Choosing the right baby bag or backpack for your little ones can be so overwhelming. There are so many choices out there. In recent years many great non-toxic alternatives have become available. These products are being produced without the use of nasty chemicals, such as BPA, PVC, Phthalates and Lead. These chemicals are detrimental to our health and the development of growing children. If you’re interested the information that informed my decision to buy a non-toxic alternative check out the links on the bottom of this post.
When I was still pregnant I began doing my own research for the safest non-toxic baby bag. I ended up going with the SoYoung Charlie Diaper Bag. The unisex style is great for both myself and my partner to use and it has many compartments for all those baby essentials you need to travel with.
Now as my little one is about to start daycare I have begun looking at the best non-toxic backpacks for her. So here is the result of my own research of products that are available to the Australian market. I hope it helps you find a safer alternative for you little family too. I have also begun researching lunch bags and boxes so stay tuned for a future post for more non-toxic alternatives.
Diaper Bags
Colours: Brown, Black, Slate, Khaki
Features: Canvas exterior with vegan leather straps, Shallow bottom with no black hole effect, Contrasting interior lining with clear and mesh pockets, Laminated and wipeable interior compartments, Completely insulated interior compartment to hold snacks (fits a 13″ laptop), Back slide pocket for bulky items such as blanket, newspaper or umbrella; Dedicated sunglass, cell phone and wallet pockets; Two insulated bottle pockets, Detachable messenger strap, Backpack conversion option, Laminated change mat, Adjustable stroller straps, Shoulder straps with detachable comfort grip padding
Free of PVC, Phthalate, Lead and BPA.
Dimensions 15W x 10H x 7D (inches)
2. Lassig Green Label Neckline and Urban Bags
Neckline Colours: Black Melange, Choco Mix, Black, Denim Blue, All Over Fleur
Urban Colours: Black Melange, Choco Mix
Features: Material 100% Recycled Polyester, large main compartment, additional, outer compartments, changing mat, insulated, removable bottle holder, zip pouch, water-repellent wet pocket, removable compartment for jars, compartment for baby wipes! stroller hooks, additional adjustable shoulder strap
Free of PVC, Nickel, Azo dyes, Cadmium and Phthalates. Use recycled materials and organic cotton to manufacture goods.
Neckline Dimension: 43 L x 14w x 43D (cm)
Urban Dimension: 37 L x 15 W x 31 D (cm)
3. SkipHop Forma Diaper Backpack
Colours: Forma Black, Peacock, Forma Grey, Indigo, Domes
Features: Front section allows easy access to storage cubes, Insulated cube is perfect for bottles, Multipurpose mesh cube for clothing and snacks, Changing pad pocket holds tablets and laptops up to 15″, Extra wide dual zip opening, Insulated side bottle pockets, Elasticized interior pockets and cell phone pocket, Cushioned shoulder straps, Stroller straps, Cushioned changing pad
Free of BPA, Phthalate, AZO, Lead and PVC. Other diaper bags in the range are free of all listed except PVC. Meet or exceed ASTM, CPSIA, EN71.
Dimensions: 16 L x 8 W x 14 H (inches)
4.2 Red Hens Studio Coop Carry-All Diaper Bag
Designs: Grey Damask, Chevron Stripes, Peacock Mum, Pink Lemonade, Owl Dots
Features: 2 conveniently placed interior bottle pockets for easy access; Includes extra long changing pad in 2 Red Hens red dot pattern (26″L x 12.5″W); Easily convertible straps for use on shoulder or stroller; 6 interior pockets and 2 exterior pockets keeps hard-to-find items organized and at your fingertips in seconds; Water resistant backing for quick, hassle-free cleaning; Stylish and color coordinated red zipper closure keeps your personal belongs safe and secure; Fasten the elastic strap under the signature red button quickly for those in-a-hurry time crunches.
BPA, PVC, and Phthalate free.
Dimensions: 17.5 L x 6 W x 12.5 H (inches)
5. OkieDog Nappy Bag Sakawa Celeb
Colours: Blue, Red
Features: Includes
Clipix Stroller Clip, Accessory Bag, Insulated Bottle Holder, Antibacterial Changing mat; Lightweight yet large and functional; Easy to remove from/put on your pram; Bright interior; Padded handles and adjustable removable strap; 2 quick find loops; Outer pockets; Japanese motifs featuring waves and cherry blossom; Easy clean nylon;
Clipix allows you to add many optional extras onto you stroller
PVC, Phthalate, AZO and BPA free
Dimensions: 45 L x 30 H x 14 D (cm)
Toddler Backpacks
1. SoYoung Raw Linen Toddler Backpack
Designs: Orange Fox, Pink Birds, Aqua Bunny, Neon Giraffe, Grey Robot, Blue Dinosaur, Pink Fawn, Pink Giraffe, Purple Dandelion, Brown Horse
Can be purchased with Toddler Backpack Lunchbox as a set.
Aged 3 to 7
Features: Machine Washable, 2 stretchy mesh side bottle pockets, Lined nylon interior with zippered mesh pocket, Reinforced bottom to protect material, Chest strap with clip
Free of PVC, Phthalate, Lead and BPA.
Dimensions 9.5W x 13H x 5D (inches)
Designs: Dog, Rabbit, Owl, Dragon, Tiger
Coordinates with Okiedog Bag Tags (also free of PVC, AZO, BPA and phthalate)
Aged 2 and 6
Features: 3D Design with soft plush ears, Water resistant soft shell, Interior write-on name tag, Interior mesh pocket, Adjustable shoulder straps
Free of PVC, AZO, BPA and Phthalate and Lead. Medically endorsed, no child labour, recycled PET fabric.
Dimensions: 22 x 27 x 12 (cm)
3. SkipHop Zoo Little Kid Backpack
Designs: Dog, Elephant, Frog, Monkey, Mouse, Owl, Ladybug, Bee, Penguin, Zebra, Fox, Hippo, Dinosaur, Giraffe, Cat, Shark, Panda, Hedgehog, Butterfly, Cow, Unicorn, Raccoon, Chameleon, Pig, Bunny
Coordinates with SkipHop Zoo Lunch Kit
Aged 3 and up.
Features: Roomy main compartment (big enough for books), Insulated pouch for snacks, Adjustable mesh bottle pocket (drink bottle); Padded, adjustable comfy straps; Write-on nametag inside, Easy-to-clean lining
Free of BPA, Phthalate, AZO, Lead-free. Meet or exceed ASTM, CPSIA, EN71.
Dimensions 11L x 5W x 12H (inches)
4. Apple and Mint Little Backpack
Designs: Dinosaur, Flamingo, Fox, Ice-cream, Mermaid, Pineapple, Robot, Superhero
Coordinates with Apple and Mint Lunch Bags.
Aged 1 to 4.
Features: Gloss coated material with carry handle; Interior zippered pocket; Two side pockets for drink bottles, Big enough to fit nappies, wipes, a change of clothes, and of course a toy.
Free of PVC, BPA, and lead, non-toxic, earth-safe, & reusable.
Dimensions: 35 H x 22.5 W x 12.5 D (inches)
5. Petit Collage Eco-Friendly Toddler Backpack
Designs: Animals, Butterflies, Dinosaurs, Sharks, Woodland
Coordinates with Petit Collage Eco-Friendly Lunchboxes
Aged 3 and up.
Features an eco-friendly wipeable cotton canvas exterior coated with a protective, solvent-free biodegradable laminate made from sugar cane. Side mesh exterior pocket fits water bottles perfectly. Includes large interior pocket, name tag, and adjustable padded straps.
Free of BPA, PVC, and Phthalate. Conforms to CPSIA, ASTM, and EU standards.
Dimensions 10.5L x 4W x 14H (inches)
Designs: Monsters, Big Fish, Butterfly Garden, Robots, Green Camo, Mermaids, Out of this World, Horse Dreams, Dinomite Dinosaurs, Game On, Birdie, Dinosaur Land, Paisley, Owls, Wild Animals, Heroes, Trains Plains & Trucks, Big Dot Aqua, Under Construction, Horse in Pink, Watercolor Ponies
Aged 3 and up
Features: Insulated, easy-to-clean, food-safe front pocket; Front pocket can be used for snacks, lunch, or school supplies; Reflective tape on front of bag for night-time safety; Mesh side pocket for water bottle; 2 zippered pockets;
Matching Nap Mats available in most styles
Free from PVC, Phthalates, BPA and lead safe. Conform to CPSIA.
Dimensions: 12 L x 10 H x 4.5 D (inches)
7. Beatrix New York Little Kid Backpacks
Designs: Octopus, Dino, Ladybug, Shark, Robot, Icecream, Whale, Owl, Strawberry
Aged 2 to 10 (Big Kids Backpack from aged 4, see below)
Features: Roomy main compartment fits our Lunch Box, Bento Box, “Cozy Can” Water Bottle add-ons and a few small toys; Interior pocket; Laminated front easy to wipe clean; Beautifully embroidered details; Heavy-duty stitching insures sturdy seams; Strong, custom-shaped metal zipper pulls easy for kids to manage; Top haul loop for easy bag hanging; Write-on name tag on back; Machine-wash alone in cold, gentle cycle with zipper closed. Line dry.
Free from PVC, Phthalates, BPA and lead safe.
Coordinates with Beatrix New York Lunch Box.
Dimensions: 9 L x 12 H x 5.5 W (inches)
Grade School Backpacks
1.SoYoung Raw Linen Grade School Backpack
Designs: Orange Fox, Pink Birds, Aqua Bunny, Neon Giraffe, Grey Robot, Blue Dinosaur, Pink Fawn, Purple Dandelion, Black Shark, Pink Russian Dolls, Purple Birds, Orange & Pink Peonies,
Coordinates with SoYoung Raw Linen Lunch Box
Aged 6 to 11.
Features: Machine washable (gentle – do not heat to dry), Chest clip, Name tag, Interior zippered mesh pocket, Two side bottle pockets, Carrying Handle
Free of PVC, Phthalate, Lead and BPA.
Dimensions: 11″W x 15.5″H x 5.5″D (inches)
Designs: Blue Stripes, Purple Gingham
Features: Large main compartment, Interior organizer pocket, “Property of” name tag, Zippered front compartment, Two side mesh pockets, Adjustable, padded shoulder straps, Padded back for extra comfort, Padded top carry handle
Phthalate free. Meets CPSC safety requirements and is FDA compliant.
Dimensions 33.66cm x 16.51cm x 40.64 (cm)
Designs: Starry Blue, Nebula, Perfectly Pink, Botanical, Plaid, Dino Camo
Coordinates with Planetbox Carry Bag and Planetbox Lunchboxes
Aged over 8 years.
Features: An exclusive docking station for storing your PlanetBox® flat. This unique, zippered compartment on the bottom of the JetPack makes your lunch easily accessible; A roomy main compartment for storing books, binders and other large items.Multiple zippered pockets for organizing pencils, pens, and other small itemsHidden zipper pocket to stash your phone or a wallet; Two side pockets for your water bottle (perfectly fits our BottleRocket)
Free of PVC, Phthalate, BPA. Non-Toxic Certified, Recycled Materials, Zero waste.
Dimensions 13 in (L) x 12.5 in 
x 17 in (H) (inches)
4. Penny Scallan Large Backpack (Bare Collection)
Designs: Pear Salad, Chirpy Bird, Navy Star, Space Monkey, Pineapple Bunting, Big City
Features: made from durable polyester cotton, water resistant lining, 2 zippered compartments with roomy front pocket, applique design, adjustable shoulder straps, metal pineapple shaped zip pulls
BPA & Phthalate free
Dimensions: 42 L x 29 W x 12 D (cm)
Designs: Pink Camo, Zigzag Pink. Horse Dreams, Pink Giraffe, Bright Stripes, Paul Frank, Pinwheel, Pink Leopard, Blue Camo, Owls, Horse in Pink, Big Dot Aqua, Watercolor Ponies, Wishbone, Chevron Seabreeze, Twizzler
Aged 8 and up
Features: Three spacious zippered compartments, Multiple interior pockets and mesh enclosure, Side pockets for water bottles
Free from PVC, Phthalates, BPA and lead safe. Conform to CPSIA.
Dimensions: 17 H x 12.5 Wx 7.5 D (inches)
6.Beatrix New York Big Kid Backpacks
Designs: Octopus, Dino, Ladybug, Shark, Robot, Icecream, Owl,
Ages 4 to 10
Features: Main compartment spacious enough to hold a standard binder and lunch box in addition to a couple of favorite library books and small toys; Interior pocket; Front laminatedl panel pocket; Heavy-duty stitching insures sturdy seams; Strong, custom-shaped metal zipper pulls easy for kids to manage; Fitted chest clip; Top haul loop for easy bag hanging; Write-on name tag on back; Machine-wash alone in cold, gentle cycle with zipper closed. Line dry.
Free from PVC, Phthalates, BPA and lead safe.
Coordinates with Beatrix New York Lunch Box.
Dimensions: 10.75 L x 15 H x 6 W (inches)
Research on Backpack and Diaper Bag Safety:
Is your Diaper Bag poisoning your child?
Toxic Chemicals in Kids’ School Supplies. How Real Is the Threat?
Phthalates, BPA and toxic lead paint: How safe are toys and school supplies made for children?
Dozens of Back to School Products That Are Exposing Your Children to Toxic Chemicals
Back to School: Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly
The Dangers Of Toxic PVC School Supplies – How To Keep Your Kids Safe
Live Eat Colour 
This is great, I have a toddler and she’ll be starting pre-school soon! 🙂
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Hi Sonyo, thanks for leaving a message. I’m so happy someone else is getting use of my research! I still have to decide what we are going to go with. I’m liking the Wildkin bags.
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Hmmm….I don’t know they all look cute. I like the SkipHop because of the bee back pack. My daughter loves bee’s ever since we watched the bee on an episode of “Baby Einstein.” 🙂
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Thank you so much for your post! I’ve been searching and searching to find a “non toxic” diaper bag. I actually ordered the forma from Skip Hop, but returned it. I almost ordered the Charlie bag last weekend, but I am a little concerned about the EVA laminate lining. Did it off gass/smell at all? Baby is due in a few weeks, so I won’t have time to let it air out. Also, did it test “undetectable” for the PVC, Phthlates, lead, etc.? Thanks again!
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Hi Kelly thanks for stopping by. I didn’t find any smell in my Charlie bag at all. I don’t remember smelling anything on the changing mat, but I lost it a long time ago, so I use Bambooty changing mats.
The only thing that annoys me about my bag is that the velco straps that connect to my pram come apart, due to the velco unsticking. We never complained to the store we bought it from, as it was about 8months after we bought it that it started happening regularly, plus we didn’t think the brand would send it to Austalia.
I now just use my Joolz pram back with my Joolz pram, which also doesn’t have any smell. From memory they were also free of these toxins.
SoYoung say that they bag is free of PVC, Phthalate and Lead, so I would assume there isn’t any trace but I recommend asking the brand directly.
I often email brands directly to find out more info and usually get a reply within a couple of days. I find American brands to be quite responsive.
I hope that helps you Kelly. Good luck with your new baby 🙂
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Hi, I really liked this entry!
I also wanted to let you know, although I’m not sure this is applicable to Australia (I’m in the US), but I contacted Ergo Baby, because they have a new diaper backpack called the ‘Anywhere I go’ – I saw it in the shop and it looked awesome. I emailed them asking what fabric it was made from and if it contained PVC, BPA, Phthalates, or lead and their response was:
“Our Anywhere I Go diaper bag backpack made with Nylon – 230 D with jersey backing .
As well regarding the your other inquires that information is actually consider propitiatory information .
I do apologize for the inconvenience .”
This seemed a little suspicious to me, so I wont be buying it. The SoYpung Charlie is out of my price range, but the Skip Hop Forma seems like the best option so far 🙂
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Hi Stefphanie,
Thanks for your comment. Sorry I was alway so I didn’t reply until now.
I haven’t heard of this bag before but I will look into whether its available in Australia.
When I was looking for Ergobaby carrier myself I never came across it.
It sounds really nice though.
Yes the So Young Charlie is very expensive. I got it for my baby shower luckily. I do find that I use my Joolz baby bag more though since it attaches to the pram.
I believe that one was free of nasties since I inquired also about the pram at the time, but I didn’t include it on the list since its a pram accessory.
Skip Hop looks great though and would have been my other choice.
I do really appreciate backpacks now I’m a mum.
Good luck with your searching!
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Excellent post.! I thank you for sharing such nice blog. This is best high school backpacks and school bags for girls or transparent pouch bag, backpack for laptop, lunch box bag more details check this http://www.t-traxx.com/
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Thanks, I will check out your website.
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