If you’re looking for the definitive answer on diapers; look no further than our guide to the best disposable diapers available on the market today.
You might be wondering why disposable diapers are preferred over cloth diapers. Well, the bottom line comes down to money, comfort, and which is better for the environment.
Being a new parent is tough work. In fact, it’s one of the toughest times of your life, and if you’re on baby number 2,3,4, or more you’ll know this better than anybody.
With the added work of having to wash the cloth every 2-3 days, we understand why parents are not ready to do all that extra work.
But when it comes to picking the best diaper, no baby is the same so we’ve collated all we know about disposable diapers and have listed our favorite choices for absorbency, fit, comfort, durability, and eco-friendly brands.
Here are our 10 favorite picks that are guaranteed to reduce your diaper choosing worries, and reduce your stinky laundry load!
Pampers is one of the leading brands of diaper providers in the market. This isn’t by accident.
They are the number one recommended brand for paediatricians, and this particular line from Pampers come with breathefree liner to help soothe the babies skin whilst allowing for utmost breathability,
We tested each diaper ourselves. The swaddlers range was soft and would be ideal for sensitive skin.
We’ve also scanned other reviews and noticed that many parents do not struggle with blowouts and have noted this range is very absorbent.
One thing to note is we’ve noticed that some of the side tabs can rip off easily so be wary of this.
Pros
One of the most well-rated brands on the market and rated number 1 by U.S. paediatricians.
Breathefree liner helps soothe and protects the baby’s skin.
The material is soft for comfort and would be ideal for sensitive skin.
Cons
Potentially weak side tabs might cause issues and reduce overall durability.
Here’s a great option for those looking for sustainability in a disposable world. Seventh Generation has created a diaper that is sustainably sourced using wood pulp that is beneficial to the planet’s forests.
And the diaper core is not bleached with chemicals or chlorine, just in case you were wondering.
In terms of quality, they were soft and provided good absorption after a water spillage test.
We did note that this may not be one of the most durable choices on offer and the diaper may start to fall apart before it gets a proper use, so make sure to stress test for durability.
Pros
Made from sustainable material for an environmentally friendly diaper.
Not bleached with chemicals or chlorine.
It is made from comfortable materials and we didn’t see any problems with absorption.
Cons
This is not the most durable option, and may break before a change is required.
Here’s a good option from Huggies that wins an award for one of the best absorbent diapers, as our tests showed excellent results in fluids being soaked up.
They are quite lightweight and we couldn’t knock the fit as the diaper comes with an elastic band to fit the waist.
But make sure to take into consideration that because they are lightweight the material is thin, so we would be concerned with leakage during the middle of the night.
Pros
We found they were good for absorbing fluids and passed our absorbency tests.
They are a great fit, with elastic bands to fit a wide selection of sizes.
Lightweight by design, and not too bulky for a baby.
Cons
With that said, they are on the limit with being lightweight and may cause leaking if not careful.
Pampers are back on the list with this solid choice that has several features.
With absorbent plant-based liner enriched with shea butter to help protect baby’s skin, they smell fine and don’t have a chemical odor like other diaper brands in this price range.
We liked the qualities of this product and didn’t have any issue with leakage.
We feel this would also be suitable for babies with sensitive skin as the material is very forgiving. We did spot some issues with a blowout, which other reviewers have also noted.
Pros
Plant-based liner and shea butter are great for babies with sensitive skin.
They had a normal odor and we didn’t notice a chemical smell.
Leakage was kept under control and there were no problems in our spillage test.
Cons
We have seen a report of cases of a blowout, so make sure to test this for yourself.
Here’s another solid option for those families deciding to go down the eco-friendly route.
Nappychat has hit the mark with their diaper free from perfume, lotions, and latex. Made from chlorine-free wood pulp from sustainable forests, this is 100% recyclable, including the packaging.
We didn’t see any problems with fit and this diaper is going to fit comfortably around the waist of a baby.
We have noticed with some parents that they have left the skin a bit dry and has caused slight irritation to the skin.
Pros
Free from perfume, lotions, and latex.
Made with sustainability in mind and is made from chlorine-free wood pulp.
They fit great in our tests and were no issues with things like breaking side tabs that other diapers struggle with.
Cons
Have seen parents’ comments that these might cause minor skin irritation for babies so bear this in mind.
Babyganics have designed their diaper to be a durable and comfortable diaper that is good value for money.
Formulated without chlorine, latex or petroleum-based fragrances, this is a ‘green’ diaper to be respected with premium level absorbency.
The good news is that this diaper passed most of our tests including the comfort test and absorption test. The bad news is that this brand has not been handling blowouts that well, according to some parents’ reviews.
Pros
Fantastic absorption and protects well against leaks.
They feel durable and won’t fall apart that easily.
Nice feeling material that is going to be kind to the baby's skin.
Cons
Blowouts have been reported so make sure to test these out before committing.
Soft, stretchy, comfy fit. According to Hello Baby, their diapers are a versatile choice designed for babys’ comfort that is a premium option at non-premium prices. But what did we think?
Overall we had to agree and these were one of the best performers, especially in the spillage test, as we couldn’t see any run-off when placed in a manner of different angles.
We also adored the design of cactus and watermelon and thought it was a cute touch.
The only downside was differentiating between front and back because of the design, which might be tricky, especially for new parents.
Pros
This was a strong performer in all of our tests.
Great absorption at all angles means you can not worry about leakage.
Comes with a cute watermelon and cactus design.
Cons
Hard to distinguish between front and back which might be tricky for brand new parents.
These award-winning premium diapers from Andy Pandy are made from 100% biodegradable material making bamboo diapers a great choice for babies.
They are free of skin irritation products such as alcohol and chlorine which lowers the chances of rashes or breakouts.
These are a simplistic choice if you’re not fussed about design, as the all-white design allows these to be dressed in many outfits if the baby is heading out on the town.
We did note issues with some of the tabs which required manipulation to open.
Pros
Andy Pandy has created a simple yet effective diaper.
Made from biodegradable material and is free from alcohol and chlorine.
No issue with leakage or blowouts from our tests or from the reviewers comments we read.
Cons
There were issues with some of the tabs which did require some jostling to open.
Pampers makes our list again for the final choice, and these diapers are the perfect transitional choice from static baby to adventurous toddler.
This is because the Pull-On Cruiser slips on like a pair of underwear and comes with super soft material and stretch waistband for all shapes and sizes of baby.
We were initially sceptical but these were actually easier to pull on than we had first thought.
The diapers come with a clear set of instructions on how to pull them on and take them off just in case you need a tutorial.
However, we have seen that many parents find they are easier to slip on when the baby is leaned up against you, but this is a minor logistical grumble.
Pros
A great option for active toddlers that move around a lot.
Very soft and durable, and overall we liked the material Pampers have used.
This diaper came with a simple set of instructions to guide you through putting them on and taking them off.
Cons
You may need to fiddle with them the first few attempts, and we suggest a leaning approach rather than having a baby on their back.
The Best Disposable Diapers Buying Guide
This is the tricky part. Hopefully, you’ve gone through our list and made a mental note of the 3-5 choices you are considering to purchase.
This is your first step on the journey to your dream diaper, but it’s not over yet. You now need to narrow this down to 1-2 options and our goal is to now get you to this point.
Before getting started it would be sensible to outline what your immediate goals and priorities are.
Every family will be in a different situation, whether you’re starting a new family with a tight budget looking to maximize on keeping costs low, or whether you have more disposable income and can pay a little extra for better premium diapers that are the perfect fit and great for the environment.
We are not judging if you are in either of these categories. Be honest with yourself and go with what you feel is right for your baby and family.
One thing is for certain: do not immediately go out and buy a brand in bulk.
You need to become a scientist and start to experiment with a couple of options first.
Otherwise, you might pick a brand that isn't to your preferences and you’ll be stuck with 100 diapers that aren’t going to be used.
With that said, make sure to trial each of these elements to ensure you’ve picked the best diaper for the baby.
Absorbency
Hands down, this is the most critical feature to be stressed tested.
We want to avoid leakage because the baby could become susceptible to dampness which can lead to diaper rash.
Therefore, absorbency will determine how much fluid a diaper can retain without leakage, as well as how well it distributes the fluid amongst the core of the diaper.
To achieve this, every diaper has an absorbent core and uses a super absorbent polymer, or SAP for short.
This is the method to achieve absorption of wet faecal matter that traps it in place at the core of the nappy.
Each brand will have a different level of absorption and for how long they can hold onto the fluid.
You’re not only looking for fluids but for blowouts as well. You’ll need a design that not only stores a lot but can also absorb quickly.
Most diapers will be able to hold more than they need to, but what matters is speed and effectiveness of absorption, and nothing screams poor quality diapers than too much blowout, or leakage for that matter.
Softness
We know your baby means everything to you so it’s important to take note of how soft a diaper is.
Whilst most of the comfort is going to come from effective absorbency, we’d still consider checking materials that feel soft on your baby’s skin to avoid rashes.
Check all around for how the diaper feels. Do the securing tabs feel soft with well-rounded edges? Do the seams feel pleasant and seamless so that there is no chafing?
This is another reason to purchase a small batch before committing to a brand, as the best test is going to be a trial run with your baby showing you in real time what works and what doesn’t.
Eco-Friendly Options
There’s no denying that cloth diapers are more eco-friendly than disposable diapers. But ‘green’ diapers are taking a stand and some brands have shown that disposable doesn’t always mean damaging.
If you’d like to reduce your total footprint, make sure to check for biodegradable materials: these will be easy to spot as most companies showcase this feature in their marketing material.
Typical materials used are bamboo, corn, or wheat.
They should also claim to be chemical-free and will not contain alcohol, perfumes, or latex, which will help improve overall comfort and hopefully reduce skin irritations.
Fit
All of the absorbency will be for nothing if the diaper doesn’t fit properly, so ensure you look for a diaper with a contoured fit.
What this means is that the waistband and leg section will fit snugly against the baby, whilst still allowing your baby to wiggle and squirm without restricting movement.
Most diapers will include stretchy sides and some even come equipped with a double elastic sealing around the waist for extra protection.
Also, make sure to avoid loose-fitting diapers to avoid unwanted clean-up jobs.
Extras
What happens if you can’t tell if the baby requires changing?
Not every parent is a natural when it comes to this, and some brands have made this process easier by including something called a wetness indicator.
Whilst this won’t be necessary for everyone, new parents with newborn babies might find this feature enticing as it can be difficult to tell for newbie parents.
The other handy add-on is the front-back labeling.
Brands that don’t include these might prove tricky for newbie-parents as it can be difficult to distinguish between the front and back of the diaper, which can make the baby changing process time-consuming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Disposable Diapers Be Reused?
Yes, as long as the diaper has not been wet or soiled. Many of the brands we feature have included a sticky tab that can be re-fastened to the diaper.
Can Disposable Diapers Expire?
No diapers do not expire. However, you might notice a slight discoloration if left unused for a long period.
Are Bamboo Diapers Safe To Use?
Yes, they are, and brands that use bamboo have made sure to use naturally grown and harvested bamboo plants for even the most sensitive skin.
If you have any concerns about ingredients or their process, check the labeling on the diaper packaging.
Should You Purchase Diapers Before Your Baby Is Born?
No, you should wait before purchasing any diapers. You need to find out the weight of your baby, as a few packages of newborn diapers that go up to 10 pounds are all you need before going up a size.
Most brands will not take that long to reach your home address, so don’t worry about not having supplies ready for the baby.
When thinking about clothing, there is so much to consider, such as sizing, the materials used, the quality of the products, and also how ethical they are. There is also the topic of fast fashion and its effects on the environment.
This is why I decided to set up our site Torly Kid, to provide parents and carers with the ultimate guide to everything related to children’s clothing and fashion. From the best outfits for crawling toddlers, to the prettiest dresses for tweens, we’ve got you covered.
