A removable clutch-style bag is ideal for carrying mum or dad’s essentials, stashing wet wipes or even for taking out with you on a baby-free night out. Meanwhile, comfy shoulder straps and stroller straps make this eye-catching bag a versatile choice. We planned to go on holiday and the bag arrived in time to take abroad (which is a great test for durability) and I can confirm, this bag was extremely comfortable and practical for taking to the airport, on a plane, travel, hanging on the pram and abroad! The soft material of the Avery Row changing bag makes it easy to store under a stroller and while it’s a pity the bag isn’t machine washable, you can easily wash stains out by hand. Hey, good-looking – if you like the idea of a functional changing bag that doesn’t compromise in the fashion stakes, try this classic leather beauty from Silver Cross, available at Very. A large compartment is designed to fit either the included changing mat or your laptop, so you can take this bag with you whether or not your day includes time with your little one.

EasyJet, for example, do allow infants to have an extra changing bag, but this mustn’t exceed a maximum size of 45 x 36 x 20cm and must be able to fit under your seat, while British Airways allow infants their own carry-on bag but it’s included in the parent’s total weight allowance of 23kg. Many modern-day changing bags are equipped with attachments for strollers to allow you to easily clip the bag onto the device; this offers parents greater levels of ease when lugging the bag around while simultaneously taking the child out for a stroll. 5. Right Fabric Owning a changing bag with a separate thermo-insulation chamber is always a win; this lets you keep the baby’s bottle warm or cool based on your requirements. 4. Stroller-Friendly You’ll probably want to pop your wallet and keys in there too, rather than carry a separate bag, and lots of changing bags work well as gym bags or for taking to work when you aren’t looking after your little one.Some airlines allow an infant (usually defined as a child under two, who travels free but does not get their own seat) to have their own changing bag as carry-on, but other budget airlines such as Jet 2 don’t, so you’ll need just one bag for your and your baby together. Norwegian brand Kaos says it designed the Ransel ‘to last long before and after diaper days are over’ and we’d have to agree – this is a lovely design for day to day that’s unisex, versatile and just happens to be ideal for use as a changing bag. The buttery-soft leather used here is actually vegan, so there are no sustainability worries, and a smart changing mat and detachable, insulated bottle holder are also included.

Many changing bags have wipe-clean interiors, and most also come with a removable changing mat for on-the-go nappy changes. Some bags are also designed specifically to work as carry-on luggage if you’re flying with your little one.

The best baby changing bags, at a glance

We liked the sumptuously soft fabric and smart biscuit shade of the Strada we tested, although it is worth noting that it might stain easily, so the darker green "Ivy" hue might be a more sensible choice. Babies may be small, but they require a surprising amount of kit – especially if you want to actually leave the house with them once in a while! Roomy, simple and well-designed, this is a multi-tasker of a bag that you could take travelling or to the gym once your little one is out of nappies, and it also makes a brilliant hospital bag.