What to consider when buying a changing bag?

In this article, we answer some of the most common questions about changing bags.

Which changing bag is the best?

The right answer is: The one you’ll keep using over and over again – even as your child grows older. The best changing bag is the one you can imagine using as a weekend bag, for the office, and in all those moments when it becomes more than just a changing bag.


How big should a changing bag be?

It depends a bit on your situation. If you need a changing bag for two children, it’s usually best to go for a larger, more spacious one. You should be able to fit all the essentials: diapers, a portable changing mat, bottle, pacifiers, a baby blanket, wipes, spare clothes, and more. If you’re packing for two, you’ll need to bring double of most things.

The ideal setup is to have one large changing bag and one smaller one. The small bag is perfect for quick errands or shorter walks, while the large one can fit everything you need for a full day out.

What to pack in your changing bag?

What you bring will depend a bit on your personal needs, but we recommend always having these essentials:

For diaper changes

  • Diapers – at least 3–5 (depending on how long you’ll be out).
  • Baby wipes – mild and unscented.
  • Diaper cream or ointment.
  • Changing mat – a must for quick changes on the go. All Elodie changing bags include one, but you can also get a portable version with washable towels, super practical.
  • Plastic bag or wet bag – for dirty clothes or used diapers.

For the baby

  • Spare clothes – bodysuit, pants, socks (preferably in a plastic bag).
  • Hat or sun hat – depending on the weather.
  • Baby blanket or swaddle – for warmth, shade, or comfort.
  • Bib and small towel.
  • Pacifiers and pacifier clip.
  • Bottle / water – for bottle-feeding or if needed.
  • Baby food, snacks or fruit – depending on age.

For yourself

  • Phone, keys & wallet.
  • Hand sanitizer.
  • Lip balm / hand cream.
  • Water bottle or coffee thermos (many bags have a thermo pocket).

Extra tips

  • Use small pouches to keep things organized (e.g., one for hygiene, one for clothes, one for food).
  • Repack your bag every evening so it’s always ready to go.
  • Adapt the contents to the season (e.g., sunscreen in summer, extra mittens in winter).
     


Why do you need a changing bag?

Do you really need a changing bag? We’d say YES. Everyday life becomes so much easier when you invest in a good one – and you’ll thank yourself later! The main purpose of a changing bag is to keep all your essentials within arm’s reach, always ready when you need them. A well-designed changing bag has features and details you simply won’t find in a regular bag – like easy-access pockets, insulated bottle holders, a changing mat, and stroller attachments. All those little things make life as a parent so much smoother.

In short, you need a changing bag because it helps you stay organized when everything else feels like chaos.

Changing Bag or Stroller Organizer?

An organizer holds all the essentials. Unlike many similar products, Elodie’s Organizer can be fully closed with a high-quality zipper, giving it a neat and stylish appearance. Inside the lid, there’s a small loop that makes it easy to hang the organizer on a hook – practical and more hygienic when you need quick access to what’s inside. It features four smaller compartments inside and two discreet outer pockets for your phone, keys, or wallet. The organizer is perfect when you only want to bring the essentials, and a traditional changing bag feels too big.

A changing bag, on the other hand, holds much more. It’s what you’ll want when you need to pack extra items like blankets, snacks, toys, spare clothes, or baby outfits. Depending on the season, you might also want to fit rain gear, gloves, or an extra hat.

To sum it up, we’d say the best option is to have both a stroller organizer and a changing bag, that way you can easily switch between them depending on your plans and the day ahead.

Explore Organizers

What to pack in your changing bag for a newborn

With a newborn, your changing bag becomes like a mobile home, it needs to hold everything you might need while you’re out. Here’s a practical checklist of what parents usually pack in a changing bag for a newborn:

For diaper changes

  • Diapers – at least 4–6, newborns need frequent changes!
  • Wet wipes – gentle and unscented.
  • Diaper cream or ointment – to protect your baby’s skin.
  • Changing mat – often included with the bag, otherwise a foldable one.
  • Plastic bag or wet bag – for used diapers or dirty clothes.

For your baby

  • Extra outfits – 1–2 full changes (bodysuit, pants, socks).
  • Blanket or light swaddle – for warmth, shade, or comfort.
  • Hat – even in summer, newborns often need one.
  • Mittens – to prevent face scratches.
  • Bottle – if you’re bottle-feeding.
  • Water – for yourself (and possibly for mixing formula).
  • Pacifiers – bring one or two extra.

Feeding & nursing

  • Nipple shield, nursing pads, or a small towel if you’re breastfeeding.
  • Formula portions if bottle-feeding, plus hot water in a thermos or cold water and a bottle to warm.
  • Small container or bag for used nursing pads.

A great changing bag for a newborn simply includes diapers, clothes, food, warmth, hygiene essentials, and a few parent must-haves. Think “everything you need for a few hours away from home” — and you’ll be ready for anything.


How long do you use a changing bag?

During the first year, you’ll probably use your changing bag almost every day. You’ll need to bring diapers, extra clothes, wipes, bottles, snacks, and plenty more. For most parents, the bag quickly becomes essential for every outing.

As your baby grows, you’ll need to carry less, but the bag still comes in handy. You might not pack as much, but extra clothes, snacks, a bottle or water, and a toy are still good to have with you.

Many modern changing bags are designed to be used well beyond the diaper years – as a weekend bag, gym bag, work bag, or everyday handbag. That means your bag can stay with you for years instead of being tucked away once your child grows up.

In short: most parents use their changing bag actively for 2–3 years, but a well-designed one can last much longer. And if you choose a stylish bag, you’ll probably want to keep using it long after your little one has grown.

So, which changing bag should you choose?

It depends on how many kids you have, how you plan to use it, and your personal preferences. To make it easier, here’s a quick overview of Elodie’s changing bags:

  • Crossbody Changing Bag - A mid-sized bag that fits all your essentials and a little extra. The long strap lets you wear it across your body so you always have your hands free. Easily attaches to your stroller with the included Velcro straps and has plenty of smart pockets and compartments.
  • Soft Shell Changing Bag - Spacious, lightweight, and water-repellent. Perfect for parents who appreciate easy use, care, and storage. Multiple pockets for diapers, wipes, keys, phone, and everything you need on the go.
  • Moon Bag Changing Bag - Our vegan leather Moon Bag combines modern design with practical functionality. Its rounded shape gives it a trendy look, while still offering plenty of space for one or two little ones.
  • Wide Frame Changing Bag - A bestseller! Designed with a sturdy metal frame that keeps the bag wide open for quick and easy access. Smart, practical, and comfortable – perfect for busy days out.
  • Stroller Organizer - Attaches easily to your stroller handle, keeping your essentials close at hand. Compact yet spacious, fully closable with a premium zipper. Inside, you’ll find four smaller pockets and two outer ones for your phone, keys, or wallet.
  • BackPack Changing Bag - The ergonomic choice! A backpack and changing bag in one. Spacious, practical, and stylish – perfect for days when you need to bring a lot. Elodie’s BackPack City keeps your hands free and fits easily on your stroller.
  • Tote Changing Bag - Offers extra space inside and a luxurious look outside. Includes a removable inner bag with compartments, making it versatile and easy to clean. Great for parents who want both style and function.
Explore Changing Bags


Buy now, use forever

The Changing Bags from Elodie are designed to be multifunctional and used on any occasion. Our philosophy is that you shouldn’t need to buy a bag with the only intention of using it as a changing bag. When your baby is grown, you can easily bring our bags to the gym, the office or out for a nice lunch. We love to see our changing bags being reused for a different purpose, or – naturally - for baby number two.

“Every product I develop should have the potential for a second life after its original purpose has been fulfilled. Try to think one step further with every purchase. "Do I want to buy a changing bag that we’ll only use for two years, or do I get the one that will last for 15? What is an environmentally responsible decision?" The other thing is that when you get tired of a product, always ask yourself "what else can this be used for?" or "who else might benefit from this product now?”
– Founder and Creative Director, Linda Sätterström

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