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Best changing bags: the stylish and practical bags Mumsnetters love

The best changing bag will include the right functions to make your parenting life that little bit easier each and every day. Mumsnet are the experts on making parents' lives easier, and with so many great changing bags to choose from, we've done the research for you. Read on to find your ideal baby changing bag.

By Becca Heyes | Last updated Feb 12, 2024

a collage of 3 changing bags

The best changing bags have space for all the baby and toddler paraphenalia you need to carry around. But finding one that you actually like and feel good carrying? That's the holy grail. The stylish mums of the Mumsnet forums are experts on finding the essential baby gear that's designed to look great as well as for practicality.

Here at Mumsnet, we're dedicated to making parents' lives easier and we know how much difference the right product can make. That's why we've vetted and reviewed all sorts of products, from the best breast pumps to the best baby bottles - turning to the real experts: the real parents of the Mumsnet forums, for recommendations.

One of the best changing bags will be one of the most important items in your baby arsenal; your defence against poonamies and toddler tantrums. Having a single bag designed with parenting in mind - and always packed and ready to go - can make your life that little bit easier. The right bag can be an all-in-one solution that you’ll be carrying around for years to come. But how to choose?

We took the advice of Mumsnetters on our forums - real parents who’ve used and rated these bags - alongside trusted online publications. We also did our own in-house testing of some of these bags, to see how they coped in the real world. Whether you want something budget, stylish, small or all-singing-all-dancing, we hope there’s something on here for everyone.

These are the best changing bags to buy in 2024.

1
Skip Hop Forma Changing Backpack
What we like
  • Lots of compartments for specific uses

  • Side bottle pockets

  • Extra wide opening

What we don't like
  • Quite pricey compared to some others

Key specs

Price on writing: £88 | Colours: Navy | Size: H40.6 x W35.5 x D20.3cm | What’s included? A cushioned changing pad

What Mumsnet users say
ScottishMum03 · Tried & Tested
We have the SkipHop Forma and it’s still going strong after over 2 years of use 😊 really great size inside!
See Post
RegalRags · Recommended
It's absolutely fantastic and I wish I had this one from the beginning!
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Our verdict

Skip Hop is a popular brand, including amongst our Mumsnetters on the forums. Our tester also tried and loved a backpack by this brand. We think this Skip Hop Forma Changing Backpack deserves its spot at the top of our best changing bags guide as it’s spacious with lots of compartments for specific uses. The front compartment has two packing cubes to store things separately; there are elasticated interior pockets; you can store bottles in insulated side bottle pockets; and the bag boasts an extra wide opening so you can delve in and find stuff without any dreaded messing about.

Even the changing pad pocket (yes, it comes with a cushioned changing pad!) is multi-purpose as it can be used as a laptop holder. The fabric is lightweight, insulating and wipe-clean, and we love the quilted look.

Read next: The best changing mats to buy, as recommended by parents

2
Lekebaby Nappy Changing Backpack

Best changing bag on a budget

What we like
  • Loads of pockets

  • Practical backpack design

  • Value for money

What we don't like
  • Some reviewers found the zip a bit stiff

Key specs

Price on writing: £32 | Colours: Black or grey | Size: 26 x 21 x 42cm | What’s included? Changing mat

What Mumsnet users say
freckledsloth · Tried & Tested
Recommend the Lekebaby backpacks-bought ours for £25 on Amazon. It's got loads of pockets so easy to find everything/access things, even at the bottom of the bag, clips to the pram and the quality and finish is very good for the price. One of our best baby purchases!
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Celebelly · Recommended
It's brilliant. It's like a tardis! Some of my friends have replaced their expensive bags with it after seeing it at baby classes.
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Our verdict

This Nappy Changing Backpack from Lekebaby is one of the best changing bags to deliver everything you need at a bargain price. It opens wider than a normal backpack, so it's easier to rummage around in one-handed, and it comes with a compact changing mat that fits neatly inside. The fabric is waterproof, which is a weight off your mind, especially if you're out and about in unpredictable weather.

With a whopping 19 pockets, Lekebaby have thought of everything. There's a side pocket for easy access to wipes, two insulated pockets for bottles and even a waterproof pocket for keeping wet clothing in.

Read next: The best nappy bins to buy, as recommended by parents

3
Pink Lining Wonder Bag

Most comfortable changing bag

What we like
  • Flamboyant designs and vivid pink interior

  • Comfort level of the thick shoulder straps and well-padded changing mat

  • Insulated, detachable bottle holder

  • It passed our spill and one-handed tests

What we don't like
  • Stroller clips are sold separately

Key specs

Price on writing: £65 | Colours: Cream with parrots, black with parrots, Dalmation Fever | Size: 36 x 31 x 13cm | What’s included? Detachable, insulated bottle holder; padded changing mat; foldaway shoulder straps

What Mumsnet users say
Angelinthenightx · Tried & Tested
Pink lining is my fave one, lots of room with pockets & they are really cute. Be getting another one for when my new baby comes.
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Cailinnua · Recommended
I bought a Pink Lining bag, it ticked all the boxes.
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Our verdict

Discreet changing bag? No thank you! We love this Pink Lining Wonder Bag with several flamboyant designs to choose from (we tested the ‘parrot black’) and of course, a vivid pink interior.But best of all is what makes it the best changing bag for comfort: the included changing mat, though small, is thick and well-padded so it’s very comfortable for your baby to lie on; and it boasts thick, comfortable shoulder straps that can fold away neatly to make a tote bag alternative. Also, the insulated bottle holder is detachable so you can style it like a normal backpack.

The front of the bag boasts a large pocket with a sturdy zip. Our tester found this a great size for storing smaller items like loose snacks for a toddler or a box of crayons. It also contains a pen holder, key clip, detachable mirror and miniature compartment for your phone. The bag’s main compartment, however, can be zipped open nice and wide for easy access. There are two additional pockets within – one zipped pocket for valuables and one large pocket to store the supplied changing mat - though our tester wished there were a couple more smaller ones to keep things organised.

4
Bababing! Mani Changing Backpack
What we like
  • Spacious with external and internal parent pockets

  • Detachable, super-size changing mat

  • Detachable bottle holders

  • Comes with stroller straps to hang up

What we don't like
  • Pricey for manmade fabric

Key specs

Price on writing: £50 | Colours: Black, grey marl | Size: H38 x W40 x D16cm | What’s included? Super-size changing mat, stroller straps, 2 integrated and detachable bottle holders

What Mumsnet users say
mrssunshinexxx · Tried & Tested
I got this and love it! Also not girly so fine for my husband too.
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Our verdict

This classy backpack is an award-winning addition to our best changing bags guide and we can see why. It unzips to reveal loads of inside space and also comes with plenty of pockets for the kids' stuff, but also internal and external parent pockets ‘cause your stuff still matters too! There’s even a back pocket for those wet moments so you can keep things separate and organised.

It comes with stroller straps for when your back needs a break (phew!) as well as a super-size changing mat and two integrated and detached bottle holders. All that, with a pretty finish.

5
Babymel Robyn Convertible Backpack
What we like
  • Can be a backpack, shoulder bag, crossbody, handbag or clipped to pushchair

  • Side pocket that dispenses baby wipes

  • Insulated bottle holder and padded changing mat included

What we don't like
  • Stripes aren't to everybody's taste

Key specs

Price on writing: £69 | Colours: Navy stripe, black | Size: W35 x H29 x D15cm | What’s included? Integrated pushchair clips, insulated bottle holder with drawstring closure, padded changing mat

What Mumsnet users say
user1493413286 · Recommended
I spent £60 on my Babymel changing bag and it was well worth the money; it essentially became my handbag and I normally spend £100+ on handbags so it was similar to that. It’s also lasted to use for my second baby.
See Post
Our verdict

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Babymel Robyn review

Definitely one of the best changing bags for the number of boxes it ticks, we love how this bag can be changed according to your needs and feelings that day. It can be a backpack, shoulder bag, crossbody, handbag or attached to your pushchair using its integrated clips. Enjoy playing around with the different styles to see which suits you and your baby.

There’s lots of separate compartments for storing bits - best of all, a side pocket to hold wipes with a little slot to dispense them. Clever, eh? The bag also comes with an insulated bottle holder with drawstring closure and padded changing mat. Plus, we love the stripy pattern. Mumsnetters on our forums have recommended the brand after trying Babymel bags themselves.

6
Bugaboo Water-Repellent Changing Bag
What we like
  • Perfect for British weather

  • Roomy

  • Separate inner compartments to keep everything dry

What we don't like
  • Made to compliment Bugaboo prams - might not suit other prams so well

Key specs

Price on writing: £115 | Colours: Black | Size: 58 x 18cm | What’s included? Changing mat, 3 organiser bags

Our verdict

This smart, minimalist tote is typical of Bugaboo's practical, modern design. The fabric is water-repellent and the bag closes with a chunky zip, keeping all your belongings safe and dry. The bag comes with a changing mat, buggy clips and handy pouches.

Never ones to slack on the finer details, Bugaboo have coated the bottom of the bag in a protective PU so it doesn't get dirty or damaged. One of the inner compartments is thermally insulated - great for keeping snacks and milk cool.

7
Tiba & Marl Elwood Backpack Changing Bag
What we like
  • Unisex for style-conscious dads

  • Can be clipped to your stroller

  • Internal laptop sleeve

What we don't like
  • Pricey

  • Faux leather

Key specs

Price on writing: £150 | Colours: Black | Size: W42 x H32 x D18cm | What’s included? Padded changing mat

What Mumsnet users say
Greybutterfly · Tried & Tested
I love my Tiba and marl rucksack. I thought I would only use it for special occasions but I have used it everyday. It’s great quality, roomy, has an insulated bottle holder and wears really well. It is one the pricy side but i justified it by saying I would spent more on a hand bag and this is a bag that comes EVERYWHERE a with me in place of the handbag most times.
See Post
AlwaysFoldingWashing · Recommended
Another vote for tiba and marl. Great durability, good size and looks like a normal backpack.
See Post
Our verdict

Tiba & Marl's Elwood backpack is designed to function just as well as a work or everyday bag as it does as one of the best changing bags. With an internal laptop sleeve as well as an insulated bottle holder, it truly is made with modern parents in mind.

The lastest model includes D rings so it can easily be clipped onto your stroller with a pair of Tiba & Marl's equally stylish, understated and unisex Buggy Clips.

8
Longchamp Le Pliage
What we like
  • Chic and versatile

  • A design Classic

  • Lightweight and roomy

What we don't like
  • Not a changing bag - Mumsnetters recommend investing in a nappy wallet for inside the bag

Key specs

Price on writing: £105 | Colours: Black, navy, turquoise, cream, red, pink, green | Size: 26.5 x 28 x 15.5cm | What’s included? Just the bag

What Mumsnet users say
blocker · Tried & Tested
Bought a nappy bag. Ended up using my Longchamp almost all the time, with a nappy wallet and small zipped pouch for everything else. Also invaluable in the toddler years with all the leaky water bottles and cleaning out endless sultanas.
See Post
Our verdict

Sometimes the best changing bag isn't even technically a changing bag at all. The classic Le Pliage by Longchamp is a Mumsnetter favourite for all sorts of purposes. Beloved as a travel bag and everyday handbag, Mumsnet users swear by its versatility and many recommend it as a changing bag you can keep using long after your child's out of nappies.

Because it's not designed with nappy changes in mind, Mumsnetters recommend getting a nappy wallet - like this one from Lekebaby to keep everything organised and easy to access inside your Le Pliage.

9
Storksak Eco 2-in-1 Stroller Changing Bag
What we like
  • Compact but mighty

  • Fits snugly on most buggy handles

  • Loads of pockets

What we don't like
  • Wipe clean only

Key specs

Price on writing: £59 | Colours: Black | Size: 22 x 40cm | What’s included? Strap with buggy clips, insulated bottle sleeve

Our verdict

Looking for all the space of a full-sized changing bag, but compact? The Storksak Eco 2-in-1 Stroller Bag is for you. Fitting snugly onto most buggy handles, the bag can also be worn over your shoulder.

Made from recycled Nylon, the stroller bag is easy to keep clean, features 4 outer pockets and is spacious enough inside to fit all your little one's essentials. There's also an insulated bottle sleeve for keeping milk at the right temperature. It fits really well on most brands of pram and stroller, making it the best changing bag for using when out and about in the buggy.

More of the best changing bags

Practical but pricey for what it is

I really recommend the Skip Hop pronto changing mat because you can put that into a bigger bag or use it as a stand-alone nappy bag.

HarrietM87

Skip Hop Pronto Changing Station

£23

Buy now from Amazon

Looks good but not as handy as a backpack

I always use my changing bag! Vertbaudet do some nice ones.

soon2befamilyof4

Vertbaudet Changing Bag

£48

Buy now from Vertbaudet

Luxurious but pricey

I've just bought a Storksak St James in black leather, which looks a bit less like a changing bag. They do a few leather ones that are nicer than your average changing bag.

grumpytoddler1

Storksak St James Changing Bag Leather

£220

Buy now from Fenwick
mother holding child and wearing backpack

What are the different kinds of changing bag?

  • Backpacks

Worn on your back with two shoulder straps so your hands are free for carrying babies. Our tester had a strong preference for backpack-style bags. They help to keep the weight of the bag centred across your shoulders, rather than all of the weight being held on one side – a lifesaver for parents with back issues or those using baby carriers.

  • Messenger-style bags

Worn on the hip with a long crossbody strap. Our tester found that leaning forward could sometimes cause the bag to swing around in front.

  • Changing units

Smaller changing units are designed to just carry the essentials - a few nappies, wipes, and a change of clothes. We think it’s a great idea to get one of these smaller bags in addition to a full-size bag, either to use for emergencies (just leave it in your car boot) or for quick trips out of the house.

  • Regular backpack

Of course, some (including some Mumsnetters in our forums) argue that simply using your best backpack will do. For some, this may be true and we’re not claiming it would be impossible to use a bag that’s not explicitly marketed as a changing bag. But changing bags are specifically designed with a parent’s needs in mind, and they generally have certain useful features that you won’t find in a standard rucksack, such as baby changing mats, insulated bottle pockets and wipes dispensers.

  • Buggy organiser

Designed to clip onto your buggy handles, buggy organisers keep your essentials close at hand as you're walking along. Many have a drinks holder, space for your phone and, naturally, a packet of baby wipes.

  • Stroller bag

A stroller bag is designed to be carried slung over the handles of your pram, fitting neatly in order to maximise space. Many big brands make stroller bags that will fit effortlessly with the corresponding pram.

  • Tote

A more formal-looking option, a tote-style changing bag is worn over the shoulder and keeps its myriad pockets and compartments stowed discreetly away inside.

Do I really need a changing bag?

This topic is hotly debated on the Mumsnet forums. Many Mumsnetters advocate for using an ordinary backpack or bag - Longchamp's Le Pliage is a particular favourite - and chucking everything inside.

Others swear by a made-for-the-purpose changing bag. Features such as waterproof sections, bottle-holders designed for baby bottles and oodles of pockets aren't usually found in your everyday bag, and you'll be grateful for the baby-friendly design when you're faced with another sick, poo or wee-based accident.

Many modern changing bags are designed to look good while offering practical features too, so it's perfectly possible to find a changing bag you're also happy to use for other situations. In the early months and years of parenthood, you'll be using your changing bag a lot, so it makes sense to put as much consideration and money towards it as you would any other everyday bag.

What to look for when choosing a changing bag

  • Looks for added extras - is there a perfect-fit changing mat included or do you need to buy one separately?

  • Does it have pockets?! There's no such thing as too many pockets when it comes to changing bags - you'll want to keep things organised so you can access everything you need in a hurry and/or one-handed.

  • Insulated bottle pocket - if you're bottle feeding, this is a real plus.

  • Waterproof material - for keeping the weather out and wet clothing in.

  • Convertible straps - a backpack is great for when you need your hands free, but a shoulder bag works best if you need to rummage around while you're on the go. Look out for versatile straps that let you choose.

  • Do you feel good wearing it? This is very important as you'll be using this bag a lot. Don't forget your own style (and that of your partner) when making your choice.

A note about milk safety – although some bags are marketed as being able to keep bottles of milk warm for hours on end, we have questions about the safety of this practice. Bacteria loves to grow in warm environments, so keeping a bottle of milk warm for a long period of time seems questionable at best, especially when it’s going to be fed to a vulnerable infant.

There seems to have been limited research in this area, but it’s probably better to view insulated bottle pockets as a way to keep fridge-cold milk fresh for longer, rather than keeping warm milk warm – and of course, don’t feed the milk to your baby if it’s no longer cold to the touch. You can still heat the milk to the appropriate temperature before feeding. Here's some advice from the NHS and NCT

What’s the best changing bag to buy?

We chose the Skip Hop Forma Changing Backpack as our best overall after testing because of its popularity, spaciousness, separate compartments and extras like the changing pad.

While you’re obviously not going to want to buy all nine of our recommended baby changing bags (well, maybe you will), there are several bags listed here that would complement each other well. Our tester, Becca, would recommend choosing one main bag to use day-to-day for most of your baby needs, plus one smaller bag or changing station. The smaller bag can be left in your car boot for emergencies or quickly grabbed from under the pushchair for on-the-go nappy changes.

woman packing changing bag

How we chose our recommendations

We spent several hours sifting through Mumsnet's forums for our users' recommendations on the best baby changing bag they rate. We were on the lookout for poor reviews of products to avoid too. We also consulted recommendations from trusted consumer websites and looked at new releases to ensure that we gave newcomers a level playing field when competing with old favourites.

We also asked writer Becca Heyes to test a selection of changing bags and let us know her thoughts. As a mum to a boisterous two-year-old and a three-month-old baby, Becca was able to offer insight into what makes a really great changing bag that will grow with a family and last for years to come. Over the course of three months, Becca rigorously tested a shortlist of 15 bags before narrowing them down to favourites, some of which we included on this list. We combined all of this research to choose a selection of products that we think offer something for everybody.

How we tested:

To make sure we were as thorough as possible, we tested some of these changing bags in two ways.

Firstly, we used each bag in real-life situations – Becca took the bags with her when out and about with her two children to see how they fared day-to-day. She tested each of the bags for up to a week each, stuffing them in the storage basket of her pram, using them for dozens of nappy changes, and filling them to the brim with baby toys and snacks.

While one bag may look more attractive than another at first glance, real-world testing offers a better insight into how practical a bag truly is – especially how it performs in those spontaneous ‘we-never-could-have-predicted-this’ moments (always more likely to occur when you add a runny poo to the equation).

We asked Becca to check that the bags were straightforward to use (what parent of a newborn has time for instruction manuals?) and that there were no nasty surprises – stains after just a couple of hours' usage, hard-to-reach pockets, or ripped seams after a long day out.

Secondly, we conducted two specific tests on each bag – the spill test and the one-handed test.

  • The spill test: We spilt a small amount of milk onto each bag, both inside and out (something that’s sure to happen in the lifetime of any changing bag), then cleaned them up as best we could. We assessed how easily the bag was able to be wiped clean and whether there were any stains or smells left behind.

  • The one-handed test: Could the main compartment of the bag be unzipped with one hand? This is vital for those panicked moments when you’re holding the baby but urgently need to grab a muslin or a pack of wipes – those spit-ups always seem to come without warning.

With just one person testing each of the bags in exactly the same ways, we were able to ensure consistency in our ratings and give the most accurate comparisons.

After thoroughly testing each bag, we then scored them on several criteria, including comfort, aesthetics, value for money, practicality and cleanliness.

These scores allowed us to compare the bags as objectively as possible and to award our favourite bags with coveted Mumsnet Best awards. Any bags that failed our tests were not included in our recommendations. We then added other bags to our list, based on research.

Why you should trust us

Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000, and, in that time, we've investigated, tried and reviewed thousands of products. All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust – brands can’t pay to be featured in our articles or win a Mumsnet Best award.

Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about how we tested the products we recommend. We won't always recommend the cheapest products or the ones with the most extra features. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones we'd recommend to our own friends and family.

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.