If you’re in the market for a new diaper bag, it can be helpful to focus on the key features that will make your experience much more enjoyable and stress-free. By focusing on quality and functionality, you’ll be able to shop with confidence and enjoy life with your little one all the more. Here are three diaper bag features to consider when wondering what to look for when buying a diaper bag– hopefully, you’ll find one or two things on this list that will make all the difference!

Front Panel Access

A diaper bag is not a purse; you’ll be using it quickly and often to find everything you need in a jiffy. With that in mind, having front panel access (or at least an easy-access exterior pocket) is essential. In many cases, your fingers will act as a scanner across multiple pockets before they land on what they’re looking for, so think carefully about where those pockets are located. If one of your diaper bag feature must-haves is quick and easy entry and exit, make sure any pockets on your front flap or exterior are super simple to open and close—otherwise, you could lose precious seconds digging through all of them just to grab a pacifier or sippy cup

Multiple Carrying Options

The best diaper bags have a few different carrying options. Some offer backpack straps, some messenger bags, and others duffel handles. If you do opt for a backpack-style bag, make sure it has padded shoulder straps and is made of sturdy material to ensure comfort while on the go. Also, look for an easy access pocket that allows you to get items in and out quickly. Finally, consider stroller clips or sling-style baby carrier attachments to wear your diaper bag over your shoulder on busy days when both hands are full!

Enough Space

One of the diaper bag feature must-haves is enough space to carry everything you need. The size of your diaper bag will determine what else you can fit in it, so first check that it can comfortably hold all your essentials before shopping for extra features. For instance, a lot of bags come with stroller straps but you may not actually need or want those features, so evaluate how much they’ll add to your bag and if they’re truly necessary.

Shoulder Strap

What to Look For When Shopping Diaper Bags If you’re expecting a baby, or know someone who is, you might have noticed that diaper bags come in all shapes and sizes. There are so many diaper bag options out there that it can be overwhelming to figure out what you need—and what’s even worth looking at. We asked some moms which features they think are most important when shopping for a diaper bag, and we found that when it comes to shoulder straps, these mamas had their own ideas about how things should work: two straps or one? Wide or thin? One strap over both shoulders or across one shoulder? This of course depends on preference. The majority of seasoned moms prefer a backpack style because the two straps are more comfortable and allow for free hands to carry both baby and bag.

Extra Storage Space

Diaper bags have to be big. You can’t have it be too small or you won’t be able to carry all of your baby’s essentials. You’ll need extra storage space for diapers, wipes, extra clothes, burp cloths, and more. Diapers take up a lot of room so you want a diaper bag that will fit all of your baby essentials comfortably without being too bulky or difficult to carry around daily. If you’re looking for a diaper bag for mom or dad make sure that it’s easy to carry with one hand as well.

It’s important to note that there is no perfect diaper bag, but if you look for certain features and consider your lifestyle needs, it can make a huge difference. If you’re not sure what you need and what questions to ask yourself as you shop around, consult our what to look for the list above. Most importantly? Have fun! A diaper bag should help organize and simplify your life—not complicate it.