As someone who has spent countless hours traveling with little ones, I’ve learned what to look for in a travel diaper bag — and what to avoid.

Testing Notes: “I could sort of reach things through the top opening, but the game changer was the front zipper, which let me take out the diaper, a bottle, and the changing pad, super easily.”The Bag Nation Diaper Bag offers hands-free comfort, fits all the essentials and then some, and comes with a removable changing pad, Sundry bag, and more. Most airlines allow one carry-on per passenger; however, some — such as United Airlines — allow one diaper bag in addition to your carry-on (1). Material: This determines the overall “look” of your diaper bag as well as how easy it is to clean. Leather or vegan leather might look the most chic and work-friendly, but likely won’t stand up well to spills or dirt. Polyester or neoprene might be easier to spot clean but may not look as sleek or professional (if that’s what you’re going for).

Cloth diapers are the way to keep the environment healthy. They use 2.3 times less water to make than disposable diapers and they don’t take up much room in landfills since they are made mostly of cotton or bamboo. Cloth diapering is also great for sensitive babies and budget-minded parents.No matter your needs, a diaper bag that requires little to no maintenance is definitely a boon to busy parents. Look for something that wipes down, doesn’t retain moisture and can easily be cleaned. What is the best material for a diaper bag then? In terms of fabric, Young says, “Polyester is the most common choice. Nylon is a close second (and nylon is stronger, if you’re inclined to load it up with heavy things).” Skip Hop Forma’s lightweight bag is polyester, while the Béis bag is made of sturdy nylon, which helps explain its rugged disposition, wipeable surface and storage capacity. The Dagne Dover Indi’s interior lining is made from a recycled polyester material, making it easy to clean, too.

The Skip Hop Forma was the lightest diaper bag I tested. Lex Goodman For Forbes A Size That’s Just Right Dr. Elliot Berlin, who specializes in postpartum care, suggests “avoiding anything too big,” especially if you just gave birth. “A bag that’s too heavy to wear comfortably isn’t going to be of much use, and it’s important to be gentle with your body, especially during the ‘fourth trimester,’ when your abdominal muscles and pelvic floor are still recovering from pregnancy and birth,” he said. It’s also important to remember that in addition to your diaper bag, you may need to carry your baby, push a stroller and juggle other things. The Skip Hop Weekender Travel Diaper Bag Tote makes traveling with the family a breeze thanks to its sleeve that easily slips over suitcase handles.

Changing pad: Some diaper bags include a changing pad that’s either removable or that folds out right from the bag for an instant changing station. While the HapTim diaper bag doesn’t look “luxurious,” the price is better than most of the others on this list. It’s still a stylish, neutral diaper bag with plenty of space to hold your little one’s necessities (and your own).

It cleans up well too. Despite my visit to a coffee shop and the tennis courts, in addition to my parenting duties, it didn’t get dirty during a full day out. I spilled water on it, and it dried without leaving a mark or dampening anything inside. The blueberry puree I spilled on it required soap and water to remove the light mark it left, but it did come out. We appreciated the thoughtfulness of this bag’s design—5 stars! The zippers are easy to use, and there is plenty of space—and then some—for everything. According to our tester, the bag is a great option for traveling families. And just as you have more than one handbag, you may also want to have more than one diaper bag — say, a smaller one for running to the store and a larger diaper bag that holds everything but the kitchen sink for longer excursions, day trips or more significant travel. Regulations change frequently, but restrictions on the amount of liquids allowed on the plane don’t apply to baby drinks (2).

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You simply want to make sure there’s room to fit everything you need to carry, especially if you have multiple children with different needs.