Two children in diapers means two sets of spare clothes, often two diaper sizes and sometimes two different routines, so the right bag has more room and a clear way to keep each child's supplies apart. Start with capacity, then plan the separation, then choose a bag that lets you reach either child's kit without unpacking. Twins and a baby with a toddler need different packing, so each gets its own section below.
What changes when two children are in diapers
The basics stay the same, but everything is doubled and sometimes out of step.
- Often two sizes. A baby and a toddler wear different diaper sizes, and twins may not be in the same size either. Check the weight ranges on the packs and our diaper sizing guide.
- Overlapping changes. Both children may need a change at once, or one may need you while you are in the middle of the other.
- More spare clothes, and busier hands, so the bag has to open fast.
Capacity: how much room two sizes take
Larger diaper sizes are physically bigger, so a toddler's change kit takes more room than a newborn's, and two kits together take more than either one. A reliable way to size a bag is to lay both kits on a table: each child's diapers or training pants, wipes, spare outfit and any feeding items. Stack them the way they would sit in a bag, measure the stack and look for a main compartment at least that big in the dimensions on the product page.
Bags with Large in the name, such as the iniuniu large diaper bag backpack in black, are a place to start, but the measurements matter more than the word. Leave a little spare room so you can add a jacket or a snack.
Keeping each child's supplies separate
A pouch for each child keeps sizes from mixing and lets you grab a whole kit in one move.
- Give each child a pouch of their own in a different colour. The ALVABABY wet/dry bags with two pockets come as a 3 pack in dark blue, light blue and light grey, which gives you a colour for each child and a third for used items.
- Keep only that child's current size of diapers in their pouch, so you are not sorting sizes with a baby on your hip.
- If one child is in training pants, give them their own pouch too. Training pants pull on rather than fasten with tabs, and the training pants collection shows the range.
Twins vs a baby and a toddler: different packing
Twins
Packing for twins is mostly duplication. If both wear the same diaper size, two matching kits mean either child can be changed from either kit, and either caregiver can take one. If their sizes differ, keep to one colour-coded pouch per child. Changes can come at about the same time, so keep both kits in the same pocket, within reach of one hand. Give each child their own spare outfit in a separate pouch so nothing gets mixed up.
A baby and a toddler
These two need different things. The baby's kit holds the smaller diapers, feeding items and a soother or other comfort item. The toddler's holds bigger diapers or training pants, a drink, a snack and spare clothes in a larger size. Put the toddler's drink and snack in an outside pocket so you can hand them over without opening the main compartment while you hold the baby, and add a small toy to the same pocket to buy time during a change.
One large bag or two smaller kits
- One large bag: one thing to carry and remember, but it gets heavy and small items get lost in it.
- Two smaller kits: each child's kit stays complete and two caregivers can take one each, but there are two things to remember and restock.
- A middle way: one large bag holding two pouches that lift out, so you can leave the bag in the car and carry a single kit in for a short stop.
Carrying it: double strollers and backpacks
With two children, free hands are the priority. You may be steering a double stroller, holding a toddler's hand and opening a door, so a backpack is worth considering. Browse the diaper bags collection with that in mind.
Before you hang a bag on a double stroller's handle, read the stroller's manual, since a loaded bag can change how the stroller balances. Measure the basket against the bag too, because basket size and shape differ from one double stroller to the next. Keep the quick-grab kit on top so you do not have to dig while both children wait.
A sample packing layout for two
| Where | What goes there |
|---|---|
| Main compartment, one side | Child one's pouch: diapers in their size, wipes, spare outfit |
| Main compartment, other side | Child two's pouch: the same, in their size or in training pants |
| Outside quick-grab pocket | One diaper of each size and a small pack of wipes |
| Second outside pocket | Toddler's snack and drink, a small toy |
| Side pockets | Bottle or water bottle |
| Separate wet pouch | Used clothes and soiled items |
| Zipped back pocket | Your keys, phone and wallet |
Shop this guide
- Diaper Bag Backpack with Portable Diaper Pad (ships via Amazon)
- Huggies Little Movers Diapers, Size 4, 120 Count (ships via Amazon)
- Pampers Easy Ups Training Pants (Bluey), 2T–3T, 74 Count (ships via Amazon)
- Blissful Diary Diaper Caddy Organizer, Checkered Sage Green (ships via Amazon)
- See all: Diaper Bags
- See all: Baby Diapers & Training Pants
- See all: Training Pants
- See all: Diaper Storage & Organizers
Prices are on each product page. Free shipping on orders of $100 or more within Canada.
Common questions
Should my older child carry their own bag?
A toddler can carry a small backpack with a snack or a toy, but keep the essentials in your own bag, since a young child may put theirs down or hand it to someone.
What if both need changing at the same time?
Take them one at a time, starting with whoever needs it most. Keep the other child somewhere safe where you can see them, and keep a hand on a baby on any raised surface.
How do I know when a child is ready for the next size?
Compare their weight with the range printed on the pack and with our sizing guide. If you have questions about your child's growth, ask your doctor or public health nurse. Keep the current size in the bag and the next size at home until you change over.
Need help choosing a bag for two? Tell us what you carry for each child through the contact page and we will help you work out what fits. Expect a reply within one business day.