The best changing bags of 2024: tried and tested by real parents

The Gigil Luxe (2.0) changing backpack features a range of pockets, dividers, and zipped compartments that make it an ideal changing bag for those early days with a baby, when you have so much gear to take everywhere with you.

This is a stylish backpack that mums and dads will be comfortable wearing, while it has a cute embossed giraffe for a little character that your child will love once they grow up too.

The Luxe (2.0) bag is an updated version which now features more eco-friendly credentials, such as the leather being sustainably sourced and vegan. It’s available in four different colours, with coordinating zips for each colourway.

There are two insulated pockets for keeping snacks and drinks at the right temperature. The pram clips are vital and we wouldn’t buy a changing bag without them, allowing you to hang the bag off the pram handle and save yourself some backache. The capacity is large, at 22 litres – plenty of space for everything you need on a day out.

Parents like this backpack because of the premium, vegan leather and because it looks more like a regular backpack than a standard, frumpy changing bag. This gives it longevity, as you’ll be able to use it beyond the nappy days. One mum commented, "It is so practical as well as stylish. There are three main compartments inside, with an additional internal zipped compartment. It has a further zipped compartment on the front of the back and a concealed compartment on the back plus side pockets.” A definite benefit of this changing bag is that it comes with a one-year warranty, meaning the brand really believes in its product and wants you to be happy with your purchase.

We tested this changing bag as part of the Mother&Baby Awards 2024, where it won Gold for Best Changing Bag.

Read our full Gigil Luxe Changing Backpack review.

The Bloom Changing Backpack is a vegan leather backpack with a unisex design, suitable for all parents. Just like the Luxe (2.0) we reviewed above, this is a changing bag without looking like one.

It features nine different compartments, two external zipped compartments, and one interior zipped compartment. The straps can be adjusted to suit the wearer (you'd be surprised how many changing bags have straps that can't be altered), and it also comes with a changing mat and buggy clips.

This is a really spacious backpack, and one of our mum testers, who has five children, found she could fit in everything she needed for all of her little ones. Another mum tester said: "The Gigil Bloom backpack is the most practical baby changing bag currently on the market. The bag is larger than most backpacks, allowing ample space to hold essential baby items. The bag has nine impressive compartments for easy access and makes for good organisation."

We tested this changing bag as part of the Mother&Baby Awards 2023, where it won Gold for Best Changing Bag.

Read our full Bloom Changing Backpack review.

The Disney changing bag is a Disney-designed backpack that indulges in your Disney character favourites, as well as being completely practical. This is certainly a changing bag that your little one will want to borrow when they’re older. Characters featured include Bambi, Thumper, and Marie the kitten; one mum said: “I love the design on the outside of the bag with all the Disney characters, too. We've received many compliments for this bag. I've struggled to find a bag with space in the past, but this bag has tons of space and different compartments, making it so much more spacious." We do think the design could have included more than just three characters, however.

The charm of the design doesn’t detract from the practicality, though; this bag features all the elements you need in a changing bag. There’s a variety of pockets and compartments, with zipped pockets on the outside for smaller items and larger compartments inside for nappies and other essentials. The elasticated pockets on the sides are ideal for bottles. 

We like the wipe-clean material, which makes it extra practical, although some parents were disappointed that it doesn’t come with a changing mat, unlike most other brands of changing bags. This is a definite down point as you will have to buy one separately. 

Padded straps make this comfortable to carry, and you can easily attach it to your pram with the integrated D-rings. 

We tested this bag as part of the Mother&Baby Awards 2023, when it won Silver for Best Changing Bag.

Read our full Disney Baby Changing Backpack review.

This Skip Hop Forma Changing Backpack feels lightweight to carry and the quilted detail makes it stand out from other changing bags on the market. It’s different to other changing bags as it features what the brand calls ‘packing cubes’ - they’re supposedly designed to make it easier to compartmentalise all your baby gear and make it easier to find stuff when you need it; in reality, it might be a bit of a gimmick that not everyone will be interested in. Essentially, it means there are a couple of pouches that fit inside the bag; one mum tester said, “The two separate little bags that sit in the front pocket are handy for little bits and bobs,” while another commented: “Storage cubes are an additional bonus and help keep everything neat and tidy.”

Taking the cubes out means you have a big spacious pocket, so it does offer flexibility, which is good when baby gets older and the type of gear you need to take out with you changes. 

Our favourite feature of this bag is the large zip around the main compartment that makes everything easily accessible, so you’re not digging around for a spare dummy when your baby is having a meltdown; one mum tester commented on the roomy nature of this bag and said: “This backpack has so much space for everything I need to carry. I especially like the front pocket that fits my purse and keys in perfectly, there is even a pouch for my mobile phone. It may sound like a small thing, but the changing bag I had before did not have this, and I was always rummaging to the bottom to find my keys.” 

It’s available in five colours, and it’s a good size for carrying a laptop once baby grows and you want to keep using the bag. 

The only real downside to this bag is the size of the changing mat; one mum said: “A bigger mat also makes it easier for those occasions where you have to change the nappy in the car as it covers more of the seat. This small one was a nightmare for that!” We all know how vital it is to have a changing mat that’s big enough - but at least this changing bag does include a changing mat, unlike some others we tested. 

We tested this changing bag as part of the Mother&Baby Awards 2022, when it won Gold for Best Changing Bag. 

Read our full Skip Hop Forma Backpack review.

If you’re looking for a changing bag that comes with loads of accessories, the BabaBIng Erin changing bag should be top of your shortlist. It comes with loads of extras - and they all match - including a large changing mat, stroller straps, bottle holders, and two separate pouches that are insulated for keeping food and drinks at the right temperature; one mum tester said: “This bag includes so many extras - sold separately, these items would cost almost double the price.”

A particularly useful feature is what they call ‘the parent pockets’ - two pockets designed for your gear, such as phones and keys, to keep them safe and separate from nappies and wipes. We like this feature as it just makes it so much easier to find your important valuables without rummaging around among crayons and Sudocrem. 

BabaBing has a reputation for making good quality but reasonably priced changing bags, and this is no exception as it’s clear to see the craftsmanship that’s gone into the design; as one mum tester said: “I have used this bag for over six months now to see whether it would stand the test of time. Often, when I use a changing bag, it starts well. Then, slowly, you realise that it isn't practical, or parts begin to break. This is not the case with this Erin Changing Bag - if anything, quite the opposite."

The only real downside is that it currently only comes in two colours, however they are colours that most people will be happy to wear. Testers did also note that the shoulder straps weren’t as strong as they could be. 

Read our full Bababing Erin Changing Bag review

The Babymel Georgi Eco Convertible backpack is made from recycled plastic bottles, making it stand out among other changing bags that we’ve tested - it’s the ideal choice if you want an eco-friendly bag. 

Our testers like this bag as it’s really lightweight and versatile; one mum said: “You can carry it on your pushchair, as a backpack or as a shoulder bag, so it is useful when on the go in a hurry. It looks so stylish but super casual at the same time.” Our mum tester, Olivia, says, "Size-wise, it’s ideal. I can pack everything I need for the day and more. I was concerned it would be a bit too long in shape, but the zips go quite far round the sides, so it’s easy to rummage around for stuff at the bottom."

We tested the ‘caramel leopard’ design, which animal-print lovers will prefer, but it’s also available in a more traditionally styled striped design - although that pattern might make your eyes go funny. 

Testers like the wide opening of the main compartment, as well as the pocket on the front - it’s perfectly sized for a packet of wipes and makes finding them easy; one mum said: “Every time I wear it, I feel like a kid with a new school bag showing it off”. Olivia, our mum tester, was impressed with the design, commenting, "The side pocket for wipes is revolutionary! I’ve never had a changing bag with this feature before and I absolutely loved it. It is so easy to grab them for a quick clean-up after snack time. There’s a plastic window that helps to keep the wipes moist without the protective seal on the wipes packet, but I did find some wipes stayed wetter than others." 

The material is water resistant and wipe-clean - a necessity when it comes to keeping a changing bag looking presentable. You do get a changing mat included with this bag; plus, it’s washable. We also appreciated the insulated lining, meaning snacks and drinks are kept at the right temperature - for up to four hours, the brand claims. 

You can buy a pram organiser from Babymel, too, although it doesn’t come in the same patterns as the changing bag, which is a shame. 

Overall, our mum tester said, "I would definitely recommend this changing bag, the only thing I can think of to make it better would be a zip near the bottom of the bag to make accessing the stuff at the bottom a bit easier, but this is just a feature I’ve seen on other bags that I’ve thought was handy."

 The Allis City Plus changing bag looks smaller than most changing bags we test, but it’s hiding a lot of pockets - 16 in total - and includes a changing section which folds out so everything is right there ready for nappy changes. It’s not a large enough area to combine the changing mat into one ‘station’ however it is handy that all those wipes, nappies, bum cream, and other gear are all in the one space; one mum tester said: “It is clear that the bag has been built with a mothers’ needs in mind as I am able to stay much better organised with this as opposed any other normal bag.” It’s definitely spacious despite looking more compact. We like the small pocket for dummies and the wet pocket for dirty wipes or nappies. 

There’s flexibility in how you can wear the bag, such as a cross-body bag, shoulder bag, tote bag, or backpack. Plus, it comes with clips to attach it to your stroller; however, one mum tester commented: “If I could change one thing about this bag, it would be to shorten the width. I have found it doesn't fit the average pushchair,” so make sure you check the measurements before purchasing if you’re likely to attach it to your pram frequently.  However, our Commercial Content Writer, Laura Healy, says, "It is wide, but I like its look, and it is a great bag to wear across your body or to hold using the handles. It also provides lots of space, feels very durable, and the travel changing mat is a really good size."

This changing bag comes with a thermo-insulated holder to keep bottles warm or cool for up to four hours. The material is wipe-clean, which went down well with mum testers; “I love how the bag is waterproof, which is helpful if you get caught in the rain, and it is wipe-clean so that if it gets dirty, you can clean it easily with a baby wipe.” 

This is one of the cheaper bags we’ve tested and it certainly gives you a lot of pockets for your cash.

We tested this changing bag as part of the Mother&Baby Awards 2018, when it won Silver for Best Changing Bag. 

Read our full Allis City Plus Changing Bag review.

This Storksak changing bag is one of the most fashionable changing bags we’ve tested, and we like how flexible the design is; you can wear this as a shoulder bag, backpack, or cross-body messenger bag. Our Commercial Content Writer, Laura Healy, was impressed with the style of this bag, saying, "I love how versatile it is and how it can be worn in different ways, which is great when I want to wear it as a messenger bag, and then my husband prefers it as a backpack. It is really easy to transition between styles. However, it is quite wide when worn as a backpack and does feel quite bulky on your back."

The internal compartment is spacious, and there are seven smaller compartments, too; one dad tester said, “I love how many pockets there are as I can keep everything separate and clean, keeping my valuables safe and separate from nappies and food.” There are two further adjustable side panels for even more capacity; this is definitely one of the roomier changing bags that we’ve tested. 

The bag is made from scuba material, setting it apart from other bags; this makes it protective against spillages, as well as being water resistant; one mum said: “I love this bag!! The scuba is such an amazing material and seems really hard-wearing.”

Laura Healy commented, "This is a great bag with lots of room, and the additional accessories of the changing mat and insulated compartment are brilliant. The changing mat feels larger and more padded than other travel changing mats but doesn't take up all the room. I also love the resilience of the fabric, which will withstand bad weather and spills of all kinds. It is a practical nappy bag with lots of space for spare clothes, nappies, snacks, bottles, wipes, and my personal accessories such as my phone, purse and keys. It looks very stylish and doesn't immediately scream nappy bag, so it can also be used on days out with older toddlers or children as well."

This KeriKit Amber changing backpack has multiple pockets and compartments, meaning there’s a safe space for everything you need to take out with you on a day trip with baby. Once baby is older, you can continue to use this as a laptop bag - it fits a 14-inch laptop neatly. It’s really designed to be a flexible backpack that happens to work well as a changing bag; one reviewer said: “No longer do I have to dig or unpack to find that spare nappy - it also makes it so much easier to restock, ready for a trip out of the house.” Our Senior Writer, Samantha Ball, said, "The bag is absolutely beautiful, it doesn’t feel like a baby bag at all, which my husband loved. There’s plenty of internal storage space, and it comes with a matching baby changing mat that’s easy to clean too."

This is another eco-friendly option, as it is made from recycled nylon, and it’s very lightweight to carry. However, this doesn't impact the quality, as Samantha says, "The bag sits nicely on your back and doesn’t feel heavy even when it’s full, and it also comes with clips to hook onto the pram too, which compared to others I’ve used are really easy to do and actually stay on. The material of the bag feels luxurious, and it’s super easy to clean, which along with practicality, is one of the most important things in a baby bag. "

Although this is one of the pricier changing bags we’re featuring, the longevity and flexibility of this bag make it worth the investment. Samantha comments, "It feels hard wearing, and I could see this lasting beyond the baby years and used as a day bag too."

To add to its practicality, the material is easy to wipe down and keep clean; one tester said: “The material is easy to wipe down, and the side pockets are waterproof, which is ideal for bottles - if there are any spills, I know they won't ruin my baby's emergency outfits.” 

If you’re bottle feeding, then you’ll be impressed with the capacity to hold six bottles in the integrated bottle holders. There are also separate pockets for your valuables, such as keys and phones.

Cosatto is great for fun designs, and we love that you can coordinate your changing bag with your pram. This changing bag is not just about style, it is also extremely practical. Mother and Baby's Commercial Content Writer, Laura Healy, says, "It is a great, spacious bag with large interior pockets to hold wipes and nappies, with even enough space for a change of clothes. However, it doesn't feel bulky and sits neatly across your body or is flat enough to lay under your pram."

It includes a handy changing mat for when you are out and about, as well as an insulated bottle holder. We Aldo love the coordinated patterned lining, and the zip pockets for parents' own personal items as well as a key holder. Our writer, Laura Healy, adds, "It feels like a very durable fabric which also wipes clean easily both inside and out." However, she notes, "The bird design which is embroidered in the corner is beautiful but delicate with threads likely to come loose or fray with lots of use, which won't impact the use, but it won't look as pretty."

With an adjustable shoulder strap, a magnetic closure and exterior pockets for quick access to things like your phone, this is a really well-designed bag for mums on the go.

It might not be the most exciting bag to look at, but it is extremely practical, with various compartments and pockets to hold everything you need for a day out with your little one. We love how the fabric feels extremely thick and durable, yet the backpack is extremely lightweight. It includes a well padded changing mat, as well as a drawstring bag and a separate smaller zip bag to store baby's essentials. Our Commercial Content Writer, Laura Healy, says, "This bag is very deceptive. It looks compact but once opened, it really does hold a lot, and it is great for organising your things. I love the separate velcro compartment at the bottom for baby's spare clothes or nappies."

It also features a spacious front pocket which is kept closed with a magnetic clasp, ideal for things you need to keep to hand like your phone, purse or a toddler's snacks. With adjustable straps, it is suitable for all sizes, and it is comfortable to wear, too. The black fabric is practical and will not easily mark or show stains if you have a spillage; plus, it is wiped clean. That said, Laura Healy added, "While the bag is cleverly designed to store and organise everything you need, and it is suitable to fit everyone, the straps are quite thing and would benefit from a little padding, especially when the bag is full and heavy."

Overall, this is a robust and well designed bag, ideal for a day out. Plus it will match well with any Thule pram too.

This might seem small, and it certainly won't hold all you need for a day out, but it is surprisingly spacious. Our Commercial Content Writer, Laura Healy, says, "This is a comfortable bag to wear, with a soft fabric strap, which you can wear across your body. Plus, while it is compact, it has different sections for all the essentials like nappies, wipes, your purse, phone and keys. You could even fit in snacks for older siblings."

It also includes an insulated bottle holder and changing mat, although once these are in the bag they do take up quite a bit of space. It has four pockets so you can organise your stuff easily and it would be perfect for every day on the school run, a play date or coffee date, or even a night out (with baby!). Laura Healy commented, "I love that the bag looks so stylish and isn't obviously a changing bag. The leatherette is so soft to touch too."

In a lovely shade of soft grey, we love how many pockets this changing bag has so you can really organise all your essentials. Plus it is waterproof and wipe clean. Our Commercial Content Writer, Laura Healy, says, "this bag comes with a great padded changing mat and really does provide lots of space to carry all you need when out and about. I love all the pockets and compartments to help make everything easily accessible."

The backpack also has adjustable straps and extendable bottle holders on the side, which we think is really handy. Featuring a large central zipped compartment, five zip pockets, four inner pockets and one pocket at the back to store the wipe-clean change mat, this will be really appreciated on those family days out. However, some reviewers felt the zips could be stronger because they feel a bit flimsy. Laura Healy says, "This bag feels durable, but the fabric is thinner than others. However, it is comfortable to wear and a great size."

With a 15L capacity, this bag is perfect for carrying everything you need and we know, with babies, that can be a lot! It feels luxurious too with a grey mélange fabric that makes it look stylish. It also has seven pockets with four on the outside and three inside, so it is easy to stay organised.

Our Commercial Content Writer, Laura Healy, says, "This is a really spacious bag, but it doesn't feel bulky to wear. In fact, the fabric feels very lightweight. With a wide fish-mouth opening, it is easy to access your stuff and all the pockets really do make organisation much easier." We also love that this bag is vegan and contains no animal products.

It includes a changing mat and has a zip at the back to help you access anything at the bottom of the bag. The changing mat does feel very thin, so it won't provide much comfort and some of the metal finishing feels a bit weak. However, we do like the silver zips which nicely contrast the grey material.

You can use this bag as a tote bag or attach a shoulder strap and wear it across your body, which we think is very useful. Plus, we love the soft blush colour too. It comes in other colours, so you can coordinate it with your other baby accessories. However, it is not just stylish but comfortable as well. Our mum tester, Carly, says, "Comfort is well and truly key with these kinds of things, and I can confidently say that through the arm strap and the two handles, this is both comfortable and lightweight."

With lots of useful pockets, this is both practical and stylish. Carly says, "It comes with so many compartments that nothing will be forgotten. It even comes with a compartment for a hot drink, so if you’re formula feeding, you can bring along a hot flask, or if you’re breastfeeding, get that coffee on the go!"

However, do be aware that our mum tester was a bit disappointed with the overall finish, commenting, "Unfortunately, there were some design flaws in the bag that arrived for me, from poor stitching on the label to threads coming loose. It’s nothing that makes the bag bad, but it’s not ideal for a £40 changing bag either."

Overall, this is a handy changing bag for mums on the go, and Carly loves how easy it is to clean, saying, "The material is easily wipeable, so if there are any leaks at all, it won’t be an issue, which is a benefit for any parent!"