Want the functionality of a diaper bag (pockets! zippered top! padded straps!) in a style you can use long after your child is out of diapers? Hello, new favorite carry-on or gym bag! These bags tick lots of boxes when it comes to toting around everything you need for your baby, but they do the job without screaming diaper bag. Read on to find the tote, backpack, weekender or handbag that suits your style and baby-bag needs.
If you’re not sure what features you need in a baby bag, read our smart mom’s guide to diaper bags.
Parenting Pack R1 by Beau Industries
This is a sturdy backpack you'll be using for years, but what makes it indespensable as a diaper bag is the included fold-up changing pad (it doubles as a laptop sleeve, fitting a 15-inch MacBook Pro) and two insulated water-resistant pouches for bottles, snacks and more. Our favorite features: the articulated back panel that gives you comfort and stability even when the pack is full of baby gear, the handy exterior wipes pocket, and the padded nine-pocket organizer. With clean lines and a neutral black with red accents, this will be everybody's favorite bag to carry.
Available at beau.industries, $129.
Aquila Tote Bag from White Elm Bags
This oversize canvas tote has plenty of pockets for all your gear, along with a water-resistant lining in case of spills. It comes in solids, stripes and this awesome buffalo check pattern, all with vegan leather straps and a fun pop of color on the lining. When you're not filling this tote with baby stuff, the padded laptop sleeve fits laptops up to 17.3 inches, and it makes a great overnight bag.
Available at shopwhiteelm.com, $119.
Women's Vegan Maxi Backpack by SportsChic
We love the metallics and crisp white vegan pebble-grain leather of these roomy backpacks. They're easy to clean and feature insulated pockets that keep drinks hot or cold, as well as an easy-access front pocket for your essentials. The inside is lined with (hot pink!) waterproof nylon and has three handy pockets. There's a padded compartment for your laptop or tablet, and when you're no longer using the bag for toting baby stuff, it works great for stashing tennis racquets. The backpack also comes in two smaller versions: midi ($119) and mini ($89).
Available at sportshic.com, $149.
The O.G. 2 by Lo & Sons
Billed as a travel and laptop bag, this bestseller from Lo & Sons keeps your belongings and baby's gear super organized. There's an external zippered compartment with multiple pockets to store your wallet, keys, phone and more, and keep them separate from baby's items. The zippered pocket billed as a shoe compartment is the perfect spot for dirty clothes, burp cloths or anything else you'd like to keep separate. The interior water bottle pocket could hold baby's bottle instead, and the external laptop compartment could easily fit a changing pad. Store toys, snacks and a change of baby clothes in the main compartment, and attach the slip-resistant pad to the shoulder strap for extra padding and comfort while you're out and about. This lightweight, water-resistant nylon bag will look great for years as you use it as a diaper bag, carry-on bag, gym bag, overnight bag and more.
Available at loandsons.com, $199.80-$388.
Western-Inspired Bags by Frankie Cameron
Handcrafted from authentic cowhide and genuine leather, Frankie Cameron's handbags, backpacks, clutches and weekenders pair Western flair with smart-mom sensibility. Several bags come with a zip-in, zip-out water-resistant liner you can toss in the wash for easy cleaning. Best of all, the Baby Liner ($55) slips right into Franke Cameron totes to turn it into the ultimate baby bag. This washable, water-resistant liner comes with two zippered pockets, six elastic pockets and a changing pad, and it zips into the totes to keep your stash secure.
Available at frankiecameron.com, $65-$465.
Wave Weekender by Eklund Griffin
Join the wave of parents who've discovered that this nautical-inspired weekender bag is equally handy for baby gear. Handmade in Connecticut, the bag's durable leather base will hold up wherever your adventures take you. Thoughtful details include a chambray lining and a marine-quality rope zipper pull.
Available at eklundgriffin.com, $450.
Everyday Lightweight Tote by L.L.Bean
Looking for a lightweight, machine-washable bag with a top zipper? This is the tote for you. It's made of a durable nylon fabric with a double-layer bottom and reinforced handles. There's an exterior pocket and an interior zip pocket with key clip. When you're not toting diapers, it makes a great bag for the beach or gym, or even your groceries. It packs down super small, so you can bring it as an extra on all your adventures. Comes in a medium, large or extra-large size and a variety of colors and prints. Add a monogram for a personal, preppie touch.
Available at llbean.com, $24.95-$59.95.
Tote Bags by Jenn Lee
Handwoven in East Bali by local artisans from ata grass, beloved for its durability and water resistance, these beautiful bags feature traditional Balinese prints and are finished with a soft leather suede lining. There's a zipper pocket and two side pockets for all your baby gear, as well as a zippered close to keep your belongings safe. Because they're handmade, there will be slight differences in each of the seven designs, making your bag a one-of-a-kind beauty to treasure—just like your baby.
Available at shopjennlee.com, $168.
The (Anti) Diaper Bag by HATCH
You'd never know this tote was a diaper bag unless you saw the included changing pad, which says "Tushie" on it. The nylon bag has a flat base so it stands upright, making it easier to find diapers or sunglasses, and it comes with three roomy clutches to help you organize your belongings, as well as multiple interior pockets. There are leather straps and a removable crossbody strap so you can style it to suit your needs and your outfit. Add the monogrammable multicolored fringe tassle ($38) to really make it your own.
Available at hatchcollection.com, $298.
—Eva Ingvarson Cerise
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A Smart Mom’s Guide to Diaper Bags
