Confession: I carried my 3-year-old's gear around in a canvas tote bag for most of his life (yes, even since he was a baby), the result of my dissatisfaction with ugly, bulky diaper bags pushed to an extreme.

Of course, there's no reason I — or you — should suffer this way. There are plenty of non–diaper bag, non–"mom bag" options our there that work incredible well as bags for moms.

mz wallace sutton mom bag — Here's a peek at my favorite MZ Wallace Sutton Bag in action (this bag comes with a crossbody strap).

Bags for Moms

The very best bags for moms combine style and functionality in a way that perfectly and serendipitously fit the needs of moms (and caregivers) everywhere. Said another way, more often than not, these bags weren't specifically designed as "mom bags." And that, ironically, is what makes them the ultimate bags for moms.

Thinking back, I've always carried a "mom bag" in the sense that lurking inside was Mary Poppins–level crazy. Pre-kids, you could open up my bag and be sure to find much more than just your basic essentials, like keys, wallet, phone. In my bag, you'd also find a water bottle, cardigan (always), concealer and blush, mirror, hand sanitizer (even pre-Covid), snacks, hair bands, bobby pins, loose coins, and much more.

Now that I've birthed a child and have become an actual mom, I'm carrying around more gear than ever.

The quest for the perfect mom bag

I realized I had to make a change one day when I opened my canvas tote to find a leaking sippy cup nestled next to my smart phone AND an errant toddler-sized sock encrusted with liquified chocolate caramel cookie bits. Something had to give.

In my research for the best bags for moms, I came across the mom bag of dreams. It has multiple compartments for both my son's things and my own, including a flexible pouch in which I can put a slim case for wipes as well as extra diapers (when he still wore them). This thing can even fit my laptop. AND it's super stylish.

Mom Bag vs Diaper Dag

Mom bags and diaper bags share a lot of similarities. Namely, they're used to carry our kids' STUFF. And golly can there be a lot of stuff.

But a diaper bag is a bag that has been specifically designed to hold all the essentials a parent or caregiver might need while out and about with a baby or toddler. They therefore tend to be large enough (read: massive) to accommodate multiple diapers, a changing mat, snacks, bottles, extra changes of clothes, and so on.

Cons of a diaper bag

Diaper bags are great for certain occasions, but they can be awkward to carry on everyday errands, like trips to the grocery store. In fact, some are so large, they actually physically cannot fit under the seat of an airplane!

They also tend to also scream "I am a diaper bag" and are less multi-purpose and multi-occasion than a backpack, messenger bag, or tote.

So, do you need a diaper bag?

If you are on the go all day long or if your little one really needs a lot of gear, then it might be a good idea. But I don't believe that anyone truly needs a diaper bag. Save your money for baby essentials.

If your daily routine is more limited, your little one doesn't need much beyond an extra diaper and some wipes, or you've now entered the toddler stage, you can definitely make like work with an alternative type of bag.

A mom bag, on the other hand, is the perfect all-in-one accessory for moms on the go. It has pockets for organizing different type of items as well as space to carry said items, from snacks and toys to medicine and wipes to cosmetics, books, and even your electronics.

Moms bags are more stylish and streamlined than their extra-large counterparts. They are consequently more multi-functional than your typical diaper bag and can be used even when you're not out with your kids. Ultimately, they are chic and more streamlined, allowing you to transition from errands to play, play to work, and beyond.

Bags for Moms: What Should You Look for in a "Non-Mom Bag" Mom Bag?

1. Size.

You’ll need to consider how much you need or want to carry before buying a mom bag. You never way to feel overstuffed, so make sure you’re looking for something comfortable enough no matter what you put in it.

2. Functionality.

Mom bags are meant to be spacious so you can include everything you might possibly need in one place. But space isn't everything, you also want your bag to be functional. More specifically, it should have pockets and compartments that keep everything organized and easily accessible. Also, fabrics and materials that are both durable and waterproof can prove particularly useful.

3. Design.

Think about the actual shape of the bag and how you might want to wear it.

BACKPACKS. A backpack works well for moms who need both hands free at all times. Think: pushing a stroller while also chasing after a toddler.

CROSSBODY or MESSENGER BAGS. Crossbody or messenger bags work great for those moms who like the idea of a backpack but who need or want an easy way to get into their bag without taking it off.

TOTE BAGS. A tote bag (especially one with a handle!), on the other hand, is a good choice for moms who like the look of a more traditional purse and don't mind a little juggling (i.e., from shoulder to shoulder, crook of arm to shoulder, etc.) while also juggling little ones.

I do not not recommend a canvas tote bag for your everyday needs. I've done it, as I've explained, and it's ugly.

Everything is jumbled together, disorganized, and impossible to find. I cannot even begin to count the number of times I've stood at my front door, swearing while rifling through a canvas tote to find my keys, which get easily gobbled up. Also: the material is unforgiving when it comes to leaks AND the straps are not adjustable and can dig into your shoulder.

4. Style.

Make sure you pick a bag that makes you feel like YOU. You want the color, fabric, pattern, and overall look to be something that suits your style and wardrobe and won't leave you feeling awkward or worse... embarrassed.