THE BABY changing bag game has changed as dramatically as the maternity wear game in recent years: parents are spoilt for choice when it comes to stylish and practical changing bags that will help them stay exceptionally well-organised.
In fact, the new slew of baby changing bags on the market are so attractive, you don’t necessarily need a baby to want to use them. Here are our picks of the best changing bags out there, based on ones we’ve tried as parents and the top-rated choices other parents can’t stop raving about.
Baby changing bags come in all shapes, styles, sizes and price points. You can go high-end and invest in a designer bag, or find a variety of stylish and useful versions for a fraction of the price.
Whether you’re looking for a tote bag, a rucksack (a great choice to stay hands-free) or a changing bag that slips effortlessly onto the buggy, you’ll find one in a style that suits your life.
In fact, some changing bags are smart enough that you can even wear them to work – we bet no one will be able to tell you’ve got nappy cream, wipes, and a rattle shoved in there.
Today’s innovative changing bags are also super roomy: the award-winning PacaPod Croyde changing bag has a capacity of 26 litres – with an extra 12 if you are using the pods.
It's worth noting: if you think you’re going to be the kind of mum who eschews the changing bag altogether and just uses your everyday tote or rucksack instead, we won’t judge you if you change your position after a couple of months of parenting.
One too many bottles of spilt milk and (restaurants with no bins leaving us to transport dirty nappies home) turned us into changing bag converts.
1. Best rucksack
- Jem & Bea Jamie backpack, £140 at John Lewis – buy here
Started by two mums who were frustrated by the lack of stylish and efficient changing bag options available to new parents, Jem & Bea is now one of the go-to brands when it comes to gorgeous, practical and multitasking changing bags.
We like this backpack because you can't tell it's a changing bag from the outside and it has a cool python effect.
However, once you look a little closer you'll find insulated pockets, interior pockets and a zip compartment, a zip pouch and padded changing mat and shoulder straps which unclip and can be attached to the buggy.
Plus, it's water-repellent with a wipe-clean lining. We think dads would even wear it.
2. Best organiser
- Storksak Noa changing bag, £79 at Storksak – buy here
This handy tote comes in a wipe-clean fabric and four different colourways, with an insulated bottle compartment, padded changing mat and a mini organiser bag with five outer pockets and a zipped main compartment.
3. Best design
- Tiba & Marl Elwood Changing rucksack, £140 at Selfridges – buy here
Another line launched by two mums who saw a gap in the market for trend-led changing bags, Tiba & Marl's Elwood changing rucksack looks like a stylish, unisex faux leather backpack.
But inside, you'll find compartments to stash nappies, wipes, an insulated bottle holder, as well as a changing mat and zip clutch.
You can buy T&M stroller clips separately to attach to the buggy.
4. Best budget
- Ticent Diaper Bag, £24.99 at Amazon – buy here
We're utterly impressed by Ticent's budget nappy rucksack, which comes in a rainbow of lovely colours and has a large internal capacity, with multiple pockets to store all baby and toddler essentials, as well as three bottle holders.
This bag is also roomy enough to house your laptop, and, when the time comes, toddler's potty-training must-haves.
One thing to note? The insulated bottle pockets don't fit Tommee Tippee bottles.
5. Best changing mat
- Skip Hop Pronto Mini Changer, £21 at Amazon – buy here
For those who are adamant they won't be buying a changing bag, you'll still likely want to invest in a portable changing mat.
This version from Skip Hop has a head pillow and zip and mesh pockets for any other essentials (nappies, wipes, soother, nappy cream tube, board book – even a purse).
You can throw it into your everyday bag or attach it to the pushchair.
6. Best leather
- KeriKit Thor leather baby changing backpack, £275 at KeriKit – buy here
You can still be a total rock star with a baby in tow, and this leather backpack is proof-positive of that.
With multiple interior organisers, zip compartments, a removable zip pouch and padded changing mat, this gorgeous backpack will have you prepared for any baby and toddler situation: museum day trips, playground mornings, lunch out with the NCT crew.
And you won't have to change bags when you head out for date night or the office.
7. Best for office
- Sophia Tote, £135 at Fact + Fiction – buy here
Because sometimes you'll be on baby duty in the morning and then rushing to a work meeting in the afternoon and the last thing you need is to feel frazzled about your handbag choice.
This tote has three separate compartments, including one at the bottom that's ideal for stashing a pair of shoes or a kid's lunchbox, along with stylish outer zip pockets and an adjustable strap.
We also love that in addition to being wipe-clean and water-resistant, it's fitted with anti-smell technology. Genius. Just note the changing mat is sold separately.
8. Best for travel
- PacaPod Croyde designer changing bag, £135 at Amazon – buy here
This cavernous bag is perfect for mums with lots of smalls or those going on getaways, thanks to its cavernous interior capacity.
It's brilliant for organisation thanks to separate zip pods, including an insulated one for food and drink that can hold up to four bottles, one for changing (including a mat) and one for travel must-haves.
It can attach to the buggy or you can clip the separate pods onto the pushchair for convenience.
The spacious faux-leather outer pockets are ideal for stashing your tablet for the journey.
9. Best designer
- Baby Emergency Kit, £175 at Anya Hindmarch – buy here
This petite kit can slip into the pocket under the buggy or your tote; it comes with a changing mat and inner zip compartments to house a change of clothes, wipes, nappies and lotions.
And, most importantly for tired new parents, it's got a winking smile emoji.
You might be on no sleep, experiencing the complete alternate universe that is parenting, but it will all seem better once you take a breath and get a strong coffee.
10. Best for prams
- Diono Buggy Buddy stroller organiser, £6.95 at Amazon – buy here
Not a changing bag per se, the Diono Buggy Buddy attaches onto the buggy, is universally loved by parents and stashes a lot of essentials in a small package: two bottle holders (for baby's milk and your coffee) are at either end, with space in between to throw a nappy, wipes, a toy, tissues, the food your toddler hasn't finished eating.
Also, the zip and mesh pocket can keep valuables secure.
11. Best duffle
- Elodie Details Dots of Fauna diaper bag, £115 at Elodie Details – buy here
Elodie Details is the place to go for changing bags in the most interesting prints.
This tote-meets-duffel style comes with stroller clips, a changing mat, hidden insulated pockets for bottles and seven inner compartments in addition.
Plus, it has enough space to hold your laptop.
We’re all about helping you find the best products at the best prices, so follow the link if you want to check out more of Sun Selects’ recommendations.
Need some more parenting supplies? We've got a whole parenting section for you to browse.
Been searching high and low for great baby wipes? We've rounded up the best baby wipes on the market, right here.
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