Once you’ve survived the chaotic newborn days and no longer need to haul around everything but the kitchen sink, it’s time to embrace the wonderful world of small changing bags. It’s a glorious moment when you can toss a few baby essentials into a chic little bag and head out without worry. So, if you're heading towards the toddler stage, congratulations, you can finally retire your huge changing bag.
While the temptation is to return to your pre-kid favourite handbag, small changing bags still offer some of the perks of their bigger counterparts. Instead of a standard handbag where you'd struggle to fit all your child's necessities without ruining the designer lining, a small changing bag is full of extra features like changing mats, countless segments, and insulated compartments, which help keep bottles warmer for longer, without sacrificing on style.
Best Small Changing Bags At A Glance:
Best small changing bag overall
Best small changing bag for functionality
By design, changing bags tend to be chunkier and larger than handbags because, let’s face it, kids come with a lot of essentials. That’s why rucksack changing bags are so popular. But when you're heading out with a flawless outfit, that bulky backpack can kill the vibe.
At Grazia, we are always up for a challenge, we've gathered some tried and tested small changing bags that are functional for parenting and some traditional bags that double up as a changing bag effortlessly.
SHOP: The Best Small Changing Bags
Best small changing bag overall
![Frida Eco Stroller Organiser Changing Bag](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/3/2024/07/Frida_Eco_Stroller_Organiser_Changing_Bag.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.johnlewis.com
Grazia writer and mum of three Hannah Carroll swears by this bag. This eco-friendly gem hits all the right notes with its multiple compartments and a clip-on key attachment—an absolute lifesaver (no more tipping out the entire bag to find the car keys!).
The Frida changing bag by Finnosøn also doubles as a pram organiser for those days when you need extra storage, and it comes with pram clips that attach to most strollers and prams. Sadly, the leopard print design is currently out of stock, but we're crossing our fingers for its return because, let's be honest, who doesn’t love a touch of leopard print? The other neutral shades of camel and black make it a great option that would suit all parents.
Pros
- Lightweight but incredibly durable
- Convenient pram straps
- Stylish design - with three pattern choice
- Clip-on key attachment for keeping keys safe
Cons
- Doesn't come with a changing mat
Best small changing bag for functionality
![Tiba + Marl black small changing bag](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/3/2024/08/Tiba-Marl-black-changing-bag.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.farfetch.com
We're long-time fans of Tiba + Marl changing bags, and their quilted design inspired by 90s fashion is just irresistible. What really sets this bag apart is its child-friendly features, like the insulated bottle holders and padded changing mat. It truly has everything a parent needs. While you have to be a bit strategic when packing, it's a fantastic choice for quick trips out. If you were looking for a lighter colour, we found that the oyster shade marks easily, however, it is available in black.
Pros
- Stylish quilted design
- Comes with a padded changing mat
- Multiple pockets and compartments
- Stroller clips
- Two external side bottle/cup holder pockets
Cons
- Light colour marks easily
Best sleek small changing bag
![Pack Of Striped Maternity Bags](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/3/2024/07/PACK_OF_STRIPED_MATERNITY_BAGS.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.zara.com
This adorable striped maternity bag from Zara is perfect for when baby arrives and beyond. You get a few added extras with this choice from the high street store, as it comes with a coordinating toiletry bag and changing mat meaning there's no fear of a mismatched moment on a day out. Although it's not the smallest bag out there, the design is much sleeker than traditional changing bags. We wouldn’t expect anything less from Zara.
Pros
- Matching accessory pack
- Straps can be used to attach to the pram
- Neutral design
Cons
- Cream-coloured and not machine washable
- Pram clip attachments sold separately
Best quilted small changing bag
![Guess - Changing bag with changing mat](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/3/2024/07/Guess-Changing_bag.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.guess.eu
Another fabulous quilted option in the world of small changing bags. This versatile bag checks off the fashionable box, but what we love is the added touch of an adorable cute bear print pattern inside so baby will be entertained while laying down on the mat. Although it's larger than some of the other smaller bags on our list, the fact it's machine washable, which every parent knows is essential, makes up for it.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Quilted stitch design
- Versatile neutral shade
Cons
- Slightly larger than some of the other options
Best luxury small changing bag
![FENDI - FF-print woven changing bag](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/3/2024/07/Fendi-Changing_bag.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.selfridges.com
Fendi is a top choice for baby accessories among A-list mums like Kim Kardashian and Cardi B. When it comes to designer changing bags, this one from Fendi is high on the wishlist. It doesn't look like a changing bag at all, which is why we love it so much. This new season's changing bag comes with a matching changing mat in the iconic FF logo print design, it has two main compartments but compared to the other bags on our list there are limited locations to slot all baby essentials.
Pros
- It looks like a traditional designer hand bag
- Multiple compartments
- It comes with a matching changing mat
- Hooks for attaching to a pram
Cons
- Limited compartments
- Wipe clean only
Best small changing bag for babies
![BabaBing! - Joey Compact Changing Bag](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/3/2024/07/BabaBing_Joey_Compact_Changing_Bag.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.johnlewis.com
This compact changing bag is deceptively spacious, and can surprisingly store everything you need, even during the newborn baby stage. However, in our experience, you might want to opt for something bigger if you’re heading out for the whole day. We especially love the print on this cross-body changing bag, but the design maybe considered not that neutral for all parents to enjoy. It also comes with pram clips and other reviewers pointed out how sturdy the strap is.
Pros
- Compact yet spacious
- Cross-body design
- Comes with stroller clips
- Sturdy straps
Cons
- Only one design option
Best small changing bag rucksack
![City Pack Mini Backpack](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/3/2024/07/City_Pack_Mini_Backpack.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.kipling.com
This isn't technically a changing bag, but we love using it as a mini changing rucksack for short outings. It's perfect for when you're only heading out for a couple of hours and want space to pack what baby needs as there's two main compartments, a mobile phone pocket, and interior zipped compartments too. What we like most about this bag is its versatility—your little ones can carry it themselves, leaving you hands-free to push the pram. Plus, it comes in multiple colour options to suit all parents' styles.
Pros
- Sleek, compact design
- Multiple colour choices
- Multiple compartments
- Water resistant
Cons
- It's not technically a changing bag
- Wipe clean only
When do you stop needing a changing bag?
As your little one grows and becomes more independent, you'll find yourself needing fewer baby essentials on the go. Typically, by the time your child is potty-trained and you no longer need to carry nappies, wipes, and extra outfits, you can transition to a regular bag.
For many parents, this happens around the age of two to three. However, every child is different, so trust your instincts and go with what feels right for you and your family.
How many nappies do you put in a changing bag?
The number of nappies you'll need depends on your child's age and how long you'll be out, but as a rough guide, for a day out, a child under one will probably need around seven nappies, while toddlers will need about four. However, having too many nappies is always better than not enough.
Hannah Carroll is a Parenting, Lifestyle, and Home Product writer for Grazia. She specialises in product testing and reviews. With three children, Hannah loves testing the latest industry products on her own family.