Anatomy of a Diaper Bag

GO FOR:

Sturdy upholstery. A heavy-duty outer covering will resist moisture, dirt, and wear. Dense, moisture-resistant nylon weaves and thick canvas last better than thin cotton quilting or lightweight fabrics.

Handle comfort. Carry handles need to be short enough so the bag won’t drag if you’re carrying it with one hand. Check underarm carrying comfort, too.

Lightweight. Light and simple are best. Too many pockets and sections weigh the bag down and make it harder to find lost items.

See-through pouches. The best bags have clear inside pouches and dividers so you can easily spot what you’re looking for.

Zippered closure. Zippering the bag closed will help prevent spills and keep small hands out of mischief.

Reinforcements. The best bags have reinforced stitching or heavy-duty braids where handles and straps join the body of the bag.

Style. You’ll be carrying this bag a lot of places, so pick a style that works well in a variety of situations.

Great alternatives. Backpack-style and messenger-style diaper bags with padded straps and a center carry handle are an advantage: They allow multiple carrying options, including hands-free.

AVOID:

Hard-to clean or flimsy fabrics.

Tacky prints.

Magnetic closures.