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10 best baby changing bags to keep you and your baby organised in style

Whether it’s got minimalist style or pockets galore, your ideal holdall awaits

Natalie Crockett
Monday 06 November 2023 12:09 GMT
Consider whether you want to wear your bag cross-body, over your shoulder or attached to a pram
Consider whether you want to wear your bag cross-body, over your shoulder or attached to a pram (iStock/The Independent )
Our Top Picks

Thought shopping for a baby changing bag would be one of the more fun and stress-free elements of preparing for your new baby, but find yourself completely overwhelmed by the myriad options? Fear not – we have you covered.

Gone are the days of throwing a load of loose items into a cavernous bag only to discover them, usually stuck to sticky bits of food, at the bottom months later. When it comes to being on the move with a tiny human, preparation is paramount, so you’ll need a good changing bag to keep your life – and baby’s – organised.

You’ll want to consider size, material and feature. Should you avoid noisy Velcro and opt for zips or poppers? Do you really need that built-in insulated bottle bag, and how many pockets is enough to stow everything you need and make it easily accessible when on the go?

Then there’s how you want to wear your changing bag. Do you want an over-the-shoulder option, with a long or short strap? Will you want to wear it across your body or as a backpack, or neither, opting to have it attached it to your buggy instead?

Well, the good news is we’ve done the hard work for you and have come up with a list of practical and stylish options to suit all tastes, sizes and genders. These baby changing bags not only deliver on functionality but are easy on the eye and will see you through the baby years and beyond.

How we tested

With the need to house everything from outfit changes and nappies to bottles, snacks and your daily essentials, we considered size, storage and ease of access, as well as comfort and fit while wearing. Durability, style and value for money were also key, because, when you’re preparing to welcome a baby, every penny counts.

A selection of some of the best changing bags that we tested
A selection of some of the best changing bags that we tested (The Independent)

The best baby changing bags for 2023 are:

  • Best changing bag overall – Storksak St James black leather changing bag: £220, Storksak.com
  • Best budget changing bag – Elodie Details changing bag soft shell: £60.79, Amazon.co.uk
  • Best lightweight changing bag – Mamas & Papas strada changing bag: £99, Amazon.co.uk
  • Best caddy-style changing bag – H&M teddy changing bag: £29.99, Hm.com

Storksak St James black leather changing bag

st-james-bag-indybest-review.jpg
  • Best: Changing bag overall
  • Size: 37cm x 33cm x 15cm
  • Colours: Black, tan, taupe
  • Comes with a changing mat: Yes
  • Why we love it
    • Designer look and feel
    • Large main compartment
    • Easy to use convertible straps
  • Take note
    • A hefty price tag

Uber stylish with a designer look, we simply couldn’t wait until the baby was here to start using this bag, so it doubled as a work bag for weeks. Finished in soft leather at the front and sides, and practical nylon at the back, it’s surprisingly light for its size and can be easily wiped clean.

Aside from its beautiful look, its best feature is its convertible straps. They slide seamlessly from backpack mode to an over-the-shoulder option in one easy motion, and without the faff of adjusting loops or attaching a separate strap.

Its large main compartment holds loads, including a 15-inch laptop, and it has eight handy pockets, including two hidden side pockets with zips, one of which is insulated for keeping bottles warm or cold. It also comes with a sizable changing mat and stroller straps.

Practical and pretty, we had lots of compliments while wearing this and know we will be using it beyond changing nappies.

  1.  £220 from Storksak
Prices may vary
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Elodie Details soft shell changing bag

Elodie-changing-bag-indybest-review.jpg
  • Best: Budget changing bag
  • Size: 41cm x 36cm x 16cm
  • Colours: Brilliant black, meadow blossom, pink bouclé, rebel green, tidemark drops
  • Comes with a changing mat: Yes
  • Why we love it
    • Comes in a variety of prints and colours
    • Lightweight and flexible shell
    • Sturdy, long straps

This surprisingly large bag from trendy Swedish brand Elodie Details is a simple, sleek offering for parents looking for a no-fuss option. Its lightweight and flexible shell means it can be folded flat and stored away easily when not in use.

The sturdy, long straps wrap around the entire bag, so there are no concerns about them giving way under the weight of its contents. It also comes with stroller straps, so you can attach it to your buggy. The smooth polyester surface is easily cleaned in the event of spillages, and, when you’re not using it as a changing bag, it makes a great gym or weekend bag.

It has a built-in thermo pocket to keep milk upright and at the right temperature, plus a machine-washable, water-resistant changing mat, making it great value for money.

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Mamas & Papas strada changing bag

Mamas-papas-strada-bag-indybest-review.jpg
  • Best: Lightweight changing bag
  • Size: 98cm x 42cm x 40cm
  • Colours: Taupe
  • Comes with a changing mat: Yes
  • Why we love it
    • Super-sized central compartment
    • Design includes a message of encouragement for parents inside
    • Sturdy and wide straps

Very lightweight but without compromising on space, this backpack has a super-sized central compartment and plenty of inside pockets to keep everything in its designated space.

There are four internal pockets, including two that are insulated and a second larger zip pocket with a waterproof lining that’s ideal for keeping wet clothes separate. It also has a large front pocket that wraps around the bag, perfect for stuffing items in when you’re in a rush. Plus, the top inside zip pocket has an adorable “You’re doing great” message to provide a daily confidence boost.

Its straps are sturdy and wide, distributing weight evenly across your back and making it comfortable to wear. And it easily converts from a backpack to a shoulder bag for an alternative way of wearing. It also comes with a removable insulated bottle holder for keeping drinks at the right temperature and a foldable wipe-clean changing mat.

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Avery Row baby changing bag

avery-row-bag-indybest-review.jpg
  • Best: Soft plush changing bag
  • Size: 40cm x 32cm x 16cm
  • Colours: Cinnamon, flint, nutmeg
  • Comes with a changing mat: No
  • Why we love it
    • Pretty interior
    • Large size

If there was a prize for the prettiest interior, then the dainty floral pattern of Avery Row’s holdall would win it. The soft, quilted exterior, made from organic cotton canvas, has a luxury feel and its extra-large size makes it a great hospital bag option, too.

The wide, adjustable and removable shoulder strap makes it comfortable to wear as a shoulder bag or across the body, and the brass metal fastenings have a weighty, quality feel. Its large main compartment holds everything you need for a day out or evening away, and then some, and the two elasticated internal side pockets are great for storing nappies and wipes, or for preventing smaller items from getting lost.

For those concerned about the soft material of the bag getting stained, fret not, as it can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

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Kaos ransel diaper backpack

Kaos-ransel-bag-indybest-review.jpg
  • Best: Eco-friendly changing bag
  • Size: 30cm x 36cm x 13cm
  • Colours: Black, beige, green
  • Comes with a changing mat: Yes
  • Why we love it
    • Made from recycled PET bottles
    • Magnetic closings
  • Take note
    • No insulated pockets for bottle

Another bag that flies under the radar and doesn’t scream “baby changing bag”, Kaos’s unisex design is sure to be a hit with dads too. It has a hard-wearing, canvas-feel exterior with a large top opening, which means you’re not battling to get things in and out.

It’s packed with seven pockets, and while none of them is insulated, its other features make up for that missing element. We loved the magnetic closings for quick and easy access, without the faff of poppers or the noise of Velcro that could wake a sleeping baby.

It’s made from 24 PET bottles from recycled waste, with vegan leather detailing on the straps so you can feel good about doing your bit for the planet. It comes in a range of colours too.

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Babymel Lola vegan leather changing backpack

Babymel-vegan-lola-indybest-review.jpg
  • Best: Vegan changing bag
  • Size: 38cm x 30cm x 14cm
  • Colours: Black
  • Comes with a changing mat: Yes
  • Why we love it
    • Padded back and cushioned shoulder straps
    • Vegan leather exterior
  • Take note
    • Stroller straps may not be suitable for all models

If you’re looking for fashion and comfort in one, then consider the Lola. Its padded back and cushioned shoulder straps make it super easy to wear all day, while its spacious interior and large zip opening make stowing things away easy. It has seven pockets to keep you organised and the large front pocket is handy for quick access to your keys and phone.

It comes with a removable insulated bottle holder, which can also double as a handy drawstring bag to store used nappies when there are no bins in sight. It’s worth noting that we found the stroller straps were quite tight around the handlebar and fell off a few times, so they may not be suitable for all models.

The vegan leather exterior is wipe clean and kinder to nature, making it ideal for eco-conscious parents looking for a cruelty-free option.

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H&M teddy changing bag

H&M-teddy-bag-indybest-review.jpg
  • Best: Caddy-style changing bag
  • Size: 20cm x 25cm x 36cm
  • Colours: Light beige
  • Comes with a changing mat: No
  • Why we love it
    • Soft teddy fabric
  • Take note
    • No closings so more of a caddy than a changing bag

More of a caddy than a bag due to its lack of closings to keep things secure on the go, this is a lovely option for a nursery, lounge changing station or for keeping things organised in your car.

The neutral colour and soft teddy fabric will add a bit of plush luxury to any setting. It has two removable internal dividers that secure in place with Velcro, two large side pockets and two smaller central compartments next to the carry straps to help you keep things tidy.

  1.  £29 from Hm.com
Prices may vary
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Gigil bambino changing bag

Gigil-changing-bag-indybest-review.jpg
  • Best: Tote changing bag
  • Size: 24cm x 37cm x 18cm
  • Colours: Charcoal grey, midnight black, sand beige
  • Comes with a changing mat: Yes
  • Why we love it
    • Easy for travelling with trolley sleeve
    • Lots of pockets

Sleek and fashionable, this lovely tote is sure to be a hit with stylish parents. Big enough to double as a hospital or weekend bag, it’s spacious but not bulky, and can be carried bowling-bag style or over the shoulder with the detachable strap.

It fits comfortably underneath even smaller-framed pushchairs or can hang from one by using the buggy clips. The ingenious inclusion of a trolley sleeve makes for easy travelling – simply hook it over a wheelie suitcase handle with ease. There are so many pockets – six of them are even insulated, to keep milk bottles and food fresher for longer.

The textured saffiano vegan leather finish means the bag is hard-wearing and doesn’t mark easily.

  1.  £135 from Gigil.com
Prices may vary
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Storksak Alyssa stroller bag black and gold

Alyssa-stroller-bag-indybest-review.jpg
  • Best: Stroller changing bag
  • Size: 20cm x 27cm x 12cm
  • Colours: Black and gold, black and gunmetal
  • Comes with a changing mat: No
  • Why we love it
    • Compact design
    • Stylish look
  • Take note
    • May be too small for some parents

Small but mighty, don’t let its paired down size put you off. Just big enough to fit an outfit change, a few nappies, wipes, your purse and phone, this stroller bag is a great option for parents looking for a compact option.

It attaches to your pushchair with Velcro straps to hang snuggly from the handlebar without getting in your way or swinging back and forth as some larger bags often do. Its adjustable strap means it can be worn across the body or as a shoulder bag, in a long or short style, and its smooth leather finish and weighty metal fastenings give it a luxurious feel. Two retractable side pockets are each big enough to hold a bottle, and a slim front pocket will keep your phone separate.

The understated style makes this changing bag perfect for a nice lunch or evening out – either with or without baby. For those looking for a matching set, it pairs well with the brand’s St James backpack.

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Babymel eco hospital-weekend bag

Babymel-hospital-bag-indybest-review.jpg
  • Best: Hospital changing bag
  • Size: 34cm x 53cm x 24cm
  • Colours: Grey/black
  • Comes with a changing mat: No
  • Why we love it
    • Design features a built-in hanging organiser
    • Two large internal pockets
    • On wheels

Packing for the hospital is a breeze with this large holdall on wheels. It comes with an ingenious built-in hanging organiser, meaning there’s no need to unpack your things at the other end – simply hang them up and you have a wardrobe on the go.

It has two large internal elasticated pockets, ideal for keeping personal items to hand, and a smaller Velcro external pocket near the grab handles for easy access to your keys and purse.

It also has eco credentials, having been made from recycled materials, meaning it’s not only green but the material is hard wearing and durable, and has a wipe-clean interior.

The retractable pull handle runs smooth and doesn’t stick, making it easy to operate with one hand for those also wrangling a stroller or a toddler at the same time.

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The verdict: Baby changing bags

Perfect for those who want a changing bag that doesn’t look like a changing bag, Storksak’s St James’s elegant style is too good to only store nappies. Although it is the priciest of all the options, we’re sure it’ll become a wardrobe staple for bump, baby and beyond. But for those looking for something a bit kinder on the purse, we can’t recommend the Elodie Details holdall enough. A simple style but crammed with many of the same features of some of the more expensive brands, it would be our go-to budget-friendly option. While we tested the rebel green, it also comes in lots of colours, prints and quilted options to suit all tastes.

With Christmas around the corner, check out our round-up of the best Christmas gifts for babies and newborns

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