A diaper bag or nappy bag is a storage bag with many pocket

Pocket

A pocket is a bag- or envelope-like receptacle either fastened to or inserted in an article of clothing to hold small items. Pockets may also be attached to luggage, backpacks, and similar items...

-like spaces that is big enough to carry everything needed by someone taking care of a baby while taking a typical short outing.

These bags are not always designed expressly as a diaper

Diaper

A nappy or a diaper is a kind of pant that allows one to defecate or urinate on oneself discreetly. When diapers become soiled, they require changing; this process is often performed by a second person such as a parent or caregiver...

 bag, as any well-pocketed bag sized in between a child's school backpack

Backpack

A backpack is, in its simplest form, a cloth sack carried on one's back and secured with two straps that go over the shoulders, but there can be exceptions...

 and adult pro-camping

Camping

Camping is an outdoor recreational activity. The participants leave urban areas, their home region, or civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or several nights outdoors, usually at a campsite. Camping may involve the use of a tent, caravan, motorhome, cabin, a primitive structure, or no...

 backpack can be used for the purpose. Some are now being made with rigid handles and wheels so that someone can cart one around, allowing that person to hold the baby more firmly, complete more tasks (like opening a door, paying a cashier, or using a phone), and reduce lower back pain. My Child magazine suggests a brightly colored diaper bag is harder to lose and can help combat the "baby blues"

Maternity blues

The postpartum blues, maternity blues, or baby blues is a transient condition that 75-80% of mothers could experience shortly after childbirth with a wide variety of symptoms which generally involve mood lability, tearfulness, and some mild anxiety and depressive symptoms...

.

Diaper bags are generally small enough to fit on or under a stroller

Stroller

Stroller may refer to:*A form of baby transport*Stroller , men's daytime semiformal wear*Stroller , showjumping champion...

 or buggy. There have been fashion trends against large bags, as mothers learn to reduce the number of necessities carried.

In recent years, there has been an "explosion of styles, colors, designs, and functions." Diaper bags have helped fashion designers such as Timi & Leslie

Timi & Leslie

Timi & Leslie is an accessories company with a design studio in Los Angeles and a showroom in New York City that sells upscale handbags, diaper bags and other infant accessories. Originally created by Timi Prulhiere and Leslie Newton in 2000, the company is now owned by Essentials Brands, Inc.,...

 make their mark. Since 2005, some high-end designers such as Kate Spade

Kate Spade

Kate Brosnahan Spade is the co-founder and namesake of the designer brand, Kate Spade New York .- Early life and beginnings :...

, Coach and Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren is an American fashion designer and business executive; best known for his Polo Ralph Lauren clothing brand.-Early life:...

 have launched expensive diaper bag designs. According to Fortune

Fortune (magazine)

Fortune is a global business magazine published by Time Inc. Founded by Henry Luce in 1930, the publishing business, consisting of Time, Life, Fortune, and Sports Illustrated, grew to become Time Warner. In turn, AOL grew as it acquired Time Warner in 2000 when Time Warner was the world's largest...

in 2006, "To gain an edge, smart manufacturers are doing whatever it takes to capture the attention (and aesthetics) of today's chic parents-to-be who are willing - sometimes even eager - to pay top dollar for products that seamlessly blend fashion and function." Designers can be protective of their diaper bag designs and trademarks. In 1977, diaper bags were the cause of a New York court case between Macy's

Macy's

Macy's is a U.S. chain of mid-to-high range department stores. In addition to its flagship Herald Square location in New York City, the company operates over 800 stores in the United States...

 and Gucci

Gucci

The House of Gucci, better known simply as Gucci , is an Italian fashion and leather goods label, part of the Gucci Group, which is owned by French company PPR...

. The court found that Macy's had infringed on Gucci's trademark by selling diaper bags with green and red bands and the wording "Gucchi Goo."

Designs without bright colors or licensed characters can be high-fashion items associated with celebrity mothers. Companies also produce diaper bags with a more rugged look, as part of a growing sector of the baby-products market designed to appeal to men.

Typical contents

Diaper bags are frequently recommended in parenting guides. According to The Get Organized Guide for New Moms, an average full bag might contain:

• Diaper
  Diaper
  A nappy or a diaper is a kind of pant that allows one to defecate or urinate on oneself discreetly. When diapers become soiled, they require changing; this process is often performed by a second person such as a parent or caregiver...
  
  s (disposable or cloth)
• Change Mat or Pad, often absorbent (Disposable or reusable) for diaper changes when Change table's
  Changing table
  A changing table is a small raised platform designed to allow a person to change a baby's diaper.Typically made of wood , it is often part of a nursery set...
  
   in restrooms are not available or for putting baby down when the ground is not suitable
• Wet Wipes
• Bib
  Bib
  Bib or BIB may refer to:*The Bib are small tribe found in the Hazara Division of Pakistan*Trisopterus luscus, a fish also called a bib*Bib Fortuna, character in Star Wars*Back in Black, an iconic album by AC/DC...
  
  s
• Bottle
  Baby bottle
  A baby bottle is a bottle with a teat to drink directly from. It is typically used by infants and young children when a mother does not breastfeed, or if someone cannot drink from a cup, for feeding oneself or being fed.In particular it is used to feed infant formula, expressed breast milk or...
  
  s and infant formula
  Infant formula
  Infant formula is a manufactured food designed and marketed for feeding to babies and infants under 12 months of age, usually prepared for bottle-feeding or cup-feeding from powder or liquid . The U.S...
  
  
• Bottled water
  Bottled water
  Bottled water is drinking water packaged in plastic or glass water bottles. Bottled water may be carbonated or not...
  
  , for parents or to add to bottle
• Snacks for parents and baby
• Toys, rattle
• Receiving blanket
• Extra set of clothing for baby and extra shirt for mom
• Digital or disposable camera
• Pacifier
  Pacifier
  A pacifier is a rubber, plastic, or silicone nipple given to an infant or other young child to suck upon. In its standard appearance it has a teat, mouth shield, and handle...
  
  , if baby uses one
• Anti-bacterial hand cleaner
• Cosmetic-type bag stocked with teething
  Teething
  Teething is the process by which an infant's first teeth sequentially appear by emerging through the gums. Teething may start as early as three months or as late, in some cases, as twelve months. The typical time frame for the first teeth to appear is somewhere between six and nine months...
  
   aids, extra pacifier and nail clipper
  Nail clipper
  A nail cutter is a hand tool used to trim fingernails and toenails.-Design:Nail cutters are usually made of metal but can also be made of plastic. Two common varieties are the plier type and the compound lever type. A third variety of the push-button type has also been introduced. All are common...
  
  
• Zip lock bags for many purposes, including storage of dirty diapers if no convenient disposal is possible