Diaper Bags: Backpacks vs. Totes

At Home with the Hastys - Diaper Bags: Backpacks vs. Totes

I recently asked my mom friends on Instagram for help choosing a new purse. The conversation quickly geared towards diaper bags and whether backpacks or totes were preferred. I asked over 60 people and the majority (53%) said they preferred backpacks, 23% said the preferred totes, and the remaining 24% said you need both. This last category of people is my favorite - I love having friends who are enablers. :) Advocates for backpack diaper bags say this:

The case for backpack diaper bags

It is much easier to chase after a kid when you can sling the bag on your back! - Jamie

It holds more and you have both hands free for baby and/or stroller. - Robyn

Unisex for both parents, evenly distributes weight on back, easier to pack and store stuff. - Krista

Hands-free with baby is so helpful! Totes fall off the shoulder or hit the back of legs. - Brittany

But I still wasn’t quite convinced. I’d been eyeing a beautiful leather tote so I wanted to hear from advocates of using a tote as a diaper bag, too. This is what they had to say:

The case for tote diaper bags

They are easier to carry around, not as bulky. Doesn’t make me feel like I’m going to school. - Anton

I’ve always just used [a tote] as a purse/diaper bag. I keep a cute little pouch in it with diapers, etc. I’ve never used a diaper bag. I’ve had this bag for 6 years and 3 kids. It looks brand new. - Beth

Totes are more easily accessible when hands are full. - Jacqueline

And I’d like to add, style points. Totes just look so much chicer, right? I think that is what Anton was getting at when she said it doesn’t make her feel like she’s going to school.

What do you need in your diaper bag?

Okay, but what all do you really need in a diaper bag, anyway? How much space and accessibility do I need for this thing? Here is a comprehensive list of everything I was told should be in a diaper bag (Shop the list on Amazon, here):

• Diapers

• Wipes

• Water

• Bandaids

• Pack of tissues

• Baby food

• Wallet

• Keys

• Extra blankie and/or spit-up cloth

• Plastic bags for dirties

• Tylenol/ ibuprofen

• Diaper cream

• Baby Orajel/teethers

• Snack for mom and/or older sibling

• At least one outfit change for baby

• A change of clothes for mom

• Toys or books or other comfort items

• Makeup

• Vomit bag

• Changing pad

• Bibs

• Bottles

• Hand sanitizer

• Formula or breast milk

• Breastfeeding cover

• Lactation pads

• Lotion

• Chapstick

• Pacifier

Okay, that’s a lot of stuff. I’m thinking my joke about having both a backpack and a tote might need to become a reality…and I’ll be carrying both at the same time. But, in reality, answers varied dramatically. Here are a few of my favorites, from humorous to super-specific, from all the things to really don’t need much:

1st kid: ALLLLL the things. 2nd kid: pacifier, nursing cover, wallet & snack for the 1st kid. - Robyn

Diapers, wipes, change of clothes. Pretty minimal. - Anton

Wine…jk - Emily.

2 diapers, travel wipes, water, 2 bandaids, pack of tissues, animal crackers, wallet, keys. - Eleanor

Keep your things [items normally kept in your purse] in a zippered bag so you can transfer to a real purse if needed. - Jamie

Top 5 things you need in your diaper bag:

Based on the comments and recommendations when I asked what my mom friends carry in their diaper bag, these were the most common answers:

1. Snacks (for mom and baby and any older siblings)

2. One or two changes of clothes (for mom, but especially baby)

3. Diapers

4. Wipes

5. Regular purse items (keys, wallet, etc.)

More from the At Home with the Hastys Series…

For the entire At Home with the Hastys series, click here.