When I was pregnant with my first baby, I assumed I'd carry a backpack diaper bag.

That's just what moms did.

It made sense.

Two shoulder straps.

Even weight distribution.

Hands free.

I never really questioned it.

But after actually becoming a mom, I found myself wondering...

Was I carrying a backpack because it was better—or just because that's what everyone else was carrying?

That question eventually became the beginning of The Poppy Brand.

Why Backpack Diaper Bags Became So Popular

Let's start with the good.

Backpack diaper bags became popular for a reason.

Pros of a Backpack Diaper Bag

• Evenly distributes weight across both shoulders
• Comfortable for longer outings
• Keeps both hands free
• Usually offers lots of storage

That first point—distributing weight—is probably the biggest advantage.

But it also made me ask a different question.

Do moms actually need to carry that much weight?

Or are we simply filling the space we're given?

When you have a giant backpack, it's tempting to pack for every possible scenario.

An extra outfit.

Another snack.

A few more toys.

The "just in case" items.

At some point, I realized I wasn't carrying what I needed.

I was carrying everything I might need.

And I don't think motherhood becomes easier because we carry more.

That simple idea eventually became one of our guiding philosophies: Carry Less.

Where Backpack Diaper Bags Fell Short

For me, the biggest downside wasn't the weight.

It was the access.

Every time I needed something—a wipe, a snack, sunscreen, my wallet—I had to:

Take the backpack off.

Hold it or set it down.

Unzip it.

Find what I needed.

Zip it back up.

Put it back on.

When you only do that once or twice, it doesn't seem like a big deal.

But motherhood is made up of tiny moments.

You reach into your bag dozens of times every single day.

Those little interruptions started feeling bigger than the backpack's advantages.

I wanted a bag that stayed with me instead of one I was constantly taking off.

Why We Designed a Crossbody Diaper Bag

A crossbody diaper bag moves with you.

Instead of taking your bag off every time you need something, you simply swing it to the front.

Need a wipe?

Swing.

Need sunscreen?

Swing.

Need a snack?

Swing.

Need your phone?

Swing.

Your essentials stay within reach without stopping what you're doing.

It may seem like a small difference.

But when you do it twenty or thirty times a day, it completely changes how motherhood feels.

This is why I designed The Poppy Bag and The Freckle Bag as a crossbody. 

Baby Wearing Changed Everything

One of the biggest surprises for me was how often I baby wore.

And that's where backpacks became even more frustrating.

If your baby is asleep on your chest, the last thing you want to do is wake them just because you need to take your bag off.

A crossbody diaper bag already makes that easier because you can simply swing it around and reach inside.

But we wanted to make it even better.

That's why every Poppy Bag has clip-on straps.

If your little one is cozy in the carrier and you do need to take your bag off, you don't have to pull the strap over your head.

You simply unclip it, slide the bag off, and clip it back together when you're ready.

It's one of those little details you don't think about until you're living it.

And then you wonder why every bag isn't designed that way.

A Crossbody Diaper Bag Doesn't Have to Look Like a Diaper Bag

This one mattered to me more than I expected.

Before becoming a mom, I loved beautiful handbags.

Then suddenly every option felt like I was expected to trade my personal style for something covered in stroller clips and bottle pockets.

I didn't want a bag designed around the baby.

I wanted a bag designed around the woman carrying it, while still supporting everything motherhood required.

Because becoming a mom didn't erase who I was.

It simply added another beautiful part of my life.

Crossbody Diaper Bag vs. Backpack

Are There Any Downsides to a Crossbody Diaper Bag?

Absolutely.

A backpack distributes weight more evenly.

If you're carrying an extremely heavy load for an all-day outing, a backpack will probably be more comfortable.

But that brings me back to the question that changed everything for me.

Do we actually need to carry that much?

One of the biggest mindset shifts I've had as a mom has been packing for the outing I'm actually having—not the one that might happen.

Ironically, carrying less has made me feel more prepared.

Not because I have fewer things.

Because I have the right things.

Who Is a Crossbody Diaper Bag Best For?

A crossbody diaper bag is a great choice if you:

• Baby wear often
• Want quick access to wipes, snacks, and your phone
• Prefer a bag that looks like your style before baby
• Want a diaper bag that transitions into everyday life
• Believe motherhood should feel lighter—not heavier

Our Philosophy: Carry Less

When I started designing The Poppy Bag, I wasn't trying to reinvent the diaper bag.

I was trying to design a bag for the woman, while incorporating her needs as a mom.

Less digging.

Less carrying.

Less mental load.

More freedom.

More beauty.

More enjoying the moment instead of managing it.

Every zipper.

Every pocket.

Every strap.

Every design decision comes back to one question:

Will this make getting out the door with our kids feel easier?

If the answer is yes, it stays.

If not, it doesn't.

That's still how we design today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a crossbody diaper bag better than a backpack?

It depends on your lifestyle. If you value quick access, baby wearing, and a bag that feels like your everyday style, many moms prefer a crossbody diaper bag. If you regularly carry very heavy loads for long periods, a backpack may be more comfortable.

Can you baby wear with a crossbody diaper bag?

Yes. In fact, that's one of the biggest reasons we designed The Poppy Bag as a crossbody. You can easily swing it around to access your essentials, and our clip-on strap lets you remove the bag without pulling it over your head while baby wearing.

Is a crossbody diaper bag big enough?

For most everyday outings, absolutely. We believe in packing for the outing you're actually having—not carrying everything "just in case." You'll often be surprised by how little you truly need.

Looking for a Mom Bag Beyond the Diaper Years?

Many moms start using a Poppy Bag with their newborn and continue carrying it long after diapers are gone.

If you're curious about the next stage of motherhood, you might also enjoy:

• What Is a Purse Made for Moms? 
• When Do Moms Stop Using a Diaper Bag? 
• Shop Our Collection of Mom Bags