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Finding the best diaper bag for cloth diapers – here’s our faves!
If you’ve decided to cloth diaper, shopping for diaper bags becomes a leeettle bit more complicated. Besides typical diaper bag organization, you also have the added needs of a compartment to keep soiled diapers separate (and sealed off!) from all of your other diaper bag necessities. Plus, cloth diapers are just a tad more bulky than their disposable counterparts… so more space is a must.
But have no fear! We have scoured the internet to find the best diaper bags to keep you looking stylish while keeping the ripe diapers under wraps.
In this post we will explore some of the different types of diaper bags and find out what features will make your next diaper bag the perfect option for cloth diapers.
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TL:DR (too long, didn’t read)
Short on time? Ultimately, we decided that the PacaPod Saunton Tan Designer Baby Diaper Bag was the best buy because of its overall utility and sheer stylishness. You’ll definitely use this bag long after your babies are out of diapers! You can check it out here on Amazon.
The Top 10 Diaper Bags for Cloth Diaper Moms
PacaPod Saunton Tan Designer Baby Diaper Bag
Diaper bags are notorious for ending up a jumbled mess! Whatever item you’re looking for is inevitably impossible to find. The PacaPod Saunton Diaper Bag helps solve that problem by providing two separate zippered pods that fit into the diaper bag. One is for diaper changes and one is for feeding. The pods have built in pockets AND make it easy to pull out everything you need for that task.
You could also choose to use both of the pods for cloth diapering, designating one for soiled cloth diapers and one for clean cloth diapers and other bum changing products.
The PacaPod also includes a changing pad and clips to hook the diaper bag to your stroller.
Not only is this diaper bag an organizing dream, it is also gorgeous! Made of tan faux leather, it can be used as a backpack (yay hands free!) or carried as a tote or an across-the-body/messenger bag.
Pros
- Stylish faux-leather look
- Multiple carrying options
- Included pods to make it easy to organize and access items for feeding and changing
- Clips to stroller
Cons
- Not machine washable
- Once pods are inside, there isn’t much room for other items
Parker Baby Diaper Back Pack
The Parker Baby Diaper Backpack has lots of great features including insulated pockets, a changing pad and insulated bottle holders. It has 10 interior pockets, including a large mesh pocket and the nylon interior is easy to wipe.
For cloth diapering parents, the durable waterproof canvas pockets can offer the perfect spot for wet bag storage.
This bag is a stylish backpack with a full zip front that opens flat so you can easily organize and access the items inside.
Pros
• Inexpensive.
- Gender neutral styling means dad and mom can both comfortably carry it
- Lots of pockets for organizing
- Waterproof canvas pockets can be wiped clean
- Full zip front that opens flat
Cons
- No Stroller Hooks
- Not machine washable (only spot wash)
Itzy Ritzy Diaper Backpack
This Itzy Ritzy Boss Backpack Diaper Bag boasts a padded changing pad, insulated bottle holders and lots of pockets (17 total!) for all your necessities.
With padded straps, stroller straps and pockets galore, it can hold all of the necessities for cloth diapering with room to spare. Special bonus points for the genius who printed “head” and “toes” on the changing pad so you never have to worry about which way baby should face to keep clean.
We love how stylish this backpack diaper bag looks and how it can be carried with straps or as a backpack.
Pros
• Inexpensive.
- Great size with 17 pockets, including insulated pockets for bottles/breastmilk
- Built in stroller straps and two different ways to carry
- Stylish and comfortable
- Plenty of space for a wet bag and clean cloth diapering supplies
Cons
- Backpack might be too long for shorter parents
- Not machine washable (wipe clean only)
Petunia Picklebottom Boxy Backpack
Petunia Picklebottom has been THE name in stylish diaper bags for years. Their experience making useful bags shows in the features of their Boxy Backpack. Besides having a cute design, it is very practical and filled with useful pockets and spots to carry everything you need for baby.
Our favorite feature is the built in diaper changing pad that folds up into the bag. It is right next to mesh compartments that can hold your cloth diapering supplies.
The Picklebottom Boxy Backpack is made of TPU coated cotton (to make it more waterproof) and leather. It can be carried as a backpack or across the body/messenger bag style.
Pros
• Inexpensive.
- Comes in many different colors/patterns
- Built in changing table with mesh pockets
- 7 storage pockets to keep soiled diapers away from other diaper bag contents
- Can be carried as a backpack or messenger bag
Cons
- Not machine washable (only wipe-clean)
- Some reviewers mention the TPU scuffs or scratches easily (they recommend buying a darker color)
Bambino Mio Diaper Bag
The Bambino Mio Diaper Bag was designed by a cloth diaper brand and has some wonderful extras. It has a special water resistant “messy pocket” that can fit 3-4 cloth diapers.
The Bambino Mio can be carried as a backpack, a shoulder bag, attached to a stroller with included stroller straps and it has quick “grab and go” handle as well.
This backpack does not include a diaper changing pad, but can easily fit one. We love the sturdy fabric which is 100% polyester and BPA free. One of the best features is that it is machine washable! If it gets messy, throw it in the wash, no problem!
Pros
- Special pocket for dirty cloth diapers
- Large size with many pockets
- Many different handle options
- Machine Washable
Cons
- Only available in one color
- No changing pad
Miss Fong Backpack
Another beautiful faux leather bag, this diaper bag designed by Miss Fong is fashionable and functional. It includes two insulated bottle pockets, four open pockets and two zipper pockets along with the main pocket area.
This diaper bag has a lot of space for all of your cloth diapering needs and includes a changing pad, stroller hooks and a detachable strap so the backpack can be used as an across-the-body bag.
Pros
- Stylish and Roomy (doesn’t look like a diaper bag)
- Lots of pockets for organization
- Can be carried on your stroller, as a backpack, cross body bag or with a handle for quick pick-ups.
Cons
- Not machine washable (spot wash only)
- No specific area for soiled diapers
Maman Designer Diaper Bag
The Maman bag is a standard diaper bag design that is jazzed with fancy materials and finish. It has 10 big pockets including 2 magnetic close and one zipper close. It would be easy to fit everything you need for cloth diapering–including a wet bag–in this large space.
This is more of a tote bag diaper bag, with one long adjustable strap and two shorter handles. It includes stroller straps as well as a changing pad.
The Maman Designer Diaper Bag is made of a “waterproof durable material” that is easy to wipe clean.
Pros
- Large with many pockets
- Looks fancier than a normal diaper bag
- Easy to wipe clean
Cons
- Harder to tote around than a backpack
- No insulated pockets
Skiphop Messenger Diaper Bag
The Skiphop Messenger Diaper bag is simple but so useful. This bag was created to be a cross-body messenger bag but also has tote handles and stroller straps.
The Skiphop Messenger Bag has lots of convenient pockets (17!) and zipper compartments to keep things organized! One of its best features is the main compartment zipper that will keep everything contained when you are out and about.
Made of durable nylon, the manufacturer recommends spot washing only, but it can be machine washed (and air dried!) in a pinch.
Pros
- Comes in four different colors/patterns
- Sturdy and full of organzing pockets
- Adjustable shoulder strap
Cons
- Spot wash recommended (not really machine-washable)
Storksak Hero Backpack Diaper Bag
The Storksak Hero Backpack has an amazing lower “laminated” (waterproof) compartment that is accessible with a zipper. This would work perfectly for a wet bag for cloth diapering!
This bag is unique because it has a flip-up/flip-down shelf that can be used to make the central area into one or two compartments. It has 8 internal/external pockets and also includes an insulated “FAB bag” (much like the Pacapod Pods) that will help keep your diaper bag contents organized and easy to access.
The Storksak includes a changing pad and it has clips on the backpack straps so you can attach it to your stroller.
Pros
- Separate compartment could be used for soiled diapers
- Includes cool extras like an insulated POD and changing pad
- Lots of pockets and a great amount of room
Cons
- Can only be carried as a backpack or attached to a stroller
- Can only be cleaned by spot washing (not machine washable)
Felucca Diaper Tote
If you want to make a big statement without spending a lot of money, the Felucca Diaper Tote was made for you! This adorable tote looks like a trendy purse but also functions as a backpack.
Cloth diaper users will love the separate top and bottom compartments in the Felucca Tote. The bottom compartment is insulated and waterproof to keep your wet bag separate from all of your other diaper bag contents.
The top part of the Felucca tote has five pockets and a main compartment. An outside zipper pocket will help you keep your keys and phone easy to access. Although this isn’t the biggest diaper bag on our list, it will hold all of the necessities and keep everything separate and fresh.
Pros
- Separate wet and dry compartments
- Stylish design and fabric (with six different choices)
- Built in cable and USB charging port (you supply the power bank)
Cons
- Smaller in size
- Only option is to wipe clean
The Different Types of Diaper Bag for Cloth Diapers
There are several different types of diaper bag styles. No one is better than the other, it is more about your personal preference. You can choose from:
- Messenger/Crossbody Diaper Bag: These have one long (usually adjustable) strap that can go over one shoulder. The bag usually rests on your hip. Diaper bags termed “messenger” are usually smaller in size, while crossbody bags can be quite large. (Be sure to check the measurements before buying).
- Backpack Diaper Bag: This type of diaper bag allows for you to be completely hands free so you can push a stroller or grocery cart, carry a baby or do any of the many things parents have to do simultaneously! While these are handy, some people don’t care for how casual they look.
- Tote Diaper Bag: A tote bag usually has two larger handles that can slip over your shoulder for easier carrying. The downside of these are they sometimes slip off your shoulder (especially if you are carrying a wriggly baby!).
- Convertible Diaper Bag: Many diaper bags on the market today are convertible, meaning they have several different strap options. It might be a backpack with included crossbody straps, or a tote bag that also has backpack straps. These are kind of the best of both worlds as you can use them in many ways!
- Stroller Bags: This is another feature that is becoming more common, with many diaper bags including small straps that can hook onto your stroller. These are a huge lifesaver when you are out and about (just be careful to put the bag down before removing your baby from the stroller…catapult!)
4 Things To Look For In A Good Diaper Bag for Cloth Diapers
When you are looking for the best diaper bags for cloth diapers, there are several key features that will give you the best experience. Look for:
- Separate Section for soiled diapers: This might be a waterproof lined zipper pocket, or a pull out bag or pod. (*NOTE* You will want to use a separate mini-wet bag no matter what diaper bag you choose. Don’t forget to check out our post on the best wet bags for cloth diapers! I recommend the Thirsties Wet Dry Bag.)
- Easy to wash and/or wipe: If you are using a zippered section for your dirty diapers, make sure that it is easy to wipe up and/or throw into the laundry. Besides soiled cloth diapers, there will be the usual sticky baby hands and spilled bottles/formula, so a bag made of durable materials that can easily be wiped or washed is a must!
- Simple to carry or attach to a stroller: When you are carrying a wriggling baby to a changing area, the easier your diaper bag is to carry, the better! Whether it can be thrown over your shoulders or attached to a stroller, choose a style that you’ll feel comfortable toting along with your baby.
- Multiple Compartments: Not only will you have normal baby items to organized like bottles, pacifiers, burp cloths and toys, but you will also need somewhere to store diapers, liners, wipes and soiled diapers (a wet bag) plus items like car keys and your phone. Look for compartments of varying sizes with some zip-up and some open for easy access.
- Cute: Let’s face it…you will be toting around this diaper bag for years! Choose one that you will want to carry around! There are so many options available today so that you don’t have to sacrifice style for usability.
The Final Word on Choosing a Diaper Bag for a Cloth Diaper Mom
In a world filled with HUNDREDS of diaper bags, it might feel overwhelming to decide on a diaper bag that fits your needs, matches your style and has all of the features that will make cloth diapering easier. We’ve done the work for you by compiling this list of 10 high-quality bags with many great features specifically tailored for cloth diapering parents!
If your main concern is utility, the best diaper bag in our list for cloth diapering is the Bambino Mio Diaper Bag. It has all of the pockets you need (including a messy pocket for soiled diapers) and can be carried across the body, on your stroller or as a backpack. It is made of sturdy fabric and can be easily wiped clean or washed.
If you want a little style to go with your cloth diaper bag, we love the PacaPod Saunton Tan Designer Baby Diaper Bag. You’ll be able to use this stylish faux leather bag even after your baby is out of cloth diapers and will love all of the pockets and separate pods for your current cloth diaper needs.
We hope this guide of the top 10 best diaper bags for cloth diapers was useful! If you can’t decide on one, maybe choose a couple so that you can coordinate with your outfit. 😉
Happy changing!