The best purses for moms
A mom's purse carries two people's things: diapers, wipes, snacks and a spare outfit next to your own phone, keys and wallet. It has to open with one hand and keep the two sets of things apart.
Backpacks win while the baby is small and the bag is heavy; a tote or a small crossbody takes over as the kids get older and the list gets shorter. We picked for both stages.
- 1
Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack
An insulated neoprene diaper backpack that clips to a stroller and comes with a wipeable changing mat; the medium and large add a laptop sleeve (13 and 16 inches).
Typical price: $175–$250, by size
Shop at Dagne Dover → - 2
Skip Hop Forma Backpack Diaper Bag
Two packing cubes (one insulated for bottles), insulated side bottle pockets, a cushioned changing pad and stroller straps, at a price that leaves room in the baby budget.
Typical price: $75–$100
Shop at Carter's → - 3
Fjällräven Kånken
A 16-liter, 300 g daypack in Vinylon F fabric that stands up to dirt and wetness, with a zip that opens the whole main compartment; it stays useful after the diaper years.
Typical price: $75–$100
Shop at Fjällräven → - 4
Longchamp Le Pliage Original L Tote Bag
Light enough to carry with a child on your hip at 290 g, with a zip that keeps snacks and spare clothes in when the bag tips over in the car.
Typical price: $150–$200
Shop at Longchamp → - 5
Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag
Your own phone, keys and wallet across your body while the big bag hangs on the stroller, in recycled nylon that goes in the washing machine after the next juice spill.
Typical price: $50–$75
Shop at Baggu →
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Try on a lookFAQ
Is a diaper backpack better than a tote?
With a baby on one arm, yes: a backpack keeps both hands free and spreads the weight. A tote is quicker to dig through and looks less like baby gear once the diaper years are over.
What should a mom's purse have?
A wipe-clean lining, a few pockets that keep small things findable, an insulated pocket for bottles or snacks, and stroller straps if you push a stroller often.
Can I use a regular bag as a diaper bag?
Yes. Add a changing pad and a pouch or two to sort diapers and wipes, and any roomy tote or backpack does the job.