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Best changing bags 2026: we review the best nappy bags (that are actually stylish!)
Looking for the best changing bags? We’ve rounded up parent-approved options that combine style, practicality and value for money - from clever hidden-pocket bags and handy clutches to designs that don’t look like nappy bags at all (but still have all the essential features).
By Jenny Wonnacott | Last updated Dec 30, 2025
By including the right functions and features, the best changing bag can make your parenting life that little bit easier each and every day. Mumsnet are the experts on making parents' lives easier, and with so many great changing bags to choose from, we've done the research for you.
Best changing bag deals we've spotted 👀
Was £115, now £70
Bugaboo Water Repellent Changing Bag
Was £75, now £56
Babymel Robyn Eco Convertible Backpack
Was £35, now £27
Lekebaby Nappy Changing Bag Backpack
Finnsøn Ana Backpack Changing Bag, Camel
Best changing bag 2026: our top 10
Best changing bag overall: Skip Hop Forma Changing Backpack | £79
Best changing bag budget buy: Lekebaby Nappy Changing Bag Backpack |
£35£27 (-22%)Most stylish changing backpack: GIGIL Luxe Changing Backpack | £110
Most practical changing backpack: Bababing! Mani Changing Backpack | £45
Best changing bag for pockets: MISS FONG Changing Bag | £59
Best changing bag for versatility: Babymel Robyn Eco Convertible Backpack |
£75£56 (-25%)Best changing clutch bag: Bugaboo Changing Clutch | £30
Best unisex changing bag: Thule Changing Backpack | £121
Best changing bag for all weather: Bugaboo Water Repellent Changing Bag |
£115£70 (-39%)Best large changing bag: Elodie Details Changing Bag | £60
The best changing bags have space for all the baby gear and toddler paraphernalia you need to carry around, as well as extra space for your essentials too. But finding one that you actually like and feel good carrying? That's the holy grail. The stylish mums of the Mumsnet forums are experts on finding the essential baby gear that's designed to look great as well as for practicality.
Here at Mumsnet, we're dedicated to making parents' lives easier and we know how much difference the right product can make. That's why we've vetted and reviewed all sorts of products, from the best breast pumps to the best baby bottles - turning to the real experts: the real parents of the Mumsnet forums, for recommendations.
How we chose the best changing bags
One of the best changing bags will be one of the most important items in your child-raising arsenal; your defence against poonamies and toddler tantrums. Having ther perfect bag designed with parenting in mind - and always packed and ready to go - can make your life that little bit easier. The right bag can be an all-in-one solution that you’ll be carrying around for years to come. But how to choose?
We took the advice of Mumsnetters on our forums - real parents who’ve used and rated these bags - alongside trusted online publications. We also put several of the bags to the test with our carefully-selected panel of verified Mumsnet testers. Each bag was put through its paces in real life settings, used as the testers' main changing bag for up to two children at a time. The testers then assessed their bag(s) thoroughly for a number of important considerations, including how well the bags contained everything parents need for nappy changing on the go, useful pockets for bottles and/or wipes and how easy the bag were to carry around as well as fit onto buggy handles. Through careful and unbiased testing and overall scoring, each bag was then given an overall verdict which helped us place them in the appropriate order.
Whether you want something budget, stylish, durable, small or all-singing-all-dancing, we hope there’s something on here for everyone. These are the best changing bags to buy in 2026.
Best changing bag overall
Lots of compartments for specific uses
Side bottle pockets
Extra wide opening
Quite pricey compared to some others
Key specs
Price on writing: £76 | Colours: Navy | Size: H40.6 x W35.5 x D20.3cm | What’s included? A cushioned changing pad
What Mumsnet users say
Skip Hop is a popular brand, including amongst our Mumsnetters on the forums. We think this Skip Hop Forma Changing Backpack deserves its spot at the top of our best changing bags guide as it’s spacious with lots of compartments for specific uses.
The front main compartment has two packing cubes to store things separately; there are elasticated interior pockets; you can store bottles in insulated side bottle pockets; and the bag boasts an extra wide opening so you can delve in and find stuff without any dreaded messing about.
Even the changing pad pocket (yes, it comes with a cushioned portable changing pad!) is multi-purpose as it can be used as a laptop holder. The fabric is lightweight, insulating and wipe-clean, and we love the quilted look.
Read next: The best changing mats to buy, as recommended by parents
Best budget changing bag
Loads of pockets
Practical backpack design
Value for money
Some reviewers found the zip a bit stiff
Key specs
Price on writing: £36 | Colours: Black or grey | Size: 26 x 21 x 42cm | What’s included? Changing mat
What Mumsnet users say
This Nappy Changing Backpack from Lekebaby is one of the best changing bags to deliver everything you need at a bargain price. It opens wider than a normal backpack, so it's easier to rummage around in one-handed, and it comes with a compact changing mat that fits neatly inside. The fabric is waterproof, which is a weight off your mind, especially if you're out and about in unpredictable weather.
With a whopping 19 pockets, Lekebaby have thought of everything. There's a side pocket for easy access to wipes, two insulated pockets for bottles and even a waterproof pocket for keeping wet clothing in.
Read next: The best nappy bins to buy, as recommended by parents
Most stylish changing backpack
Features eight compartments and insulated pockets
Stylish vegan leather look
Can be clipped to your buggy or pram
Waterproof
Pricey
Key specs
Price on writing: £110 | Colours: Black, grey, olive, tan | Size: W45 x H30 x D17cm | What’s included? Padded changing mat
What Mumsnet users say
When it comes to finding the best changing bags, the GIGIL backpack is a firm favourite among Mumsnet users, consistently praised for its ideal size and enduring quality. It effortlessly blends stylishness with unbeatable practicality.
Crafted from luxurious Vegan leather, this versatile bag is available in a selection of four subtle colourways to complement any outfit. Inside, you'll discover six well-organised internal pockets, including two insulated ones perfect for bottles or snacks, plus an additional four external pockets for quick access to essentials.
Comfort is key for busy parents, which is why the GIGIL features fully adjustable backpack straps. For added convenience, integrated pram clips allow you to securely fasten it to your buggy, keeping your hands free. The water-resistant finish is always a welcome bonus, offering peace of mind against spills and unexpected weather. Plus, the included padded changing mat tucks neatly into its own dedicated pocket.
While priced at £110, which is a little more than some alternatives (though still less than premium brands like Finnsøn and Longchamp), reviewers consistently highlight its sturdy construction and remarkable longevity, confirming it's a worthwhile investment among the best changing bags on the market.
Most practical changing backpack
Spacious with external and internal parent pockets
Detachable, super-size changing mat
Detachable bottle holders
Comes with stroller straps to hang up
Pricey for man-made fabric
Key specs
Price on writing: From £45 | Colours: Black, grey marl | Size: H38 x W40 x D16cm | What’s included? Super-size changing mat, stroller straps, 2 integrated and detachable bottle holders
This classy backpack is an award-winning addition to our best changing bags guide and we can see why. It unzips to reveal loads of inside space and also comes with plenty of pockets for the kids' stuff, but also internal and external parent pockets ‘cause your stuff still matters too! There’s even a back pocket for those wet moments so you can keep things separate and organised.
It comes with stroller straps for when your back needs a break (phew!) as well as a super-size changing mat and two integrated and detached bottle holders. All that, with a pretty finish.
Best changing bag for number of pockets
Doesn't look like a changing bag at all from the outside
Includes a range of handy features including a strap to fasten to luggage
Includes changing mat and several pockets
Choice of colours and styles
Waterproof
Quite pricey
Key specs
Price on writing: From £59 | Colours: Black, tan | Size: H39 x W26 x D18cm | What’s included? Changing mat
What Mumsnet users say
A holy grail of a changing bag which doesn't look like a changing bag, this stylish backpack by Miss Fong includes all the pockets (14 of them to be precise!) you could possibly need as well as well-thought-out features such as a strap to fasten it to luggage, comfy wide backpack straps and a waterproof finish.
Made from 100% Vegan PU leather, it's hard-wearing without compromising on look and many reviewers say that it has lasted several years and several children. And if leather isn't your look, there are also a range of other styles including a neoprene backpack and a puffer tote.
Best changing bag for versatility
Can be a backpack, shoulder bag, crossbody, handbag or clipped to pushchair
Side pocket that dispenses baby wipes
Insulated bottle holder and padded changing mat included
Stripes aren't to everybody's taste
Key specs
Price on writing: From £65 | Colours: Navy stripe, black | Size: W35 x H29 x D15cm | What’s included? Integrated pushchair clips, insulated bottle holder with drawstring closure, padded changing mat
What Mumsnet users say
Reviewed by Mumsnet: Read our full Babymel Robyn review
Definitely one of the best changing bags for the number of boxes it ticks, we love how this bag can be changed according to your needs and feelings that day. It can be a backpack, shoulder bag, crossbody, handbag or attached to your pushchair using its integrated clips. Enjoy playing around with the different styles to see which suits you and your baby.
There’s lots of separate compartments for storing bits - best of all, a side pocket to hold wipes with a little slot to dispense them. Clever, eh? The bag also comes with an insulated bottle holder with drawstring closure and padded changing mat. Plus, we love the stripy pattern. Mumsnetters on our forums have recommended the brand after trying Babymel bags themselves.
Best changing clutch bag
Can fit up to five nappies, a full pack of wipes, nappy rash cream and nappy bags despite small size
Detachable changing mat, which means you can use the bag again as a wash bag
Affordable
Can't include more than the nappy changing essentials, unlike most changing bags
Only one colour choice
Key specs
Price on writing: £30 | Size: 26 x 22 x 4 cm | Colour: Grey | Type of changing bag: Clutch
What Mumsnet users say
Reviewed by Mumsnet Baby & Child editor Jenny Wonnacott: Read our full Bugaboo Changing Clutch review
Compact, simple and chic, the Bugaboo Changing Clutch isn't your traditional changing bag - but if you're looking for a bespoke container for all your nappy changing essentials which you can then slot easily into your own pre-baby bag, look no further.
Designed with an attractive, quilted finish, the Bugaboo Clutch measures less than an A4 envelope but our tester Alex found it still had plenty of space for five nappies, a full pack of wipes, nappy rash cream, nappy bags and even a spare babygrow!
"It is so easy to grab this small bag rather than a whole backpack when out and about, and you stillknow you have everything you need," she added.
It may not feature all the bottle-holding compartments and extra pockets of the likes of Skip Hop or Bababing, but if you've got a perfectly sizable handbag (like the Longchamp listed below) or backpack you're already using, it's a solid, inexpensive solution to all your on-the-go nappy changing needs.
Best unisex changing bag
Subtle design
Includes a mat, waterproof pouch and additional storage bag
Easy and comfortable to use
Quite pricey (but our tester thought it was worth it)
No choice of colours
Key specs
Price on writing: £137 | Size: 9 x 34 x 45cm | Colour: Charcoal | Type of changing bag: Backpack
What Mumsnet users say
Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Jenny Wonnacott: Read our in-depth Thule Changing Backpack review
If you're looking for a changing bag that your other half will be just as comfortable using as you, the Thule Changing Backpack is a great option. Our tester loved the bag's look, its many different pockets and the ease with which she could store everything she needed for her baby, toddler and herself.
Though it doesn't feature clips to hang on a buggy, the bag is compact enough to slide under a buggy if needed and is comfortable and lightweight enough to carry easily on your bag all day long. There's also a cross body strap for adaptable use.
Sure, it's a little more expensive than you might be looking for in a changing bag, but as our tester Alex put it, "it doesn't look like a changing bag, it could easily be used as a work bag or just day-to-day. I can see us using it for years."
Best changing bag for all weather
Perfect for British weather
Roomy
Separate inner compartments to keep everything dry
Made to compliment Bugaboo prams - might not suit other prams so well
Key specs
Price on writing: £80 (was £115) | Colours: Black | Size: 58 x 18cm | What’s included? Changing mat, 3 organiser bags
What Mumsnet users say
This smart, minimalist tote is typical of Bugaboo's practical, modern design. The fabric is water-repellent and the bag closes with a chunky zip, keeping all your belongings safe and dry. The bag comes with a changing mat, buggy clips and handy pouches.
Never ones to slack on the finer details, Bugaboo have coated the bottom of the bag in a protective PU so it doesn't get dirty or damaged. One of the inner compartments is thermally insulated - great for keeping snacks and milk cool.
Best large changing bag
Large size
Doesn't look like a changing bag so can be used afterwards
Includes a thermo pocket for baby bottles
Quite pricey
Due to large size, some smaller items can become lost inside
Velcro straps could be stronger
Key specs
Price on writing: £60 | Size: 41 cm x 36 cm x 16 cm | Material: Polyester | What's included: Handlebar loops, changing mat
What Mumsnet users say
Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Jenny Wonnacott: Read our full Elodie Changing Bag Review
If you're looking for a changing bag which ticks the boxes for size as well as style, the Elodie certainly packs a punch. Part of a design collaboration featuring popular prints by designer William Morris, the Elodie Changing Bag features a distinctive floral print on the outside and all the useful changing bag features on the inside, including a thermo-pocket to keep baby bottles warm and straps to fix it to your buggy's handlebar.
Our tester Bethan did find that due to the size, some items can get a little lost if not placed in the inner pockets, but overall she really liked its design and scored it highly for longevity, pointing out: "the size of it means I can use it as an overnight bag or a travel in-flight bag in the future!"
Best luxury changing bag
Finnsøn Ana Backpack Changing Bag
Made from 100% recycled materials
Waterproof
Stylish, unisex design
Pricey (though currently £30 off!)
Cath sometimes found the zip gets caught easily
Key specs
Price on writing: £120 | Colours: Black | Size: H43 x W18.5 x D32.5m | What’s included? A velcro-fastening changing mat
What Mumsnet users say
Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Jenny Wonnacott: Read our in-depth Finnsøn Ana Backpack Changing Bag review
With an RRP of £150*, the Finnsøn Ana Changing Bag is definitely one of the most premium bags to make our shortlist. However, thanks to its subtle look and waterproof design, it's a backpack you're likely to be using for years which helps its score in terms of cost-per-use.
Our parent-tester Cath said she really liked the fact that the Finnsøn doesn't look like a changing bag and its compact style: "It's smaller than the changing bag we used with our eldest but still fits everything we need in it."
*If this is the bag for you, be sure to grab it now while it's on sale!
Best changing bag that isn't a changing bag
Chic and versatile
A design Classic
Lightweight and roomy
Not a changing bag - Mumsnetters recommend investing in a nappy wallet for inside the bag
Key specs
Price on writing: £125 | Colours: Black, navy, turquoise, cream, red, pink, green | Size: 26.5 x 28 x 15.5cm | What’s included? Just the bag
What Mumsnet users say
Sometimes the best changing bag isn't even technically a changing bag at all. The classic Le Pliage by Longchamp is a Mumsnetter favourite for all sorts of purposes. Beloved as a travel bag and everyday handbag, Mumsnet users swear by its versatility and many recommend it as a changing bag you can keep using long after your child's out of nappies.
Because it's not designed with nappy changes in mind, Mumsnetters recommend getting a nappy wallet - like this one from Lekebaby to keep everything organised and easy to access inside your Le Pliage.
Best changing bag for buggy
Compact but mighty
Fits snugly on most buggy handles
Loads of pockets
Wipe clean only
Key specs
Price on writing: From £47 | Colours: Black | Size: 22 x 40cm | What’s included? Strap with buggy clips, insulated bottle sleeve
What Mumsnet users say
Looking for all the space of a full-sized changing bag, but compact? The Storksak Eco 2-in-1 Stroller Bag is for you. Fitting snugly onto most buggy handles, the bag can also be worn over your shoulder.
Made from recycled Nylon, the stroller bag is easy to keep clean, features 4 outer pockets and is spacious enough inside to fit all your little one's essentials. There's also an insulated bottle sleeve for keeping milk at the right temperature. It fits really well on most brands of pram and stroller, making it the best changing bag for using when out and about in the buggy.
What are the different kinds of changing bag?
Backpacks
Worn on your back with two shoulder straps so your hands are free for carrying babies. Our tester had a strong preference for backpack-style bags. They help to keep the weight of the bag centred across your shoulders, rather than all of the weight being held on one side – a lifesaver for parents with back issues or those using baby carriers.
Messenger-style bags
Worn on the hip with a long crossbody strap. Our tester found that leaning forward could sometimes cause the bag to swing around in front.
Changing units
Smaller changing units are designed to just carry the essentials - a few nappies, wipes, and a change of clothes. We think it’s a great idea to get one of these smaller bags in addition to a full-size bag, either to use for emergencies (just leave it in your car boot) or for quick trips out of the house.
Regular backpack
Of course, some (including some Mumsnetters in our forums) argue that simply using your best backpack will do. For some, this may be true and we’re not claiming it would be impossible to use a bag that’s not explicitly marketed as a changing bag. But changing bags are specifically designed with a parent’s needs in mind, and they generally have certain useful features that you won’t find in a standard rucksack, such as baby changing mats, insulated bottle pockets and wipes dispensers.
Buggy organiser
Designed to clip onto your buggy handles, buggy organisers keep your essentials close at hand as you're walking along. Many have a drinks holder, space for your phone and, naturally, a packet of baby wipes.
Stroller bag
A stroller bag is designed to be carried slung over the handles of your pram, fitting neatly in order to maximise space. Many big brands make stroller bags that will fit effortlessly with the corresponding pram.
Tote
A more formal-looking option, a tote-style changing bag is worn over the shoulder and keeps its myriad pockets and compartments stowed discreetly away inside.
Do I really need a changing bag?
This topic is hotly debated on the Mumsnet forums. Many Mumsnetters advocate for using an ordinary backpack or bag - Longchamp's Le Pliage is a particular favourite - and chucking everything inside.
Others swear by a made-for-the-purpose changing bag. Features such as waterproof sections, bottle-holders designed for baby bottles and oodles of pockets aren't usually found in your everyday bag, and you'll be grateful for the baby-friendly design when you're faced with another sick, poo or wee-based accident.
Many modern changing bags are designed to look good while offering practical features too, so it's perfectly possible to find a changing bag you're also happy to use for other situations. In the early months and years of parenthood, you'll be using your changing bag a lot, so it makes sense to put as much consideration and money towards it as you would any other everyday bag.
What to look for when choosing a changing bag
Looks for added extras - is there a perfect-fit changing mat included or do you need to buy one separately?
Does it have pockets?! There's no such thing as too many pockets when it comes to changing bags - you'll want to keep things organised so you can access everything you need in a hurry and/or one-handed.
Insulated bottle pocket - if you're bottle feeding, this is a real plus.
Waterproof material - for keeping the weather out and wet clothing in.
Convertible straps - a backpack is great for when you need your hands free, but a shoulder bag works best if you need to rummage around while you're on the go. Look out for versatile straps that let you choose.
Do you feel good wearing it? This is very important as you'll be using this bag a lot. Don't forget your own style (and that of your partner) when making your choice.
A note about milk safety – although some bags are marketed as being able to keep bottles of milk warm for hours on end, we have questions about the safety of this practice. Bacteria loves to grow in warm environments, so keeping a bottle of milk warm for a long period of time seems questionable at best, especially when it’s going to be fed to a vulnerable infant.
There seems to have been limited research in this area, but it’s probably better to view insulated bottle pockets as a way to keep fridge-cold milk fresh for longer, rather than keeping warm milk warm – and of course, don’t feed the milk to your baby if it’s no longer cold to the touch. You can still heat the milk to the appropriate temperature before feeding.
Advice from the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) states:
"When you're making up formula for your baby, you need to be very careful to do it safely and hygienically. Formula powder isn’t sterile, so any bacteria in the powder can grow when the formula is made up. Your baby’s immune system is still not fully developed so they are sensitive to contaminated food and may become very ill if they consume it." Read more here.
How we chose our recommendations
We spent several hours sifting through Mumsnet's forums for our users' recommendations on the best baby changing bag they rate. We were on the lookout for poor reviews of products to avoid too. We also consulted recommendations from trusted consumer websites and looked at new releases to ensure that we gave newcomers a level playing field when competing with old favourites.
How we tested the best changing bags
We put our pick of the top changing bags through their paces with a carefully-selected panel of UK parents who used the bags with their children aged from newborns to toddlers. These mums - Cath, Bethan and Alex - tried and tested the changing bags over a period of several weeks, assessing them on a variety of factors including practicality, style, look and overall value for money. One of our parent-testers, Alex, tried out two of the changing bags side by side in order to narrow down stand-out features of each bag.
Each bag was put through its paces in real life settings, used as the testers' main changing bag for up to two children at a time. Main considerations included how well the bags contained everything parents need for nappy changing on the go, useful pockets for bottles and/or wipes and how easy the bag were to carry around as well as fit onto buggy handles. Through careful and unbiased testing and overall scoring, each bag was then given an overall verdict which helped us place them in the appropriate order.
Why you should trust us
Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000, and, in that time, we've investigated, tried and reviewed thousands of products. All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust – brands can’t pay to be featured in our articles or win a Mumsnet Best award.
Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about how we tested the products we recommend. We won't always recommend the cheapest products or the ones with the most extra features. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones we'd recommend to our own friends and family.
About the author
Jenny Wonnacott has been working as a Content Editor for Mumsnet since 2022 with a particular focus on pregnancy, child and baby care product guides, articles and reviews. As a mum of three, Jenny has extensive hands-on experience in all of the Mumsnet content she writes about. She is passionate about sourcing, testing and thoroughly researching the products which make every stage of parenting easier, from the best pregnancy pillow to the most reassuring baby monitor as well as top kids' toys, games and tech.