10 Best Nappy Bags and Backpacks in Australia

We have selected some great nappy bags and backpacks for mum and dad, with amazing designs and features, to make your life easier when out and about with baby.

best nappy bag australia

In this article you will find affiliate links, learn more here.

Welcoming a new baby to the family also means welcoming and getting used to having a lot more stuff. This is especially true when out and about, when you will need to bring what seems like endless supplies even for just a short trip to the local shops.

At the minimum this will mean maybe just a few spare nappies and wipes, but for longer trips it could also mean a change of clothes (or two or three!), bottles, formula, burp cloths, bibs, dummies, a blanket or muslin, wet bag, your breast pump and other nursing accessories.

For older babies you might also need a few snacks or even a meal, drink bottles, toys and books for entertainment, a hat, socks … and that’s just for baby!

Your regular handbag or tote is just not going to do the job, and that’s where nappy bags come in. As the name implies, they are designed specifically to hold nappies and other essentials to make your life as easy as possible when you have a baby in tow.

As a busy parent, you no longer have the time or patience for digging around the bottom of a bag looking for a particular toy while baby screams his lungs out impatiently. You want a good quality, functional nappy bag that is easy to use, organise and lets you locate everything quickly.

Nappy bags are no longer the unfashionable, brightly coloured nursery items they used to be. They now come in so many different styles, materials and looks, and you’re bound to find one you love that fits in with your lifestyle.

Here is our list of the top ten nappy bags available today, all chosen for their functionality and durability and to suit all budgets and styles.

Storksak St James

1. Storksak St James

Clever convertible bag designed with the active mum in mind

Price:
Loading ...

If you're not on a budget, the best nappy bag we found is the Storksak St James. Storksac is the leading brand in nappy bags known for their high quality and functionality, and the St James, with its cool sporty styling and clean lines, is designed for active mums.

Constructed with a durable scuba material, this bag is spill-resistant and wipes clean easily. It’s finished with magnetic closures for easy, one-handed opening and closing as well as metal feet to protect the body of the bag if placed on the ground.

Five internal and two external pockets keep everything organised and within easy reach. The included change mat is ultra-plush and has its own dedicated pocket for storage. It comes complete with an insulated and generously sized food and bottle bag which can be detached from the main bag for easy storage and transportation, as well as detachable stroller clips.

Our favourite feature of this backpack nappy bag is that it is convertible. Use it as a shoulder bag, backpack or cross body bag depending on your preferences and needs for the day. The back part of the bag is nicely padded providing extra comfort and support to you, especially when used in the backpack style.

Adjustable side panels mean you can increase the capacity of the bag when needed and the easy grab handle on top further adds to the functionality of this bag.

Babymel Robyn Convertible Backpack

2. Babymel Robyn Convertible Backpack

The best nappy bag under $200

Price:
Loading ...

The Babymel Robyn is a cleverly designed, stylish nappy backpack that features a single, multiway strap for quick conversion to either a backpack, shoulder bag, cross body bag or hand held. The integrated stroller straps also allow you to attach this bag to your stroller’s handlebars with no extra fiddly bits.

Made from water-resistant, easy-clean polyester, Babymel Robyn is not only versatile but also offers plenty in terms of functionality and is easy to maintain and keep looking great.

The extra-wide top opening of the bag allows for easy access with a zip closure for security. Inside you’ll find four generous pockets, easy wipe lining, matching insulated bottle bag and a machine washable, padded change mat with velcro closure.

The two external side pockets are generous in size and suitable for holding smaller items, perhaps a toy or food pouch for bub, however as these pockets are open they are not the best place to store valuables; there aren’t any closed external pockets. There is however a very handy external baby wipe dispenser ensuring you can clean up effortlessly without digging through the contents of your bag with messy hands.

Storksak Stevie Luxe

3. Storksak Stevie Luxe

Durable, functional and lightweight with touches of luxury

Price:
Loading ...

With classic, simple lines, The Storksak Stevie Luxe combines long-lasting durability with effortless functionality. The durable scuba material is both water-resistant and soft to the touch, with real leather trims and rose gold hardware to complement the smart black colourway, adding a touch of luxury. 

Boasting seven roomy pockets including a zippered external pocket for your keys and phone, you won’t have any trouble finding a place for everything and the wide zippered opening lets you see where everything is at a glance.

This nappy bag is also deceivingly lightweight; despite its generous size it weighs in at just 600 grams. Adjustable side tabs let you increase the capacity of the bag as well as alter the silhouette for a different look.

A matching, insulated food and drink bag is included to keep its contents either hot or cold for up to four hours. The padded change mat is large in size and is machine washable for easy maintenance.

The removable long shoulder strap feature Storksak’s patented integrated stroller straps and allows you to carry your bag multiple ways.

Skip Hop Chelsea Downtown Chic

4. Skip Hop Chelsea Downtown Chic Diaper Satchel

The best nappy bag for twins, super generous in size and features

Price:
Loading ...

This cute nappy bag from Skip Hop boasts a very generous twelve internal and external storage pockets. Mums who love to stay organised, you are sure to find a place for everything. Our best nappy bag for twins, the Skip Hop Chelsea Downtown Chic is so durable and generously sized it will easily accommodate double everything!

The external side pockets are insulated, making them perfect for storing baby’s bottles or snacks, and there are plenty of secure pockets for mum’s small essentials like keys, phone or lippy.

The lightweight, easy wipe polyester outer fabric is stylishly accented with faux leather trim and gold metal detailing with metal feet to keep the bag off the ground. Flip the front compartment up or down for two different looks, and wear it either over your shoulder or arm, or use the clip-on stroller straps.

The matching change mat folds down and tucks away neatly and doesn’t take up very much room inside the bag leaving more room for the essentials.

Il Tutto Nico Tote

5. Il Tutto Nico Tote

Luxurious finishes and a clever removable lining

Price:
Loading ...

Ever popular with stylish mums interested in fashion, you just can’t go past the Il Tutto Nico Tote for a truly beautiful nappy bag. Made of a luxurious pebbled faux leather and brushed nickel hardware, it’s large enough to hold everything you’ll need for a day out with bub and is so fashionable you are definitely going to want to continue using it even after your baby is out of nappies.

Not all good looks, this nappy bag is also super functional and designed with super busy mums in mind. The removable, adjustable long shoulder strap can be used to hang the tote from your stroller’s handlebars.

The lining is machine washable and simply zips out of the main compartment cleverly (no more awkward inside wiping) and features multiple internal pockets for easy organisation. Externally, there are another three easy access pockets with a dedicated mobile phone pocket and key clip so you always know exactly where everything is.

Included is a matching large padded change mat, insulated bottle holder and even a small clear pocket case which you can use for wet items or as a separate pouch for yourself. A matching collectable Il Tutto Monster Teddy is included and looks adorable.

JJ Cole Arrington

6. JJ Cole Arrington

Classic shape and design gets a modern twist

Price:
Loading ...

The JJ Cole Arrington nappy bag plays with the classic shape and style of a nappy bag and gives a modern twist for busy mums. The pretty floral outer fabric is sturdy and wipes clean quickly and the removable shoulder strap includes a plush shoulder pad for comfort and reduction of shoulder strain.

The construction of this bag feels strong, sturdy and robust with high-quality hardware. It will withstand being tossed around and doesn’t need to be treated delicately.

With three completely separate sections, this nappy bag will keep even the most disorganised mum organised with twelve different storage pockets. The large inner section, secured with a hardy zip closure, has three smaller elasticised pockets and two larger mesh pockets, and there’s even a padded electronics pocket which will safely house 12” tablets, perfect for work, play, or movies on the go.

The co-ordinating change mat slips away neatly and wipes clean, and two easy-access insulated bottle holders allow you to always have milk feeds ready to go on-demand.

Non slip stroller attachments ensure this bag will never slide down your stroller handlebars.

HapTim Multi-Function

7. HapTim Multifunction

Our pick for the best travel nappy bag

Price:
Loading ...

The HapTim Multifunction backpack is sturdy, practical and unisex in style. The capacity of this bag is huge with seventeen storage pockets offering almost endless organisation options.

We think this is the best travel nappy bag with its waterproof outer casing, breathable, ergonomic padded shoulder straps and hardy zippers and fastenings. It can certainly handle quite a bit of rough handling whilst keeping everything safe inside.

There are two zipped pockets allowing you to keep items completely separate, and we especially love the super handy external wipes dispenser to clean up any unexpected spills in a moment.

Inside, there are several dedicated insulated bottle and cup holders and plenty of smaller pockets for essentials such as keys and wallets. Both main internal compartments open up wide for the easiest access.

The included change mat is of generous size, wipes clean and folds away into its own pocket.

Sleek and stylish in appearance, everyone in the family will be happy to use this bag and it’s surprisingly compact for the amount of gear it can hold. The included stroller straps allow you to attach this bag to your pram or stroller easily whilst maintaining easy access to the different compartments.

Bebamour Large Nappy Changing Bag

8. Bebamour Large Changing Nappy Bag

The best nappy bag for dad features clever compartments for easy organising

Price:
Loading ...

The Bebamour Large Changing Nappy Bag is thoughtfully designed to appeal to all parents whilst offering great functionality. The best nappy bag for dad, this unisex backpack is finished smartly with a durable polyester fabric in a versatile grey colour with tan leather look accents.

Featuring three mains storage areas: the main compartment, outside main pocket and smaller front bottom bottle pocket, the latter of which is insulated and holds a warm bottle snugly. There are two additional bottle holders on the sides of the backpack; although these aren’t insulated they are great for water bottles.

There are lots of clever compartments inside to easily organise everything you will need, and the see-through mesh pockets allow you to see what’s inside at a glance. The bag opens up nice and wide for easy access, yet not so wide that you risk everything falling out – the perfect balance.

The change mat included features a luxe quilted padding and there is even a secret back pocket for valuables.

The breathable mesh back and adjustable padded shoulder straps are specially designed for your comfort, and they cleverly tuck way into the back pocket of the bag to be used as stroller straps.

Pipi bear Nappy Changing Bag

9. Pipi Bear Nappy Changing Bag

The best affordable baby nappy bag with no compromise on features

Price:
Loading ...

One of the best affordable nappy bags, the Pipe Bear Nappy Changing Bag is easy on the wallet yet is still stylish and offers all the useful functions you’d expect from a more expensive option. Constructed with high quality, water-resistant fabric, it’s easy to wipe clean and its smart structured shape won’t distort or sag over time.

There are plenty of pockets inside the zippered main compartment, including not one but two insulated bottle bags, a folding change mat, a separate wet section for soiled clothes and a hidden zippered compartment for valuables. The external baby wipe or tissue dispenser is so very useful and the convenient upper D rings allow you to easily hook this bag onto your stroller.

Weighing in at 700 grams, this bag is surprisingly lightweight, you’ll be able to pack this bag full and still carry it in comfort, worn either as a backpack or a hand held bag with its easy to carry grab handles.

Available in many different colourways to suit your style, this is a great nappy bag for dad to use with its unisex shape and style.

HaloVa Diaper Bag

10. HaloVa Diaper Bag

Simple, stylish and budget-friendly for fashionable mums

Price:
Loading ...

This stylish nappy bag, constructed with an attractive pebbled PU leather boasts clean, simple lines for fashionable mums on a budget and is fantastic for its price.

With all the features and accessories you’d expect from a functional nappy bag, the HaloVa is stylish enough to be used as a casual backpack when no longer needed as a nappy bag.

The generous main compartment opens up wide to five inner pockets including a media pocket for your tablet. Despite the wide opening, the backpack is quite deep and therefore not as accessible as others (there could be a bit of digging around if it’s been packed to the brim).

There is however a clear plastic pouch included you can use to keep important or high use items close to the top opening. Four outer pockets keep your essentials close by.

There’s also an insulated bottle pouch and foldable change mat, removable shoulder straps and two stroller straps, both of which are adjustable.

How to choose a nappy bag

Following are the main features and considerations to keep in mind when deciding on the best nappy bag for you. Some features will be more important to you than others but all are worth considering.

Functionality. Above all, you want your nappy bag to function as it’s intended. That is, it should be large enough to hold all your essentials whilst being comfortable and manageable for you – you should be able to access every pocket easily while on the go.

Durability. Make no mistake, your nappy bag will be thrown around, dropped, put on the ground and other dirty surfaces, chucked in the back of your car – a hard wearing exterior material will keep everything in tip top shape. Consider a water resistant fabric for those rainy days, spilled drinks and the possible poo or vomit explosion so the entire contents of your bag won’t be ruined if the worst happens.

Cleaning. No doubt your nappy bag will fall victim to spills (or worse) from time to time so look for a nappy bag that is easy to clean. Both the exterior surface and interior lining should wipe clean easily, along with the change mat. Bonus if it’s machine washable!

Pockets and compartments. A defining feature of the nappy bag is its multiple pockets to help you organise and separate everything you and baby will need so you can find what you’re after quickly. Look for bags with ample internal as well as external storage pockets. While many nappy bags will have one large main compartment, others will consist of several. Multiple compartments can be useful for twins or if you want a separate area for your belongings, however some parents find it too confusing to remember where items are stored and prefer just one large compartment.

Style and design. Whilst function is important, you will be using your nappy bag daily for at least several months so you don’t want to be lugging around a bag you don’t like the look of. These days there are so many different types and styles of nappy bags, from the classic colourful bag to fashion forward statement pieces and everything in between; some you wouldn’t even know were nappy bags just by looking at them.

Accessories. The most common included accessories include a portable change mat (a must have for easy and comfortable changing wherever you are) and insulated bottle and/or food bags. Bonus accessories to look out for include separate pouches to store small items or wet clothes, baby wipe dispensers, key rings or tether straps and stroller straps.

Carrying style. From the classic over the shoulder style to backpack, messenger style or hand carry, think about how you prefer to carry a bag that may become bulky and heavy. Convertible nappy bags allow you to change the carrying style of the bag to suit the occasion, and stroller straps let you attach the bag to your pram or stroller to take the weight off and let the stroller do the work.

Size and weight. Whilst your nappy bag should be roomy enough to comfortably hold larger items such as muslins and breast pumps, it should not be so enormous that you struggle to carry and manage it. Look for bags that are not too heavy when empty – under 1kg is preferable – to save yourself from back and shoulder strain when it’s packed. It’s also worth noting that large, heavy bags, when placed on a stroller’s handlebars, may cause the stroller to tip backwards dangerously. If you prefer to stash your nappy bag in your stroller’s underseat basket, will it fit comfortably and will you be able to access it easily as needed?