So you’ve already got a purse, plus a car seat-maybe you’re already carrying baby in some sort of apparatus because they don’t want to be IN their car seat-and then there’s the dreaded diaper bag… That doesn’t even include any other little ones you may have in tow.
Wouldn’t it just be nice to have a diaper bag backpack so you can free up some of that arm space? Some mothers prefer to tote around their baby’s stuff this way and find that a diaper bag backpack works much better for them.
I have compared two of the best selling bags, one masculine and one chic, to help you know which you would prefer.
Now I know these two bags are night and day from each other. But they are really the only common options I have found when looking for a backpack version of a diaper bag.
Diaper Back Backpack Options:
Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpacks
(or jump down to the Graco Gotham backpack)
This unique version of any bag for that matter is quite deceptive at first glance. You wouldn’t even think it was a diaper bag at first glance. In fact, if not for the included changing pad, it could certainly work for any function you desire.
Images courtesy of Petunia.com
Many features include:
- backpack straps along with complete shoulder bag strap
- 4 bottle pockets (2 inside and 2 out)
- pacifier pocket
- included changing pad that can zip out from the front of the bag or separate fully
- interior pockets of diapers and wipes
- magnetic snaps to enclose main pocket
You can find a variety of fabric colors, patterns and feel based on where you look. Apparently the fabrics change year to year but you can find more previous patterns still available.
The different fabric types include but aren’t limited to, current as of this review:
Image courtesy of petunia.com
So it matters what fabric pattern you choose to know what type it is as well. The hard part, is if you find an older fabric that’s no longer offered, the seller may not know the exact fabric type-something to watch for.
What Others Think About PPBB Backpacks
The average customer reviews compiled to 4.5/5 stars across about 100 reviews.
Get Your Adorable Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack Diaper Bag
Many of the positive comments I’ve discovered for this bag include:
Image courtesy of Amazon.com
But a few consumers had much different things to say as well:
Image courtesy of Amazon.com
So if chic isn’t quite what you’re looking for, that’s why I have compared a more masculine option.
Graco Gotham Smart Organizer System Backpack Diaper Bag
(or jump up to the Petunia Picklebottom backpack)
Don’t let the word ‘Gotham’ in the name scare you away. It simply refers to the standard black color of the bag. But if you’re a bit of a tougher girl, that might not bother you. 🙂
Appearing like a standard backpack , it actually has more inventive places for diaper necessity storage than you would think.
Images courtesy of Amazon.com
This backpack has many great features:
- comfortably padded back and straps
- wipes case dispenser for immediate access
- changing pad included
- many separate storage pockets for smaller items
- light weight and breathable
- insulated cooler lined pocket for baby’s bottle
It is a more practical setup for you and your baby’s needs when it simply comes to comfort.
What Others Are Saying About Graco’s Gotham Backpack
Over the spread of 40 reviews I personally found, ratings vary from 1 to 5 stars, but average at 4.5/5 stars total.
Enjoy Your New Graco Gotham Backpack Diaper Bag
Many positive reviews I read include:
Image courtesy of Amazon.com
But there are a few that still weren’t fully happy with their purchase:
Image courtesy of Amazon.com
In any case, it seems that comfort and ease of use stands out with the Graco Gotham bag over design and chic styling.
Pros & Cons
Both of these backpack diaper bags have their own gems and flaws, plus aren’t perfectly comparable. But in a world where mothers are bombarded with so much advertising for their babies and options seem to vary completely towards both ends of the scale, such a comparison may be warranted.
Here’s what I have found to be the key items for consideration between these two bags:
| Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy | Graco Gotham | |
| Straps | loose adjustable, back or shoulder | padded wide shoulder |
| Weight | 3.2 pounds | 2 pounds |
| Size | 17 to 13″ x 13″ x 5″ | 18″ x 15″ x 5″ |
| Storage | standard | standard plus insulated |
| Ease of Use |  |
|
| Comfort | |
|
| Price | varies depending upon model, $110-$210 | $30-$45 |
| Rating |  |
The major factors that stick out in my review for the Petunia bag is that, yes, it is cute looking and stylish. It suits all the necessary needs to carrying your baby’s items. But when it comes to comfort, it is lacking. There’s is also greater consideration needed for price.
For the Graco-All the necessities are there, plus a little bit more beyond the Petunia bag. But there is the sacrifice of style and the lower price may be a concern for quality to you.
It comes down to what you prefer and can afford.
Conclusion
My choice would be on the Graco Gotham diaper bag because of the comfort. The insulated pocket isn’t that much of a big deal to me because if I know I’m going to be traveling somewhere long enough that I have to worry about milk going warm, I’m going to bring a separate insulated pack with ice anyway.
When you’re toting a baby around and everything else you may have with you, comfort is more important to me than looking nice.
One the other hand, YES I think the Petunia bags are adorable. Yes, I think they are a great product. If I received one as I gift I would certainly use it and enjoy it. And you may never have a negative experience with the Petunia.
Statistically, it’s positive experiences for consumers is greater than the Graco simply because of the sample size of reviews. But don’t let simple math make your decision for you.
Many mothers have no problem with the types of straps on their bags affecting how they feel overall. We have SO many types of bags varying in all shapes and sizes and weights-skinny straps, wide straps, padded or not. So I would not throw away the notion to enjoy the Petunia bag if you know that this may not be an issue for you.
I have links right here sending you directly to the best place to purchase either bag and I hope you enjoy them!
Get Your Adorable Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack Diaper Bag
or
Enjoy Your New Graco Gotham Backpack Diaper Bag
Are there any other backpacks or diaper bags you have used that you love? I got a hand-me-down gifted bag from a cousin that I don’t particularly like, but I make do with it because it meets our needs just fine.
Happy backpacking with baby!
Ana Crish says
Hi!! I love traveling So when I’m out I neded to find a good diaper bag to make running easier and less stressful for all of us.this is also very stylish. thanks.
So fun, Ana!
Ana Crish says
I have a 3 months baby. To read this review I choice best exersaucer for my baby. It is really a helpful review for parents. I will share this with my friends.
Nakisha William says
I personally prefer the Graco Gotham backpack Diaper Bag. Because It is easy to carry for comfortable padded straps and less weight than others diapers bags. Its durability is better than others bag as I am using more than 2 years. Thanks for reviewed this bag.
That’s awesome, Nakisha! I wish I had had a back back diaper bag years ago!
I miss the days when I could take a baby and a diaper bag to the movies. We could fit enough food in that diaper bag to feed the whole family, a lot cheaper than buying $6 hot dogs from the theater.
But the kids are almost 30 years old now, so no more diaper bags. 🙁
Gary
share-a-like.com
That’s funny! Maybe when some grandkids come along you’ll get to have the same experiences over again. 🙂 Thanks, Gary.
Lis says
Hi Sarah, my niece recently gave birth to her second daughter who is so adorable and cute, but I am bias :). Anyway, she has been taking about getting a backpack for the baby things. I thought she was crazy but having seen this review I see what she has been talking about.
I really like the PPB but how do they justify the price? The Graco is practical but my niece loves her fashion and I feel this one will be just a little too dull for her tastes. Based on the price of the Graco, I will see if I can persuade her to have that one with a view of maybe getting the other one later on. Fingers crossed :).
Lis.
Honestly, how does anyone justify spending ridiculous amounts of money on things simply because they’re fashionable? If people can afford it and it’s their standard way of living, then I support consumerism. But many of us aren’t in that situation.
Maybe you could help her decorate the Graco bag with fabric decor. My sister once had this plain black backpack that she decorated with fabric paints and little rhinestones. And it was really cute!
Anyway, I feel for you. I’m sure that your neice will appreciate any gift that you lovinging bestow. You could even find comparable bags next to the Graco even through my link in the suggesetions at the bottom of the Amazon shopping page.
Best of luck! Thanks, Lis.
Lis says
Yeah, the next generation are hard work :).
I never thought of decorating the bag to make it even more personalised, that is a brilliant idea.
Thank you for that.
Lis.
You’re welcome Lis! Let me know how things turn out. Best!
Jason says
Wow the first one is pretty awesome the way the changing mat folds out. Some of those public toilets are nasty place and their changing unit doesn’t leave much to be desired either so this is just perfect. Price on the other hand is something I think is way too much, Wow I didn’t expect Graco to come in so cheap on this, it doesn’t have the same cool features but hey at that price it is sure a winner.
Almost all of my baby items are Graco brand products and I haven’t had any major qualms with them. Sure they may not be the latest and greatest, or even the most stylish. But they function, work just fine and I haven’t had any break or disappoint me. That’s why the price doesn’t bother me because I know they’re quality still.
Thanks for your comment, Jason!
viljoen says
Hi Sarah.
Great post. The Graco bag is my favourite one. Does these bags have foil to keep the milk cold?
Yes, the side pocket on the Graco is lined for keeping a bottle insulated. But the Boxy bag does not. Great question!
My sister recently had a daughter. These bags seem to be ideal for maximizing convenience. I will differently link her to this page!
Every little bit helps. I look forward to hearing from your sister if she needs anything at all. Thanks, Adam!
Lacy says
I love your site. It is very inviting and well organized. I am so indecisive so I can tell you that I love all of the PPBBs. LOL Overall, I love the idea of a backpack for me instead of a traditional bag.
Thank Lacy! Now you know where to go to get the best ones.
Colin says
Hi Sarah
That’s a big difference in price - I know Graco name from the buggy we bought our now 12 year old when she was a tot. Generally their products are cheap and the quality is good and sturdy.
I agree Colin. As I was telling Jason earlier, most all of my baby products are Graco and I’ve been quite satisfied with them.
kitty clark says
Hey Sara, I had all three of my children naturally also. I felt that they should enter this world drug free. When I found out that any drug I was given to ease my labor pains, my baby also got some too. So I opted to spare them the drugs, It wasn’t bad at all. Not knowing what it’s like any other way, I can’t say which is better, But I do know, I was up and taking a shower less than an hour after birth while the medicated moms couldn’t move for many hours after birth. I was also active and healed very fast as opposed to the other moms who had a hard time walking and getting around. Yes, natural is the way, if for anything, the health of your new baby, and yourself. Great site. Good information for new moms and moms to be.
I appreciate your story Kitty. That’s great that you recovered well and had a good experience. Thanks so much!
Tavis says
Hey Sarah, I think I like the gotham best it doesn’t show dirt as easily, and to me I think it would be a lot more versatile, great reviews.
I didn’t think about them getting dirty. But you’re quite right, Tavis. Thanks for mentioning that!
Hi Sharon from wealthy affiliate, i love your site and if I was to have babies again, which is highly unlikely lol, I’d definitely come back…Your site is thorough, appears very exciting and is appealing to both genders. Well done!
Thanks Sharon! Feel free to share with anyone who may be.
Vera says
Hi Sarah, this is a great comparison of the two backpacks, I like the first one, think it´s much better to use such a backpack to free up some of that arm space than using other bags and no hands free!
Absolutely. Even when it comes to purses, I don’t want one that I have to hold much with my arms or hands. Makes the world much easier to live in at times. 🙂 Thanks, Vera!
sebastien boisvert says
As a father of 3 always going out with the kids, the Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpacks is what I’ll go for because of the built-in changing pad and storage features.
Thanks for your point of view as a father, Sebastien. I always love hearing from the dads because you bring a great perspective. Thanks!