Taking care of toddlers means having to bring around a wide array of things that cater to their specific needs, especially when it comes to potty training and feeding. Because of this, moms often wonder what backpack is best for them.
A versatile, spacious, washable, and comfortable backpack with many pockets is best for moms with toddlers. It also helps to have at least one insulated pocket so that food and milk can be kept warm. These features will come in handy for carrying everything both you and a toddler need in a backpack.
Want to learn more about how moms with toddlers can find the right backpack? Read on below.
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Features Of The Best Backpacks for Moms With Toddlers
Whether you are traveling, going out for errands, or simply taking your toddler to the park, using a backpack makes carrying both you and your kid’s belongings more convenient and comfortable. Best of all, it leaves your hands free to carry your child or hold their hand as you walk.
However, toddlers have very specific needs for growing up. Diapers, wet wipes, extra clothes and underwear, changing pads, toys, food, milk bottles, and hand sanitizer are just some of the basics that moms should always have in a backpack. On top of that, parents also need to carry their own belongings.
Having said that, here are the features you should be considering when looking for the best backpacks for moms with toddlers:
Versatile
A backpack designed to be versatile is ideal for moms who juggle work and parenthood. There’s no need to have a separate bag just for your toddler, otherwise, you'll have to carry at least two bags at any given time.
These days, there are many backpacks for moms with toddlers that offer you the best of both worlds: organizing your belongings together with that of your child in one stylish bag. Say goodbye to lugging around an extra handbag or shoulder bag. The best diaper bags have the right features that both moms and toddlers can benefit from.
Some bags even go as far as letting you wear the bag in several ways. Strategically-designed straps can convert a backpack into a crossbody bag, tote, or backpack purse. Quality diaper bags can even be used for hiking or as a travel backpack.
Size
Taking care of children means having to bring a lot of stuff with you at all times. Parents need a backpack with plenty of space for the day’s essentials alone. This leaves you with little room for your own belongings, especially if you want to minimize the number of bags you’re carrying.
The right size for a diaper bag is something you should carefully consider so that your investment doesn’t go to waste. It will depend on several factors, though the most important is how you plan to use the bag.
For example, if you are taking the bag for an airplane trip with your toddler, you’ll need around 35 to 45 liters of space. On the other hand, if you need a backpack that you can use for the day’s errands, one that has 25 to 30 liters of space may suffice.
You will definitely need a backpack with an even larger capacity if you are taking care of more than one toddler. The good news is there are mom backpacks across a range of sizes to accommodate your needs.
Low Maintenance Fabric
Any backpack that you will be using for your toddler will get dirty quickly and easily. Taking them out for meals, going on errands, dropping them off, or picking them up from school can all make your bag prone to spills and messes anytime.
That’s why it’s important to choose diaper bags that are made with durable yet low-maintenance materials. Ideally, the backpack materials allow you to clean its interior and exterior with a few wipes. At the very least, it should be machine washable.
Backpacks for kids should always be in pristine condition. Allowing spilled food and drink to go uncleaned can harbor bacteria and dirt. Your bag shouldn’t be a carrier for infection, though you can prevent this by ensuring it’s clean and sanitized at all times.
It simply isn’t practical for moms to use a high-maintenance backpack fabric that requires careful and time-consuming cleaning each time the bag gets dirty. Look for a backpack constructed out of nylon, polyester, oxford, coated canvas, or neoprene. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions before purchasing it.
Comfortable
The shoulder straps must be wide and thickly padded so that they don’t dig into the shoulders when you wear them. The straps should also be adjustable so that you can easily modify their fit to distribute weight evenly.
Hand straps or stroller hooks are a convenient feature too.
Adequate Pockets
Aside from one spacious main compartment, the best backpacks for moms with toddlers should have numerous pockets. Compartments and sleeves should be strategically placed inside and out. Side pockets are handy for drinks.
Pockets are absolutely necessary because the last thing you want to do is rummage through a packed bag just to look for wet wipes or your keys. The pockets will be used to segregate things such as:
- Wet clothes
- Diapers
- Changing mat
- Food
- Drinks
- Water bottles
- Milk bottles
- Pacifiers
- Laptop or tablet
- Your phone
- Electronics and devices
- Accessories
- Small belongings such as your keys, headphones, and wallet
… and much more.
The best mom backpack would also feature at least one insulated pocket for keeping milk warm. In addition, moms on the go may appreciate having a laptop compartment that can be used for keeping diapers or other belongings interchangeably.
Additionally, many of the best backpacks for moms with toddlers are equipped with a sleeve, usually zippered, found in the back or side of the bag. This enables you to easily access items located at the bag’s bottom without having to rummage through it.
Style
As a parent, performance and functionality are important – but you don’t have to cut corners on style when choosing a backpack. Mom bags are available in so many styles, designs, and colors that can complement your wardrobe.
There’s no need to buy lots of diaper bags to last you several seasons. Just decide on an option that meets all your parenting needs in a neutral color. Various backpack styles allow you to get lots more use out of a bag by allowing you to wear it another way.
Reviews
Moms know best. That’s why it’s recommended to read reviews of other moms before making a final decision on a backpack diaper bag. Reviews will give you a great idea from users’ perspectives whether a bag is worth splurging money on or not.
Spending a few minutes checking out reviews can make a big difference in helping you find the bag that’s best for your parenting needs.
Other Features To Consider
Though not necessary, below is a list of some helpful features that you may find useful in a nappy bag:
- Changing pad: Most diaper bags already come equipped with a matching changing pad in a separate pocket; this is a thoughtful touch since you no longer have to buy another one.
- USB port: You no longer worry about running out of batteries when you’re out with your little one. Backpacks that come with a USB port enable you to charge your battery pack discreetly wherever you are.
- Wheeled backpack: A backpack that can easily be converted into small luggage with wheels is extremely convenient. This may come in handy for parents of two or more toddlers, since you’ll need to carry significantly more things. It’s also handy for traveling since it can be converted into a travel bag at the airport when you need it.
Our Backpack Recommendations for Moms With Toddlers
The search for the right diaper bag can be overwhelming. However, we’ve compiled some of the most popular bags with stellar reviews online (note: these are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission from Amazon if you purchase any of these bags).
Tethys Diaper Bag Backpack: Tethys manufactures a wide range of affordable and high-quality products. This multipurpose, waterproof diaper bag doubles as a travel bag, ideal for jet-setting moms who want to make sure they always have everything their kids need.
The gender-neutral bag comes in a beautiful shade of gray. There are lots of useful features, including a lined pocket that prevents scratches on your fragile belongings. Keep your tablet, laptop, mobile phone, and sunglasses securely in place here.
The Tethys Diaper Bag Backpack features extra-wide openings for easy access to your toddler’s belongings. The pair of top handle straps allow you to use it as a handbag at any time. There are 18 separate pockets of different sizes both inside and out for maximum organization.
Boasting ergonomic features and a practical style, you couldn’t go wrong with the Tethys Diaper Bag.
Ruvalino Multifunction Diaper Backpack: Ruvalino is a brand known for its range of stylish and functional backpacks. The Ruvalino Multifunction Diaper Backpack is among the best, given the dozens of thousands of rave reviews and its affordable price.
The beauty of this bag is much more than its elegant design. It’s so versatile that the backpack can be used as a handbag and stroller bag as well. With such a gorgeous exterior, people won’t even know that you’re using a diaper bag!
The Ruvalino Multifunction Diaper Backpack makes it easy to access your toddler’s belongings because of its wide opening. It features two large zipper compartments plus a whopping 16 pockets, including insulated bottle pockets for literally everything you need. From your own beauty products and accessories for the day to baby’s pacifiers and diapers, and just about anything in between.
The Ruvalino Multifunction Diaper Backpack is highly recommended for parents who want a low-cost yet high-performance diaper bag.
Kaome Diaper Bag Backpack: Kaome makes beautiful ladies’ bags and backpacks with feminine designs. They all have terrific structure and quality that hold up very well.
The Kaome Diaper Bag Backpack comes with a changing pad as well as stroller straps and hooks for easy attachment to your baby carrier. The insulated pocket helps ensure that your newborn always has warm milk to drink. Moms can have some peace of mind that valuables are kept safe: this backpack comes with an anti-theft pocket where you can store your small valuables.
Even when the bag is packed, you can get what you need easily. The opening located at the bottom of the back makes it fuss-free to reach for what you need. Other useful attachments include a luggage fixing strap, a key ring buckle, a luggage strap, and a leather handle.
Best of all, the Kaome Diaper Bag has 15 pockets. These are designed to make organization a breeze by allowing you to separate wet clothes from clean, bottles, toys, snacks, and so much more.
Iduola Diaper Bag Backpack: The Idulola Diaper Bag Backpack is a fashionable choice for the modern mom. Inside, it has several compartments and organizers so you always know where your belongings are.
The waterproof internal compartments are easy to clean. Simply wipe it down with a cloth. Outside, the premium Oxford cloth is waterproof and provides sturdy protection for its contents; it’s just as easy to clean with a wet wipe.
The Iduola Diaper Bag Backpack comes with a lifetime warranty. Use it for strolls, errands, trips, and dining out – the versatile design enables you to use it in multiple ways. Given the many desirable features of this bag, it’s a great choice for all moms.
BabbleRoo Diaper Bag Backpack: BabbleRoo specializes in all kinds of wonderful, multipurpose diaper bags and accessories. Each design is clearly well thought out so that moms can get more wear out of their backpacks.
The BabbleRoo Diaper Bag Backpack has lots of amazing features. With 26L of room, this bag has lots of storage for a day of traveling, hiking, or errands. The main compartment has 9 interior pockets, though it has a divider for a diaper organizer and wet wipes.
It also has a laptop sleeve, a detachable pacifier holder, a mesh pocket for accessories and toys, a key loop, and a multi-purpose changing pad pocket. The exterior is constructed out of tear-resistant fabric that’s also waterproof, while the back panel and shoulder straps have reinforced cushioning. These ensure you’re comfortable even when wearing them for long periods of time.
The BabbleRoo Diaper Bag Backpack is affordable, considering all these features. It’s definitely a great buy for busy moms juggling life and kids.
Mancro Diaper Bag: Mancro is renowned for making low-cost yet high-quality bags to suit a variety of lifestyles. The Mancro Diaper Bag is among the best in its price range.
This 21L bag is ideal as a daypack, which you can use for dining out, shopping, and traveling. There are several pockets to help you organize milk and drink bottles, towels, diapers, a changing mat, your travel necessities, and much more. The lightweight fabric construction and solid structure are perfect for any errand.
The Mancro Diaper Bag has thousands of positive reviews, and customers have pointed out how sturdy it is. The zippers, where many diaper bags fail, have proven to be functional and long-lasting. There are many reasons why parents love this bag, so if you’re looking for a fool-proof diaper bag, look no further than this.
Herschel Baby Settlement Sprout Backpack: Herschel is synonymous with fashionable, practical, and durable backpacks that will last you for life. They aren’t just popular with college kids: parents also know they can trust this brand for excellent diaper bags that truly hold up to the challenge.
The Herschel Baby Settlement Sprout Backpack is equipped with a folding changing mat, which you can quickly clean with a wet wipe. Store it in the mesh wing pocket whenever it’s not in use. The front compartment provides storage for wipes, toys, and other small accessories for both you and your baby.
This is such a versatile, unisex backpack that all parents can appreciate. There are several colors you can choose from, but the classic design remains timeless. In fact, you’ll likely reach for this bag even when you no longer need it for your toddler.
Itzy Ritzy Baby Backpack: Itzy Ritzy has everything moms could ever need. From infant goods to diaper bags and more, this brand is trusted by parents worldwide.
The Itzy Ritzy Baby Backpack is perfect for fashion-conscious moms who need a dependable backpack. Choose your preferred design: from an elegant black herringbone pattern, black with gold hardware, cream, and other beautiful colors, there’s a color and style for every personality.
It has a total of 17 compartments and sleeves, including insulated drink pockets, lined valuables sleeves, and a special parent pocket for your things, among others. The rubber bottom keeps the bag upright, though you can attach it to a stroller thanks to the clips. A changing pad is already included, and it has its own compartment too.
The Itzy Ritzy Baby Backpack is a great option for new moms. If you’re looking for a gift for the mom in your life, this diaper backpack is one of the best.
Conclusion
The right backpack for moms with toddlers will make a world of a difference each time you leave home with your loved ones. There are many fantastic nappy bag models out there to choose from, which will suit both your and your toddler’s needs.