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It's no secret that sorting out our luggage is a lot more challenging when flying with kids. On first look, essential baby items look relatively easy to account for and MIGHT even fit in nicely in standard luggage. However, that only lasts until you start digging through your bottomless bag. So, what's the solution then? A travel diaper bag backpack designed for travel.
Wondering what to pack in your diaper bag? Read here for more information.
If you are interested in traveling light, read here for information on traveling with carry on only.
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What to Look for in the Best Diaper Bag for Airplane Travel
Most moms wouldn't dare travel with kids without a diaper bag, especially if they've already done it both ways. For those wondering, a diaper or nappy bag is not your regular backpack or tote, even when the design and functionalities overlap.
In any case, if you're looking to organize more thoughtfully on your upcoming trip, here are the things that you can always look out for when choosing a diaper bag.
Type of Diaper Bag
While diaper bags are often associated with totes, they actually have more variety that caters to different styles. The most popular ones? Totes and backpacks!
Tote
Tote is the traditional style of a diaper bag many are familiar with. The main advantage of tote over other bags is its spacious and adjustable form. Meanwhile, unlike regular tote bags, diaper bags are typically equipped with different compartments that help you stay organized. It's perfect for walking around or as a slip-in bag underneath a bigger stroller.
Backpack
Diaper bag backpacks are designed with convenience, style and functionality in mind. Backpacks feature an assortment of compartments that can hold various baby essentials. The bag also lends its form to allow easy, separate access to pockets and inserts. Finally, it keeps both your hands free, which allows you to stay adaptable to your surroundings.
Aside from these two popular designs, there are also diaper bags that are styled as convertible, messenger, clutch or a stroller organizer. These dynamic styles answer to different needs including a trip to the outdoors, casual walks as well as flying cross-country or even abroad.
Comfort
Needless to say, the ideal bag is the one that will keep you comfortable!
A backpack, for example, is great for the outdoors since it keeps weight evenly distributed on both of your shoulders. It's also much easier to carry and organize for flights and road trips. Given that parents always have their hands full, it's no surprise that a backpack is the leading choice for those with an active lifestyle.
Size
A casual trip to the playground probably means you won't be needing too many essential items. Therefore, you can get away with a sling bag or other compact designs. On the other hand, you may find greater value in a tote or a backpack diaper bag if you're set to fly or pack for an outdoor adventure where the extra compartments can come in most handy.
Weight
Materials significantly affect the weight of your bag. For example, leather bags will naturally weigh heavier than those made with synthetic or polyester fabric. If you are looking for a diaper bag specifically for airplane travel and weight is of consideration, it is best to stay away from leather made diaper bag backpack. Therefore, choosing a compact leather bag will not necessarily equate to a lighter carrier.
Durability
Different materials require different handling, so their durability also varies. But choosing a water-resistant bag (including interior) will surely help extend its life and make it more adaptable to your surroundings since maintenance and cleaning will take less effort. You'll also have less to worry about when you're out and about.
Additional accessories
You can also accessorize your diaper bag to make it more suitable for the activities you have in mind.
- Stroller straps
- Change pad
- Ziploc bags or disposable diaper bags
- Insulated pockets or bottle holder
- Luggage sleeve
- Toy loops or attachments
- Add-on pockets and compartments
- Wet/dry pouch
IMPORTANT: Some diaper bags already come with these accessories (e.g., stroller straps, change pad, luggage sleeve etc.) which is something worth considering, especially when you're purchasing your first bag.
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Best Travel Diaper Backpack: TernX Diaper Bag Backpack
TernX's Carry Pack is a versatile, unisex bag for travel and everyday use. It has a total capacity of 25L, which is more than enough if you can thoughtfully organize your baby's essentials and personal effects. Further, our consensus best backpack diaper bag is available with a conveniently accessible diaper and wipe clutch, and a sleek spy pass to hold passports and other important documents.Weight: 1.67 pounds (0.76 kg)
Material: 100% recycle PET polyester
What we like about it: lightweight and comfy, padded laptop compartment for on-the-go parents, expandable waterproof pocket for wet clothes and disposables.
TernX's functional design is incredibly flexible even among the best travel diaper bags we've tested. While we initially planned to reserve the carry pack for long trips or the outdoors, we couldn't resist taking it for everyday strolls and lighter on-the-go activities. Being able to get so much value from the bag at such a short time made it an undisputed choice to top our list.
Best Tote Diaper Bag: SEWBOO Tote Diaper Bag
The SEWBOO diaper bag is as light and chic as advertised! The stylish tote is made from water-resistant nylon, which makes for a functional but exquisite-looking exterior. It has spacious compartments and interior pockets to help organize essentials and comes with stroller hooks, a diaper changing pad and a lengthy adjustable strap for everyday use.
Weight: 2.87 pounds (1.3 kg)
Material: Nylon
What we like about it: The interior turned out to be more comfy and spacious than we anticipated, so that's a plus! On a side note, the black colorway made for a more premium than the pastel variants, but that's totally subjective.
Best Convertible Travel Diaper Bag: Freshly Picked Classic Leather Diaper Bag Convertible Backpack Tote
This convertible backpack diaper bag from Freshly Picked is made from quality vegan leather with matte hardware finish. It's wearable in three ways: backpack, cross-body or purse. We spent time with each configuration and were in love with the cross-body setup. Alternatively, you can also carry the bag around via "grab-and-go" top handle.
Weight: 2.3 pounds (1.04 kg)
Material: Nylon lining, vegan leather
What we like about it: The variety of prints! We also think it offers the perfect combination of size and style for women's everyday use.
Best Diaper Bag for Dads: ActiveDoodie Dad Diaper Bag
ActiveDoodie Dad Diaper Bag screams "dad" and we love it for that. Men are used to not expecting a whole lot from paternity products, so ActiveDoodie is a welcome surprise. It looks durable and rugged from the outside, but the interior is a lot more dynamic. There are four main compartments of different sizes to freely organize your stuff and baby essentials.
Weight: 2.25 pounds (1.02 kg)
Material: 600D Military Grade Material (Exact material not specified)
What we like about it: We love the identity it brings as well as pockets, pockets, pockets!
Best Small Travel Diaper Bag: FHELAD Small Diaper bag
The best travel diaper bag for you doesn't always have to be stylish or sizeable. In that sense, we are happy to recommend FHELAD's small diaper bag as a portable carrier for those who wish to travel light. The compact backpack should make for an ideal choice for shopping, casual walks and other occasions when you are simply not expecting to carry a lot of weight.
Weight: 1 pound (0.45 kg)
Material: Environment-friendly cloth fabric (Exact material not specified)
What we like about it: The spill-resistant interior lining saved us trouble during a mishap. Also, the five inner pockets are nice for a small diaper bag this small.
The Best Travel Duffel Bag: Skip Hop Diaper Bag Weekender
This unisex weekender bag is our top choice for a full-on travel bag that's not a backpack. The multi-purpose carrier boasts a combination of spacious compartments, gadget-friendly lining, insulated bottle pockets and a custom hardware D-ring for toys or pacifier pockets.
Weight: 3.09 pounds (1.4 kg)
Material: Polyester
What we like about it: A great alternative if you're not fond of backpack diaper bags for travel.
Best Leather Diaper Bag: MIA + SOPHIA Leather Diaper Bag Backpack
Some like it leather! For that, we have MIA + SOPHIA's leather diaper bag backpack in mind. While it's certainly a crowd-pleaser at first glance, it also packs diaper bag essentials such as stroller straps, one changing pad and an insulated bottle holder. To your preference, you can wear this carrier as a carry-on backpack, cross-body or purse.
Weight: 4.89 pounds (2.2 kg)
Material: Nylon interior, premium vegan leather
What we like about it: The built-on USB and power cable were a nice surprise. We were certainly appreciative of that bold design choice on more than a few occasions.
Best Budget Travel Diaper Bag: RUVALINO Diaper Bag Backpack
The best among the rest is RUVALINO's Diaper Bag Backpack, which even has an interior padded laptop pocket among other essential organizers. Additionally, the bag is a convertible that can be worn as a handbag, backpack or stroller attachment.
Weight: 1.9 pounds (0.86 kg)
Material: nylon interior, premium vegan leather
What we like about it: Sixteen (16) pockets! It seems durable enough and the waterproof fabric is a nice touch for something as cost-efficient as this convertible diaper bag.
Choose the Best Diaper Bag for Airplane Travel That Meets Your Needs
Diaper bags have a lot more things going on than what meets the eye as they are specifically designed to carry baby essentials, such as diapers, changing mats, wipes, baby food, bottles and other items that are vital when you're traveling with an infant or young child.
When choosing the best diaper bags for you and your kid, we recommend starting with a comprehensive packing list that will help you become more prepared when organizing for your trip. From there, you can prioritize essentials and confidently organize items that'll take prioritization over non-essential supplies.
For more tips on traveling with your kid, don't forget to bookmark this page or the blog itself for updates and similar discussions.
Read here about the best carry on stroller to travel with.
Unsure about how to fly with a stroller? Read here for more information.
