During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, many mothers begin preparing for the arrival of their new baby by slowly ticking off their list of essential items for newborns, the nursery, birth, and postpartum. Although you have heard the saying ‘babies don’t need much’ when you are buying everything for the first time it can certainly feel overwhelming and ‘a lot’. In this article, we hope to remove part of the overwhelm and help you tick off one of those must-have items, by sharing everything we know about choosing the right nappy bag for you. Based on our own personal experience and the input from our community of mums, we take the guesswork out of choosing, sharing our top tips when shopping for nappy bags, what to put in your nappy bag, and our top 10 best nappy bags available to purchase in Australia.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not sponsored and is based on the honest recommendations from our community and personal experience. Any article that is sponsored or contains affiliate links will be clearly stated.
Table of Contents
Tips for Choosing a Nappy Bag
When choosing a nappy bag to house all your essential newborn items, we recommend looking for some of the following features:
- Insulated pockets for bottles.
- Stands upright when packing.
- Fits under your pram and/or has pram clips.
- Easily accessible on the go (preferably with one hand)
- Easy to wipe down and clean.
- Outside pocket for your essentials like phone and wallet.
- Large side pocket for drink bottle storage.
- Compartments to easily organise essentials.
- Change mat included.
- Adjustable straps.
Nappy Backpack or Tote Bag?
Whether you choose a backpack or tote will be based on personal style preference. We took to our community and asked their opinion and had an overwhelming similar response: first baby a tote is handy to organise but for your second baby, you’ll love the ease of hands-free with a backpack. Thankfully, we have also included some options that easily convert between a tote to a backpack for those who can’t decide.
What to Pack in a Baby Bag?
- Whether you’re planning a day trip or a small outing, you don’t want to be caught out without the essentials for your baby. A well-organised nappy bag will allow you to do everything you need at arm’s reach and make outings much easier for everyone. Poo explosion? No worries, you’re prepared. Here are some of the items we recommend always having in your nappy bag
- A good stash of nappies
- A packet of Wipes
- Nappy rash cream
- Minimum of 2 terry towelling cloths
- A change mat
- 2 x spare sets of clothes
- 1 x cardigan or jumper for when it cools
- 1 x beanie and socks
- Breastfeeding essentials for you (if breastfeeding)
- 2 x Bottles with boiled water (if formula feeding) and formula
- A baby toy
- Baby swaddle or blanket
You may also like to include: baby sunscreen (6 months +), snacks and a bib, hand sanitiser, a wet bag for soiled clothing, a sun hat for the baby, and baby comforters like dummies and teddy.
Our Top picks for Best Nappy Bags Australia 2023
Here are the most commonly recommended nappy bags by mothers within our community.
1. Oi Oi Nappy Bag
The Oi Oi Nappy bag backpack ticks all the boxes for convenience, style and functionality. It is made from faux leather with a 100% waterproof inside lining. It is easy to clean, beautiful and has all the necessities. The Oi Oi has eight different-sized pockets to store all your essentials, including insulated pockets for bottles. We love that the Oi Oi Nappy Bag also has metal feet at the bottom to protect your bag. This beautiful bag comes with a padded wipeable change mat, insulated drink bottle holder, clear zip purse and two stroller clips. x
2. Nappy Society Bag Insert
Not a traditional Nappy Bag, but an option that many mums within our community rave about. Introducing the Nappy Society baby bag insert. The perfect option for those who already have a stylish bag they love that lacks the functionality of a Nappy bag. The Nappy Society insert features 7 pockets of varying sizes and insulated bottle pockets for your babies’ bottles. Created from soft and durable fabric that can be conveniently wiped clean. Fill your insert with all your newborn essentials and then add to your favourite tote.
3. Arch
escribed by customers as a ‘game changer’, the Arch Nappy bag has become popular among mothers who want the convenience of a backpack and the option of a handbag. The Arch bag was designed specifically to not look like a nappy bag and we love that about it. Aesthetics is not the only design element well thought out. The Arch bag also features must-have features such as insulated pockets, adjustable straps, pockets for nappies and necessities, an external pocket for keys, and a matching change mat.
4. From Day Dot
Designed for the modern mama, From Day Dot diaper bag is described as classy, minimal and practical. The Sunday Luxe bag by From Day Dot is designed with convenience in mind featuring a built-in USB port (power pack not included), spacious compartments for all your nappies, wipes and spare clothes, insulated side pocket, protective bag stoppers on the bottom, padded laptop case within, easy to open zips and more. We love that the front section contains two insulated bottle areas that are designed to be big enough for wider bottles such as the large Tommee Tippee. A well-designed product with busy mums in mind.
5. Hannah and Henry
Another clever design, the Chelsea convertible by Hannah and Henry offers a practical solution to those who want the convenience of a hands-free backpack but enjoy variety in their bags. The Chelsea by Hannah and Henry can be worn as a backpack, tote, worn across the body and/or carried over the shoulder. It is crafted from sustainable premium vegan leather and has 13 compartments, insulated pockets, pram straps and change mat. Its thoughtful design makes it a long-term bag that will see you through every stage of parenthood.
6. Milk and Poppy
With over 225 five-star reviews, it is no wonder the Brooklyn bag by Milk and Poppy comes highly recommended by our audience. Described as spacious without being bulky, this beautifully designed bag offers a compartment for everything. Made from vegan leather, it is easy to clean and waterproof. The Brooklyn bag has gold detailing, adjustable straps, insulated pockets at the front, large pockets on the side for drink bottles and wipes and well-thought-out leather loops on the inside of your bag, creating an easy-to-access spot for your keys and/or dummies.
7. Tiba and Marle
For tote lovers. We love this compact and stylish bag by Tiba and Marl. It ticks all the boxes of water resistant, easy to clean, practical and aesthetically pleasing. Includes a removable cross-body bag and luxe change mat. The high-quality tumbled faux black leather creates a luxe and sleek feeling, making the Tiba and Marl a practical option that doesn’t compromise on style.
8. Bambino Bagz
The award-winning Sorrento nappy bag backpack by Bambino Bagz offers a unique design with all the must-have features. With hundreds of 5-star reviews, we know that Mums around Australia consider this bag to be high quality, practical, durable, well organised, easy to wear and attractive. The Sorrento Nappy Bag Backpack offers all the essentials of easy-to-clean, waterproof, enough compartments, an insulated bottle pocket, deluxe padded straps and a unisex design.
9.H+N Label
A luxury vegan leather backpack that offers busy mums (and dads) gentle reminders of daily essentials with their smart labelling system. H+N Label Nappy bags are known for their clearly labelled 15 pockets organisation, high-quality design and easy-to-clean material. Available online in both black and tan vegan leather.
10. Done By Deer
This baby organising solution from Done by Deer is the epitome of smart, stylish, and no-fuss functionality. The Done by Deer backpack not only boasts a timeless design but also prioritises sustainability. With this backpack, you can enjoy the freedom of going out and about hands-free while ensuring you have all your baby essentials at your fingertips.
We love that this backpack comes complete with two pram hooks and a foldable changing mat featuring a waterproof surface, ensuring convenience and cleanliness while on the go. Available online in Australia at The Memo
Pregnant? You may also like to read:
Tried and Tested Hospital Bag List
Best Nappy Caddys
Books to read in Pregnancy
Megan Rose
Really appreciated all of your recommended features to look for! All really good ideas! I love the included change mat in the bag we have. 🙂
A. H.
These options are all so beautiful and practical! Thanks for sharing!
Kirsten
Love this! Thanks for sharing!