The 7 Best Diapers, Put to the Ultimate Test: Real Babies
In a nutshell:
Based on feedback from our team of independent product testers, a survey of more than 300 parents from The Bump community and advice from a pediatrician, we chose Coterie Diapers as the overall best diapers for the third year in a row. This brand continues to stand out for its impressive protection, super-soft materials and high absorbency.
As a mom to two young children, ages 14 months and 4 years old, I’ve changed thousands—yes, thousands—of diapers over the last several years, and one thing I’ve learned is that with so many diaper types, features and brands to sift through, finding the best baby diapers isn’t always straightforward, especially for new parents who may be overwhelmed with how many options there are to choose from. “Many families make their choice based on the brand, design, cost and designations such as eco-friendly or organic,” agrees Caroline Brown, MD, a pediatrician based in North Carolina and mother of three young children. So where should you start, and how can you evaluate the different diapers on the market?
To help you make the right choice, we’ve done the dirty work (literally) for you, researching the leading diaper options and putting them to the test with real parents and real babies. My own 14-month-old daughter and I even joined in the testing process, trying out diapers in our home to find the best choices for your family.
The Bump editors conducted extensive research to identify 33 leading diapers on the market, and of those chose a shortlist of 22 to test. From there:
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We enlisted the help of 13 parent product testers (including me!) to try out different diapers on their little ones. We used these diapers with our own babies during both day and night, at home, at the playground and even at the beach. Then we carefully evaluated each for ease of use, effectiveness, features and design, materials and ingredients, comfort for baby and value for the money.
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We surveyed over 300 parents in The Bump community for additional insight on the pros and cons of specific diapers.
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We consulted with a pediatrician to understand essential features you should look for as you shop and use diapers.
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We followed guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and read relevant medical resources.
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To see how these diapers worked for a variety of families, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring forums and message boards and reading user reviews to find out what parents value in a diaper.
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Overall best diapers
- Superior absorbency (even overnight)
- Ultra soft and fast wicking
- Hypoallergenic, plant-based materials
- Total chlorine free (TCF)
- Higher price point than standard diapers
- Best deals only available to subscribers
The outstanding, reliable performance of Coterie diapers continues to impress our product testers, editors and parent community members alike, earning it a Best of The Bump award for overall best diaper for the third year running. These diapers are ultra-absorbent—in fact, they claim to absorb 70 percent more liquid than other brands, four times faster, 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,” said the mom of four after using them with her baby for a month. “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.” Julie gave Coterie 10 out of 10 scores in a wide range of categories, including ease of use, effectiveness, features and design, and comfort. Talk about an all-around winner! (See all of this year’s Best of The Bump winners.)
Not only do these baby diapers work exceptionally well, but they’re also made with apparel-grade fabric and hypoallergenic materials and are 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 are free of more than 200 potential irritants, including fragrance, alcohol, chlorine and latex.
“The diapers felt very soft and stretchy. That’s what made it stick out the most to me when I first opened it,” Julie told us. “It felt like really soft, thick toilet paper. …[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.
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.”
Our community says:
I absolutely love the quality and design of these diapers. – Ellen, The Bump survey respondent
The best things are how soft and absorbent they are, the quality and that it's a “clean” diaper. – Susan, The Bump survey respondent
I like the absorbency, style and quality. They're worth the price. – Maggie*, The Bump survey respondent
Best diapers for newborns
- Only 100% cotton touches baby’s skin
- 70% unbleached, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified cotton
- High daytime and overnight absorbency
- TCF
- Only available on Kudos website
- Higher price point than standard diapers
Newborn babies have delicate skin and can use up to 10 diapers a day—so the right diaper 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, with no plastic coming in contact with baby’s body. Our product tester Bernadette tried Kudos out with her 5-week-old baby and loved this unique construction: “With a newborn, you’re cautious about everything that touches their skin,” she told us, “and having a soft cotton diaper [gives you] peace of mind.” These newborn diapers earned a perfect score from Bernadette across multiple categories, and earned a Best of The Bump award for best diaper for newborns. “When you feel the inside, it feels like a cloth, not plastic, which is nice since that's what’s touching baby.”
Not only that, 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,” said Bernadette. It might take a little getting used to seeing, but that pure cotton makes the diaper gentler on baby’s skin. (And rest assured, even the 30 percent of cotton that is bleached is still 100 percent chlorine-free.)
Kudos earned a 10 out of 10 score from Bernadette in ease of use—a must for sleep-deprived new parents. “Late night changes were easy,” she told us, “because we could handle the package and diaper with one hand and with minimal lighting.” Kudos also kept up with the rapid pace of newborn growth, 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 new parents know when a diaper change is in order.
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 of diaper situations, like on long drives. “We have not experienced any leakage overnight or during the day,” she said. The gentleness of Kudos Diapers combined with its excellent absorbency makes it an ideal choice for newborns.
Size range: 1 (7-12 lbs.) to 6 (30+ lbs.) | Materials: 100% cotton (top sheet); wood pulp and SAP (core); polyethylene and PLA (backsheet) | Wetness indicator: Yes
Our product tester says:
“Overall I'm in love with Kudos diapers. They're eco-friendly, sustainably made, super safe for sensitive skin, affordable and delivered to my door. …They fit great without leaks. What more can you ask for?!”
Best overnight diapers
- Strong leak and blowout protection
- Ultra-absorbent
- Cute designs
- Expensive
- Not easy to find in stores
It’s a major milestone when baby starts sleeping through the night, but having to change a leaky or saturated diaper can interrupt and ruin a full night’s rest (for both baby and you!). That’s why the best overnight diapers should offer superior absorbency and keep a baby dry and comfortable for long stretches of nighttime sleep. After testing overnight diapers with my own 14-month-old daughter, 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!
As the “clean” in the name suggests, the Clean Conscious Overnight Diapers are made without latex, fragrances or parabens and boast a hypoallergenic inner lining. 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. In fact, while testing these diapers, my daughter had a bowel movement immediately after waking up one morning—and 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.
From personal experience, I can tell you Honest Clean Conscious Overnight Diapers are the clear choice for this year’s Best of The Bump winner for best overnight diapers. Although they’re more expensive than some brands, and not always as easy to find in stores, 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:
“These diapers are very soft, which is an important quality in an overnight diaper because I wouldn’t want an uncomfortable diaper impacting the quality of my child’s sleep. My daughter slept well during the nights we tested the diapers, which tells me she didn’t feel wet or bothered.”
Best affordable diapers
- Low price point
- Parents praise the absorbency and fit
- Positive reviews in our survey
- Savings are best for Costco members
- Can leak overnight
Babies use so many diapers that a price difference of even a couple pennies per diaper can add up quickly. If you’ve been on parent forums and social media groups, you’ve probably heard other moms and dads sing the praises of Kirkland Signature Diapers for this very reason—available only at Costco, Kirklands clock in at nearly 10 cents cheaper per diaper than comparable name-brand competitors. But do they deliver performance as well as a low price tag? Our product tester Arica put Kirklands to the test with her 2-month-old baby, and with 10 out of 10 scores in effectiveness, comfort and (no surprise) value for money, she made us believers. These diapers earned a Best of The Bump award for best affordable diapers, proving that cheap on cost doesn’t have to mean cheap on quality.
“These diapers are the most comfortable for my baby to wear,” Arica told us. “Kirkland Diapers are a favorite of his because they are so incredibly soft, and they are elasticated so they keep his accidents secure within his diaper,” she said. “He has never had any reactions to these diapers and seems very content while wearing them.” Arica also had high praise for the fit, telling us, “The diapers are great for babies of all sizes and [have] a great stretch for growing babies.” In category after category, Kirkland measured up against—and in some cases outperformed—brands that cost considerably more. Luv2Run1st, a member of The Bump forums, went so far as to call them “[the] only diaper so far that we don't get leaks and blowouts in.”
Keep in mind that Costco is a membership-based shopping club with fees starting at $60 a year. While you can order Kirkland Signature Diapers online without a membership, the savings are highest for members, as low as $25.99 a pack! But even for non-members, at only 18 cents a diaper, Kirkland’s still compete with high-quality options at an incredibly low price.
Size range: 1 (8-14 lbs.) to 6 (35+ lbs.) | Materials: Sodium polyacrylate, wood pulp, polypropylene, polyethylene and polyester | Wetness indicator: Yes
Our product tester says:
“I think these diapers are the best value for your money …Not only are they incredibly inexpensive, but they are some of the best disposable diapers on the market. I would say that you get more than you pay for when purchasing Kirkland Diapers, and because of this, Kirkland is the only diaper brand that I will purchase.”
Our community says:
Worth the price, super absorbent. – Catherine*, The Bump survey respondent
We like that the diapers are affordable and come in large quantities. We also like the absorbency and fit. – Katrina, The Bump survey respondent
Best diapers for sensitive skin
- Made with 85% plant-based materials
- Absorbent and fast-wicking
- Recyclable packaging
- Expensive
- Design features company logo instead of a cute print
When baby has sensitive skin, a diaper that won’t cause irritation or discomfort is a must. That’s why Terra diapers, which debuted in the US and Canada last year and are designed with high-quality, plant-based materials—without any harsh chemicals or fragrances—were so highly-rated by our product tester Jaclyn, a mom of four. She gave Terra a perfect 10 out of 10 for materials and comfort, telling us, “My baby has very sensitive skin, so I was really pleased with that aspect of the diaper and the ingredients used to make it,” she explained. “It was really soft, fragrance-free and felt great—which can be unique among eco-friendly diapers.” Jaclyn’s testimony was so effusive, it helped earn Terra a Best of The Bump award for best diapers for sensitive skin.
One key factor for babies with sensitive skin is keeping them dry to prevent rashes. The absorbent core used in Terra diapers features high-quality Japanese SAPs that help to wick away moisture faster and keep baby feeling drier for longer. Jaclyn reported that her 5-month-old “felt dry to the touch when changing” and experienced no redness or irritation from the diapers.
Not only is Terra great for baby’s delicate skin, but these diapers are also better for the environment. Terra diapers are made out of 85 percent plant-based materials (by far the highest percentage among the diapers we tested!), and even the packaging is plastic-free (it’s made of biodegradable craft paper and rice). Whether your child has sensitive skin or not, Terra Diapers are an impressive choice all around.
Size range: 1 (under 11 lbs.) to 6 (35+ lbs.) | Materials: 100% bamboo fiber (backsheet and leg cuffs); polypropylene (top sheet and tape fasteners); SAP, wood pulp, tissue paper (core) | Wetness indicator: Yes
Our product tester says:
“These diapers are incredibly soft, and my sensitive baby seemed quite happy in them. The diapers kept her dry and caused no redness or irritation. The fit seemed comfortable. This is probably the diaper’s biggest selling point for me.”
Best diapers for active babies
- Flexes to move with active babies
- Low-profile yet highly absorbent
- Made from natural materials
- Cute designs
- Expensive
- Not easy to distinguish front from back
When your little one becomes mobile, you need a quality diaper that can withstand all of their crawling, scooching, walking and climbing and still protect against blowout and leaks. The Honest Clean Conscious Diapers in sizes 3 and up do just that, thanks to their ultra-stretchy sides that flex and adjust as your child moves without compromising leak protection. I tested these diapers with my 14-month-old daughter, who wore them on plenty of adventures. From trips to the park and playground to playing in the backyard with her toys, these diapers kept her dry and comfortable no matter what she was doing, earning them a best of The Bump award for best diapers for active babies.
Although they look slimmer than other diapers, the quilted bubble liner in the Honest Clean Conscious Diapers is surprisingly absorbent, and we never experienced any leakage or blowouts with these diapers. Even when my toddler was playing and frequently changing positions from sitting to standing to climbing, the diapers contained everything. They fit terrifically, with a low-profile around the butt and legs, whereas other active diapers I tested were saggy and poofy in those areas.
I also loved the modern black and white print. While so many other diapers have cartoons on them, these diapers look far more chic with a print that looks like it could belong in a modern art museum. The final verdict: if your little one is in their exploring stage, the Honest Clean Conscious Diapers are a great choice for a daytime diaper, with durable and absorbent construction, a terrific fit and a stylish look.
Size range: Newborn (Under 10 lbs.) to 7 (41+ lbs.) | Materials: Wood pulp and sodium polyacrylate (core); PLA and polyethylene (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 toddler in the future. I’d feel confident having my daughter wear them while out of the house, knowing how well they protect against blow-outs and leakage. Plus, the designs are among the most fashionable of any diaper out there, and I love products that are both stylish and functional.”
Our community says:
They're stretchier than [other brands] (which we used first) and much better able to keep in blowouts. We're long past the blowout stage now but stuck with Honest. – Diana*, The Bump survey respondent
Best training pants
- Snug yet flexible waistband
- Easy for toddlers to pull up and down
- Resealable tab for easy disposal
- Soft on skin, according to parents
- Tearable sides need to be pulled quite hard
Training pants are a perfect middle ground if your toddler is not yet ready for potty training but eager to leave the baby-ish diapers behind. They can offer the absorbency of a diaper but allow your child to pull them up and down like underwear, giving them a chance to practice their potty training skills. For a training pants option that checks all of the boxes, look no further than Millie Moon Luxury Training Pants, which earned a perfect score from our product tester Rothavy across all categories, and a Best of The Bump award for best training pants.
A standout feature of the Millie Moon training pants is the DreamFit waistband, which is made of 15 individual pieces of elastic to move closely and comfortably with your ever-busy toddler. “These training pants had a lot of great features, such as the extra stretch in the waistband,” Rothavy shared. “They fit great around her waist thanks to the stretchy material.” The pants also feature double cuff protection around the legs, reducing the risk of active toddlers experiencing side leaks.
Another smart design in the Millie Moon training pants is the resealable tab, which allows parents to roll the training pants and seal them closed for disposal (keeping any messes contained). Rothavy called it her favorite feature, noting how it “makes disposing [of] them so much easier.”
Millie Moon Luxury training pants are also fragrance-free, lotion-free, latex-free and dermatologically tested to keep your toddler’s skin protected from any potential irritants. “These training pants felt like clouds, they’re that soft,” Rothavy gushed. “She was able to wear them and run around all day without showing any signs of irritation.” She even said they helped with potty training, by getting her daughter used to taking off and pulling on an underwear-like product, adding “They are very stretchy which helps to put [them] on and take off.” So although we love Millie Moons, here’s hoping she won’t need them much longer!
Size range: 2T-3T, 3T-4T, 4T-5T | Materials: N/A | Wetness indicator: Yes
Our product tester says:
“I would definitely recommend these training pants. The comfort and features like the resealable tab, the extra stretchy waistband and the double cuff make these training pants worth the price.”
*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.
Diapers Comparison Chart
Overall best diapers | Best diapers for newborns | Best overnight diapers | Best affordable diapers | Best diapers for sensitive skin | Best diapers for active babies | Best training pants | |||
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Overall Best Coterie Diapers | Kudos The Ultimate Diaper | Honest Clean Conscious Overnight Diapers | Kirkland Signature Diapers | Terra Diapers | Honest Clean Conscious Diapers (Size 3+) | Millie Moon Training Pants | |||
Price | $$ | $$ | $$$ | $ | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | ||
Subscription available | |||||||||
Wetness Indicator | |||||||||
Chlorine-free | Total (TCF) | Total (TCF) | Elemental (ECF) | Elemental (ECF) | Elemental (ECF) | Elemental (ECF) | Elemental (ECF) | ||
Phthalates-free | |||||||||
Plain or prints | Plain | Prints | Prints | Plain | Plain | Prints | Prints | ||
Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review |
There are a few different types of baby diapers, each with their own merits. Deciding what works best for your family will depend on your preferences, lifestyle, budget and more. Here’s a brief overview to help you make the decision.
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Disposables. As their name implies, disposable diapers 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, and convenient, as they don’t require any laundering or special care. However, the price of disposable diapers can add up, and many are non-biodegradable; according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, disposable diapers were responsible for 4.1 million tons of waste in 2018 alone, of which 3.3 million tons ended up in landfills.
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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 (though 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).
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Swim diapers. This option is a special type of diaper designed to catch any mess if baby 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.
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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.
The diaper that will work best for you and your family will depend on a variety of factors. Here are a few things to consider before selecting a diaper for your child:
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Fit. A diaper’s overall fit is one of its most important features, Brown tells us. Often, this 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.
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Materials. The materials used in a diaper are also 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 to babies with sensitive skin. They 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.
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Chlorine-Free. Some chlorine-free diapers are labeled TCF (total chlorine free) and others ECF (elemental chlorine free). This refers to the process of bleaching the wood pulp contained in the diapers. 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.
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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. “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.”
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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, and Brown particularly loves a wetness indicator on diapers (a line that changes color when the diaper is wet). “As a parent, I am a huge fan,” she says. “It can actually be difficult to tell if one of the super absorbent diapers is actually wet.”
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 over time, 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 disposable diaper 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’s not 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 at nap times 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).
However, 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 child’s pediatrician.
About the writer:
Margeaux Baulch Klein is a journalist and SEO strategist based in California. She has written for publications like Bustle, Romper and Huffington Post, among others. When she’s not busy writing and editing, she’s spending time with her two young kids, ages 4 and 1.
Interested in becoming a product tester for The Bump? Head here to apply.
Plus, more from The Bump:
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 the fall of 2023. She can be found on Facebook and Instagram.
US Environmental Protection Agency, Nondurable Goods: Product-Specific Data, November 2023
Healthy Children (AAP), The Right Age to Potty Train, May 2022
The Bump May 2023 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of 300 parents from among The Bump community, and asked and asked which diapers they used with their little ones and what they liked and disliked about them.
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