The Best Diaper Bags for Dads

Dad wearing Axis Backpack in Birch Black

Before baby, a day out meant throwing your wallet and keys in your pocket and hopping in the car. Unfortunately, not even the roomiest cargo pockets can stash all the bottles, diapers, baby wipes, toys, snacks and other essentials you tote around daily. 

From backpacks to diaper totes, we’ve rounded up the best diaper backpacks and bags for dads, as well as some important tips that will help you ensure you’re getting the perfect one to suit both your needs and the needs of your family.

Why a diaper bag is essential

There are few things as rewarding, surprising, amazing, and altogether hilarious as parenthood. 

While you can’t anticipate every time your little one suddenly needs a snack or spit up on their clean clothes, there is an easy way to ensure that you have plenty of supplies on hand, just in case: diaper bags and backpacks. 

With a great diaper bag, you’ll have plenty of room for food, diapers, wipes, changes of machine washable clothes, books, pacifiers, and favorite stuffed animals—and many of the diaper bags on the market are stylish (and spacious) enough to use for work or weekend trips when they’re not packed with your kids’ stuff, too.

What to look for in a diaper bag 

While you may find yourself attracted to a particular diaper bag’s style, it’s important to consider what features you really want and need to safely and comfortably transport your kids’ stuff day after day.

Features to look for: 

  • Adjustable Straps: Look for larger diaper bags that have been designed with different body types in mind. This means adjustable straps that will work for you and/or your partner. 
  • Insulated Pockets: Choose a bag with insulated pockets to keep milk, formula and Insulated pocket and compartments for snacks. This is especially important for dads, who may need to carry milk or formula, and can’t nurse when out and about.
  • Fold Out Changing Mats: Unfortunately, many men’s restrooms lack baby changing tables and supplies. Make sure to choose a bag that includes a built-in, wipe clean changing station or mat for diaper changes on-the-go. 
  • Zippered Pockets: Look for a bag with zippered pockets to ensure nothing falls out if the bag is tipped or tilted. 
  • Travel Features: Select a bag with a trolley sleeves and d-rings. This will make it easy to attach to your stroller or slip over a carry on suitcase handle when you travel.
  • Pockets & Organizers: Pockets and organizers keep your essentials at your fingertips, allowing you to find them quickly without having to dig through your bag. 

The best diaper bags for dads

We’ve rounded up our top five picks for the best diaper bags for dads below:

Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack

Boxy Backpack opened to show changing mat

Want a classic backpack that you can take to your kid’s soccer game as well as the office? The Boxy Backpack is the perfect fit. 

This spacious bag has room for all the essentials, with smartly-designed features to make your day out a little easier including two exterior bottle pockets, a zip-out changing station, a felt-lined pocket for your phone, stroller straps, and adjustable straps that allow you to carry it as either a backpack, messenger diaper bag, or shoulder bag.

Petunia Pickle Bottom Axis Backpack

Axis Backpack Open to Show Pockets

The Axis Backpack is a versatile, spacious heavy duty diaper bag that features a zippered front pocket, cushioned straps and separated top and bottom compartments. The backpack comes with a removable changing pad and d-ring hooks on the side that can be used to attach the bag to a stroller (stroller clips sold separately). 

Wide, adjustable, and padded backpack straps are comfortable for all body types. 

Petunia Pickle Bottom Ace Backpack

Ace Backpack for Mickey's 90th Birthday

The Ace Backpack diaper bag ticks all the must-haves of a dad diaper bag. It features adjustable padded shoulder straps, a removable water-resistant changing mat, plenty of interior pockets, two external insulated bottle pockets, and an easy-to-clean, durable coated canvas exterior. 

This spacious bag is adventure ready, with plenty of room to hold all your little one’s supplies. 

Petunia Pickle Bottom District Backpack

District Backpack with Packing Cube

The District Backpack diaper bag is all about organization. It features a spacious, well-organized main compartment, easy-access outer pockets, an insulated front pocket, and a perfectly sized packing cube to help keep your things together.

Additional details make this a dad-favorite, including ergonomically designed padded backpack straps, integrated stroller straps, a removable changing pad, and a drawstring bottle carrier.

Petunia Pickle Bottom Inter-Mix Deluxe Kit

 Intermix packing cubes with art supplies inside

Up your organizational game with the Inter-Mix Deluxe Kit packing cubes. This smartly-designer system is compatible with all Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bags, or can be used on its own as a nursery organizer, picnic packer, or stroller organizer.

The removable packing cubes are insulated and easy to wipe clean, perfect for organizing snacks and food. Integrated straps attach the caddy to strollers, and discreetly attach to the base of the caddy when not in use.

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