Before researching nappy bags, I had this preconception that they still looked like the PVC Velcro one my mum used in the 1980’s. But I’m happy to report nappy bags have come a long way since then. Today you’ll find many options that are both practical and stylish. In fact, to the naked eye most nappy bags just look like your regular designer style handbag. It’s only when you take a peek inside, you’ll see they’ve been designed to make leaving the house with a baby a lot easier!

After surveying thousands of Australian parents about the nappy bags they used, loved and would recommend, we were able to determine the nappy bags you loved most on our BEST OF list here. One nappy bag that ranked highly on this list is the Marlo Backpack by Isoki, which I then tested.

Things to consider when shopping for a nappy bag

Before shopping for your own nappy bag, you should know there are a few styles to choose including tote style, messenger bag and backpack. You can read about them and their differences here. No style is better than the other, it all just comes down to personal preference. A few other questions to ask yourself before purchasing a nappy bag include:

• • • How much stuff will you be carrying and for how many children?

    • Who will be using the nappy bag? Will you be sharing it among yourself and a co-parent and other carers?

    • How long you’ll be carrying the bag? Will it largely just live in the pram basket or will physically be carrying over a long period?

    • How big is your pram basket and how much access does it have?

Key takeaways after testing this product

I found the Marlo Backpack by Isoki was easy to use and a good size for what I needed (disclaimer: I like my nappy bags as small and compact as possible). If you typically carry around everything and the kitchen sink then you’ll have to think carefully when packing this backpack as there isn’t extra room to pack things of the ‘just in case’ variety.

I liked that this backpack also comes with a padded change mat, however, you do lose a bit of room and a pocket because of it.

This bag is also made from PU vegan leather, which I found easy to wipe down and spot clean. The internal lining is also easy to wipe down for those messy spills and accidents (if you’ve got a young bub you’ll know exactly what I am talking about!).

The bag features a variety of external compartments including 2 x open pockets (which you can use for bottles, 1 x larger parent pocket and 1 x small zipped back pocket (designed for a phone or keys). Internally, you’ll find 1 x internal semi-insulated bottle pocket, 2 x internal elasticated open pockets, 1 x internal pouch for the change mat and 1 x internal zipped pouch.
I would have liked at least one additional larger compartment to keep spare clothes separate for nappies and wipes etc. The shoulder straps were quite comfortable but I would generally carry the backpack for shorter periods of time preferring to store it in my pram basket (fits perfectly with plenty of room to spare in the Babybee Rover3).

I used the large front pocket for my own things, such as my phone, wallet, lip balm etc. A separate ‘parent pocket’ is essential in my eyes or you spend forever searching for your keys when you get to the car.

Aesthetically the bag wasn’t really to my tastes and I wasn’t a big fan of the lining but that’s just personal preference. The combination of finishes and fabrics don’t give the feeling of a luxurious designer bag but it does feel well made and good if you’re after a robust everyday baby bag. 

Overall, I would recommend the Marlo Backpack by Isoki for someone who’s  looking for a nappy bag that’s compact and prefers to carry a lighter load when they leave the house with bub.

The Isoki Marlo Baby Backpack was tested by Emily and her daughter Mimi (from 0 to 12 months). Photography by Bri Hammond, produced by The Baby Edit. To find out which nappy bags ranked highest according to the Australian families we surveyed click here.

This is general information only. If you need personal, health, medical or technical advice when it comes to your growing family, please seek out a professional.