re on the go.
- Durability: Choose a backpack made from high-quality materials that can withstand the demands of daily use and the wear and tear associated with caring for young children. Look for sturdy construction, reinforced stitching, and durable zippers and hardware to ensure longevity.
- Comfort and Ergonomics: Consider the comfort features of the backpack, such as padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel. These elements will help distribute the weight evenly and prevent strain on your shoulders and back, especially when carrying the backpack for extended periods.
- Easy Maintenance: Look for a backpack that is easy to clean and maintain. Spills and accidents are bound to happen, so opting for materials that can be wiped clean or machine washed will save you time and effort in the long run. (Pro tip: Opt for darker colors over light colors that will show stains more easily. Trust me.)
- Versatility: Consider a backpack that offers versatile carrying options, such as backpack straps, crossbody straps, or a top handle. This will give you the flexibility to choose the most comfortable and convenient carrying style based on your specific needs and activities.
- Additional Features: Think about any extra features that would be beneficial for your lifestyle. This could include insulated pockets for keeping bottles warm or cool, a changing pad or mat, stroller attachments, a laptop sleeve for work purposes, or even a hidden security pocket for valuables.
When it comes to choosing a diaper bag that meets the needs of busy moms, these top recommended backpacks truly stand out. Each brand offers unique features and designs to cater to different preferences and lifestyles.
Whether you prioritize functionality, style, travel-readiness, or versatility, these top backpacks offer a range of options to meet your needs. Investing in a high-quality diaper bag that aligns with your lifestyle can provide you with the organization, convenience, and confidence you deserve as a busy mom.
Choose the one that resonates with your personal preferences and enjoy the journey of motherhood with a reliable and fashionable companion by your side.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
