How to Choose the Best Diaper Bag

Wondering what to look for when purchasing a diaper bag? See the top features you shouldn’t ignore to find the best diaper bag for your lifestyle.

This post is a partnership with Petunia Pickle Bottom. All opinions are my own.

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I remember the first diaper bag, I owned as a new mom: a simple, inexpensive bag I didn’t give much thought to. To this day it’s sitting somewhere at the bottom of my closet…because I needed something better.

I used to think, a diaper bag is a diaper bag, right? They all must work well.

With tons of other baby gear to sort through in a baby registry, it just didn’t seem like a big deal. Plus, I would never splurge on a bag myself, so didn’t feel right choosing a pricier, albeit more durable bag for others to buy. Ah, the frugal life! 

But three babies later, and knowing what I know now, I would have definitely chosen a diaper bag that checked off all the “must-have” features.

Because a diaper bag will have to endure it all from doctor check-ups and errands to blow-outs and spillage, one that you actually like is KEY.

Let’s take a closer look at the most important features to look for in a diaper bag.

Diaper Bag Features to Consider

Plenty of Storage Space

One of the first things you want to consider when choosing a diaper bag is a bag that has plenty of storage for baby essentials. 

Because as a new mom, having ample room for all those things your little one needs like diapers, wipes, clothes, bottles, snacks, toys, and MORE…prevents having to lug multiple bags from place to place.

Many bags claim to be roomy, but to find one that works best, look for the right balance between plenty of space and compact — an over-sized, bulky bag will be challenging to juggle.

Organization

Similarly, you may see bags touting ample space, but a little research goes a long way. A large bag doesn’t necessarily mean well-organized. Look for compartmentalized sections to store your essentials.

A specific area for making wipes easy to reach, a larger section for holding diapers, clothes or shoes, a separate space for food and keeping a bottle in place, and even divided space for wet and dry clothes. Because the last thing you want is to just dump all your baby stuff in one main spot — it’ll make finding exactly what you need much trickier and can defeat the purpose of having a diaper bag.

Style Preference

Have you considered your bag style? Most moms want a bag that is somewhat pleasing to the eye. Whether you prefer a trendy, modern, or minimalist style, look for a bag that fits your personal style — you’ll be carrying this thing around wherever you go with baby…and if you’re sharing the bag with your partner, keep that in mind too!

Note: I mention this one as a mom who opted for very generic diaper bag the first time around, that while affordable did not meet many of my own personal criteria for comfort, style or functionality. Choose something you like.

Functional

How a bag looks on the outside will catch your attention initially, but a good diaper bag also delivers in functionality.

That’s why another important diaper bag feature to consider is a bag that actually works how you need it to. You need something that is practical and actually gets the job done. Meaning do you want a bag that can keep items in position? A bag that you can wear comfortably? A bag that makes accessing items easy?

Not every bag will actually deliver, so all of these things should be considered before purchasing.

Weather-proof

Let’s face it, with babies and toddlers things are bound to get messy. Your bag will go through a bit of wear and tear over time, so it’s really important to choose something that is not only durable but also able to stand the test of time.

Look for a water-proof bag that has an insulated interior lining for those inevitable spills as you tote around a sippy cup, bottle or baby food pouches. It’ll make cleaning out later much easier.

Comfort

And finally, along with all the above, choose a diaper bag that is comfortable to wear. Carrying bags can lead to an imbalance of weight and strain on your body, so it’s essential to take into account your lifestyle and what will be most comfortable on a daily basis. Find something that is easy for you to hold, whether over your shoulder or on your back.

Introducing Petunia Pickle Bottom

For those of you that may not know, Petunia is a diaper bag brand for modern motherhood that keeps all of these little (but important) diaper bag details in mind. The brand focuses on the evolving needs and demands placed on parents to create bags and accessories designed for year-round outings, whatever the weather.

I recently got a chance to check out one of their newest bags, the Pivot Pack.

This versatile, diaper bag checks all the boxes for those must-have features.

To start, the Pivot Pack is a good-looking bag for mom and practical diaper storage for baby. This stylish modern bag comes in genuine leather trim and a black and sand color, with rose gold zip closure.

Measuring at 14.5” H x 15” W x 5.5” D, it includes a roomy interior with 8 total pockets inside and out — so plenty of room for all your diaper essentials.

And to help organize all your stuff with ease, the Pivot Pack features an insulated front zippered pocket, hidden side bottle pocket and spacious zip-around bottom compartment. There is also an interior open tech pocket and mesh pockets for separating baby items from yours (including a felt-lined pocket to keep your phone safe!). Now that’s a thoughtful idea!

With an expandable side water bottle pocket and wipeable PEVA antimicrobial lining, the water-resistant bag makes clean-ups easy!

And last but not least, the versatile Pivot Pack makes toting the bag around as comfortable as needed. You have the option to carry over your shoulder like most bags, wear as a backpack (ideal for parents babywearing), tote in your hand using grab handle or strap onto a stroller.

When you’re a mom with littles of various needs, who doesn’t love options?!

To learn more about this and the array of other stylish and functional diaper bags Petunia Pickle Bottom offers, be sure to visit their website or follow them on Instagram.