I've tested over a dozen diaper bags, and these are the best ones for organization and easy access

First, I evaluated the bags for space and organization. I like to keep my diaper bag stocked with anything my baby or I might need, whether we're leaving the house for the whole day or only an hour. That includes at least one change of clothes, a couple burp cloths, diapers, wipes, a sound machine, a lightweight blanket, a nursing cover, nursing pads, snacks, and a water bottle for me. Depending on the day, I might also need sunscreen for me and a hat for my son. The first step of my testing process entailed assessing whether or not the bag could actually fit all of my must-haves — and just as importantly, whether the storage pockets and pouches made it easy to keep all of those items organized.

Then I considered accessibility. Goodness knows we don't have time to rummage endlessly through a diaper bag for wipes when our little one has a blowout. So, I also made sure that I could easily access anything and everything I might need.

I also sought out bags that were water-resistant. Taking care of a baby is messy business. That's why I made sure these diaper bags could contain any leaks, spills and moisture, from, say, a bathing suit, soiled diaper, or burp cloth covered in spit-up — as well as protect the contents from rain, of course. Not to mention, a waterproof exterior is almost always easier to wipe down.

Finally, I assessed whether they were comfortable to wear for long hours. Especially when I'm on an all-day outing with my baby, it's super important that my diaper bag is comfortable to wear. So, I tested each bag for a longer stretch to confirm whether or not it contributed to any neck, back, or shoulder aches.

It's comfortable to wear for long hours. The padded adjustable backpack straps go a long way in keeping my shoulders happy. I also appreciate that there's a top handle for when I want to take the weight off my back for a bit.

This bag makes it effortless to stay organized. The JuJuBe Deluxe Backpack has 13 storage pockets. I love that there's an insulated bottle pocket, and a front pocket for all my own personal must-haves (like lip balm and sunnies).

The integrated changing pad is a huge plus. Lots of diaper bags come with a changing pad, but what sets this backpack apart is that the washable pad is attached to the bag's front pocket — so I just unfurl it and plop my baby down for a quick change. Best of all, the changing pad features a head pillow for my baby's comfort, and it's also removable and machine washable.

It's remarkably versatile: Thanks to the stroller-compatible straps and trolley straps, I can take this backpack along on leisurely walks with my baby as well as attach it to our luggage while traveling.

I don't have to stress about stains. The best diaper bags, IMO, are easy to wipe down. This one is made with materials that are a breeze to spot clean.

There are so many thoughtful features. This bag has a dedicated storage solution for anything and everything I might need — including a pacifier case, insulated bottle bag, and laptop compartment. While we don't use a pacifier, I can imagine appreciating that it's easy to access when the baby is fussing. That removable little pod can also be used to keep other small items — like keys — easily accessible.

I love that there's a waterproof laundry pouch. This handy extra allows me to keep dirty clothes separate after we have to do an outfit change.

The insulated bottle bag is also helpful. With many diaper bags, it's necessary to invest in a separate bottle bag — but that's not so with this backpack. The insulated bag that's included is perfect for keeping breastmilk cold or formula warm for baby's next feeding.

It's very comfortable. Not only is the Bagsmart Paz Diaper Backpack made of a super lightweight nylon material, but it also features padded adjustable straps as well as top carrying handles. The breathable back is much appreciated on hotter days, too.

Changes are easy breezy. This backpack boasts a zippered hidden back pocket for instant access to wipes, and a foldable changing pad for on-the-go diaper changes. Did I mention how easy it is to wipe that changing pad down as needed?

The bag holds up with wear. During my testing process, I took this bag on quite a few excursions in varied weather — and it still looks good as new. That's because it's made with abrasion-resistant and water-repellant fabric. It also has a bit more structure than most backpacks do, so it holds its shape well.

It never felt too bulky. The Lululemon New Parent Backpack has a modest volume of just 17L — for some, that might be a drawback, but I found that it was the perfect capacity for most outings of up to five hours. With just enough room for the absolute essentials, the bag never felt cumbersome or heavy.

It's great for stroller walks. When I'm just taking a stroll around the neighborhood with my baby, I don't need much — so I prefer a compact bag like this one. Fortunately, the backpack straps on this bag can be unclipped and affixed to my stroller.

The removable pouch is helpful. One special detail about this diaper bag is that it comes with a removable crossbody zipper pouch. This pouch, which also contains the changing mat, allows me to keep the diapers and wipes separate for quick and easy changes.

It's specially designed for traveling. Away has long been one of our go-to brands for the best travel totes and suitcases. This bag in particular meets airline requirements as a carry-on item, and with the trolley sleeve, I can slide the tote right over my suitcase handle. There's also a foldable, wipeable changing pad for easy diaper changes in the airport, on the plane, or in the car.

As far as totes go, it's pretty comfortable. Typically I'd prefer a backpack over a tote while traveling for the sake of comfort, but this one has padded straps so I didn't mind wearing it for longer stretches — which is saying a lot, because it got pretty heavy with everything I packed.

I can find all my essentials in seconds. My favorite part about the Away Double Diaper Tote is that it features a separate compartment for my belongings and my baby's. The baby's compartment provides quick access to bottles, diapers, and wipes, while mine features compartments for must-haves like chargers and snacks. It also has a tech sleeve to store my laptop for when I need to get some work done on the plane or train. Best of all, the clear and mesh pockets make it easy to see where everything is. There are also two exterior expandable zippered pockets to keep bottles handy.

It's structured and incredibly roomy. I was actually surprised by just how much I could fit inside this tote — the bottom compartment alone accommodated a week's worth of clothing for my newborn. Speaking of the bottom compartment, I love that it keeps all of his outfits neatly folded — and since it's water-resistant it protects his clothes from any rainfall or spills.

Read our full Away carry-on luggage review.

There's a dedicated compartment for everything. Dagne Dover previously made our list of the best tote bags — and the brand has done it again with this parent-geared piece. There are special compartments for just about anything my baby or I baby might need — including mesh slip pockets for diapers and wipes, an insulated bottle pouch, and a laptop sleeve.

It's travel-friendly. This tote is a no-brainer when I'm on the go, thanks to the stroller straps and trolley sleeve that can slide right over a suitcase handle. It also features a front and side zipper pocket to store my phone and passport so I don't have to dig for them at the airport. Did I mention it includes a wipeable changing mat, too?

The design is convertible. This tote also comes with a detachable, adjustable crossbody strap. While the shoulder straps are generally fine for everyday wear, I do like the option to wear it crossbody for added security and better weight distribution.

See more of our favorite Dagne Dover bags in our Dagne Dover review.

It can be worn multiple ways. Caraa previously made our list of the best backpacks — and the brand continues to impress. "This bag rules," said my husband — a notoriously tough critic — on our first day of testing. It quickly became his go-to whenever he was on baby duty, mainly because it can be carried not only as a backpack, but also as a crossbody (by attaching the removable shoulder strap and tucking away the backpack straps) or in hand with the top handles. There are also special hooks to affix the bag to a stroller, and a luggage sleeve to slide it over a suitcase handle.

The diaper caddy is removable. This bag features a caddy with four pockets to keep items like wipes, diapers, diaper rash cream, organized. I love that since it's removable, I can just bring my baby to the bathroom for a speedy change without schlepping the whole bag with me. It is worth noting, though, that this bag doesn't come with a changing pad.

It has so many pockets. The Caraa Large Baby Bag comes in both a medium and large size — I tested the large. It boasts a ton of pockets, including insulated bottle pockets, tech compartments, and magnetic closure exterior pockets for anything I need to keep easily accessible.

It's machine washable. This doesn't go for all the colors — but the black version of this bag, which I tested, can be thrown in the washing machine. That's more than I can say for the vast majority of diaper bags I researched and tested, most of which can only be spot cleaned and hand washed.

See our review of the Caraa Convertible Studio Tote, another one of our favorite bags from the brand.

It fits a lot. This ultra spacious bag is ideal on days when I need to pack a bit more than usual — say, when we're going to be out of the house for longer than four or five hours. The capacity is large enough, though, that it could also work as an overnight bag, too.

The comfort factor is unmatched. The 7AM Plaza Weekend Diaper Bag is definitely one of the more comfortable bags I tested. The puffy padded shoulder straps are a dream, and the extra wide crossbody strap does a great job of distributing the weight of the bag's contents evenly.

Zipper pockets and closures keep my items safe. The exterior zippered front pocket is great for securing my keys, wallet, and phone while also making them easy to access — and the zippered top closure gives me peace of mind that the rest of my belongings won't fall out. Meanwhile, the independent zippered pouch gives me an additional storage option to keep small, easy-to-lose items separate.

It's all in the details. You can tell this bag was designed by a mom of three — and she's thought of everything here. There's a key leash, the changing pad is padded and fleece-lined for baby's comfort, and the shell and lining and water-repellant. Perhaps most importantly, though, the bag is machine washable.

It's well made. After unwrapping this bag for the first time, the first word that came to mind is "quality." That's not all that surprising: UPPAbaby is a brand that's well known for making products that last. Case in point: It's made with a premium felt-like outer fabric that's water-resistant, and features a beautiful full-grain leather top handle and zipper pulls.

It's featherlight. This is definitely one of the lightest bags I've tested by far. It also didn't seem to fit quite as much as some of the other bags, but it's the perfect pick for shorter outings. And even though it may not have a huge capacity, it still comes with an impressive number of compartments — as well as a changing pad for convenience.

It comes with a dedicated bottle case. Although lots of diaper bags feature a bottle pocket, this backpack takes things up a notch with a totally separate zipper case — which, it's worth mentioning, also happens to be insulated.