How to Choose a Diaper Bag

By: Brooke Hamilton

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Let’s dive into diaper bags! A standard Google search for "diaper bag" will reveal over 97 million results. That's overwhelming, and if you're a first-time mom, you may wonder, "How do I choose a diaper bag?" or "What diaper bag is right for me?" With millions of options, where do you even start? Good news: we're breaking down styles, features, and even accessories so you can make the best decision for you and your baby. We also spent countless hours researching and developing our own diaper bag, so we know a thing or two about it. 


Different styles of baby diaper bags

When deciding the best baby diaper bag for you, the first crossroad is determining what style you'd like. There are several different options for diaper bag styles out there, including: 

  • Over-the-shoulder diaper bag or crossbody diaper bag

    • A diaper bag tote may have two long straps and usually a zipper closure 

    • A messenger diaper bag usually has one long strap and a flap closure 

  • Backpack diaper bag

  • Diaper bag clutch or belt bag 


There are clear pros and cons for these three main styles. Let’s break it down.


Diaper Bag Backpack

A diaper bag backpack is great because it's out of the way, and you can have your hands free. If you plan to baby-wear, you can wear your baby on your front and keep your baby bag handy on your back. However, it's hard to access on the go. You'll likely have to set it down to find the item you are looking for. Additionally, diaper bag backpacks can be deeper than they are wide, meaning it can be harder to find those little baby essentials!

backpack diaper bag

Over-the-Shoulder

An over-the-shoulder option is great because it's right there at your waist or hips. You can easily swing it to the front to access it, and due to its wider shape, it may be easier to find things. However, they can get in the way when lifting or carrying your child or pushing your stroller. 

Diaper Bag Clutch

The diaper bag clutch is a great small diaper bag for quick trips. You can easily slip it on your wrist, carry it under your arm, or throw it in the bottom of your stroller if you're on the go. However, just like your favorite stylish clutch for going out, it doesn't hold everything. Clutches are designed to hold the main essentials like your phone, keys, and lipstick. In this case, the diaper clutch will likely hold diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, and maybe a spare outfit. They aren't designed to hold bottles, multiple outfits, snacks for the day, or a spare baby blanket. 

diaper bag clutch

So how do you decide?

So, if you've never used a diaper bag, how do you decide what's right for you? Think about your daily routine, schedules, and travel. If you love to walk and think you'll spend a lot of time pushing a stroller or plan to wear your baby, maybe a backpack diaper bag will work best.Will you mainly travel in cars to friends' and family's houses, with quick stops inside stores? An over-the-shoulder diaper bag could be your new best friend.


Or, you could get a diaper bag that can do both! 


In our experience, one size doesn't usually fit all. The best diaper bags are the ones that can be carried in multiple ways! The key is finding a diaper bag that can be carried on our back, over the shoulder, and more. Yes, it's possible. They are out there, and we created one - the ultimate 5-in-1 Posh Diaper Bag. But more on that later. 




Features to consider

Apart from style, a good diaper bag should have a few key features. First and foremost, you'll want plenty of space with features for optimal organization. And by that, I mean pockets - plenty of pockets. Baby items are small, and without pockets, they could be easily lost in the bottom of your bag. 


Changing a diaper should feel like a well-oiled assembly line; everything you need right in its place to change your baby as quickly, cleanly, and efficiently as possible! No one wants to be searching for that spare one-piece in the middle of a diaper blowout! The best diaper bags will have both interior and exterior pockets of varying sizes to keep you organized while on the go. If you’re wondering what else you need to pack in your diaper bag, we have you covered there, too!


You may also want a waterproof and insulated food or bottle compartment to help keep baby's bottle and snacks temperature regulated if you're out and about. Some have extra-insulated pockets made just for bottles. 


Other great features that are nice to have include: 

  • Straps to attach to a stroller

  • Comfortable to carry & lightweight

  • 2-way zippers

  • D-rings or extra clips for attaching accessories

  • Trolley sleeve for a suitcase

  • Easy to clean (both interior and exterior)

  • Included changing pad 

Accessories to consider

Adding some well-thought diaper bag accessories can maximize the look and function of your diaper bag! Here are some of our favorite:

  •  A pacifier pod:  This pod will keep your baby's favorite lovey and pacifier easily accessible and clean! When your baby has grown out of her pacifier, you can use it to store hair ties, clips, earbuds, or chapstick. 

  •  Mesh organizing pouches:  Stay organized and always see everything in handy mesh zip pouches! 

  •  Bottle caddy:  Like a lunch box, but for bottles. Great for sending bottles to daycare or if you'll be out for the day! 

  • travel changing pad or diaper clutch  : The mini diaper bag for your main changing essentials. 


A travel changing pad, or diaper bag clutch, is essential for moms on the go. Most are designed to fit in your diaper bag, so you can easily take it out if you're running into the store or into the bathroom for a quick change. A well-designed travel-changing pad will become your new favorite baby-changing sidekick! Find one with several pockets for storing diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, and an extra outfit. We like the ones with a handle or wristlet for easy carrying and a zip-off changing pad for easy cleaning. 



Cost and Quality

If you've spent any amount of time shopping for a diaper bag, you'll know that there is a wide range of prices! You can find designer diaper bags for over $2000 or inexpensive ones for under $30. So what's the difference? Well, it all comes down to quality, materials, and craftsmanship. That $30 diaper bag? Well, it may fall apart after the first year, start tearing at the seams, and won't have all the "bells and whistles" you're looking for.


Talking from experience here, you will use your diaper bag nearly every day. Everyday! This thing will go where you go, be by your side, in your car, hanging from your stroller, next to your baby - everywhere you and baby go, this bag will also go. When you look at your diaper bag, we want it to bring you joy. You should absolutely love the diaper bag you carry every day! We are trying to say that a diaper bag is one baby item worth spending a little more on.

Our Diaper Bag

So, are you looking for a diaper bag that checks all the boxes? After years of research and design, we created the ultimate Posh Diaper Bag, designed with style and functionality at its core. Just like you, this diaper bag is versatile. We designed it to be carried in 5 ways: top handle, backpack, over-the-shoulder, stroller attachment straps, and suitcase trolley sleeve so you can care for your baby wherever you go. 


It features gold-finish hardware and our signature teal lining, which is easy to clean. The thoughtfully designed compartments (including an insulated pocket) and plenty of interior and exterior pockets help you stay organized while on the go. It also includes a changing pad, extra clips, and D-rings for attaching accessories. 


If you're still searching for a diaper bag, check out our beautiful collection of diaper bags and diaper bag accessories. And while you are there, make sure to catch our new arrivals - we have new styles launching every week!