The Best Fanny Pack and Sling Diaper Bags for the Essentials

If you're searching for a diaper bag fanny pack that combines style, functionality, space and versatility, the Tushbaby Pack is it—which is why it’s our best overall pick. It’s spacious enough to carry all the baby essentials you’d need for most outings, while still being comfortable to wear. And its design (with chic fabrics and colors available) doesn’t scream “diaper bag”. 

Its adjustable strap extends up to 60 inches, giving it a wider fit range than many belt bags, though fit will vary by wearer. The organization is a parent’s dream. It features a variety of pockets, so everything has its own place. Most importantly, it’s roomy enough for an outing with baby. In testing the Pack, I was comfortably able to pack 3 diapers, a travel case of 10 wipes, a small hand sanitizer, a Gathre change mat, a small tube of diaper cream and a pacifier in a case. And for myself, I used the zipper pocket on the front and the smaller one inside to fit my lip gloss, keys and card wallet. Even with all of this, I still had a bit of room to spare and didn’t feel like I had to Tetris things in to fit. The bag also comes with a thin changing pad that slips in the zipper pocket on the back (though I prefer our Gathre mat, which is the same size, because it’s easier to wipe down!).

Worth noting:

• The Pack is a decent size, but it’s worth mentioning that it’s a bit bulky when on, especially across your chest. (It’s definitely larger than a regular fanny pack.) 

• What I personally didn't love about the bag was the mesh bottle holder; I felt like my water bottle was in the way. But if, like me, you don’t want to use it, it tucks away inside a little pocket.

If you’re looking for a compact bag that’ll hold all the things and then some, the Caraa Baby Changing Sling earns its spot as the most spacious sling diaper bag. When I looked at reviews for diaper bag slings, almost all of Caraa's baby changing sling reviews mentioned how much parents love this bag because it holds just as much as their regular diaper bag. Quite a few even mentioned they replaced their big, bulky diaper bag with it for most day-to-day outings. I think it’s a great option for parents with younger babies who want a quick grab-and-go bag, but parents of multiple children said it fits enough essentials for both kids. “I can fit four diapers for my infant, pull-ups for my toddler, baby wipes, diaper cream, a small first aid kit, and pajamas for both when I go out,” one wrote in their review. And despite that larger capacity that can easily cross over into bulky territory, this sling is still super comfortable to wear across the body.

It’s loaded with useful features, like a built-in changing pad—which is actually parents’ favorite part. “The changing pad is a lifesaver when we are out. I can grab the sling and go without worrying about extra gear,” one parent wrote in their review. It also has an easy-access wipes pocket (which is becoming a must-have feature for many parents, if their mentions are any indication), lots of interior elastic pockets for organization, and a nice little pouch along the strap that's a perfect spot for your keys and cards.

Worth noting:

• At $230, the Caraa is the most expensive bag in this guide. Its durable materials, spacious design and included changing pad may justify the cost for frequent use, but there are less expensive options here for shorter outings.

• It’s also big! Even when it's not packed full, it may feel bulky to some parents.

For parents who want to grab the basics, the Everyday Joey Belt Bag is our top fanny pack diaper bag for essentials. It’s a nice middle ground between a standard belt bag and a full-size diaper bag. It’s roomy enough for short outings with your baby, with space for a few diapers, a small pack of wipes, an extra outfit and other basics like snacks and a pacifier. 

Organization is simple but thoughtful. The two-way zipper makes the main compartment easy to access whether you wear the bag across your chest, on your back or around your waist. There’s also a hidden back pocket with card slots and a full-length magnetic front pocket that keeps your phone, keys and other frequently used items within reach. It’s slightly larger than a typical belt bag but doesn’t feel as bulky or heavy as a diaper backpack. I found the size to be comfortable to wear, even when packed full.

Worth noting:

• This bag is best for short outings. Once you add diapers, wipes, a changing pad and a change of clothes, there may not be much room left for extras; fitting a bottle or sippy cup may require leaving something else behind.

• Some parents found the strap too short and narrow for comfortable crossbody wear.

The No Reception Club Sidekick is our pick for dads thanks to its streamlined, utilitarian design and thoughtful organization. It weighs only half a pound and comes in understated colors like black, olive and blue, so it doesn’t have the look or bulk of a traditional diaper bag. Its compact size also makes it convenient for errands, travel and other outings when you only need the diaper-changing basics.

A magnetic back pocket keeps wipes accessible with one hand, while interior mesh pockets organize diapers, diaper cream and other small essentials. There’s also a separate pocket for your phone, keys and cards, plus an included changing pad. “I tested the Sidekick on a Disneyland trip, which is basically the ultimate testing metric,” says Shannon, the managing editor at Babylist. “It's so roomy, and its superpower really feels like fitting its own changing pad in there. I particularly loved that it doesn't look any different than a stylish belt bag—I have the bright blue, which I think is quite chic!”

Parents especially liked being able to move the bag from their back to their chest for a quick diaper change—and said its small size was helpful in tight spaces like airplane bathrooms.

Worth noting:

• “Once you throw in wipes and two diapers (size three) along with the changing mat, you aren't able to fit much more,” one parent said in their review. 

• A few parents also mentioned that the strap wasn’t long enough to adjust comfortably. 

• The brand recommends spot cleaning when possible; machine washing may change the color of the leather trim.

I’ve found that some of the best “diaper” bags aren’t actually…diaper bags, and Cotopaxi’s Todo 8L Sling is the perfect option if you prefer the fit and extra capacity of a sling over a traditional belt bag. What struck me when I first opened the package was the size—not that it’s huge, but that I could pack without feeling crowded. The padded crossbody strap has breathable AirMesh for comfortable wear, and the main compartment opens from the top or side, making it easier to grab what you need without taking the bag off.

Its eight-liter capacity leaves room for diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, snacks and a few parent essentials. A zippered front pocket keeps your phone and keys accessible, while an interior padded sleeve can hold a small tablet, book or other flat items. Reviewers liked that it packs down easily for travel and works beyond the baby stage as an everyday bag for errands and family outings.

Worth noting:

• This one reads more like an everyday sling that happens to fit diaper bag basics than a dedicated diaper bag—it's a better fit for short outings or as a backup than a full diaper haul. 

• A couple of reviewers also wished it had more zippered pockets for finer organization, similar to what Cotopaxi's backpack styles offer.