How to choose the right nappy bag for you

Being a parent is a lot of things: magical, exhausting, and occasionally chaotic. But one thing is for sure - your nappy bag isn’t just a bag - it’s your lifeline, your survival kit, and sometimes, your fashion statement (yes, even if it’s covered in pureed pumpkin).

When prepping for the birth of our daughter I very quickly realised choosing the right nappy bag can have you feeling super overwhelmed. There are nappy backpacks, tote baby bags, crossbody baby bags, and all sorts of “must-have” compartments that promise to change your life. 

But how do you choose what’s the right bag for you? 

This is something I struggled with and spent hours strolling to find the right answer. 
So to save your scrolling quota for those much more important cute cat videos, I have written this guide to take the stress out of the decision for you. This guide should help you work out what is actually fit for you (or at least make the decision a little easier). 

 

WHY CHOOSING THE RIGHT NAPPY BAG MATTERS

So it turns out not all nappy bags are created equal.. who knew?
You might think any cute bag or that rogue backpack that has been sitting in your cupboard for years will do, but the reality is… bags that aren’t built for purpose just won’t cut it when it comes to real-life parenting chaos - trust me, I learned this the hard way! 

The right nappy bag should:

• Keep you organised (so you’re not fishing through a black hole of wipes, bottles, and rogue pacifiers to find what you need).
• Make outings easier (because no parent wants to be rummaging through a bag on the floor of a café while their baby has a melt-down).
• Support your back and shoulders (goodbye, awkward postures and sore muscles).
• Match your style (because yes, you can have both function and fashion).

Think of your nappy bag as a tool, a shield, and sometimes even a mood booster. Picking the right one will not only make life easier, but will give you more confidence - which as a new mumma we can’t have enough of. 

 

Step 1: Think About Your Lifestyle

Before you look at style or compartments, think about how you’re actually going to use your bag.

• Are you walking everywhere with the stroller, or more likely hopping in and out of the car?
• Do you travel light, or pack like you’re moving house with your baby (and if this is you, don’t worry, you are so not alone)?
• Do you mostly go on short errands, or full-day adventures?

Your answer to these questions will help narrow down the type of nappy bag that will suit you and your lifestyle.

Crossbody baby bags are perfect for parents who want to keep hands-free and carry light essentials. Now with a 1.5 year old this is the bag that I have been reaching for - great for quick trips to the café or grocery store.

Tote baby bags will give you space and style, ideal for parents who like to carry a little extra or want a bag that doubles as a handbag. Working mums - this is an ideal choice for you!

Nappy backpacks are generally the perfect starting point for new mums. It’s the bag that transitions perfectly from newborn life to busy all day adventures with your toddlers - the lifesaver for parents on the go!

 

Step 2: Size and Storage Matters

One of the most common mistakes I see new parents making is underestimating how much stuff a baby actually needs (and that’s because I was one of them). Spoiler: it’s a lot.

Here’s a quick checklist of what your nappy bag may need to carry:

• Nappies (obviously)
• Wipes and changing mat
• Bottles and formula (along with breast pads)
• Food from snacks to packed lunches both for baby and of course you too
• A change of clothes - for those inevitable blowouts or toddler chaos
• Toys or teethers
• Your wallet, keys, phone, and sanity (because we all know we could do with a bit more of this). 

Depending on how much of this you need to carry, the bag you choose does matters:

• Crossbody baby bag: Compact, easy to swing over your shoulder. Perfect for essentials, but won’t hold your house.
  
• Tote baby bag: Spacious, but can get heavy. Great for parents who want style and function.
  
  
• Nappy backpacks: All the compartments, all the room. Bonus: look out for the ones with stroller straps included - these are a godsend!

Tip: More compartments = easier life. Think organisation queen! Imagine not having to dig through a single pocket colossal bag at the playground. Bliss.

 

Step 3: Accessibility is Key

A nappy bag is not just a bag - it’s an emergency kit. That’s why you need easy access to the essentials:

• Quick-access pockets for nappies, wipes, and pacifiers.
• Smooth zips to save lives during meltdown moments.
• Separate compartments for bottles to prevent leaks from turning your bag into a soggy disaster zone.

If your bag is cute but you need a PhD to figure out how to get to a single wipe, it’s not going to help in a blowout moment so not the right bag for you.

 

Step 4: Consider Your Back and Shoulders

I think it is often underestimated just how physically demanding parenting can be. You want to make sure you are picking a nappy bag that helps, not hurts.

Crossbody baby bags: a lightweight dream, great for short trips. They can put pressure on your shoulder if over packed (go back to step 2: what are you needing to carry?).

Tote baby bags: versatile, but can get heavy fast. Be mindful if your tote doesn’t have padded handles - these are a must for ultimate comfort.

Nappy backpacks: Even weight distribution. Perfect for long days out or when you’re carrying more than just the baby’s essentials.

Pro tip: remember to look for pram straps - these will save your back and shoulders completely! 

 

Step 5: Material and Durability

Now we all know babies are messy, but your nappy bag doesn’t have to suffer. These are a few key features to look out for when thinking about how long-lasting a nappy bag may be:

• Wipeable or waterproof fabrics - because spilled milk is not an abstract concept, it’s a daily reality.
• Reinforced stitching keeps your bag together even when overloaded.
• Stylish bags that also survive everyday parenting chaos? Yes, please.

Remember your bag should be your trusty sidekick, not a fragile fashion accessory.

 

Step 6: Style and Personality

Let’s be real: Motherhood is an undervalued transition mentally, emotionally and physically. 
Picking a nappy bag that aligns with your style means you will always have something that feels like you when other aspects of your wardrobe may not just yet (and a reminder this is so normal - BE KIND TO YOURSELF). 

Crossbody baby bags are understated and sleek. Minimalist parents, this is your vibe.

Tote baby bags are classic and chic. Great if you want something that feels like a handbag!

Nappy backpacks are functional but can absolutely be stylish too, it’s just a matter of finding the one that says ‘you’!

The right nappy bag should complement your style, not clash with it. Bonus points if it looks Instagram-worthy while you wrangle your tiny human.

 

Step 7: Think About Your Partner or Babysitter

If your partner or babysitter will also be using the bag, consider:

• Can it be worn comfortably by someone else? Does the bag have adjustable straps?
• Is it intuitive enough for someone new to find what they need?

A bag that only you can figure out is great… until your partner is trying to help with a nappy change and can’t find anything.

 

Step 8: Compare Types of Nappy Bags

Just to make things even easier for your here’s a quick comparison that you can refer back to when making your final decision:

Step 9: Don’t Forget Your Budget

One final thing to remember: Nappy bags are an investment, but it is definitely worth considering the long-term value.

High-quality nappy bag backpacks can last for years, even beyond your baby stage.

Crossbody and tote baby bags can be more affordable, used for multiple purposes but do make sure you are checking the durability - you still should expect these to be long lasting.

One way that helped me sell the purchase to my husband.. think of it as an investment in your sanity - and maybe even your back.

 

TOP REMMII PICKS

I’ve been right where you are - confused, overwhelmed and wishing this whole ‘picking a nappy bag that’s right for me’ would be easier…

At REMMII, we get that the “perfect bag” looks different for every parent. That’s why we offer a range of nappy backpacks, tote baby bags, and crossbody baby bags designed for real-life parenting:

• Emerson Nappy Backpack - is the Queen of multiple compartments, stylish design, ultimate functionality.
  
  
• Noah Tote Baby Bag - She’s roomy, chic, and versatile (able to convert between a tote baby bag and a nappy backpack.. check it out, I promise I’m not lying).
  
  
• Riley Crossbody Baby Bag - compact, practical, hands-free for quick trips - she’ll quickly become your grab-and-go bestie.

Join the hundreds of parents who’ve chosen REMMII for peace of mind, organisation, and style.

 

FINAL TIPS

1. Think realistically about your day-to-day life. A bag that works for a 30-minute errand may not work for a full-day outing.
   
   
2. Don’t forget your comfort. Weight, straps, and posture matter more than you might think.
   
   
3. Invest in quality. A durable nappy bag backpack, tote baby bag, or crossbody baby bag makes life easier and can last beyond the baby years.
   
   
4. Style matters. You absolutely deserve to feel confident while juggling the chaos.
   

Parenting is messy, unpredictable, and sometimes a little hilarious. Your nappy bag should be a tool that makes it easier.

Choosing the right nappy bag is about more than practicality - it’s about ensuring you feel empowered to be the best version of you so you can focus on what really matters! 

Whether you pick a crossbody baby bag, tote baby bag, or nappy backpack, make sure it fits your lifestyle, holds everything you need, and keeps you and your baby comfortable.

When your bag works as hard as you do, life just feels a little bit easier - and that’s a win in any parent’s book.

You’ve got this mumma!! 

 

Lots of love, 

Laura 
Co-Founder, REMMII


xx