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The 8 Best Diapers, Tested by Moms and Their Babies

Finding the best baby diapers can take some trial and error. To streamline the process, check out our top picks, tested by newborns, infants and toddlers.
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By Emma O'Regan-Reidy, Contributing Writer
Updated July 29, 2025
mom and dad changing baby's diaper at home
Image: New Africa | Shutterstock
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In a nutshell:
Based on feedback from our team of independent product testers, a survey of nearly 650 parents from The Bump community and advice from a pediatrician, we chose Pampers Swaddlers as the overall best diapers available in stores based on their wide availability, reliable leak protection and comfort for baby. We also chose Coterie Diapers as the overall best subscription diapers. This brand continues to stand out for its impressive protection, super-soft feel, premium absorbency and customizable subscription options.

As a parent, you can expect to change thousands of diapers until your child is potty trained—so picking the right diapers for your child’s evolving needs is key. The thing is, there are a ton of options to choose from. “Many families make their choice based on the brand, design, cost and designations such as eco-friendly or organic,” says Caroline Brown, MD, a pediatrician based in North Carolina and mom of three young children. Most importantly, you want something that fits baby snugly and comfortably to prevent leaks and blowouts—and what may work well for one child may not be quite right for another. “I encourage my patients’ parents to buy a package of a few different types to try before stocking up in bulk on a particular brand,” advises Brown.

To help you identify the best choice for your little one, we’ve done the dirty work (literally) for you, researching the most popular diapers on the market and putting them to the test with newborns, infants and toddlers. Here’s what we found.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Diapers

Image: Julie W., Jaclyn G., Bernadette B.

The Bump editors conducted extensive research to identify the top 41 baby diapers on the market. Carefully reviewing product features, specs and customer reviews to identify which were particularly good for specific uses, we then created a shortlist of 20 to test. From there:

  • We enlisted the help of 15 product testers to try out different diapers on their little ones. These parents used the diapers with their infants day and night, at home, at the playground and even at the beach. We then carefully evaluated each for ease of use, effectiveness, features and design, materials and ingredients, comfort for baby and value for the money.
  • We surveyed nearly 650 parents from The Bump community on the brand and style of diapers they’ve used with their families, and asked them about their overall experience with them.
  • We interviewed a pediatrician to understand essential features you should look for as you shop for and use diapers, whether your child is a newborn, infant or toddler.
  • We followed guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). We also read relevant resources from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and several scientific journals for additional insights on the most common diaper parts and materials.
  • When choosing which newborn and infant diapers to feature in this roundup, we considered several factors, such as size range, materials and price point, to name a few.
  • Because no two families are the same, we scoured forums, social media channels, message boards and customer reviews to see how these diapers performed for a wide range of parents nationwide.
    Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read more about how The Bump develops our product reviews.

Best Diapers

Overall best diapers available in stores

What We Love
  • Unique blowout barrier for added protection
  • Effective wetness indicator, according to our tester
  • Widely available in stores and online
  • Super comfortable for baby, according to The Bump community
  • Available in preemie sizes
Things To Consider
  • Some parents say the sizing isn’t always accurate
  • ECF

When it comes to a daily essential like diapers, you’ll want something that’s readily available so you can stock up ahead of time and grab extra supplies in a pinch. According to our most recent community survey, 15 percent of parents told us they opted for diapers that were available in stores rather than online—and with Pampers Swaddlers, you get the best of both worlds, a widely-available diaper that performs like a specialty product. “[They’re] very soft and absorbent, seem comfortable and available nearly everywhere (even internationally),” praises Laura, a survey respondent. Due to their wide popularity and effectiveness, Pampers Swaddlers earned this year’s Best of The Bump award for overall best diapers available in stores. (See all of this year’s Best of The Bump winners.)

Image: Julie G.

Right away, our tester Julie appreciated how simple it was to use Pampers Swaddlers with her 2-month-old. She tells us they were easy to put on and take off (even in dim lighting), and that the stretchy adhesive tabs made them a breeze to adjust to her little one’s small size. Both Julie and our community members say these diapers were super comfortable for their little ones. “They’re pretty soft but also durable,” Julie shares. “These diapers have been comfortable and reliable since the beginning. They never cause diaper rash and have never leaked out at night,” agrees survey respondent Leah.

Pampers Swaddlers were rated the most effective for preventing leaks and blowouts, according to more than 100 parents who responded to our survey. Inside each, you’ll find a dedicated blowout barrier—an extra raised layer to prevent poop from exiting the diaper. There’s also a unique 360-degree interior leak guard along the leg cuffs for added protection, and the BreatheFree liner wicks wetness away as soon as it makes contact with the topsheet.

In particular, Julie was a fan of how well these diapers worked while her baby slept. “We haven’t experienced a leak at night, and it was easy to change them in the morning without any surprises,” she shares. When it’s time for a change, the diaper’s external wetness indicator turns from yellow to blue—a feature that stood out to Julie during testing. “It works extremely well for diapers that are wet. If there’s only poop in these diapers the wetness indicator doesn’t activate,” she explains, adding, “Of course, you can still use your sense of smell to know when to change baby!” Needless to say, it’s easy to see why so many parents from The Bump community trust Pampers as their number-one diaper brand.

Size range: Preemie (<6 lbs.) to 8 (46+ lbs.) | Materials: Wood pulp and SAPs (core); polypropylene and polyethylene (fabric); spandex (leg cuffs) | Wetness indicator: Yes

Our product tester says:
“These diapers seemed comfortable for my baby. They are pretty soft but also durable.”

Our community says:

Our baby is 10 months old and has only had 3 blowouts ever in these (knock on wood). – Laura, The Bump survey respondent

I like the fit, texture and absorption. – Meg, The Bump survey respondent

Buy Now

Overall best subscription diapers

Coterie Diapers
Image: Coterie
What We Love
  • Superior absorbency (even overnight)
  • Ultra-soft and fast-wicking
  • Hypoallergenic, plant-based materials
  • Fragrance-free
  • TCF
Things To Consider
  • Relatively high price point
  • Only available online

Life with baby is busy, to say the least. Because of this, some families prefer the convenience of a diaper subscription service—and in the world of online diaper subscriptions, Coterie reigns supreme, earning its status as our overall best subscription diaper pick. According to the brand, each shipment typically lasts around a month, and by signing up for an auto-renew subscription, you’ll save 10 percent on every order. You can even manage the details of your orders (from the size you need to the delivery date) by text. Not only are these subscription diapers convenient, but they’re also incredibly effective. Their outstanding, reliable performance continues to impress our product testers, editors and parent community members alike, earning it a Best of The Bump award for the third year in a row.

Put simply, Coterie Diapers are ultra-absorbent. Based on lab testing, the company says their size 4 diapers hold more than 16 ounces of liquid and have three times the drying power of other brands—a claim that, according to our product tester Julie, the diapers actually live up to. “The diapers were extremely absorbent—better than any diaper I’ve used,” says the mom of four, who used them with her baby for a month. All of our survey respondents who use Coterie agreed that these diapers are unmatched when it comes to absorbency. In particular, parents from The Bump community rated these highly for overnight use, and Julie found this to be the case too. “They didn’t leak once. No blowouts escaped them. I used them during the night where [my baby] would go a 12-hour stretch without being changed [] and still never had any leaking through,”she says.

Image: Julie W.

If that’s not all, these exceptional diapers are made with apparel-grade fabric and hypoallergenic materials that have been dermatologist-tested, so they’re less likely to irritate a baby’s skin. In fact, Coterie diapers are constructed from 25 percent plant-based materials, and as of March 2025, they also became OEKO TEX Standard 100-certified. This means they’ve gone through extensive testing and are confirmed to be free of more than 1,000 harmful substances. The Bump community appreciated the care that goes into the construction of each Coterie diaper and that the brand prioritizes gentle, natural ingredients. “The best things are how soft and absorbent they are, the quality and that it’s a ‘clean” diaper,” says Susan, a survey respondent.

To that end, Coterie Diapers are rated as a highly comfortable option, and our testing showed that as well. “The diapers felt very soft and stretchy. That’s what made it stick out the most to me when I first opened it. It felt like really soft, thick toilet paper,” Julie tells us. “[My baby] never seemed uncomfy in them, and they never left any red marks or irritation from the diaper leg cuffs like I’ve noticed other diapers have.” With their extraordinary leak and blowout protection, cleaner ingredients and super-soft materials, Coterie diapers are a top pick for parents and babies alike.

Size range: Newborn (under 10 lbs.) to 6 (35+ lbs.) | Materials: Propylene (topsheet); polypropylene, polyester and polyethylene (backsheet); SAP and wood pulp (core) | Wetness indicator: Yes

Our product tester says:
“I’d recommend these for two reasons: because they never once leaked, and because my baby’s skin was not irritated once, and they were clearly very comfortable on her. [] I would say considering the quality of the product, the price is justified. At first glance, it might seem a bit high, but after using them for a month, I'd like to buy more.”

Our community says:

I like the absorbency, style and quality. They're worth the price. – Stephanie, The Bump survey respondent

They're very absorbent, comfortable for baby and good quality. – Izzy, The Bump survey respondent

I absolutely LOVE the quality and design of these diapers. They truly are superior and I love that they don’t have tacky designs and my baby can wear them with his thin, bamboo outfits without a pattern showing through. My baby loves these! – Ellen, The Bump survey respondent

Buy Now

Best budget-friendly diapers

Rascals Premium Diapers
Image: Walmart
What We Love
  • Affordable price point per diaper
  • Wide range of sizes (Newborn to 7)
  • OEKO TEX-certified materials
Things To Consider
  • Could have been stretchier, according to our tester
  • ECF

Since babies use so many diapers, saving even a couple of pennies on each can add up quickly. In fact, our most recent survey shows that 45 percent of parents consider price to be paramount when choosing a diaper. Out of all the pairs we’ve tested over the years (21 diaper brands, to be exact), Rascals Premium Diapers are the second most cost-effective choices at 17 cents per diaper, which is more than 10 cents cheaper than some competitors. (There was just one diaper that rang in slightly cheaper, at 16 cents per diaper, but it didn’t perform well in our testing.)

Just because they come at a more reasonable price point doesn’t mean you’ll have to compromise on effectiveness. According to our tester, Jaclyn, mom of a 5-month-old, these can be counted on to keep baby comfy and covered, which is all you really need a diaper to do. “I had no leaks or beyond-the-diaper blowouts, even when worn overnight. The diaper seemed very absorbent, and baby remained dry to the touch when wearing," Jaclyn praises. This can in part be attributed to the Hydrolock Core, which is made up of four absorbing layers to keep leaks contained. Likewise, the triple leak guards (aka the ruffled edges on the legs) offer additional protection.

Image: Jaclyn G.

During testing, Jaclyn found Rascals Premium Diapers straightforward to use with her 5-month-old, day and night. “The tape made them easy to adjust to fit. The front and back were easy to differentiate, even in low lighting,” she shares. These diapers are high-waisted and designed to hug baby’s back comfortably while providing extra coverage. Better yet, they’re also made from material that’s OEKO TEX Standard 100-certified, so they’re free of more than 1,000 harmful substances. While she did think these diapers could have been stretchier, Jaclyn appreciated their construction overall. “My baby seemed comfortable even overnight despite being a bit sensitive. I had no issues putting them on or off, and she was able to play on the floor comfortably,” she tells us. To sum up, they’re a reliable choice for families who don’t want to break the bank on diapers, earning them a well-deserved Best of The Bump award for best budget-friendly diapers.

Size range: Newborn (2-9 lbs.) to 7 (37+ lbs.) | Materials: Fluff pulp, SAP, polypropylene non-woven fabrics, polyethylene film, spandex and adhesive glue | Wetness indicator: Yes

Our product tester says:
“They were good quality. [] They did the job and my baby seemed happy and leak-free.”

Buy Now

Best diapers for newborns

What We Love
  • Only 100% cotton touches baby’s skin
  • 70% unbleached, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified cotton
  • High daytime and overnight absorbency
  • Fragrance-free
  • TCF
Things To Consider
  • Some parents say the tabs could be stronger

Newborn babies have delicate skin and can use up to 10 diapers a day, so the right option for this stage will be effective yet extra gentle. Kudos Ultimate Diapers are the only disposable diapers made with a top layer of 100 percent cotton, so no plastic comes in contact with baby’s body. Our product tester Bernadette tried Kudos out with her 5-week-old and highly praised this unique construction. “With a newborn, you’re cautious about everything that touches their skin, and having a soft cotton diaper [gives you] peace of mind,” says Bernadette. These newborn diapers earned a perfect score from Bernadette across multiple categories, making it a clear Best of The Bump winner for the best diaper for newborns.

Image: Bernadette B.

Not only do Kudos feature an all-cotton topsheet, but a whopping 70 percent of that cotton is unbleached. “You can tell that it’s made from cotton because it isn't the bleached white color of disposable diapers, it’s more of a beige,” says Bernadette. It might take a little getting used to seeing little flecks in the diaper’s material, but that pure cotton makes it gentler on baby’s skin. And rest assured, even the 30 percent of cotton that is bleached is still 100 percent chlorine-free.

Notably, Bernadette rated Kudos diapers highly for their ease of use—a must for sleep-deprived new parents. “Late-night changes were easy because we could handle the package and diaper with one hand and with minimal lighting,” she shares. Kudos also kept up with the rapid pace of newborn growth, thanks to the super-soft, flexible design and closure system. As Bernadette tells us, “the Velcro tabs were nice and gave enough stretch to fit our newborn between sizes and kept that size throughout the day.” Plus, a full front-to-back wetness indicator helps let you know when a diaper change is in order—whether it’s no. 1 or no. 2.

Of course even the gentlest and easy-to-use newborn diapers still need to deliver top-notch performance. Bernadette praised how effective the diapers were, noting that Kudos kept her newborn dry even during the most full-on diaper situations, like long drives. “We haven’t experienced any leakage overnight or during the day,” she says. The gentleness of Kudos Diapers, combined with their excellent absorbency, makes them an ideal choice for newborns.

Size range: 1 (7-12 lbs.) to 6 (30+ lbs.) | Materials: 100% cotton (topsheet); wood pulp and SAP (core); polyethylene and PLA (backsheet) | Wetness indicator: Yes

Our product tester says:
“The soft, natural feel of the cotton on your baby's skin is gold compared to the plastic, chemical-treated materials of other disposable diapers. [] Not to mention the quality of the diapers—no blowouts, no leaks and minimal wetness. I'm so glad that I got to test these out because I would have never found them on my own.”

Buy Now

Best overnight diapers

What We Love
  • Highly effective at preventing leaks, according to our tester
  • Also works well for daytime use
  • Fragrance-free
Things To Consider
  • Relatively high price point
  • Can be tricky to tell which side is which
  • ECF

It’s a major milestone when baby starts sleeping through the night, but having to change a leaky, saturated diaper can ruin a full rest for everyone involved. To avoid interruptions to your family’s much-needed sleep, the best overnight diapers should offer superior absorbency and keep a baby dry and comfortable for lengthy stretches of time. Thankfully, the Honest Clean Conscious Overnight Diapers, our Best of The Bump winner for best overnight diapers, can be relied on to do just that and more. Our tester, Margeaux, used these with her 14-month-old and loved how effective they were at soaking up liquids all night long. “I was especially impressed by the absorbency and softness of the Honest Clean Conscious Overnight Diapers, which are noticeably thicker than other diapers and promise up to 12 hours of protection—a promise that, in my experience, they keep,” she praises.

Image: Margeaux B. K.

Not only are these diapers absorbent, but you can also count on them to be gentle against baby’s skin, no matter how much they’re holding. As the “clean” in the name suggests, the Clean Conscious Overnight Diapers are made without latex, fragrances or parabens and boast a hypoallergenic topsheet. They also offer a stretchy waistband that provides a snug but comfortable fit, an essential feature that can help prevent middle-of-the-night blowouts. While testing these, Margeaux’s daughter had a bowel movement immediately after waking up one morning. “Since the diaper had already been in use all night, I braced myself for a messy blowout situation. But, to my surprise, the Honest diaper kept everything in. And it wasn’t a fluke, either: These diapers never leaked once during the entire testing process,” she tells us.

These overnight diapers performed well during the day as well. Margeaux’s 14-month-old wore them on trips to the park and playground, and she reported that they kept her daughter dry no matter what she was doing. “These Honest Clean Conscious diapers fit my active, walking toddler well,” she shares. “Even during the day when she was playing and frequently changing positions from sitting to standing to climbing, the diapers contained everything.” Overall, while Honest diapers are more expensive than some other brands, their impressive ability to prevent nighttime leaks and blowouts is definitely worth it. To sum it up in Margeaux’s words: “Avoiding the hassle of changing wet pajamas and crib sheets in the middle of the night is, in my opinion, priceless.”

Size range: 3 (16-28 lbs.) to 6 (35+ lbs.) | Materials: Wood pulp and sodium polyacrylate (core); polypropylene (outer layer); polyethylene and polypropylene (inner layer) | Wetness indicator: Yes

Our product tester says:
“I’d absolutely recommend these diapers and would buy them for my daughter in the future. I’d feel confident having my daughter wear them while out of the house, knowing how well they protect against blowouts and leakage.”

Our community says:

They're stretchier […] and MUCH better able to keep in blowouts. We're long past the blowout stage now but stuck with Honest. They also don't turn lumpy when wet. – Melissa*, The Bump survey respondent

Buy Now

Best planet-friendlier diapers

What We Love
  • Enhanced with organic cotton for a soft feel
  • EWG-verified, FSC-certified materials
  • Carbon-neutral plant powered by renewable electricity
  • Recyclable paper packaging
  • Fragrance-free
  • TCF
Things To Consider
  • Shipping from Europe may reduce environmental benefit

There’s no way around it: Disposable diapers aren’t the most eco-conscious products. However, if you’re searching for an option with as minimal an impact on the environment as possible, look no further than Pura Baby Diapers for Sensitive Skin. The brand is committed to lowering its ecological impact while also creating diapers that get the job done. They’ve been a B Corp-certified brand since 2021, meaning that they meet high standards of social and environmental performance. Manufactured in Europe, their diapers are made in a carbon-neutral plant that’s powered by 100 percent renewable electricity. None of the waste created during the production process is disposed of in landfills, and, likewise, the diapers come in recyclable paper packaging. For all of these reasons and more, the Pura Baby Diapers earned a Best of The Bump award for best planet-friendlier diapers.

Image: Padeja E.

The backsheet of Pura diapers is enhanced with organic cotton for an ultra-soft feel, and they contain a plant-based waterproof layer, ensuring that only natural materials touch baby’s skin. The core is also made from certified sustainable plant fibers. Our tester, Padeja, was a big fan of the ingredients that make up these diapers, which she used with her 8-month-old. “They felt soft and gentle on my baby’s sensitive skin, and it was reassuring to know they’re made without harsh chemicals,” she says. “The packaging clearly displayed the ingredients and sustainability claims, which I found helpful and transparent.” Padeja also appreciated that they’re TCF. “This made me feel better about using disposable diapers, knowing they’re safer for both my baby and the environment,” she praises.

Best of all, Pura diapers proved highly effective and easy to use during testing. Padeja says they were simple to put on her wiggling baby, thanks to the strong, stretchy adhesive tabs. The waistband and leg cuffs also fit snugly to prevent leaks. “I was impressed with how well it handled blowouts—there was no mess escaping from the back or legs. The absorbency was excellent; my baby’s skin felt dry to the touch after removing the diaper, with no signs of irritation,” Padeja reports. She would highly recommend them to other families, particularly those who are eco-conscious or have sensitive skin. “Overall, they deliver on comfort, performance and sustainability,” Padeja concludes.

Size range: 1 (4-11 lbs.) to 7 (33+ lbs.) | Materials: Plant-based polyethylene and polypropylene (topsheet, ADL and core wrap); plant-based polyethylene, polypropylene, adhesive and elastic polyurethane (leg cuffs); polypropylene, polyethylene and adhesive (closing system); SAP and wood pulp (core); plant-based polyethylene, calcium carbonate, adhesive and printed ink (backsheet); organic cotton, polyethylene and polyester (outer cover) | Wetness indicator: Yes

Our product tester says:
“They’re soft, gentle and thoughtfully designed with clean ingredients and effective features. We experienced no leaks, irritation or discomfort while using them, and I felt confident knowing they’re made with environmentally conscious materials.”

Buy Now

Best diapers for sensitive skin

What We Love
  • Cleared up baby’s rash, according to our tester
  • Highly absorbent topsheet
  • OEKO TEX-certified, EWG-verified materials
  • Fragrance-free
  • TCF
Things To Consider
  • No wetness indicators
  • High price point

When baby has sensitive skin, a diaper that won’t cause discomfort is essential, and parents from The Bump community wholeheartedly agree. In our most recent survey, 67 percent of our respondents told us that they prioritized looking for diapers that won’t irritate their children’s skin. If you’re in the same boat, HealthyBaby Our Diapers are a gentle, dependable option. They were the first (and remain one of the only) diapers on the market to be EWG-verified, so parents can confirm that they’re free from a long list of potentially harmful ingredients. They’re also made from OEKO TEX-certified, plant-based materials that have been enhanced with organic cotton for a luxuriously soft feel.

But certifications alone weren't enough to earn these diapers their Best of The Bump award—we made sure to get feedback from the parent of a sensitive-skinned baby to see how well they worked in practice. Our tester Nathalia is the mom of a 4-month-old with very sensitive skin, and she was seriously impressed by these diapers. “They’re worth the price because they eliminated my daughter's rash and safety/materials are incredibly important to me,” she says. “I will continue to purchase these.”

Image: Nathalia R.

A key factor for babies with sensitive skin is keeping them dry to prevent rashes, and these definitely deliver on that front. The ultra-thin, breathable design is made with patented Magic Air Channels, which absorb and trap moisture while staying snugly fit to baby’s skin. Meanwhile, the FlashDry technology layer on the topsheet works to distribute wetness as it occurs, and Nathalia can attest to its effectiveness. “The diaper is extremely absorbent. [It] can go all night (12 hours) without any pee leaks,” she shares. “ In the morning, the diaper would be incredibly full but still firmly in place, no leakage and [my daughter’s] skin still felt dry.”

Not only are HealthyBaby’s diapers delicate on skin, but they’re also less harmful to the environment than some of their competitors. They come in biodegradable packaging, which Nathalia praises. “I like that the package is made of paper, not only because it's more eco-friendly, but also because I can open it with one hand,” she says. Plus, they’re made from pulp that’s been certified by the FSC, meaning it’s sourced from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.

One drawback is that these diapers don’t feature wetness indicators, but some—particularly those wanting to avoid any and all potential irritants—might see this as positive, since those indicators are made with dyes. While these HealthyBaby diapers do come at a higher price point, Nathalia tells us she’ll continue to buy them for her little one: “Though pricey, the clean materials and skin benefits make them worth it for us.”

Size range: Newborn (6-10 lbs.) to 6 (32+ lbs) | Materials: 50% polyethylene and 50% polypropylene (topsheet); 60% sodium polyacrylate and 40% wood pulp (absorbent core); 100% polypropylene (core wrap); 100% polyester (acquisition layer); 35% polyethylene, 35% polypropylene, 20% adhesive and 10% elastic polyurethane (leg cuffs); 55% polypropylene, 25% adhesive and 20% polyethylene (closing system); 45% polyethylene, 45% calcium carbonate, 10% adhesive and <0.5% printed ink (backsheet); 5% polyethylene, 40% polyester and 15% organic cotton (outer cover) | Wetness indicator: No

Our product tester says:
“My daughter has very sensitive skin, and I have tried several brands. This one has been great for her skin. Her rash went away. She seems comfortable and there are no signs of diaper rash or irritation anywhere.”

Buy Now

Best diapers for active babies and toddlers

What We Love
  • 360-degree flex waistband
  • Curvier, thicker and more elastic leg cuffs
  • Slip-on style is easy to put on wiggly babies and toddlers
  • Easy-tear sides for fast removal
  • Fragrance-free
Things To Consider
  • No tabs to adjust the fit
  • Sizing starts at 16+ lbs.
  • ECF

As your little one becomes more mobile, they’ll need a diaper that can keep up with their new pace. Aptly named, Huggies Little Movers Huggfit 360 Diapers can be trusted to cover your kiddo, no matter how busy they are throughout the day. This excellent performance can be attributed to its slip-on style. Similar to training pants, this diaper features a 360-degree flex waistband that’s designed to move with baby while still maintaining an extra-secure fit. Kayla, our tester, appreciated this unique style, especially when putting them on her 17-month-old. “I did like the pull-up style because she’s very wiggly, and trying to attach tabs can be nearly impossible at times,” she says. When it’s time to change baby’s diaper, simply tear the side seams for a quick removal. Then, use the adhesive tab at the back to roll them up for disposal.

Image: Kayla W.

Most importantly, the Huggies Little Movers Huggfit 360s are incredibly effective at protecting against leaks and blowouts. According to Kayla, “the diapers did hold a lot of pee! [My daughter] slept almost 12 hours one night (with wake hours to drink almost 20 ounces of milk overnight), and she did not leak,” which is impressive to say the least. That’s in part thanks to the special blockout blocker and enhanced leg cuffs, which are curvier, thicker and more elastic than standard diapers.

While the Huggies Little Movers Huggfit 360s have an alternative style to traditional diapers, Kayla told us that her daughter was comfortable in them. “I do think they felt a bit different than regular diapers, but she quickly became accustomed to them and showed no discomfort,” she shares. They also felt soft to the touch during testing, and Kayla thoroughly appreciated that they were fragrance-free. “The thing I like most about Huggies is [that] they truly have no scent,” she tells us. “I feel confident in my child wearing Huggies, and I feel they keep her safe and her sensitive skin clear.” All in all, it makes sense that Huggies was one of the most popular brands in our recent survey results. The Bump community and Kayla agree that these Little Movers are a great choice for active infants and toddlers, whether they’re crawling, cruising, playing, snoozing or anything in between.

Size range: 3 (16-28 lbs.) to 7 (>41 lbs.) | Materials: Wood pulp; polypropylene; polyethylene; polyurethane elastics; polyolefin elastic; adhesives; colorants; printing inks; sodium polyacrylate; polyester | Wetness indicator: Yes

Our product tester says:
“I found the diapers to be very soft to the touch. Since my daughter typically wears Huggies, she had no issues or reactions to the diaper, which felt consistent with what we’re used to. The cuffs were at no point too tight and did not leave any marks on her skin.”

Our community says:

They are worth the price. Absorbent and fits well. Unlikely to leak and comfortable on my baby, there are no marks or overly tight on my baby. – Brittany, The Bump survey respondent

Buy Now

*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.

Baby Diapers Comparison Chart

Overall best diapers available in storesOverall best subscription diapersBest budget-friendly diapersBest diapers for newbornsBest overnight diapersBest planet-friendlier diapersBest diapers for sensitive skinBest diapers for active babies and toddlers
Overall Best
Pampers Swaddlers
Coterie Diapers
Rascals Premium Diapers
Kudos Diapers
Honest Clean Conscious Overnight Diapers
Pura Baby Diapers for Sensitive Skin
HealthyBaby Our Diapers
Huggies Little Movers Huggfit 360 Diapers
Price$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$
Subscription available
Wetness indicator
Chlorine-freeElemental (ECF) Total (TCF)Elemental (ECF) Total (TCF)Elemental (ECF)Elemental (ECF) Total (TCF) Elemental (ECF)
OEKO TEX-certified
EWG-verified
Buy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full Review

Types of Baby Diapers

There are a few different types of baby diapers, each with its own merits. Deciding what works best for your family will depend on your preferences, lifestyle and budget. Here are the four main categories you’ll come across:

  • Disposables. These are designed to be thrown away after they’re soiled. They make up the majority of the diaper market, and it’s easy to see why. Disposable diapers are ultra-absorbent, which helps prevent diaper rashes and irritation. Plus, they’re convenient since they don’t require any laundering or special care. However, the price of disposable diapers can add up over time, and many are non-biodegradable. According to the EPA, disposable diapers were responsible for 4.1 million tons of waste in 2018 alone, of which 3.3 million tons ended up in landfills.
  • Cloth diapers. These reusable diapers are typically made of cotton, fleece or other fabric. They also require a waterproof outer cover. They’re generally less absorbent, resulting in more frequent diaper changes, and require laundering—but they can be more cost-effective in the long run and potentially more environmentally friendly. (However, it’s worth keeping in mind that the energy and water required to launder cloth diapers, as well as the water required to produce cotton, also have negative impacts on the environment.)
  • Swim diapers. This option is a special type of diaper designed to catch any mess if your kiddo goes no. 2 while in the water. They don’t absorb liquid (otherwise they’d balloon from soaking up the water baby is swimming in), which means they won’t hold urine—they’re solely meant to contain poop. They come in both disposable and reusable forms.
  • Training pants. Also known as pull-ups, these are often used during potty training to help ease the transition from diapers to underwear. They can be made of cloth or a disposable absorbent material, and typically feature stretchy sides—as opposed to the elastic fasteners found on diapers—that allow them to be pulled up and down like underwear.

Diaper Parts and Materials: What’s in These Things?

As you browse, you may notice a few words and phrases you probably haven’t come across before. Below, find a breakdown of the most common diaper parts and materials.

Disposable diaper parts

Although some disposable diapers have additional layers or construction details, these are the most common components you’ll see:

  • Topsheet. The topsheet is what some may call the diaper’s liner or top layer. This is the internal part that’s in closest contact with baby and is designed to absorb pee.
  • Acquisition and distribution layer (ADL). The ADL is beneath the topsheet and distributes liquid as it flows into the diaper for balanced absorption and to wick away wetness from baby’s skin as quickly as possible. Many popular diaper brands have patented versions of ADLs. For example, HealthyBaby calls theirs Magic Air Channels, while Pampers refers to theirs as LockAway Channels.
  • Core. Once liquid moves throughout the ADL, it’s then absorbed into the diaper’s core. Fluid remains locked in here by absorbent fluff pulp and superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), preventing leaks.
  • Closure system. This refers to the way the diaper closes and stays in place. Most often, infant diapers feature tabs with adhesives or Velcro closures. Sometimes, similar to a training pant, diapers have a 360-degree stretch waistband that parents pull up onto baby.
  • Leg cuffs. These are the ends of the diaper that fit around baby’s legs. They’re typically elasticized for a stretchy, snug fit and most are equipped with additional leak guards that look like ruffles. Parents across the board agree that the ruffles should be pulled out for better coverage and protection against leaks and blowouts.
  • Backsheet. The backsheet is the outermost layer of the diaper (aka where you’ll often see fun prints and designs). This component tends to be water-resistant and prevents pee or poop from leaking through the diaper.

Disposable diaper materials

The materials used in a diaper are an important consideration for parents, especially if baby has sensitive skin. If that’s the case, Brown suggests avoiding diapers that use chlorine or chlorine dioxide, as those ingredients could be potentially irritating. Infants with sensitive skin might also do better with an eco-friendly or organic diaper, Brown says, as those are typically made with “materials like organic cotton or bamboo and are typically free of chemicals, such as chlorine, phthalates and synthetic fragrances,” she explains. Here’s a run-through of the most common ingredients you’ll see in diapers:

  • SAPs. Sometimes called hydrogels, these are water-absorbing materials that can retain substantial amounts of liquid relative to their own mass. They’re a crucial component of disposable sanitation products, like baby diapers and period pads. SAPs are commonly found in the core of the diaper, and they effectively lock in moisture, keeping it away from baby’s skin until the next change. According to Scientific American, sodium polyacrylate is the main SAP used in diapers, and the EWG generally views this ingredient as non-toxic.
  • Fluff pulp. This is a type of wood pulp, so it’s a natural material known for its high absorbency, and it can be found in the diaper’s core alongside SAPs. It’s often bleached before it’s used in diapers so that it has a whiter appearance.
  • Polypropylene. This is a type of plastic, and research explains that it’s often found in the topsheet and typically is the closest layer to baby to effectively transfer pee through the ADL to the core.
  • Polyethylene. This is another type of plastic that’s typically used for the backsheet of the diaper. Its primary job is to prevent leakage.
  • Cotton. Cotton is a premium material in disposable baby diapers. Some are enhanced with cotton to make them gentler on delicate skin. Notably, Kudos have a topsheet made from 100 percent cotton, so it’s one of the only materials that makes contact with baby. Other options on the market, like the HealthyBaby Our Diapers or the Pura Baby Diapers for Sensitive Skin, feature cotton in the backsheet, so they’re softer to the touch.

What to Consider When Shopping for Diapers

Picking out the best infant diapers for your family is subjective, but there are a few general qualities to keep in mind. To streamline your search, consider the following:

  • Fit. A diaper’s overall fit is one of its most important features, Brown tells us. It often takes some trial and error to discover which brand of diapers fits your little one best, but it’s worth the extra effort. “Some brands seem to fit some babies better than others, and the better the fit, the fewer the leaks or blowouts you’ll endure,” Brown says.
  • Type of chlorine-free bleach. Some chlorine-free diapers are labeled TCF (total chlorine free) and others ECF (elemental chlorine free), which refers to the process of bleaching the fluff pulp contained in the diapers. According to the EWG, both are safer alternatives to chlorine bleaching, but there are some differences. Those labeled TCF have wood pulp bleached without any chlorine compounds, while those labeled ECF have pulp bleached by chlorine dioxide but not elemental chlorine. While only TCF diapers are totally chlorine-free, ECF diapers are considered to be more environmentally friendly than traditional chlorine-bleached diapers.
  • Cost. Brown points out that just because a diaper is more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean it’s superior to its more affordable counterparts. “Some less expensive brands may be a better fit for your child,” she says. Brown also suggests that families try out a few different brands and styles of diapers to find which option works best for their kids.
  • Ease of use. Diapers need to be both baby- and parent-friendly, since the adults are the ones doing all of the diaper changes. Stretchy, tear-resistant tabs are one helpful feature for quick changes. Plus, these make it simple to bundle up diapers after they’re soiled. Some newer styles feature 360-degree stretch waistbands that parents pull up over baby, rather than securing with side tabs. One of our testers noted that this was particularly helpful when it came to changing her squirmy toddler, but the lack of tabs made it trickier to fold up and throw out.
  • Wetness indicators. Brown particularly loves diapers that have a wetness indicator (aka a line that changes color when the diaper is wet). “As a parent, I’m a huge fan,” she says. “It can actually be difficult to tell if one of the super-absorbent diapers is actually wet.” Most diapers on the market have this feature, but some options designed with sensitive skin and eco-friendliness in mind may not. This is because “most wetness indicators include dye or a pH indicator,” explains the EWG.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do diapers expire?

No, diapers don’t technically expire, but you may want to use them up sooner rather than later. “Diapers do not have a specific expiration date per se,” Brown explains, “but they may become less effective over time.” The absorption material can break down, causing the diaper to soak up less liquid—potentially resulting in leaks or diaper rashes. Plus, the adhesive found on the diaper tabs can weaken over the years, which could cause the diaper to not be as secure on your little one. Most manufacturers recommend using baby diapers within the first two years of purchase. But don’t stress if you open a pack that’s not super fresh: While using an old diaper might not be as effective, it won’t be harmful to your child.

When do babies stop wearing diapers?

Already looking forward to the day your little one is out of diapers? According to the AAP, most children in the US begin potty training sometime between 2 and 3 years old, and most are “bowel and bladder trained by 4 years of age.” But just because you’ve conquered potty training doesn’t mean it’s time to ditch all diapers just yet. Dryness during naps and nighttime often happens later than daytime toilet training. “Some children need diapers or pull-ups for nighttime bed-wetting for several years,” Brown says. She points out that some children will be unable to stay dry through the night until they’re around 6 or 7 years of age (and even older, in some cases).

That being said, there are no hard-and-fast rules as to when babies officially stop wearing diapers. Potty training is dependent on a variety of factors, but if you ever have concerns about your child and their toileting habits, be sure to talk to your pediatrician.

About the writer:
Emma O’Regan-Reidy is an editor for The Bump. She specializes in writing e-commerce content about the latest and greatest products in pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. Emma has spent years researching the best baby diapering products, including diapers of course. Based on this in-depth market knowledge, she aims to write articles that balance technical information with relatable, real-life insights so parents can best understand how these diapers will work for their little ones.

Interested in becoming a product tester for The Bump? Head here to apply.

Sources

Caroline Brown, MD, FAAP, IBCLC, is a pediatrician and mother of three young children. She has practiced pediatrics in North Carolina for the past 15 years and opened a new independent pediatric clinic, The Children’s Clinic of Winston-Salem, in 2023. She can be found on Facebook and Instagram.

Scientific American, Diapers: What Keeps Babies and Astronauts from Springing a Leak?, August 2016

EPA, Nondurable Goods: Product-Specific Data, November 2024

EWG, EWG’s Healthy Living: Guide to Safer Diapers, December 2020

Healthy Children (AAP), The Right Age to Potty Train, May 2022

The Bump April 2025 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of almost 350 parents from among The Bump community, and asked which diapers they used with their little ones. We then asked them to share their overall experience with these products.

The Bump May 2023 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of 300 parents from among The Bump community, and asked which diapers they used with their little ones and what they liked and disliked about them.

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