What is a diaper clutch and why you need one... now

You’ve heard the term before and you’ve seen them from some of your favorite diaper bag brands, but what exactly is a diaper clutch?

Somewhere between diaper bag and a single diaper shoved into the side pocket of your purse while a wipes case lays somewhere under your passenger seat is the brilliant invention of the diaper clutch. In short, a diaper clutch is a mini diaper bag — just big enough for a couple diapers, a wipes case and some diaper cream, but still small enough to throw in your bag, strap to your stroller or keep in the car. In other words, the happiest of happy mediums for moms that you probably aren’t even using.

Ever since my youngest got big enough for me to not tote around half the nursery every time I left the house, I have been all diaper clutch, all the time. But don’t think about a diaper clutch being just for toddlers — consider one when dropping the baby off at the nursery in church or the gym childcare, or even for a quick trip to the grocery. Essentially, any time you’re not going to be gone long enough to need everything, but should take a diaper just in case.

Recently, designer diaper bag companies have been jumping on the diaper clutch wagon, releasing awesome new styles that look as cute as your favorite cross-body purse. (Psst, don’t tell but I used mine in lieu of a purse when I went to a concert recently and there wasn’t a baby in sight!) I picked out a few of my favorites that will have you ditching the diaper bag in no time.

Petunia Pickle Bottom

The Petunia Pickle Bottom Crossover Clutch is exactly what you would expect from this beloved brand: high-quality fabrics in a gorgeous modern design. The biggest of the diaper clutches on this list at 9-inches by 13-inches by 1.5-inches, the Crossover Clutch, by far, offers the most in the way of diaper bag substitute. The outside of the bag is glazed-coated canvas and comes in three patterns (and a bonus metallic pattern for the holidays, pictured above), but the inside is where the magic happens. Zip open the main space of the bag and you will find a removable water-resistant, washable changing pad, a large pocket to hold your PPB monogrammed wipes and a smaller pocket for miscellaneous items. Along the top is a long zipper opening to a large compartment big enough for a snack bag, change of clothes and whatever else you might need. All of this is accented with beautiful finishes like genuine leather zipper pulls and a nylon shoulder (22-inch drop) and wrist strap. (Petunia Pickle Bottom Crossover Clutch, $79)

TWELVElittle

TWELVElittle’s answer to the diaper clutch is an adorable and extremely useful design that even my toddler loves to tote around. The TWELVElittle Diaper Clutch measures at 9.75-inches by 6.25-inches by 3-inches, making it be perfect size to throw on and forget about. (Spoiler Alert: This is the diaper clutch I took to a concert as a purse!) This bag has everything you need including a wipeable nylon changing pad, a detachable mesh accessory zip pouch that snaps in and a secure place to keep your wipes case. My favorite part of this bag is the zip pocket on the back that is big enough to fit a snack bag, my ridiculously large phone and some keys. Top it off with your choice of three beautiful patterns, leather details and an adjustable long strap for cross-body wear, and you will be good to go — with or without baby! (TWELVElittle Diaper Clutch, $75)

Skip Hop

The Skip Hop Pronto Changing Station is a genius utility diaper clutch at a minimal price point. Small enough (8.75-inches by 11.5-inches by 1-inch) to fit in your purse, this diaper clutch still has everything you would need when you’re on the go. The Pronto comes with a mesh pocket big enough for four diapers and accessories, a translucent wipes case, a zip pocket for mom’s keys and phone and a large, wipeable changing pad that even has its own pillow to keep Baby comfy. (Skip Hop Pronto Changing Station, $30)

Ju-Ju-Be

The Ju-Ju-Be Be Quick is the minimalist’s dream come true because, literally, it’s just a bag that is perfectly sized for a couple diapers and a wipes case. Done. No frills, no fuss — just a great to-go bag with all the amazing qualities you expect from Ju-Ju-Be, including 26 Teflon fabric protected available patterns, metal hardware detailing and one internal zippered pocket for any extras. (JuJuBe Be Quick, $22)

Do you use a diaper clutch?

Meet the Author | Nicole Yontz

A SoCal girl transplanted to the Arizona desert, Nicole Yontz is the go-to girl for all things gear. She shares her home with her handsome husband, their two daughters (Audrey & Abbey), two dogs, one fish, and countless dust bunnies. When she’s not busy testing out the latest and greatest in gear on her darling little guinea pigs, you will often find her getting a pedicure as she does every single week. Because there’s no law that says you can’t.