The Best Fanny Pack Diaper Bags That Fit the Essentials
These bags are the perfect blend of functionality and style for parents who want hands-free convenience.
By Briana Engelbrecht | Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Fanny packs have made a comeback—both for bags in general and in diaper bag form as well. Their compact, hands-free design is super convenient for busy parents wrangling babies and toddlers, and a bonus is that you can wear them in different ways, too. These bags offer smart compartmentalization, ensuring easy access to the necessities without the bulk of traditional diaper bags.
While they probably won’t replace your diaper bag or diaper backpack, they’re a good option to have in your closet for quick errands and short outings. Though they’re small, these picks can hold the essentials you’ll need when running errands (unlike regular fanny packs). And as your baby grows, you might even be able to grab your fanny pack over your diaper bag as they need less and less!
After trying on, packing up and testing out a bunch of diaper fanny packs, Tushbaby’s The Pack stood out as the best one overall. It has all of the features we think are most important in a diaper bag with a convenient hands-free design. But we also know that everyone’s style and needs are different, so we have a few more picks on the list to help you find the right diaper bag fanny pack for you.
Why Trust Babylist?
Babylist is the expert in baby; we know baby gear inside and out. We talk with parents face-to-face in our showroom and on our user panels and hear from thousands annually via our Best Baby Products online survey. We know what items millions of expecting parents are adding to their baby registries.
As Babylist’s assistant editor and a parent of two toddlers (and a person who loves all things bags), I’ve personally tested plenty of diaper bags—including all of the diaper fanny packs on this list. I also reviewed feedback from thousands of parents through Babylist’s annual Best Baby Products survey of thousands of Babylist users and talked to parents at Babylist for their input and read through countless real reviews from Babylist parents.
The Best Fanny Pack Diaper Bags
Best Overall Fanny Pack Diaper Bag: Tushbaby The Pack
Most Spacious Fanny Pack Diaper Bag: Beis Fanny Diaper Pack
Best Lightweight Fanny Pack Diaper Bag: Storq Quick Change Fanny Pack
Best Fanny Pack Diaper Bag with Waterproof Pocket: Kibou Travel Diaper Bag
Best Overall Fanny Pack Diaper Bag
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Spacious enough for basics (and then some)
Cons:
- Changing mat is thin
- Bottle pocket isn’t ideal
If you’re searching for a diaper bag fanny pack that combines style, functionality, space and versatility, the Tushbaby Pack is it. 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,” which is one of the reasons it’s our best overall pick.
Because of its adjustable strap, which extends up to 60 inches, it fits most parents, no matter their shape or size. The organization in particular 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 Pack includes a changing mat, but I found it to be a bit too thin, and a little scratchy. While the thinness is a boon for fitting it in to the bag, I prefer using the Gathre changing mat for on-the-go, which is also thin, but makes uo for it by being wipeable.
The only other thing I personally didn’t love about the bag is the mesh bottle holder. With a baby bottle loaded into it, the bottle got in the way of comfortably wearing the pack, though some parents like having it. But if you, like me, you don’t want to use it, it tucks away inside a little pocket.
The Pack is a decent size, but because of that, it’s a bit bulky when wearing, especially when it’s across your chest. (It’s definitely larger than a regular fanny pack.) If you want something a little more compact, Tushbaby just launched a cute mini version. It’s also worth noting that this bag isn’t meant to help you carry your baby like Tushbaby’s hip carrier.
Real Parent Reviews
“Looks small and compact but it actually fits a bunch of stuff if you need it to! Can also clip right onto the stroller. It even fits a fold-up changing pad; I put in the one from my old, larger diaper bag. The bottle holder is really secure, but you could also fit an 8 oz Dr. Brown’s bottle in the actual pack, along with some diapers.” — Jackie W.
“I originally had a baby backpack and would overfill it with everything I didn’t need. At the same time, I would have my Lululemon fanny pack slung across my chest. It just seemed [like] overkill. I first viewed the Tushbaby bag on Instagram. I purchased the cream-colored bag and I love it! My husband makes fun of me because my favorite feature is the bottle holder. I tell everyone about the bottle holder. I keep my wallet, phone, keys, chapstick, six diapers, a thin bag of baby wipes, an extra outfit (0-3 months), three sanitizer wipes, a mini sanitizer bottle, four individual boogie wipes, and of course a bottle. I still have plenty of room! Also, the leather is very soft.” — Carrie M.
“My husband saw mine and immediately asked where I got it because he [wanted] me to order him one too. Love the convenience of using the pack as a diaper bag because I can easily grab something from it when I need it, instead of a backpack [that] I have to completely take it off before I can get something.” — Natalia K.
Most Spacious Fanny Pack Diaper Bag
Pros:
- Extra-roomy
- Easy access to wipes
- Comfortably fits a baby bottle
Cons:
- Strap is short
- Boxy shape feels bulky
The Beis Fanny Diaper Pack is the most spacious bag on this list. The brand took most of the great features of their Diaper Backpack—including a dedicated spot for wipes—and smushed them down into this diaper fanny pack. It’s designed to hold all of the essentials you need for a day out and about with your baby, and then some.
I was able to fit not just three size 2 diapers, but five. I even tested out my 2.5-year-old’s 3T-4T pull-ups and four of them fit comfortably. There was still quite a bit of room to spare, so I added in a 4 oz Dr. Brown’s baby bottle. While most of the bags on this list wouldn’t be able to fit a set of spare clothes, I was also able to include a change of clothes for my youngest.
The front pocket unzips to give you easy access to a pack of wipes (those smaller travel pouches fit). And it also comes with a changing pad that folds up and fits right in the back slip pocket. You also don’t have to pack a wallet, unless you have space—there are three card pockets in the main compartment.
All of that extra space does load you up with some added bulkiness whether it’s packed full or not—this is definitely not the sleekest pick on our list. A few parents mentioned they’d like the strap to be longer for a more comfortable fit (and as someone with a larger chest, I agree).
Real Parent Reviews
“I had the Ultimate Diaper Backpack (which I absolutely loved) but I wanted something smaller since my daughter is now over a year old. It fits so much stuff! I can fit up to about 5-6 diapers, wipes, snacks, lip gloss, keys, and more! This is my go-to bag when I’m out with my baby and it is so convenient.” — Arunie
“This has come in so handy when we don’t have an elaborate outing planned. Very compact but generous with space for a quick trip.” — Samuel
“Was looking for a mini diaper bag on the go for short trips and errands, and ofc. Beis had this perfect diaper pack image I had in my head of what I knew not only I NEEDED, but also my husband! He loves it and wears it all the time when we go on mini family trips, and when we run errands together with our toddler. It perfectly fits a snack, his sippy cup and 2-3 diapers, and a book/toy/or mini iPad, whichever of your choice. I also am able to fit one pair of clothes to change for my toddler just in case! Oh! It also has a space specifically for wipes to grab with ease and a diaper-changing mat! If anyone loves it more than I [do], it’s my husband! Thanks for easing the life of these two parents!” — Nicci
Best Lightweight Fanny Pack Diaper Bag
Pros:
- Thin yet durable nylon material
- Spacious
- Comes with change pad
Cons:
- No interior organization
We think weight is an important feature for something that’s going to be packed up and slung around your body, so you’ll want to find something that isn’t bulky or heavy when it’s empty. The bag alone is as light as a feather, and even when packed with all of the things, it doesn’t feel like it.
The main pocket is perfect for storing diapers, wipes, and a bottle, while the smaller front pocket can fit essentials like a card holder, keys, sanitizer and chapstick. There’s also a slip pocket on the back of the bag with a magnetic closure to store the included changing mat (or anything else you want).
Though the bag appears small, I was able to pack the same things I tested for each bag: three diapers, travel wipes pouch with 10 wipes, a changing mat, 2 oz diaper cream, 2 oz hand sanitizer, keys, lip gloss and wallet. Not only did I fit everything in, I had room to spare. And even when packed, the bag sat well across my chest and didn’t feel bulky or heavy.
Though the material is thin, it’s durable. There isn’t a ton of built-in organization, but I could still easily find what I needed. And since the strap has a lot of space to adjust to different lengths, it’ll work for most body shapes and sizes.
Real Parent Reviews
“This bag holds all our basics for quick trips around the neighborhood and is so lightweight and easy to take along versus a larger diaper bag. Changing pad is [a] great size still and has handled more than one blown out diaper!” — Megan F.
“It’s perfect for quick errands with my son but I’ve also been using it when I’m out without him. It’s huge without looking huge and the best wipe-clean material.” — Alessia L.
“The perfect non-diaper bag diaper bag for toddler outings! My husband also likes carrying it. Fits an extra pull-up, pair of pants, pack of wipes and a snack perfectly, and is excellent for playground days or errand running when we don’t want the weight of a full diaper bag. Easily adjusts to fit both of us. We love that it’s hands-free and lightweight. Highly recommend!” — Katherine H.
Best Fanny Pack Diaper Bag with Wipes Storage
Pros:
- Durable faux-leather
- Waterproof wipes pocket
Cons:
- Limited space
- Pricey
The diaper fanny pack that started them all, the Kibou is made of durable vegan leather and designed with parents’ needs in mind. The main thing people love about this bag is its waterproof-lined pocket that can keep up to 20 wipes moist for about a week, which is a big deal because both regular and travel packs of wipes can take up a lot of space in a diaper bag this size. The Kibou is the only bag in our list with a dedicated spot for wipes that you don’t need a travel case for—they go right in the pocket.
I also love that the detachable changing pad folds up and stores right in the front pocket. And during diaper changes, you can use the bag to cushion your baby or toddler’s head.
Babylist’s commerce editor, Latifah Miles, is a mom of two and has been using this diaper fanny pack for years. She says she can pack it up with four size four diapers, a full size tube of Desitin, and a teether for her 13-month-old. She was also able to fit a credit card, ID and lipgloss. “This one in particular is good for that stage where you still need frequent-ish diaper changes but don’t need formula and all that jazz,” she shared.
While the material is durable, some parents say that it could be better quality. But they agree that the organization and convenient features like the wipes pocket and fold out change pad make up for it. And like most diaper bag fanny packs, it gets a bit bulky and heavy when fully packed. The strap also doesn’t get as long as some parents needed for them to wear it crossbody-style.
Real Parent Reviews
“What a great idea for a diaper bag! Perfect for keeping hands free when you don’t want to carry around a heavy diaper bag. Holds the essentials—lots of pockets, a wet wipe holder (so smart! always needed even when out of the diaper stage), and a folding changing pad that can be removed and its pocket is perfectly sized for a phone when you no longer need the pad. Durable material and the pink color is super cute. Highly recommend!” — RL
“All of my clients have this diaper bag, so I just had to try it. It is so cute and so convenient. I am so over big, bulky, unattractive diaper bags. They take up too much space & things get lost in them. The Kibou bag is adorable, easy to use, and makes my life so much easier as a mom. I would recommend [everyone] buys one! I truly replaced my multiple diaper bag options with this one. Cute, simple & much smaller option. Also, the vegan leather is soft. I am obsessed.” —
Here are a few more fanny pack diaper bags we also love:
Do I need a regular diaper bag and a fanny pack version?
You certainly don’t need to get both, but let me tell you why you might want to. Fanny pack diaper bags aren’t meant to replace your daily diaper bag (especially when your baby is young and you still need a ton of stuff just in case). But as they get a little older and need fewer things, a fanny pack diaper bag is so convenient to throw on for quick outings and errands with your baby in tow. Plus, most of these picks don’t actually give “diaper bag,” so you can carry them when you’re solo, too.
How much can you fit in a fanny pack diaper bag?
Here’s a peek at what I packed in these bags when testing them out:
Three size 2 diapers
Wipes case + 10 wipes
2 oz diaper cream
BIBS pacifier in a case
2 oz hand sanitizer
Lip balm and hand cream
Slim wallet (card case style)
Keys
These are the things I typically bring with me on quick outings, though your must-haves might vary. In general, all of the pictured items fit into all of our picks above. (Pro tip: if you’re driving, consider keeping a little emergency kit in your car with extra diapers, wipes and a change of clothes can help cut down on what you actually need to carry with you whenever you leave home!)