Do you need a baby changing bag?

WHAT IS A CHANGING BAG?

Changing bags, also sometimes called a nappy bag, are used to carry all your nappy changing and other baby essentials when you’re out and about.

What are the reasons for buying a changing bag?

Bags specially designed for baby items do often have some useful features. There can include:

• A waterproof lining so that any spills or moisture from bottles, sippy cups, baby food or wet baby clothes can be contained and easily wiped clean.

• A travel changing mat for nappy changes on the go.

• Several pockets and compartments to keep your baby gear organised and easy to find when needed.

• Insulated bottle pockets to keep milk cold or warm.

• Straps that can easily be attached to buggy handles and/or come with a clip to attach it to the pram.

• A baby wipes case.

• A zipped pocket for valuables.

• A water-resistant pocket for dirty reusable nappies and wipes.

What goes in a changing bag?

To give you an idea of how much space you’ll need in a bag, here is a list of baby items that are commonly packed in a changing bag.

1. Everything you use for changing your baby. This will certainly include nappies but could also be a travel changing mat, baby wipes, cotton wool, nappy cream and nappy sacks. If you’re using cloth nappies, you will probably also pack a wet bag for the dirty ones, spare liners and a spare wrap.

2. A change of clothes for your baby in case their nappy leaks or they are sick on themselves.

3. If breastfeeding you may include a muslin or breastfeeding cover and possibly also breast pads and nipple cream.

4. If formula feeding you will need bottles. These could be pre-made and kept in the insulated pocket of your baby or a thermal bottle carrier. Or if making them up on the go, you will need ready-made formula cartons or pre-measured formula milk powder in a suitable container.

5. A flask filled with warm water for cleaning your baby with cotton wool or hot water for making formula milk.

6. Baby bibs.

7. Antibacterial hand gel.

8. When weaning a baby, it might also be necessary to pack a weaning bib, spoon, baby food and a sippy cup.

9. Toys or books to entertain your baby.

10. A spare dummy and/or a dummy steriliser device or wipes.

11. Snacks for you.

12. A baby first aid kit.

This seems like a lot of stuff but it will be down to personal preference what you pack and some of it can be put under the buggy or left in the car.

SO ARE CHANGING BAGS ACTUALLY NECESSARY?

No. You can easily live without having to buy a specifically designed changing bag. If you are on a budget, this is definitely an area where money can be saved. Bear in mind that some prams come with their own changing bag so get that before deciding to invest in one.

What are the alternatives?

I never bought one and just used an old canvas rucksack with my son. The only downsides were that it wasn’t waterproof and a bottle of milk once leaked over a church playgroup cushion and also the lack of compartments. Everything was just jumbled together in my bag meaning a lot of rummaging around which was sometimes frustrating. It is possible to buy organising inserts to place inside a standard bag, which is what I probably should have done. Some like to use a large wash bag for their changing items.

I did also need to buy a travel changing mat. An extra-large muslin is a decent, albeit not as comfortable, alternative.

Or you can get baby changing clutches which fold out into travel changing mats but also have a small amount of storage for your changing essentials.

The best baby changing clutches

Skip Hop Pronto mini changer

This wipe-clean cutch can be strapped to the wrist, attached to a buggy or popped in your usual bag and opens out into a changing mat which is cushioned at one end for the baby’s head.

There is a wipes case and a meshed pocket inside that can hold up to four nappies and other changing essentials. The zipped front pocket is useful for securing essentials like your phone, money and keys.

Leadstar portable nappy changing mat

This one is good value for money and has two storage pockets, a head pillow and a detachable carry handle. It’s waterproof and wipe clean.

THE BEST CHANGING BAGS (WHICH DON’T LOOK LIKE CHANGING BAGS)

Despite the extra cost, changing bags are still a very popular purchase. 78% of the experts and panel of 132 new parents recommended buying a dedicated changing bag. Click below for everything else they suggested.

Everything you might need for a newborn - in order of necessity

If you do decide to get one, you can justify the extra cost by buying something that will outlive your baby changing days and can be used as a nice-looking bag for many years to come.

Here are seven of the best.

This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:

• Consumer reviews

• Best-seller lists 

• Recommendations from industry experts

• Award-winning products

• Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.

The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 6 January 2024. 

If you buy through a link, we may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.