Best Lightweight Diaper Bag

I’ve been on the lookout for the best lightweight diaper bag I could find that would still be practical for daily activities with small kids.

And my friends – This bag is a game-changer!

The KAVU Rope Bag Cotton Shoulder Sling Backpack is fantastic!

You guys I love this little bag.

Since having 3 kids – which, I may have mentioned, is an unwieldy number of children to raise – I’ve been through my fair share of diaper bags.

Most have been too cumbersome.

I mean let’s face it, my children are also cumbersome, so no need to double down on that with a bulky bag.

If you want a lightweight diaper bag, look no further.

The KAVU Sling Backpack isn’t marketed as a diaper bag – in fact it’s the #1 seller in Hiking Daypacks. But I’m telling you, if you like to travel light but still have to have the basics available for your kids – this bag is awesome.

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It’s become my everyday bag, my diaper bag, my date night bag (Note: it should not really be a date night bag. I assume you have higher standards for yourself in this area than I do).

But for daily use with kids – running errands, out at the park, playdates, farms (the need to be around so many barnyard animals as soon as you have kids has always confounded me, but nonetheless…) this bag works great.

Here’s what I pack in my diaper bag on a daily basis:

• Diapers for a toddler (x2) and a baby (x2)
• Bottle (the bag can easily accommodate 2 bottles)
• Pack of Wipes
• Change of clothes for diaper blowouts
• Wallet
• Cell Phone + Ear Buds
• Keys
• Spit up cloths
• Bibs
• Snacks for the kids
• Emergency kit

Lest you think that my level of disaster preparedness is higher than it actually is, it should be noted that my “emergency kit” consists of bandaids, lip balm, and Tylenol. I think the little Red Cross on my kit makes me feel especially hard core here.

Here’s what I love about this bag:

Over the shoulder diaper bag

This is an over the shoulder diaper bag. It stays out of my way even when I’m carrying the baby in the baby carrier, chasing my toddler, etc.

On the KAVU bags the straps are adjustable and the bag fits right up against your body, not flapping all around in the breeze.*

*If you live in a very very un-windy area you might be like, “this doesn’t apply to me!” Which may be true. Not everything can apply to everyone. Also I’m not actually talking about a real breeze, so this probably does still apply to you.

Easier than Backpacks or Messenger Bags

Backpack style bags can also work well, but this is by far the least obtrusive diaper bag I’ve used. Also, I like to carry my baby in an Ergo in the back carry position, which precludes using a backpack carrier (but which is totally fine with the KAVU). I can also have my baby using the front carry position for my carrier and still wear this bag, no problem.

The “Messenger” style diaper bags with the longer straps have always been very impractical for me. They seemed like a good idea when I was pregnant, but as soon as I was actually trying to manage my kids I found that they fell forward too easily and were just too bulky.

Perfect size for errands and small outings

If you’re going on a major outing with kids you may want something bigger. But for everyday activities like grocery shopping, walks, parks, the mall, whatever – this is the perfect size.

Works just as well as a “purse” as a diaper bag

I mentioned that my standards are lax here. So, if you’re a Prada kind of girl this may not be a good purse for you!

But this bag is super practical even without the kids – I can easily fit all my own daily items plus a book and go to appointments or whatnot.

I’m a “good enough!” type of girl when it comes to fashion and for me the combo of comfort and cute patterns is enough to make me happy.

Did I mention the patterns? Ahhh yes….

Tons of cute patterns and colors

And when I say there are “tons” I mean it – There are OVER 100 patterns and colors to choose from! It’s an embarrassment of riches really, like Vegas buffets.

Very high quality fabric at a reasonable price

I love the feel of the bag – it’s not at all flimsy, and it’s clearly really well made. I’ve been using it heavily for a few months but I can tell I’ll get years out of this no problem.

Plus, it’s significantly less expensive than some of the other diaper bags I’ve used (I’m looking at you Petunia Pickle Bottom!)

Easy to take on and off

This is key. As we all know, doing anything with small children can be….challenging. No need to add to the challenge with our gear!

I can very easily toss this on and off, flip it around to grab my wallet, etc.

There is a nice sturdy buckle which you could undo to take the bag off, but personally I just take it off and put it on over my head.

Pockets

The Kavu has two main compartments (one of which contains an internal zip pocket), plus two front pockets. The front pockets can easily accommodate a phone, keys, etc.

I tend to get disorganized with my bags, and this is especially true when there’s one giant compartment. Having a few smaller pockets is very useful.

I’ve been using one side of the bag for diapers and wipes, and the other side’s compartment for my personal stuff plus extra clothes and wipes, snacks, etc.

I don’t carry a changing pad with me anymore. With baby #1 I did. Less so with baby #2. And not at all with baby #3. I find that a thin Aden and Anais blanket (or similar) works fine as long as you don’t mind washing it a lot! And to be honest usually I don’t even carry that with me.

I’ll just say that standards really relax by child #3.

KAVU Makes Lots of Styles of Bags

I have two neighbors who have different style KAVU bags and I love them! But they wouldn’t work for diaper bags, so not really the point of this post.

But in case you’re just looking for a cute little “life” bag, here you go. Again there are approximately 8,000 colors to choose from, so have at it.

Conclusion

I would highly recommend the KAVU bags if you’re looking for a practical, cute, lightweight diaper bag.

It’s easy to use, good quality, and I love the fact that it’s an over the shoulder diaper bag.

This is perfect for regular daily activities with kids, but it would also be good to have a larger bag available if you’re going on a major excursion and need to pack lunches, water bottles, and other extra baby gear.

Overall – this bag is my favorite new “mom” item, and an excellent choice for the best lightweight diaper bag around.

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