6 Best Diaper Bag for Airplane Travel (For ALL Budgets)

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When you’re traveling by plane you’re going to need a diaper bag that has lots of easy access compartments for things like baby bottles, snacks, toys, etc that are easy to get to quickly! Like the Bag Nation Diaper Bag! It’s an important thing to think about before you travel, what diaper bag is best for you and your needs.

Why get a diaper bag?

Don’t just go for the pretty looking bag go for the bag that will be most practical whilst traveling. I found my diaper bag a lifesaver when we traveled, I did a lot of research and chose the one I thought would be most useful and my research paid off.

You may not think you even need a diaper bag and that any old backpack will do but trust me if you want an easier life traveling then invest in a good diaper bag.

The way the bags are designed and set out these days makes life so much easier. My eldest son’s diaper bag (Bag Nation Diaper Bag - Amazon) has been to over 22 countries and was one of the best things I bought for my son whilst traveling.

We will look at everything to do with buying the best diaper bag for your journey, from reviews to airplane regulations on bags, we have it all, so you can buy the best diaper bag for airplane travel.

Let’s get started…

When you are traveling you need your hands free to show passports or hold the little one’s hands through the crowds, therefore, a hands-free diaper bag is pretty essential whilst traveling.

With that in mind, we have picked the best baby diaper bags to make that flight a breeze. Whatever your style or preference you’re sure to find your ideal diaper bag for any vacation.

Criteria for choosing the best diaper backpack

A diaper bag for traveling needs to be handy, you need to know exactly where everything is in that bag. If your child is screaming for a bottle, you need to know what compartment it’s in so you can grab it quickly before upsetting other passengers.

So, I’d always recommend buying a diaper bag with lots of labeled compartments, for example, a diaper and wipes compartment, dummy clip holder and an insulated bottle warmer.

The rules and regulations will vary from airline to airline so always make sure you know what they are for your flight.

Most do not allow a carry on for a baby, but I don’t usually find this a problem as I use the diaper bag as my hand luggage too which is usually minimal compared to my kids.

I have however flown with some airlines (the amazing kid-friendly Emirates) that allow a small 10kg baby bag. If you have booked a seat for your child, then they will be entitled to the full baggage allowance as its classed as full fare.

The size of your diaper bag for airplane travel is an important thing to consider. The average carry-on bag size is 22” x 14” x 9” so make sure you check the dimensions of the diaper bag you are buying so it will fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat, you do not want to be checking that bag trust me!!

Make sure the bag is going to fit all the essentials for a long haul flight. Remember your going to need the following: –

Plus, other bits and bobs. There is a lot to carry and you don’t want something narrow and useless. I’ve seen this many time were the bag is just too narrow so beware of this. Even if you are on a short-haul flight you are still going to need all of the above.

I think it’s really hard to travel light with kids and if you are also using the diaper bag as your hand luggage you’re going to have things like your wallet, travel money and travel documents in there too.

Let’s face it this diaper bag is going to be pretty heavy with all your babies’ essentials inside, so you need to make sure it’s comfortable to carry as you will also be carrying your child at some point too.

I did find it could be a struggle at times having my son on one hip and a bag on the other shoulder.

You need the straps to have a padded area on it for this purpose otherwise they will cut into you. With having a bad back, it’s important that the weight of the bag is equally distributed to avoid further discomfort.

You don’t want a sore back on your travels. Also consider making sure the bag has stroller straps that you can attach easily to your stroller, so you don’t have to carry a bag as well as push a stroller.

When traveling you need to be able to find things quickly!! You will want your diaper bag to have just enough compartments, so you know exactly where you have put stuff.

Some bags have lots of little compartments which can get confusing when you can’t remember which one you put the stuff you need in, so be sure to check out how many compartments your bag has.

It needs to have an easy opening for when you only have one hand, like changing your baby’s nappy whilst holding them on the changing mat with the other or trying to get your passports out at security check whilst holding your baby. An easy zip is essential.

A bag with just enough compartments is a lifesaver especially when your baby starts crying and you need to find their pacifier asap.

Knowing exactly where everything is in your bag is essential. Bags these days have compartments for nappies, wipes, insulated bottle warmer, house key clip, phone holder, etc which all make life that little bit easier whilst traveling.

If you don’t like the idea of having all these compartments, then make sure you check out the bag before buying it.

My friend said her bag had way too many and she could hardly fit anything in each compartment, so it was a waste of money for her, don’t make this mistake.

I know this may sound superficial, but I think the color and material of the bag makes a difference. Remember this bag is going to be placed on the floor, tables and other surfaces where it will get dirty.

My last bag was light grey fabric and it was forever getting dirty so when I bought the same bag this time I opted for the wipe down material, still light colors but I know I can wipe it down and it won’t look filthy.

Also, think about who’s going to be using the bag, a neutral color may be best so both mum and dad can happily wear the bag.

With a baby, the insulated bottle warmer feature can be a lifesaver. It’s in a lot of the diaper bags and it’s something we used a lot whilst traveling and out and about exploring new places.

It was also great for keeping food warm when we were traveling. They can hold their heat for a few hours which is so handy. If you want all the extras lookout for bags with things like dummy clips, key holders, magnetic changing mat, stroller clips, parent compartments.

This may all be too much for some people, but I have used all these compartments in my bag.

If you’re unsure whether you want a backpack, crossover or shoulder bag then maybe you should think about getting a 3 in 1 bag. These bags are great as they cater to every situation and give you the versatility for your travels.

Personally, I find the backpack with stroller straps by far the easiest when traveling, as you’re essentially hands-free which is what you need with kids.

Always check that your diaper bag comes with stroller straps or hooks. This is a life-saver when traveling, it allows you to get off the plane and attach your bag to the stroller and be on your way.

If your baby needs anything it also makes finding items really easy as you don’t have to reach around or get your partner to go routing.

Something so simple, yet so effective!

It’s always great to find a good bargain, but don’t always go for the cheapest. Sometimes it’s worth spending that little bit more and getting something that will last you.

Even more so when traveling, you’re putting your diaper bag in the overhead, putting it through security and not to mention it comes everywhere with you. They are prone to get bashed about.

Therefore, your diaper backpack should be made with the best quality materials. If you do find a bargain, always read the reviews and do your research.

I would say, get a bag with a large storage compartment and lots of pockets so you can bring all the baby essentials on your travels.

I would also recommend a multifunctional diaper bag, this will give you the flexibility for any occasion. You can get 3-in-1’s, so they can be a backpack, a diaper tote or hand straps to carry.

Traveling with kids can be tough, especially if you’re on a long haul flight, so finding the perfect bag is very important. You’ll want to get a bag made of the highest quality materials so it will survive all your trips to come not just one!

In summary look for:

• Large capacity storage compartment
• Lots of pockets
• Insulated bottle warmers
• High quality materials made to last.

So, that was my top 5 diaper bags for airplane travel, I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this post, if so please share with your friends and family!