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Best Travel Bags For Moms 2023

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I’ve gone through a few travel bags, baby changing/diaper bags and carry on bags at various stages of flying with a baby, flying with a toddler and now flying with a 3 year old and 6 year old.

Here is my round up up of the best travel bags for Mums; including the best carry on bag for moms for the various stages of travelling or flying with kids.

Moms have a lot to think about every day, let alone when that day involves traveling. Between coordinating carpools and trying to keep everyone’s schedule straight, the last thing any mom wants to worry about is what to pack in her (and everyone else’s) suitcase. 

However, with a little bit of careful planning, packing for a family trip can be a breeze. To help take some of the guesswork and stress out of packing for your next vacation, at Flying with a Baby, we’ve put together a list of nine of the best bags for moms who travel frequently.

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What Moms Need to Consider When Picking a Travel Bag

Every mom should consider a few key factors when choosing a travel bag. First and foremost, it’s important to pick a bag that is large enough to fit everything you need but not so large that it becomes cumbersome to carry. 

Look for travel bags with multiple compartments and pockets: this will help you to stay organized and easily find what you need when you need it. However, too many can actually be a hindrance as then you forget which pocket you have put stuff in!

Wheels can also be a preferred feature, particularly when traveling with young kids if you have heavy items or need more storage. Backpacks are better to keep your hands free.

Lastly, just because a mom depends on convenience doesn’t mean style should be left out of the equation. If you’re someone who likes to be fashion-forward, even when you’re on vacation, look for a bag that is both stylish and practical.

Best Baby Changing Bag/Diaper Bag for Travel

The best diaper bags for travel are ones that are:

  • Easy to Clean – The amount of times diaper cream, bottle leaks, crumbled snacks and that special stick or leaf that gets put into your bag, you need it to be easy to clean.
  • Durable
  • Practical
  • Have Insulated compartments
  • Easy to carry and comfortable too.

Our favourite baby diaper bag is the: Hap Tim Diaper Backpack – with ample storage, ability to attach to a stroller or luggage, and insulated pockets, side opening for wipes, it’s a winner.

Best Travel Bag for moms with Toddlers

When looking for the best travel bag when you have toddlers – you are likely going to be moving fast when chasing after them and constantly moving them in and out of strollers.

A backpack generally makes more sense for this stage, but one that easily clip to your strollers for easy access. You many not need quite as much stuff as you did when you needed a baby diaper bag but remember items you will need, will be larger. Larger diapers, change of clothes, bottles, toys etc.

If you prefer a more classic purse or bag style then other options include messenger bags, tote bags, and convertible bags. A convertible handbag is a bag that can be easily change from one style of bag to another – giving you multiple options depending on its use at the time. In my experience, totes are not ideal for toddler as they do tend to come off your shoulder unless you have an option for a cross body strap.

Below, we’ll compare and contrast eight of our very favorite bags for moms in terms of their price, materials, and features. From diaper bags to traditional backpacks and totes we share the most useful ones below:

BrandImagePriceConvenience FeaturesWeight/Materials
Hap Tim Diaper Backpack$$side pocket opening for easy access to tissues and wipes1.9 lbs /17.32 x 7.87 x 12.99 inches
Osprey Daylight bag$$Fits 15” laptop or tablet. Dual water bottle side mesh pockets with
front pocket with organization and key clip.
1.3lbs/ 11.02 x 18.9 x 9.45 inches
JuJube Convertible Bag$$$Backpack, messenger bag, with a grab handle, insulated pockets, strollers straps and a crumb drain!/14″ W x 12″ H x 6.5″ D
RUVALINO Multifunction Travel Backpack$$Waterproof diaper bag with organizational pockets, laptop sleeve, and insulated bottle pockets‎1.78lb/ Outer and Lining are 100% water-resistant polyester.
Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 5 18″ Lightweight Carry-on Under Seat Tote$$$This tote-style bag comes with a convenient shoulder and rear strap for carrying or stacking and a water-repellant dura guard coating1.6 pounds/ 100% Polyester
Jiefeike Diaper Bag Backpack$$A convenient backpack-style bag, this product can replace your current diaper bag. Waterproof pockets and included USB charging ports add convenience when traveling.‎2.16 pounds/ Waterproof fabric
Pipi Bear Diaper Bag Backpack$$A mini-style backpack diaper bag perfect for days out. This bag features 15 pockets for organization and a reinforced, waterproof bottom.1.54 pounds/ High-quality jacquard fabric
Qualyphant Diaper Bag Backpack$$This spacious diaper bag backpack is perfect for moms with multiple children. It features 23 pockets and includes a changing pad and wide, padded straps.‎2.73 pounds/ Waterproof oxford fabric and nylon lining
Mia Tui Jennie $$Stylish and doesn’t look like a ‘mom bag’. Pockets that come with their own accessory bags, clips for your keys, insulated bottle holders, and phone & pen pockets. Pockets are big enough for iPad, Kindles and Tablets. Comes with a cross body strap.W40cm, D15cm, H28cm

Each of these bags offers something unique for mothers. When choosing a travel bag, you want to consider what will work best for you and your family’s needs. Let’s look at each option in depth to help you find the perfect bag for your next vacation.

Best Travel Bags For Moms

Best Travel Bags For Moms

Mia Tui Tote bag
Mia Tui Tote

9. Best Tote Bags For Moms – Mia Tui Jennie bag

The Mia Tui Jennie travel bag was given to me to trial and provide honest feedback on. Hand on heart, I LOVE it and I know you will too. I used it first on a trip to Tuscany  when I was travelling kiddie free. I opted for the Jennie rather than the identical looking but slightly smaller Mini Jen due to me anticipating I will need a good size bag to pile a lot of kids rubbish important stones, twigs and shells.

 best travel bags for moms

However, for this trip I needed a travel bag which could fit my laptop in, chargers, power pack a bottle of water, a notepad, cardigan in and some travel documents. This all fitted in easily, as it would in many other bags – but the beauty of this travel tote bag and why I think it’s the best travel tote for women is because of it very neat storage system.

Never have I been so organised! A clear plastic bag to fit the 100ml max bottles in, an elastic tag to attach my keys too, a pen holder, compartments for my passport and insulated bottle holders.

Also included is a shoulder strap turning the Jennie into a great shoulder bag for travel. There is still more too! A small bag is included which can be used as clutch or a smaller shoulder bag should you need it.

Last but not least, the Jennie bag and Mini Jen have a pocket on the back that fits over the handle of your suitcase.

Inside the bag you have pockets that come with their own accessory bags, there are clips for your keys, insulated bottle holders, and phone & pen pockets. Pockets are big enough for iPad, Kindles and Tablets.

Since returning from Tuscany, I have used the bag daily because it does fit everything I need for the kids too. Having the option to use it as shoulder bag has proved very handy whilst walking the dog and occasionally having to carry my 3 year old.

The Mini Jen is almost exactly the same, but slightly smaller and with only 1 insulated pocket for bottles. Made in ultra soft faux-leather, with a bright water-proof interior it’s also a vegan travel bag. I love it and have taken it on every trip since for 5 years and it’s still going strong!

Measurements

Jennie W40cm, D15cm, H28cm

Mini Jen  W35cm, D14cm, H29cm

 best travel bags for moms, osprey backpack
Best Back Pack For Hand Luggage?

I don’t think there is such a thing a bad back pack or rucksack for hand luggage, unless it’s made of poor quality materials. For me, it’s all about the organisation and comfort. For our family holiday to Orlando, and our family holiday to Krabi and Koh Jum, Thailand I used a back pack for ease. Knowing we were travelling around a bit meant keeping my hands free was a priority.

We bought an Osprey Celeste, which has so many compartments (many zipped), 2 bottles holders and various clips, which made it very organised. The padded straps made it comfortable to lug around and I found it very sturdy. ( I put SO much in it!). Its size fits within US and European airline limits for a personal carry-on item. However, this is no longer made, so an updated version is the Osprey Daylight bag which some even use as a diaper bag. With lots of pockets, it’s easy to fit the kids travel gear inside, as well as yours!

Final Thoughts

There you have it! The best travel bags for moms are based on our durability, organization, comfort, and style criteria. When it comes to finding what works as a mom, it really depends on what you’ll be using your bag for.  

If you’re looking for something specific as a diaper bag, any of the above will make an excellent choice. If you’re looking for more of a general travel bag that can double as a diaper bag, the RUVALINO Multifunction Travel Backpack or the Travelpro Luggage Maxlite would be ideal. 

Have you a travel bag for mums or a best travel bag for women recommendation? Please do let me know why it’s great for travel.

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Best Travel Bags For Mums.best travel bags for moms. I've gone through a few travel bags, baby changing bags & carry on's at various stages of flying with a baby, flying with a toddler and now flying with a 3 year old & 6 year old. Here is my round up up of the best travel bags for Mums for the various stages of travelling or flying with kids. includes the Best Travel Tote For Women & Best Back Pack For Hand Luggage #travelbag #traveltote #travelgear #besttravelbag #miatui #osprey #diaperbag

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14 + 16 =

Laura

Thursday 9th of January 2020

What would be the best style of bag to bring as a carry on? Travelling solo with a baby from Canada to Australia and wondering what would be the best style of bag to bring and easily access everything we might need for entertaining/feeding/changing etc. My husband thinks the rolling, clamshell styler opening bag won’t be practical for getting at what I need. Thanks

Carrie Bradley

Tuesday 28th of January 2020

I think a backpack if travelling solo, to help keep your arms free.

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