Our top picks
Best purse for moms: mommore Diaper Tote Bag
"Chic style with plenty of storage and an easy-access keyring"
Best diaper backpack: Itzy Ritzy Diaper Bag Backpack
"Designer-level style, plus multiple pockets for all the stuff"
Best for budget: SoHo Grand Central Station Diaper Bag
"A budget-friendly travel system perfect for mixing and matching"
Best crossbody purse for moms: Itzy Ritzy Crossbody Diaper Bag
"Looks like a true purse, stores like a small diaper bag"
Best purse for busy mom: Babymel Grace Vegan Leather Tote
"The look of authentic leather in an easy-to-clean, spacious tote bag"
Coolest mom bag: KILAMAL Diaper Backpack
"Fun color blocking style in a petite, versatile backpack purse"
Best for moms on the go: Fabuxry Shoulder Handbag
"Compact, inexpensive, and easy to clean, perfect for moms of older tots"
Cutest purse for moms: OGIO Brooklyn Purse
"Sleek modern style that's ideal for carrying small electronics"
For pink loving mamas: Skip Hop Diaper Backpack
"Chic designer looks in a highly spacious, stroller-friendly backpack"
In this article:
Moms, it turns out there’s a happy medium between the backache of toting a diaper bag, handbag, and toddler and simply shoving all your worldly possessions into a ugly bag covered with circus animals.
Stylish, functional purses designed to double as spacious diaper bags give you the best of both worlds, with organizational features that let you keep your stuff and their stuff separate: no more frustrated rifling through a seemingly endless sack of spare socks, sippy cups, and abandoned snacks to find your car keys.
Our list of the best purses for moms with toddlers has something for every style, and prioritizes the durability and capacity we know you need.
Our picks of the best purses for moms with toddlers
Best purse for moms
Our opinion
Material: Nylon
Size: L 14.2” x H 12.6” x W 5.5”
Weight: 1.85 lbs.
A traditional black bag with plenty of room for essentials, the mommore Diaper Tote Bag (check price on Amazon) is made with high quality nylon that repels stains and wipes clean in a jiff.
This sleek, classy tote doesn’t look like a diaper bag at all, but its large main compartment, six small pockets, a large open pocket, a zippering pocket, and two inner side pockets offer tons of space for storing and discrete areas to keep gear organized. It has two shoulder hooks, so it can easily be hung from your stroller while walking with baby, but the hooks can also be tucked right into the bag.
The mommore works in every season and with just about every outfit thanks to its neutral color and classic construction. Convenient outer pockets are the cherry on top of this well-rounded pick, including an exterior pocket that zips with two small inner pockets for storing quick-access items, and a keyring to make getting in and out of the house with your tot a breeze (sometimes a tall order, as we well know!).
What we love
- It's a classic black bag, so it wears well in any season and with most outfits
- The large inner storage compartment has many storage areas to keep gear separate and easy to access
Watch for
- The bag may arrive wrinkled, as it ships flat, but this can be fixed with a garment steamer
Best diaper backpack
Our opinion
Material: Faux leather (87% Polyester, 5% Polyurethane, 8% wool)
Size: 10.5″ x 7″ x 18″
Weight: 2.5 lbs.
If you were a 90’s teen or tween, you’ll recognize it: the backpack purse, like the Itzy Ritzy Diaper Bag Backpack (check price on Amazon), is back and more glamorous than ever.
The Itzy Ritzy has a total of 17 pockets for stashing toddler gear and mom-must haves — 10 interior pockets and 7 exterior. We absolutely love that two insulated bottle pockets are included on that list, as is a felt-lined pocket for valuables and an easy-access “parent” pocket for your most needed stuff.
This diaper bag and purse combo has tactical baby gear vibes (it’s not just for dads!) thanks to a hide-away changing mat for when they go on-the-go and rubber feet that keep it upright and away from dirt. It also has a sturdy top handle, so if you’re already back-carrying your toddler, it still makes for a cute handbag.
What we love
- There's a roll-up changing mat, great for switching a messy diaper when there's no changing table nearby
- A total of 17 pockets, including two insulated bottle pockets, make storing everything easy
- Rubber feet allow the backpack to stand upright and keep the bottom clean
Watch for
- The bag's top zipper can be stubborn
Best for budget
Our opinion
Material: machine-washable canvas
Size: 17.6″ x 13.6″ x 2.2″
Weight: 2 lbs.
For a mom with a family on the go, a travel system like the SoHo Grand Central Station (check price on Amazon) is an ideal solution for keeping gear and essentials sorted away and easy to access.
The canvas set includes a total of six black bags and one set of stroller straps. In addition to a spacious diaper bag with handsome tan faux-leather zipper accents and multiple organizational compartments, it features a personal purse with a crossbody strap, a roll-away changing pad, an accessories bag, an organizer bag with a mesh top, and an insulated bag that’s perfect for bottle storage.
It’s not just for vacations, of course — you can mix and match these machine-washable pieces as-needed to gear up for the day’s adventures. The insulated bottle bag makes a great companion on a trip to the park, and the pad is a must-have when you’re venturing to places where built-in changing tables are sparse.
What we love
- It's a full travel system that's great for vacations, but can be mixed and matched for everyday use
- It includes an insulated pouch for bottle storage
- Everything is machine washable (cold water, hang to dry!)
Watch for
- There's no structure to the bottom of the diaper bag, so it doesn't stay upright easily
Best crossbody purse for moms
Our opinion
Material: Vegan leather
Size: 8.5″ x 4″ x 6.5″
Weight: 1.5 lbs.
If ditching the bulk of a traditional baby bag is your goal, the Itzy Ritzy Crossbody Diaper Bag (check price on Amazon) is the ideal switch. The classic, stylish crossbody bag looks absolutely nothing like the cutesy-printed jumbo-sized diaper bags of yore, but has a surprising amount of space for both toddler and mom gear.
The dual-zippered herringbone bag opens to reveal three pockets, including a “baby” section which contains two elastic pockets for special storage and an easy-access pocket for storing wipes. There’s also a coordinating diaper changing pad, which wipes clean easily after use and folds to store easily in one of the two elastic storage pockets.
The gold-accent chain can be either adjusted or removed, and the compact cube-shape of the purse makes it easy to pack into a larger bag or carry-on if needed.
What we love
- It's the perfect purse for ditching the diaper bag look but keeping the space
- The chain can be adjusted or removed
Watch for
- Diapers over size 4 may need to be folded and can make the bag feel bulky
Best purse for busy mom
Our opinion
Material: Vegan leather
Size: 5.7″ x 14.6″ x 16.5″
Weight: 1.8 lbs.
Moms who’ve stashed all their favorite leather bags during the sticky toddler years will love the Babymel Grace Vegan Leather Tote (check price on Amazon), which looks nearly identical to the real thing, but wipes clean and is water-resistant.
Insulated pockets built inside the purse will keep your tot’s bottles upright and maintain temperature for up to an impressive four hours, and additional internal and external pockets offer convenient spots to stash diapers, wipes, and of course, your day-to-day essentials. It’s one of the best purses on our list for easy cleanup, as the inner material that lines bag wipes clean, so any accidental messes are easy to take care of.
A folding, wipe-clean changing mat is included with this bag, which can save your (and baby’s) bum in a number of situations. It’s also easy to carry this bag as you prefer, as the shoulder strap can be either adjusted or detached.
What we love
- It looks just like a real leather bag, but both the exterior and interior are water resistant and wipe clean
- There are two insulated pockets to keep bottles upright and maintain temperature
- A changing mat is included
Watch for
- It has less compartments than other similar picks
Coolest mom bag
Our opinion
Material: Vegan leather
Size: 13.5” x 5” x 13.5”
Weight: 1.65 lbs.
Adorned with cute color blocking in tan, grey, and white, the KILAMAL Diaper Backpack (check price on Amazon) is both classy and functional.
It’s a bit smaller than most of the picks on our list, which can be ideal if you need a bag that’s easier to stash and carry. It’s got a total of 14 pockets, but keep in mind that quite a few of these lay flat, so they’re great for phones or a single diaper but not much else.
The central compartment has four spacious pockets for diapers, wipes, bottles, and more, plus additional space in the middle. It can hold a surprising amount for its small size, but some users have found that it’s easy to overpack this bag.
The stylish backpack can be worn on your back, but it can also be worn as a shoulder bag or carried as a traditional purse via a reinforced top handle.
What we love
- It's smaller, but can still stash a day's worth of gear
- Inner pockets help to keep your stuff and their stuff separated for easy access
Watch for
- Several of the bag's pockets lay almost completely flat, limiting their storage capacity
Best for moms on the go
Our opinion
Material: Nylon
Size: 11″ x 8.27″ x 4.33″
Weight: <1 lb.
The Fabuxry Shoulder Handbag (check price on Walmart) is ideal for minimalist mamas who prefer to stick to the bare necessities. The durable little nylon cross-body messenger bag is structured, has multiple storage compartments, and comes in plenty of bright colors and fun prints; as a plus, it’s very budget-friendly, so you might even consider picking this bag up in multiple styles.
The bag features a main zippered compartment divided into two areas by a zipper pocket, four front zippered pockets ideal for storing your phone, keys, cards, and other important items, two stretchy side pockets for bottles, two flat pockets perfect for smaller items, and a back zippered pocket that’s just the right size for a small tablet. The lightweight nylon fabric can be easily wiped down for spot cleaning, but it’s also machine washable.
This petite powerhouse can definitely double as a diaper bag, but we’d strongly advise against overpacking — it’s probably best for singleton moms.
What we love
- It's small, but highly durable and machine washable
- There are plenty of compartments for keeping things sorted
- It's the perfect bag or travel purse for moms of older toddlers who don't need much
Watch for
- It's not really ideal as a diaper bag for multiple toddlers
Cutest purse for moms
Our opinion
Material: Polyester
Size: 11.25″ x 4″ x 11.75″
Weight: 12.8 oz.
If your tot’s tablet is one of their on-the-go must haves, the OGIO Brooklyn Purse (check price on eBay) provides a place to keep it safely stashed — a fully padded, zippered compartment compatible with iPads, e-readers, and other similar electronics. It also has a fully padded base, adding structure and going the extra mile to protect its contents.
There’s also two large main compartments and a large interior zip pocket, so there’s room for a few toddler basics — a diaper or two, a small pack of wipes, and a snack — plus a discrete, secure space for your items. It’s a great purse for moms of older toddlers who don’t need to carry as much, because it cuts down on unnecessary bulk but still provides room for what they’ll need on the run.
The fun, modern style of the stylish bag includes an asymmetrical button-up flap, which neatly conceals the zippered security pocket. The wide strap, which makes wearing more comfortable, can be worn cross-body or used to carry the purse as a shoulder bag.
What we love
- It's great for bringing along a tablet, as there's a padded, zippered pouch
- It's ideal for moms of older toddlers, because there's just enough room for a couple basics
Watch for
- It's definitely not designed to be a real diaper bag dupe, especially for multiple small children
For pink loving mamas
Our opinion
Material: Vegan leather
Size: 13″ x 9.25″ x 18.25″
Weight: 1.68 lbs.
Style and substance are both on offer with the Skip Hop Diaper Backpack (check price on Walmart), which is made of beautiful vegan leather that easily wipes clean. The purse, which can easily be strapped to your stroller for easy carrying, features trendy tassel accents like those often seen on a designer purse.
Available in multiple colors, the classy backpack features a total of nine pockets, including the large, zippered main compartment and front and size zip pockets. The adjustable straps make it easy to carry comfortably, and a top handle allows you to carry the backpack as a traditional purse if desired.
A special pocket inside the backpack offers easy access to its included changing pad, but can also double as safe storage for laptops and tablets up to 15″. The purse’s side pocket is ideal for storing their sippy cup or your water bottle.
What we love
- It's chic and stylish but has plenty of room to spare, with interior and exterior pockets
- It has a storage pocket that can accommodate electronics up to 15"
Watch for
- It has fewer inner compartments for organization than other backpacks on our list
Final verdict
After careful review, our top pick of the best purses for moms with toddlers is the mommore Tote (check price on Amazon), which eschews the look and bulk of a diaper bag for a classy, space-efficient black tote that’s stylish all year long. There’s plenty of storage compartments to gear up both you and your tot, and the included changing pad can be a lifesaver in numerous instances.
Honorable mentions go out to the Itzy Ritzy Backpack (check price on Amazon), which feels like a luxury bag and has room (and pockets) to spare, and the Fabuxry Shoulder Handbag (check price on Amazon), which is the ideal minimalist, budget-friendly mom purse for those with older toddlers and boasts tons of style options.
Our trusted parent reviewers
Our reviewer, Natalie Grant, is a mother of three who is a self-acknowledged fashion addict. If she’s not browsing for gorgeous clothes for her children, then she is skillfully searching for herself; something stunning that will survive diaper changes, breastfeeding, and babywearing… all in one day. Natalie has an eye for fashion and non-negotiable high standards for mom-wear.
These top picks were chosen based on functionality, durability, and style. We’ve thoroughly researched customer feedback from real moms who put them through the ‘real life’ test.
FAQs
Do they even make purses for moms with toddlers?
Sort of — but you need to think out the box. There are not many purses especially made for us toddler moms.
Instead, you’ll need to look for a regular diaper bag that looks more like traditional purses, or larger purses for moms on the go. Like you, we have our own personal style, and pink elephants have no place in it — nonetheless, there is no singular mom purse that can please everyone.
This comedy skit gives us a humorous take on how all moms are expected to be alike. Simply put, from our parenting style to our personal style, we’re all different and can’t be put in a box!
What alternative style diaper bags can I get?
If you’re not into traditional diaper bags, consider these alternatives.
- Messenger bag. These bags are similar to a modern briefcase, with a long shoulder strap that goes across the body.
- Tote bags. A tote bag has shorter shoulder straps or hand straps and is worn on one side.
- Backpack bag. Backpacks can be great for offering numerous storage compartments, and a unisex pick can easily be shared between parents or caregivers.
What to look for in a purse or handbag for moms with toddlers?
Old-style diaper bags meant well. They had plenty of room and extra pockets for organizing.
But, their bright, garish prints, while attractive to babies and toddlers, never screamed style. Fortunately, these bags are largely a thing of the past, and modern picks are available in plenty of trendy styles.
After all, motherhood comes with many sacrifices — fashion need not be one!
The best purses for moms with toddlers emphasize the following features:
Pockets
Different compartments are key to organizing your little one’s (or two’s) needs. Personally, I find outer pockets essential for holding my coffee thermos, water bottles, sippy cups, and baby bottles. Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, hydration is a must.
Insulated pouches are useful for keeping food hot or milk cold. I’ve learned that snacks are a must-have no matter how long the outing, as my kids seems to be ravenous as soon as we leave the house. Smaller pockets and pouches are useful for holding medicine, pacifiers, and toys. Larger pouches are handy for diapers, wipes, breast-pump supplies, or formula containers.
Material
Time is of the essence, so it is important to find a bag made of sturdy, easy-to-clean, high quality material. Having lots of room in your bag is great, but not if once loaded, the shoulder strap breaks.
Of course, the best purses for moms with toddlers are ones that clean up easily — kids and kid stuff can be messy, as we well know, and keeping your bag clean shouldn’t be a hassle.
Most bags made of synthetic materials like polyester or nylon are easy to clean but may not be as durable as a genuine leather purse. Likewise, genuine leather bags may need more preventative care like water-proofing but are known to last for ages.
Weight
Your diaper bag is only going to get heavier after you load it up with your baby’s accessories. Choosing a lightweight bag can help you maintain your personal comfort, especially on long outings.
Once fully-loaded, your bag should rest comfortably on your shoulder to prevent strain and discomfort. Look for wider shoulder straps made from a smooth material — thin straps and rough fabrics can dig in and make your shoulder ache when your bag is full. A little padding is a nice touch, too.
Keep in mind that lightweight bags and purses can sometimes lack structure, and that structured picks aren’t always heavy.
Personal items
If you’ve spent more time than you’d like digging through diapers, breast-feeding covers, wipes, and other baby stuff looking for your wallet, a dedicated personal space in your diaper bag is probably important to you. You need enough space for your wallet, cell phone, and keys at the very least, and knowing that they are not trapped in a baby gear abyss at the bottom of your purse is helpful.
Other features
Some other features that might be of interest include stroller straps (sometimes called stroller clips) to attach your bag to your stroller and give your shoulders or back a rest. Or, perhaps you’re sharing your bag with your partner, and a backpack with a unisex design is exactly what you need.
Changing pads are usually included with diaper bags and range in sizes and padding. This is useful when you have to do an emergency diaper change in a not so diaper-changing-friendly spot. You can also purchase one separately to keep on hand if your bag doesn’t offer this convenience.
