• visible variant TB1405-BBND TB1405-BKGL TB1405-BKND^^Parental Unit in Black 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-BBND TB1405-BKND^^Parental Unit in Black 525 Ballistic with a Northwest Sky interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-BKGL^^Parental Unit in Black 525 Ballistic with a Mountain Grey interior..
  • visible variant TB1405-DKZD TB1405-DKML TB1405-DK5D^^Parental Unit in Deep Blue (dark blue) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-DKML^^Parental Unit in Deep Blue (dark blue) 525 Ballistic with Moss (green with light grey interior) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-DK5D^^Parental Unit in Deep Blue (dark blue) 630 Ballistic with Acai (purple with white interior) 200 Halcyon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-UKND TB1405-UKML TB1405-UKYD^^Parental Unit in Aubergine (dark purple) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-DKZD^^Parental Unit in Deep Blue (dark blue) 630 Ballistic with Zest (orange with white interior) 200 Halcyon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-UKND^^Parental Unit in Aubergine (dark purple) 525 Ballistic with Northwest Sky (light grey) 200 Halcyon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-UKYD^^Parental Unit in Aubergine (dark purple) Ballistic with Wisteria (light purple with white grid) 200 Halcyon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-UKML^^Parental Unit in Aubergine (dark purple) 630 Ballistic with Moss (green) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • TB1405-UKND^^Reverse shot of Parental Unit in Aubergine (dark purple) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-BKRL TB1405-BKLD^^Parental Unit in Black Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-BKRL^^Parental Unit in Black 525d Ballistic Nylon with Marigold (yellow with light yellow grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-BKLD^^Parental Unit in Black 525d Ballistic Nylon/Island Blue 200d Halcyon
  • visible variant TB1405-GK4D TB1405-GKLD TB1405-GKRL TB1405-GKSL^^Parental Unit in Nebulous Grey (medium grey) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-GKRL^^Parental Unit in Nebulous Grey (medium grey) 525 Ballistic with Island (yellow with light yellow grid) 210 Cerylon.
  • visible variant TB1405-GKSL^^Parental Unit in Nebulous Grey (medium grey) Ballistic with Island (dark red with red grid) 210 Cerylon.
  • visible variant TB1405-GK4D^^Parental Unit in Nebulous Grey Ballistic Sakura 200 Halcyon
  • visible variant TB1405-GKLD^^Parental Unit in Nebulous Grey (medium grey) 525 Ballistic with Island (blue with white grid) 200 Halcyon.
  • visible variant TB1405-RKML TB1405-RKZD^^Parental Unit in Ursa (brown-grey) Ballistic
  • visible variant TB1405-RKZD^^The Parental Unit in Ursa Ballistic/Zest 200 Halcyon.
  • visible variant TB1405-RKML^^Parental Unit in Ursa (brown-grey) 525 Ballistic with Moss (green with light green grid) 210 Cerylon.
  • visible variant TB1405-NKRL^^The Parental Unit in Constellation (light blue) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-NKRL^^The Parental Unit in Constellation (light blue) Ballistic with Marigold (yellow with light yellow grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-WKLD^^The Parental Unit in Wilderness (forest green) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-WKLD^^The Parental Unit in Wilderness (forest green) Ballistic with Island 200 Halycon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-CBND TB1405-CBZD^^Parental Unit with Coyote (tan) 1050 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-CBND^^Parental Unit with Coyote (tan) 1050 Ballistic with Northwest Sky 200 Halcyon.
  • visible variant TB1405-CBZD^^Parental Unit with Coyote (tan) 1050 Ballistic with Zest 200 Halcyon.
  • visible variant TB1405-NB5D TB1405-NB8D^^Parental Unit in Navy 1050 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-NB5D^^Parental Unit in Navy 1050 Ballistic with an Acai 200 Halcyon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-BKML^^Parental Unit in Black 1050 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-BKML^^Parental Unit in Black 1050 Ballistic with an Moss 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-TBND TB1405-TBDL TB1405-TKSL^^Parental Unit with Burnt Orange 1050 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-TBND^^Parental Unit with Burnt Orange 1050 Ballistic with Northwest Sky (light grey with white grid) 200 Halcyon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-TBDL^^Parental Unit with Burnt Orange 1050 Ballistic with Dusk (blue-grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-TKSL^^Parental Unit with Burnt Orange Ballistic with Sangria (dark red with red grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-PK5D^^Parental Unit with Raspberry Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-PK5D^^Parental Unit with Raspberry Ballistic with Acai (dark purple with white grid) 200 Halcyon interior.
  • ^^Photo coming soon. This bag/color combination is brand new! As soon as we finish the first production run here in our Seattle factory, we'll put up and actual photo of the bag. You can still sign up to be notified via email when this color is in-stock.
  • Parental Unit
  • detail visible^^Parental Unit with all compartments open, showing the interior pockets.
  • detail visible^^Close shot of zippable interior pockets in the main compartment.
  • detail visible^^Close shot of zippable interior pockets in the main compartment.
  • detail visible^^Close shot of zipper for the interior pockets in the main compartment.
  • detail visible^^Close shot of zippable interior pockets in the main compartment.
  • detail visible^^Parental Unit top zipper.
  • detail visible^^Full Parental Unit.
  • detail visible^^Close shot of front zipper and main zipper.
  • detail visible^^Close shot of the main compartment's zipper.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of the Parental Unit's snaphook.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of the triangle metal hook on the Parental Unit.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of front compartment zippers of the Parental Unit.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of the Parental Unit's open side compartment.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of the o-ring inside the Parental Unit's side compartment.
  • lifestyle visible^^A full open Parental Unit.
  • lifestyle visible^^A full open Parental Unit.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person carrying a Parental Unit cross-body.
  • lifestyle visible^^A possible Parental Unit loadout
  • lifestyle visible^^A person attaching the Stroller/Wheelchair Strap to the snaphook d-ring.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person attaching the Stroller/Wheelchair Strap to the snaphook d-ring.
  • lifestyle visible^^Parental Unit hung to a stroller using the Stroller/Wheelchair Strap.
  • lifestyle visible^^Parental Unit hung to a stroller using the Stroller/Wheelchair Strap.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person retrieving keys from a Parental Unit hung to a stroller using the Stroller/Wheelchair Strap.
  • lifestyle visible^^Parental Unit hung to a stroller using the Stroller/Wheelchair Strap.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person attaching a Parental Unit to stroller using the Stroller/Wheelchair Strap.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person attaching a Parental Unit to stroller using the Stroller/Wheelchair Strap.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person attaching the Stroller/Wheelchair Strap to the snaphook d-ring.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person attaching the Stroller/Wheelchair Strap to the snaphook d-ring.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person attaching the Stroller/Wheelchair Strap to the snaphook d-ring.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person shoulder-carrying a Parental Unit.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person wearing a Parental Unit as a cross-body.
  • lifestyle visible^^A Parental Unit with a toy in the front pocket.
  • visible video^^Thumbnail for a video showcasing the Parental Unit.
  • visible video^^Thumbnail for a video of the features of the Parental Unit.
  • visible variant TB1405-BBND TB1405-BKGL TB1405-BKND^^Parental Unit in Black 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-BBND TB1405-BKND^^Parental Unit in Black 525 Ballistic with a Northwest Sky interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-BKGL^^Parental Unit in Black 525 Ballistic with a Mountain Grey interior..
  • visible variant TB1405-DKZD TB1405-DKML TB1405-DK5D^^Parental Unit in Deep Blue (dark blue) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-DKML^^Parental Unit in Deep Blue (dark blue) 525 Ballistic with Moss (green with light grey interior) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-DK5D^^Parental Unit in Deep Blue (dark blue) 630 Ballistic with Acai (purple with white interior) 200 Halcyon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-UKND TB1405-UKML TB1405-UKYD^^Parental Unit in Aubergine (dark purple) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-DKZD^^Parental Unit in Deep Blue (dark blue) 630 Ballistic with Zest (orange with white interior) 200 Halcyon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-UKND^^Parental Unit in Aubergine (dark purple) 525 Ballistic with Northwest Sky (light grey) 200 Halcyon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-UKYD^^Parental Unit in Aubergine (dark purple) Ballistic with Wisteria (light purple with white grid) 200 Halcyon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-UKML^^Parental Unit in Aubergine (dark purple) 630 Ballistic with Moss (green) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • TB1405-UKND^^Reverse shot of Parental Unit in Aubergine (dark purple) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-BKRL TB1405-BKLD^^Parental Unit in Black Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-BKRL^^Parental Unit in Black 525d Ballistic Nylon with Marigold (yellow with light yellow grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-BKLD^^Parental Unit in Black 525d Ballistic Nylon/Island Blue 200d Halcyon
  • visible variant TB1405-GK4D TB1405-GKLD TB1405-GKRL TB1405-GKSL^^Parental Unit in Nebulous Grey (medium grey) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-GKRL^^Parental Unit in Nebulous Grey (medium grey) 525 Ballistic with Island (yellow with light yellow grid) 210 Cerylon.
  • visible variant TB1405-GKSL^^Parental Unit in Nebulous Grey (medium grey) Ballistic with Island (dark red with red grid) 210 Cerylon.
  • visible variant TB1405-GK4D^^Parental Unit in Nebulous Grey Ballistic Sakura 200 Halcyon
  • visible variant TB1405-GKLD^^Parental Unit in Nebulous Grey (medium grey) 525 Ballistic with Island (blue with white grid) 200 Halcyon.
  • visible variant TB1405-RKML TB1405-RKZD^^Parental Unit in Ursa (brown-grey) Ballistic
  • visible variant TB1405-RKZD^^The Parental Unit in Ursa Ballistic/Zest 200 Halcyon.
  • visible variant TB1405-RKML^^Parental Unit in Ursa (brown-grey) 525 Ballistic with Moss (green with light green grid) 210 Cerylon.
  • visible variant TB1405-NKRL^^The Parental Unit in Constellation (light blue) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-NKRL^^The Parental Unit in Constellation (light blue) Ballistic with Marigold (yellow with light yellow grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-WKLD^^The Parental Unit in Wilderness (forest green) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-WKLD^^The Parental Unit in Wilderness (forest green) Ballistic with Island 200 Halycon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-CBND TB1405-CBZD^^Parental Unit with Coyote (tan) 1050 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-CBND^^Parental Unit with Coyote (tan) 1050 Ballistic with Northwest Sky 200 Halcyon.
  • visible variant TB1405-CBZD^^Parental Unit with Coyote (tan) 1050 Ballistic with Zest 200 Halcyon.
  • visible variant TB1405-NB5D TB1405-NB8D^^Parental Unit in Navy 1050 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-NB5D^^Parental Unit in Navy 1050 Ballistic with an Acai 200 Halcyon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-BKML^^Parental Unit in Black 1050 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-BKML^^Parental Unit in Black 1050 Ballistic with an Moss 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-TBND TB1405-TBDL TB1405-TKSL^^Parental Unit with Burnt Orange 1050 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-TBND^^Parental Unit with Burnt Orange 1050 Ballistic with Northwest Sky (light grey with white grid) 200 Halcyon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-TBDL^^Parental Unit with Burnt Orange 1050 Ballistic with Dusk (blue-grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-TKSL^^Parental Unit with Burnt Orange Ballistic with Sangria (dark red with red grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB1405-PK5D^^Parental Unit with Raspberry Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB1405-PK5D^^Parental Unit with Raspberry Ballistic with Acai (dark purple with white grid) 200 Halcyon interior.
  • ^^Photo coming soon. This bag/color combination is brand new! As soon as we finish the first production run here in our Seattle factory, we'll put up and actual photo of the bag. You can still sign up to be notified via email when this color is in-stock.
  • Parental Unit
  • detail visible^^Parental Unit with all compartments open, showing the interior pockets.
  • detail visible^^Close shot of zippable interior pockets in the main compartment.
  • detail visible^^Close shot of zippable interior pockets in the main compartment.
  • detail visible^^Close shot of zipper for the interior pockets in the main compartment.
  • detail visible^^Close shot of zippable interior pockets in the main compartment.
  • detail visible^^Parental Unit top zipper.
  • detail visible^^Full Parental Unit.
  • detail visible^^Close shot of front zipper and main zipper.
  • detail visible^^Close shot of the main compartment's zipper.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of the Parental Unit's snaphook.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of the triangle metal hook on the Parental Unit.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of front compartment zippers of the Parental Unit.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of the Parental Unit's open side compartment.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of the o-ring inside the Parental Unit's side compartment.
  • lifestyle visible^^A full open Parental Unit.
  • lifestyle visible^^A full open Parental Unit.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person carrying a Parental Unit cross-body.
  • lifestyle visible^^A possible Parental Unit loadout
  • lifestyle visible^^A person attaching the Stroller/Wheelchair Strap to the snaphook d-ring.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person attaching the Stroller/Wheelchair Strap to the snaphook d-ring.
  • lifestyle visible^^Parental Unit hung to a stroller using the Stroller/Wheelchair Strap.
  • lifestyle visible^^Parental Unit hung to a stroller using the Stroller/Wheelchair Strap.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person retrieving keys from a Parental Unit hung to a stroller using the Stroller/Wheelchair Strap.
  • lifestyle visible^^Parental Unit hung to a stroller using the Stroller/Wheelchair Strap.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person attaching a Parental Unit to stroller using the Stroller/Wheelchair Strap.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person attaching a Parental Unit to stroller using the Stroller/Wheelchair Strap.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person attaching the Stroller/Wheelchair Strap to the snaphook d-ring.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person attaching the Stroller/Wheelchair Strap to the snaphook d-ring.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person attaching the Stroller/Wheelchair Strap to the snaphook d-ring.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person shoulder-carrying a Parental Unit.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person wearing a Parental Unit as a cross-body.
  • lifestyle visible^^A Parental Unit with a toy in the front pocket.
  • visible video^^Thumbnail for a video showcasing the Parental Unit.
  • visible video^^Thumbnail for a video of the features of the Parental Unit.
(53 Reviews)

Parental Unit

$215

Ready to Ship

A brilliantly functional diaper bag that doesn’t scream “diaper bag”—one you’ll still love long after the diaper days are over.

What Goes Into A TOM BIHN Backpack?

Each bag is meticulously designed in our Seattle factory using premium, hard-wearing materials—and built to last a lifetime, guaranteed. You're not just buying a bag, you're investing in decades of thoughtful design, durable function, and responsible craftsmanship.

Color & Material

Exterior Color:
Aubergine
Interior Color:
Wisteria
Exterior Material:
Ballistic
Interior Material:
200 Halcyon

Available Color options
Made in Seattle
Lifetime Guarantee

Join the Waitlist!

Description

The Parental Unit is the result of our determination to build a bag that does more than just help with diaper changes—it’s designed to keep parents organized, mobile, and ready for whatever the day throws their way. Whether you're heading to the store, the in-laws’ house, daycare, or even the museum, the P.U. makes every outing smoother (and maybe even enjoyable). And because we believe style and practicality can coexist, we skipped the cutesy prints—this is a bag that looks good on everyone. No oversized, unwieldy monstrosity here—just a sleek, thoughtfully designed carry that won’t whack strangers in the face as you navigate a crowded subway or cozy café.

Reviews

4.9
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars
Based on 53 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 50 Total 4 star reviews: 3 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
Write a Review (Opens in a new window)
53 reviews
  • JP
    Judy P.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Gift
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, High Quality Finishings, Durable, Good Storage Size
    Yesterday
    Bought For Gift
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, High Quality Finishings, Durable, Good Storage Size
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Awesome thought filled bag.

    great bag not only for “diaper bag” but for anything. Quality made….Well done Tom:)

    Was this helpful?
  • SO
    Seán O. S.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Good Storage Size
    2 weeks ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Good Storage Size
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Great bag for handling the little things

    As with all Tom Bihn bags, great materials, design and functionality.

    This belongs up there with the synapse and syndic for perfect everyday bags.

    Was this helpful?
  • CP
    Christopher P.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Versatile
    3 weeks ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Versatile
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    3rd time is the charm I guess

    I purchased the Parental Unit as the third diaper bag that we have used and I think we have finally found a winner. We've previously used two different styles of backpack from other brands. The problem with the backpacks is that they tend become a bottomless pit with items getting shoved to the bottom over time and ultimately you can't see everything in the bag quickly when you open it. With the Parental Unit, as soon as I open the bag I can immediately see everything easily. It has enough separated sections to comfortably fit everything we need for a newborn and a toddler. We've exclusively used the bag with an Absolute Strap which I purchased at the same time. I have one for a Pilot that I purchased previously so I knew it was worth it. We keep the bag pretty stuffed and when it's full it tends to become more round. Despite that I find all of the zippers still open and close very easily. It also remains very comfortable to wear even when full. My main regret at this point is that I didn't purchase it sooner.

    Was this helpful?
  • J
    Justin
    Verified Reviewer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Good Storage Size, Versatile, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship
    1 month ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Good Storage Size, Versatile, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Emphasis on "unit"

    I don't think I've met a TB bag I didn't love but this might be my favorite. We had been using a backpack as our primary diaper bag but wanted to be able to travel with our backpacks and would need a messenger style like this for baby. In packing for a recent trip I moved everything from the backpack into the Unit abd still had room for spare bottles, toys, extra diapers, and books. The bag is so thoughtfully designed and punches well above its weight in capacity. I couldn't believe I could get all of the zippers closed even with every compartment stuffed full. Well done, TB.

    Was this helpful?
  • BN
    Brian N.
    Verified Reviewer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Compact
    1 month ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Compact
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Great bag for after diapers too

    I got one of these 10 years ago, and it was very good for my twins first few years. After that, I converted it to a fishing bag for afternoons with the kids and quick after work casts. Still going strong and doesn’t scream “diaper bag”!!

    Was this helpful?
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Why People Choose TOM BIHN

Travel-Ready Without the Bulk

Every bag is thoughtfully designed for effortless travel.

visible lifestyle^^A person retrieving a drink from the Synik 26 water bottle pocket

Effortless Organization, No Matter Your Day

Smart pockets and O-rings keep everything visible and within easy reach.

visible lifestyle^^A Nomad Tote with its front pocket open.

Built to Last a Lifetime

Made in Seattle with premium materials and backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Superior Construction. Thoughtful Design.

Every detail is obsessively crafted for function, flexibility, and joy in use—just like we’ve been doing since 1972.

Travel-Ready Without the Bulk

Every bag is thoughtfully designed for effortless travel.

visible lifestyle^^A person retrieving a drink from the Synik 26 water bottle pocket

Effortless Organization, No Matter Your Day

Smart pockets and O-rings keep everything visible and within easy reach.

visible lifestyle^^A Nomad Tote with its front pocket open.

Built to Last a Lifetime

Made in Seattle with premium materials and backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Superior Construction. Thoughtful Design.

Every detail is obsessively crafted for function, flexibility, and joy in use—just like we’ve been doing since 1972.

Travel-Ready Without the Bulk

Every bag is thoughtfully designed for effortless travel.

visible lifestyle^^A person retrieving a drink from the Synik 26 water bottle pocket

Effortless Organization, No Matter Your Day

Smart pockets and O-rings keep everything visible and within easy reach.

visible lifestyle^^A Nomad Tote with its front pocket open.

Built to Last a Lifetime

Made in Seattle with premium materials and backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Superior Construction. Thoughtful Design.

Every detail is obsessively crafted for function, flexibility, and joy in use—just like we’ve been doing since 1972.

Made in Seattle, Built to Last

Designed with obsessive attention to detail, we pride ourselves in offering bags in unmatched quality and durability—whether you're commuting, traveling, or navigating daily life. Built to last, made to move with you.

The BIHN Guarantee

Since 1972, we’ve stood behind every bag we make. If it’s our fault, we’ll fix it—no questions asked. For everything else, we offer honest repairs in the same Seattle shop where your bag was born.