Does a Diaper Bag Count As a Carry-on ?

Diaper bags make life super easy.

But does a diaper bag count as a carry-on with airlines?

No, most airlines will not count a diaper bag toward your carry-on baggage or personal item.

This post will unpack everything about traveling with nappy bags, to spare yourself from last-minute surprises or unnecessary baggage fees.

Is a Diaper Bag Considered a Personal Item Or Carry-on?

To know the answer you need to know first what is the difference between a carry on and a personal item.

A personal item can be placed under the seat in front of you.

While a carry-on most of the time will not fit under the seat.

It is the bag that you can take on board but it can be placed in the overhead bin. Some passengers use small suitcases, duffle bags and even large backpacks.

However, a small diaper bag will not be considered as a carry-on, and most airlines count it as an additional item when traveling with a baby.

If you are not traveling with an infant then it will be considered either your main carry-on or a personal item.

What Size Should a Diaper Bag To Be Considered a Carry-On?

Generally, measurements differ from one airline to another .

But if you are traveling with an infant, then you don’t have to worry about the size of your diaper bag as long as it is a small bag, it still needs to fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.

When not traveling with a child most airlines will count your diaper bag as a carry-on if it is approximately 22 x 14 x 9 inches, and a personal item 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm)( U.S airlines standard size ).

However it is preferable to always travel with a suitcase and diaper bag that will fit perfectly underneath the seat in front of you.

Can You Bring Two Diaper Bags on a Plane?

Most airlines allow one diaper bag per child, in addition to other items like, a soft-sided cooler bag with breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices and all these items don’t count as a personal item or carry-on.

Which One Is Better For Traveling a Diaper Bag Or a Regular Bag?

Traveling with a toddler essentials with a regular bag may seem normal, but not as organized, especially if your little one is screaming and you need to find something quickly.

When traveling with baby items diaper bags are usually more convenient, you can carry it over your shoulders or across the body, in addition diaper bags have beautiful and helpful designed compartments to organize your cute baby items like mesh pockets, parent pocket and pockets for tissues.

Do Airlines Consider a Diaper Bag As a Carry-on?

Best Diaper Bag Backpacks

Diaper Bags	Details	View On Amazon
	8 in 1 Diaper Bag with Changing Station, PaurFu Waterproof Diaper Baby Bag for Boy Girl, with Foldable Bassinet Bed, Unique Mosquito Net Sunshade,Soft Baby Pillow and USB Charge Port etc (Black)	View
	Diaper Bag Backpack, RUVALINO Multifunction Travel Back Pack Maternity Baby Changing Bags, Large Capacity, Waterproof and Stylish, Gray	View
	Diaper Bag Backpack, BabbleRoo Baby Nappy Changing Bags Multifunction Waterproof Travel Back Pack with Changing Pad & Stroller Straps & Pacifier Case, Unisex and Stylish (Dark Gray)	View
	Columbia 44-27177-09-70 Carson Pass Backpack Diaper Bag – Large, Black	View
	RAMHORN Diaper Bag Backpack Multifunctional Travel Back Pack Maternity Baby Changing Bags Waterproof Large Capacity For Baby Care Army Green	View
	Freshly Picked Women’s Convertible Classic Diaper Bag Backpack	View
	Diaper Bag Backpack, Hafmall Baby Diaper Bag with Stroller Hooks for Mom Dad, Multifunctional Nappy Bag for Boys Girls, Stylish Travel Mommy Bag (Plaid)	View
	Diaper Bag Backpack, Hafmall Large Baby Diaper Bag with Stroller Hooks, Multifunctional Travel Nappy Bag, Stylish & Waterproof, Gray Black	View
	Diaper Bag Backpack Frank Mully Large Multifunction Travel Baby Bag for Mom Dad.	View

Summary

Diaper bags are great travel companions. Easy to carry and use, especially if you are traveling with a tremendous amount of baby items.

While most airlines luggage rules are different, but generally most of them will consider a diaper an essential item that can be carried free of charge and must always fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. 

If you’re thinking of a diaper bag that will fit almost any airline, try to find one that is under 40 or even 35 total inches. This will give you more chance to use it for different airlines (Check the table above).

Happy travels.

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Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.