Any parent will know that leaving the house without a massive haul of baby essentials isn't an option, but the good news is that the best baby changing bags marry function and fashion flawlessly. So, whilst you might have to bench your favourite tote bag, your baby changing bag can be just as stylish or, dare we say it, even more so. Especially hung on the back of a designer pram.
The wonderful world of baby accessories can be a minefield, from baby carriers to kids' rucksacks, when it comes to finding something that delivers on both practicality and style - because why should you have to compromise on coordination the minute you become a parent?
So, we have found the very best baby changing bags that are Grazia-approved. We have shortlisted the best bags on the market that are both fashion-forward and will have enough space to store all your baby's essentials.
The Best Baby Changing Bags At A Glance:
Best baby changing bag for practicality: TIBA + MARL Elwood Twin Changing Backpack Silver, £150 on Selfridges
Best baby changing bag for versatility: Finnson Ana Eco Changing Backpack with Changing Mat, £150 on Mori
Best baby changing bag for style: JEM + BEA Jemima Changing Bag, £315 on John Lewis
When picking from our best baby changing bags, our top tip is to choose a bag that speaks to your style. While these bags are designed to be spacious and practical. Remember that you'll be carrying it with you every day. Therefore, opt for a bag that you genuinely adore the appearance of.
SHOP: The Best Baby Changing Bags To Buy Right Now
Best baby changing bag for practicality
Credit: Selfridges www.selfridges.com
Description
Unisex, modern and functional, the award-winning Elwood backpack lets you parent hands-free in style. Twin Elwood comes complete with two exterior side slip pockets and features two insulated bottle sleeves in its front pocket that will keep your bottles cool or hot for up to 4 hours.
We love that this bag comes with a removable wet clutch that is perfect for storing dirty clothes or baby wipes.
Crafted from tumbled metallic silver vegan leather and set back to lux gunmetal bespoke hardware, this best-selling backpack is large enough to fit most laptops. Its spacious, practical design works hard for you in any environment, be it the playground, office or street.
Pros
- Practical rucksack design
- Crafted from vegan leather
- Unique yet stylish design
- Matching toddler bags are available
Cons
- Only available in metallic silver
Best baby changing bag for versatility
Credit: Finnson/ Moribabymori.com
Description
Adapting from shoulder to stroller in just a few clicks, the Ana backpack from Finnson is a versatile, lightweight bag and made from recycled materials. Water-resistant and wipe-clean for ease, it's designed with three external pockets, two side slip pockets (ideal for bottles), and five internal pockets to keep everything organised. There's even space left for the portable quilted changing mat.
Pros
- Understated design
- Two colour options
- Made from 100 per cent certified recycled PET Polyester.
- Adjustable shoulder straps that unclip and attach to your stroller or pram
- clip-on key attachment for keeping keys (which is a real lifeline when you are suffering from lack of sleep)
Cons
- The thermo-insulated bottle holders are not removal
Best baby changing bag for style
Credti: JEM + BEA/John Lewis www.johnlewis.com
Description
This classic changing bag, perfect for modern parents, looks just like a regular handbag and can effortlessly switch from a baby bag to a work or day bag with multifunctional pockets. This bag is sleek and stylish and exudes timeless elegance with its leather design. We love that it can be worn multiple ways with a detachable shoulder strap or double-top handles.
Pros
- Luxury finishing touches
- Detachable and adjustable shoulder strap
- Seven interior pockets
Cons
- Not suitable for vegans
Best baby changing bag for multipurpose design
Credit: PacaPod/ Natural Baby Showerwww.naturalbabyshower.co.uk
Description
Styled like a modern satchel with a saddlebag feel, this will be a favourite with parents. Made from soft vegan pebble leather with gunmetal hardware and trims, this bag has galore pockets and even labelling systems, so you are never caught out. This bag comes with two pod bags that can store food or clothes separately.
Pros
- It comes with two eco-recycled polyester pods to keep things separate
- It comes with pram clips and D-ring points
- Vegan leather design
Cons
- The pods do not fit in the bag if it is full, meaning you have more to carry (although they can be attached to the pram. )
Best baby changing bag for parents on a budget
BabbleRooDescription
Available in grey, khaki, dark grey, black, and army green, this crowd-pleaser is super-spacious with pockets for organising nappies, keeping tissues and wipes, insulation, and more. We also love the reinforced cushioned shoulder straps that help even out the load.
Pros
- Multiple colour designs
- Wet wipe sleeve for easy access
- Nappy organiser
- Detachable dummy storage
Cons
- Not the most stylish option
Best baby changing bag for luxury
Credit: Coachuk.coach.com
Description
Coach's signature-coated canvas and smooth leather baby changing bag has an inside zip, multifunctional pockets, a zip-top closure and a detachable strap for shoulder or crossbody wearing.
Pros
- Detachable strap
- Changing pad included
- Signature Coach design
Cons
- Not suitable for vegans
Best baby changing bag for fashion
Credit: Stella McCartney/ Harrodswww.harrods.com
Description
Stella McCartney's padded changing bag is designed with practicality and style in mind, and it's made from recycled materials, too. It has three front pockets, polished hardware, and interior pocket, a changing mat and a detachable, adjustable strap. Plus, it's wipe-clean - dreamy.
Pros
- Stylish modern design
- Wipe clean fabric
- Twin top handles
Cons
- No online reviews
Best baby changing bag for travelling
Credit: Kerikitkerikit.com
Description
This beautiful backpack is both stylish and practical. If you are looking for a changing bag that doesn't look like your traditional frumpy mum bag, then this is it. It is perfect for toddler mums who no longer have to carry all that comes with a newborn. The best feature of this bag is it has slide-over straps that can be attached to a trolley bag, as well as pram straps. We love that this bag is luxurious and visually looks like a regular leather rucksack.
Pros
- Separate sections make it easier for parents to stay organised
- Cabin-friendly design perfect for travelling
- Slide over a strap for attaching to a suitcase or trolley
- Made from recycled nylon
Cons
- No insulated bottle section
Best baby changing bag for an understated design
Buddy & Hopewww.alexandalexa.com
Description
The Black & Hope Polyester Changing Bag has a zipped main compartment, detachable shoulder strap, and stroller straps included for easily attaching to the pram or buggy. There are several pockets for easy organising and a padded changing mat for easy changing on the go.
Pros
- Attaches to the pram
- Several pockets
- Detachable shoulder strap
Cons
- No stand-out features
What should you look for in a baby changing bag?
• Ease of carrying - hands-free backpacks, cross-body and shoulder bags are best for busy mums
• Wipe-clean
• Durability
• Pram-friendly - look for styles with clips to attach to your stroller
• Built-in changing mat and nappy compartment
Whether you're looking for yourself or as a gift for an expectant mother, we've done all the hard work for you and rounded up the best baby changing bags on the market that look good, too.
What should you pack in your baby changing bag?
You’ve got your bag, but what should you pack in it? The NCT recommends packing the following to make sure you’re never caught at a loose end:
• A changing mat (that'll be built-in your bag) and alcohol-free and fragrance-free wipes
• Bags for dirty nappies or clothing should there be any nappy leaks
• Barrier cream (if you’re using it) to protect your baby's skin
• Three to four clean disposable nappies, or liners and covers if you're using cloth nappies. How many you need depends on how long you'll be out for and how old your baby is
• A change of clothes for your baby in case of any accidents
• Portable toys to keep them entertained on the move
• Food for your baby. If you’re breastfeeding, you may need to pack clean breast pads or a breastfeeding shawl, or if they’re on formula, you may need to pack sterilised bottles and formula powder. If they’re a little older, it would be worth having some purees or finger foods to hand.
And after all that, don’t forget about yourself! As well as the essentials, it would be worth bringing your own snacks or something to keep you entertained when the baby is napping, and you can grab some time to yourself while out and about.
For more parenting stories, (non-judgmental) advice, tips and memes, check out Grazia's parenting community on Instagram, @TheJuggleUK
Hannah Carroll is a Parenting, Lifestyle and Home Product writer for Grazia, specialising in product testing and reviews. With three children, Hannah loves testing the latest industry products on her own family.