For moms, your bags are used to keep a combination of your essentials plus those your child will need for the day. That’s why moms can no longer use mini backpacks or small purses because they’re simply too small. Backpack purses are the way to go – but how do you choose the best one?
Backpack purses come in a wide array of sizes and designs to accommodate both mothers and children. Choose a backpack purse based on specific features you need, such as a diaper bag backpack. It should have enough space and pockets for the things you and your kids need, while also being stylish.
There are other factors to consider when shopping around for the best mom's backpack purse. Read on below to learn more.
Table of Contents
Features Of The Best Backpack Purses For Moms
Moms live famously busy lifestyles.
This is especially true when you’re out of the house with your kid since you always need to have everything you both need for the day. No matter how old your child is, it’s always best to keep your hands free to take care of them. That’s why backpacks are the accessory of choice for carrying all your mom and toddler's essentials.
Thankfully, with such a fantastic selection of well-designed backpack purses these days, moms don’t need to sacrifice style. Both fashion and function can be found in the best backpack purses for moms.
Below are the features you should think about before buying one:
Backpack Purse or Diaper Bag Backpack?
Stylish diaper bag backpacks are different from regular backpack purses. They are designed with specific features to accommodate moms with babies and young toddlers. After all, taking care of babies means you need to carry a lot of stuff with you at all times – which is why a diaper bag is also more spacious than other backpack purses.
These features may include compartments for diapers, a wet bag for soiled clothes, insulated pockets for milk bottles, easy-to-clean interior fabrics, a changing pad, and stroller clips.
On the other hand, backpack purses are chic and functional backpacks. Moms can choose from an array of features available in backpack purses to suit their lifestyle, such as those detailed below. While they don’t have the features specific to diaper bag backpacks, they are ideal for moms of toddlers, especially if traveling with diapers and bottles is no longer necessary.
Capacity
Capacity is the most important feature to look out for in a backpack purse for moms. Remember, this bag is meant to hold things for both you and your child, so a size of 25 to 30L is ideal.
When deciding how big the bag should be, think about when and where you’ll be using it. If the bag is intended for daily use and for errands, 25 to 30L is ideal. Working moms will need more space for a laptop or other gadgets.
For weekend trips, you’ll need significantly more space for other necessities, including a breast pump, bottles, a change of clothes, and snacks.
Pockets
Pockets and compartments are essential in every backpack, to help you stay organized. For moms, this is a must-have: without enough well-designed pockets and compartments, both you and your child’s things will be all over the place. Pockets help you make sure you can find what you need at all times, no matter how old your child is.
Moms need compartments to organize and separate items, including beverages, snacks, medicines, your keys, diapers, wipes, and other necessities. Ideally, your bag should at least have front pockets for easy access to valuables, side pockets, a zippered pocket in the back, and a smaller zip pocket for accessories such as your keys, pacifiers, and cables.
Durable Fabric
The best backpack purses for moms should be made from durable fabric. Given it will be used to carry a lot of items each time it’s used, it’s wise to invest in tough material that will last a long time. No mom wants to go through the hassles of being away from home with one bag of items for you and your kid, only to find out that it’s torn or broken – increasing the risk of losing your belongings.
Backpack purses these days are more stylish and elegant than ever without sacrificing durability. Choose from a range of quality materials including leather, vegan leather, nylon, polyester, or canvas.
Also, check for the manufacturer’s recommendations on care and maintenance; the fabric should not just be durable but also easy to clean. Mom’s bags are extremely prone to drink and food spills, so a bag that is machine-washable will save you plenty of time in cleaning it. If you opt for a leather bag, make sure it has an easy-to-clean lining.
Design
Backpack purses for moms today have come a long way from the bulky bags of the past. They now come in a great variety of fashionable and elegant designs that are as functional as they are good-looking.
Choose a color and design that will complement your wardrobe and lifestyle, so you don’t have to think about color coordination every time you use it. Neutral colors such as beige, brown, black, navy, or olive green are excellent options for busy moms who need to use their purses for work or going to the office too.
For moms who need more versatility, opt for a convertible or multi-purpose model. There are several bags that can be converted into a tote, crossbody bag, or shoulder bag simply by switching up their shoulder strap.
Comfortable
Always invest in a backpack that is comfortable. Moms already have so much to think about each day – you shouldn’t have to add comfort (or lack thereof) or your bag to the list.
Shoulder straps that are wide and padded are the standard for comfortable backpacks. This is especially important when you are carrying a bulky or heavy bag with your child’s belongings, a laptop, and other essentials. If you are opting for a smaller day-use backpack purse, which you only intend to use occasionally, you can forego the thick padding.
Ergonomic, S-shaped shoulder straps are beneficial too.
Other Features To Consider
Before making a decision on a backpack, consider these features below:
- Quality zippers: Backpack zippers should be sturdy, strong, and of good quality. YKK zippers are considered a gold standard in quality; they are renowned for a smooth opening and closing. In addition, they are long-lasting and durable.
- Stroller strap attachments: These come in handy for attaching your backpack to any stroller. Stroller straps may also be purchased separately.
- Anti-theft features: Deter thieves whenever you use a backpack purse with slash-proof fabrics, hidden pockets, and other anti-theft features. Moms who frequently commute and travel will greatly benefit from the extra protection provided by anti-theft features.
- Water resistant: Bags with water-resistant fabrics will provide your valuables with added protection from unexpected rain.
- Top grab handles: Active moms may appreciate top grab handles on a backpack. These let you pick up the backpack with one hand and go when needed, instead of having to always wear it as a backpack.
Our Recommendations For The Best Backpack Purse For Moms
Shopping for the best backpack purse for moms is easy with this guide below. Check out these popular products which you can order online (note: we earn a small commission if you decide to buy any of these bags):
Fadeon Women’s Leather Backpack: Functional and elegant, the Fadeon Women’s Leather Backpack is suitable for moms of toddlers and children. It’s constructed out of soft PU leather and comes in an array of beautiful colors.
This spacious backpack has a roomy interior where you can safely keep a small laptop or tablet. Take it to and from the office and on errands with your kid; it can fit office documents, a water bottle, a change of clothes for your baby, and snacks. Its versatile design lets you use it for work, travel, picnics, and even PTA meetings.
The Fadeon Women’s Leather Backpack has an easy-access wide opening for hassle-free packing and unpacking of things. There’s a total of 12 pockets both inside and out to help you stay organized at all times. Superior workmanship and thoughtful details make this a great choice for busy moms.
Carhartt Convertible Tote Backpack: The multi-purpose, ultra-versatile Carhartt Convertible Tote Backpack is a must-have for moms with busy and active lifestyles. There’s no limit to how you can use this bag time and again: the adjustable straps enable you to use it as a tote bag as well as a backpack.
Constructed with durable 600D polyester fabric, which has been coated with Rain Defender for water repellency, moms can have peace of mind that you and your toddler’s belongings are always safe. It also has slash-proof exterior pockets, plus one zippered exterior compartment for superior organization.
The Carhartt Convertible Tote Backpack is lightweight, at just 1.4 pounds. The main compartment can be accessed through a top-loading opening for ease and convenience. The padded laptop compartment comes in handy for keeping your electronics safe.
It also comes in a beautiful tan color that is perfect for casual errand days and picnics. That said, the Carhartt Convertible Tote Backpack is a great buy given all the fantastic features and affordable price.
Skip Hop Forma Diaper Bag Backpack: The Skip Hop Forma Diaper Bag Backpack is one of the most popular diaper bags in the market. What’s not to love? This lightweight backpack has all the features women need in a functional diaper bag and it’s beautiful too.
The bag already comes with packing cubes for easy organization. This makes keeping toiletries, a change of clothes, baby bottles, and snacks a breeze. Find what you need quickly thanks to the extra-wide main compartment opening, which is equipped with a two-way zipper closure.
The Skip Hop Forma Diaper Bag Backpack already comes with stroller straps. Inside, it has a changing pad pocket that doubles as storage for laptops and tablets. Meanwhile, there are two insulated side pockets for water bottles, so moms can hydrate whenever you need it.
Tumi Voyageur Rivas Backpack: The Tumi Voyageur Rivas Backpack is a beautiful and functional choice for a backpack purse. The 17-liter volume makes it ideal for day and errand use, though it also has a padded laptop compartment for 13” computers.
Inside, a media pocket can safely keep your electronics. It also has a water-resistant water bottle pocket to protect the rest of your belongings in case of spills. Moms who want to travel with this backpack can have peace of mind thanks to the Tumi Tracer, a security feature that lets you track your backpack at all times.
The Tumi Voyageur Rivas allows you to locate you and your baby’s essentials easily at all times because of the useful side-zip entry for the main compartment. The leather top handle makes it easy to grab and go. There are tons of practical features in this incredible backpack purse without sacrificing style.
Itzy Ritzy Diaper Bag Backpack: Fashion-conscious moms will appreciate the elegant style and practical features of the Itzy Ritzy Diaper Bag Backpack. The vegan leather trimmings are a nice touch, but the fact that it has a whopping 17 pockets is what many moms love about this bag.
Seven external pockets plus 10 internal compartments: there’s literally a pocket for everything you need. In addition, two pockets are insulated to keep drinks either hot or cold. The backpack’s rubber bottom helps to keep the bag upright at all times, and it’s also easy to clean with a quick wipe.
The Itzy Ritzy Diaper Bag Backpack already comes with a matching changing pad as well as stroller straps. It’s an elegant and professional design that can be taken from the grocery to the boardroom. This is a rather pricey option, but busy moms will see the value in investing in a backpack of such versatility and quality.
Conclusion
Mom duties are simpler and more convenient when you have the best backpack purse with you. Use this guide to help you locate your ideal mom bag or diaper backpack.