The 9 Best Diapers, Tested by Moms and Their Babies

The Bump takeaway: With high absorbency, reliable protection against leaks and blowouts, wide availability and strong parent feedback, Pampers Swaddlers earned a Best of The Bump award for overall best diapers available in stores.

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 supplies in a pinch. With Pampers Swaddlers, you’ll get a diaper that’s easy to find in stores and online and delivers all-around performance. “[They’re] very soft and absorbent, seem comfortable and available nearly everywhere (even internationally),” praises Laura, a survey respondent. And she wasn’t the only one to gush about these diapers—in fact, it was the most popular brand cited by families in our survey.

Absorbency and leak protection
Pampers Swaddlers were rated the most effective for preventing leaks and blowouts, according to more than 100 parents who responded to our survey. That’s likely thanks to the dedicated blowout barrier in each diaper—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.

In particular, our tester Julie, who used these diapers with her 2-month-old, was a fan of how well these diapers worked while her baby slept. “We haven’t experienced a leak at night,” she tells us.

As for absorbency, Swaddlers sport a BreatheFree liner that wicks wetness away as soon as it makes contact with the topsheet. Our own controlled absorbency testing supported this strong real-world feedback: Pampers Swaddlers performed especially well for a newborn-size diaper, standing out for absorbency capacity and reliably containing liquid.

Ease of use and comfort
Right away, our tester Julie appreciated how simple it was to use Pampers Swaddlers with her baby. 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.

These diapers also feature an external wetness indicator, which turns from yellow to blue when there’s wetness, making it easy to tell when baby needs to be changed. “It works extremely well for diapers that are wet,” Julie says. “If there’s only poop in these diapers, the wetness indicator doesn’t activate,” she adds, “but of course, you can still use your sense of smell to know when to change baby!”

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. Survey respondent Leah agrees, saying, “These diapers have been comfortable and reliable since the beginning. They never cause diaper rash and have never leaked out at night.”

Fragrance-free construction
Parents may also appreciate that Pampers Swaddlers are now fragrance-free across all sizes. The brand notes that some packaging may still reference fragrance while the packaging updates roll out, so shoppers may want to check product details if this is a priority.

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 community says:

The Bump takeaway: With standout absorbency; a soft, premium feel; clean materials and convenient subscription options, Coterie Diapers earned a Best of The Bump award for overall best subscription diapers.

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 continues to reign 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 Coterie a Best of The Bump award for the fourth year in a row.

Absorbency and leak protection
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.

In our own controlled absorbency testing, Coterie was one of the fastest absorbing diapers––supporting the strong real-life feedback we received from Julie and The Bump community. 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.

Comfort and construction
Coterie also stands out for its soft feel and clean, high-quality materials. “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,” our tester 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.”

That outstanding comfort is likely because these diapers are made with apparel-grade fabric and hypoallergenic materials that have been dermatologist-tested, so they’re less likely to irritate baby’s skin. They’re OEKO TEX Standard 100-certified and now EWG Verified, meaning the diaper has met EWG’s ingredient transparency standards and is verified against 3,900+ banned ingredients, according to the brand. Coterie is also Totally Chlorine-Free (TCF), meaning no chlorine was used to bleach the diaper’s wood pulp, reducing the risk of chemical irritation on baby’s skin.

The Bump community appreciated the care that goes into the construction of each Coterie diaper, as well as the brand’s focus on gentle materials. “The best things are how soft and absorbent they are, the quality and that it’s a ‘clean’ diaper,” says Susan, a survey respondent. With their excellent leak and blowout protection, premium feel, subscription convenience and focus on materials transparency, Coterie remains 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 community says:

The Bump takeaway: Rascals Premium Diapers combine standout value with dependable absorbency and overnight leak protection, earning a Best of The Bump award for best budget-friendly diapers.

Since babies use so many diapers, saving even a few cents on each one can add up quickly. In fact, our most recent survey shows that expense was the most commonly cited diaper frustration, with more than half of parents flagging it as a concern. Rascals Premium Diapers impressed us as one of the most budget-friendly options we tested, but they still delivered the kind of absorbency and leak protection we’d expect from a much pricier diaper.

Absorbency and leak protection
Just because Rascals diapers 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. “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.

Rascals performed especially well in our controlled absorbency testing, standing out for fast absorption, strong leak capacity and reliable containment. This can in part be attributed to the Hydrolock Core, which is made up of four absorbing layers to help keep leaks contained. Likewise, the triple leak guards––the ruffled edges around the legs––offer additional protection.

Ease of use and comfort
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 it up, they’re a reliable choice for families who don’t want to break the bank on diapers, earning them a 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

The Bump takeaway: With a 100 percent cotton topsheet, TCF construction and effective leak protection, Kudos Diapers are our Best of The Bump winner for best diapers for newborns.

Newborn babies have delicate skin and can use upwards of 10 diapers a day, so the right option for this stage will be effective yet ultra gentle. Kudos diapers are designed with a 100 percent cotton topsheet, so the layer that sits closest to baby’s skin is made without plastic.

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,” she says.

Absorbency and leak protection
Kudos delivered one of the strongest newborn-specific testing experiences in our group. Bernadette reported no leaks or blowouts, noting that Kudos kept her newborn dry even during fuller diaper situations, like long drives and overnight stretches. “We haven’t experienced any leakage overnight or during the day,” she says.

Materials and construction
Not only do Kudos feature an all-cotton topsheet, but much of that cotton is unbleached. The Totally Chlorine-Free (TCF) construction gives the diaper a more natural-looking beige tone. “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 for parents prioritizing gentler materials during the newborn stage, the cotton topsheet, TCF construction and OEKO-TEX-certified materials may all appeal.

Ease of use
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.

All in all, the gentleness of Kudos Diapers, combined with their secure newborn fit, cotton topsheet and reliable 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

The Bump takeaway: With EWG-verified materials, microbiome-friendly status and standout testing feedback from a baby with very sensitive skin, HealthyBaby Our Diapers earned a Best of The Bump award for best diapers for sensitive skin.

When baby has sensitive skin, finding a diaper that won’t cause discomfort is essential. The recently updated HealthyBaby Our Diapers performed exceptionally well with a baby who has very sensitive skin and occasional eczema.

Our product tester Elina used HealthyBaby diapers with her 4-month-old daughter and was especially impressed with how gentle they felt. “My daughter has very sensitive skin, but I did not notice any irritation, redness, or signs of diaper rash while using these diapers,” she says. “I also did not see any strong red marks around the leg cuffs or waistband.” This diaper didn’t just avoid irritating sensitive skin––it helped keep her baby comfortable during daytime use and active movement.

Absorbency and leak protection
HealthyBaby diapers feature a secure fit and flexible leg cuffs, and Elina’s baby didn’t experience any urine leaks during the day, even while moving around, rolling and playing. She was also impressed by the blowout containment. “I breastfeed, and usually babies poop more per day when breastfeeding. But there were no leaks in these diapers. I was very pleased with that,” she shares.

In our controlled absorbency testing, HealthyBaby was a solid all-around performer with good absorption speed and moderate moisture management. Plus, the diaper held up just as well overnight––Elina only needed one diaper for the entire night and her baby’s skin felt dry and comfortable in the morning. “They protect very well from leaks both at night and in the day,” she tells us.

Materials and construction
HealthyBaby also stands out for what it leaves out––these OEKO-TEX certified diapers are TCF (Totally Chlorine-Free) and fragrance-free, helping to reduce potential irritants to baby’s sensitive skin. Moreover, HealthyBaby diapers were the very first to become EWG Verified for ingredient safety and are now the world’s first diaper to become certified by MyMicrobiome as microbiome-friendly, meaning it’s free of chemicals, dyes and fragrances that can disrupt the natural protective bacteria on baby’s skin.

Ease of use
These diapers offer strong tabs and a comfy fit. “The diapers felt breathable and comfortable for my baby’s skin,” Elina says.

There are a few tradeoffs to note. HealthyBaby diapers don’t have a wetness indicator, which Elina said would have been helpful, especially for newer parents. She also found that the diaper didn’t clearly show which side was the front and which was the back.

Still, for babies with sensitive skin, that combination of clean materials, impressive certifications, reliable leak protection and all-around comfort is hard to beat.

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

The Bump takeaway: Pura Baby Diapers for Sensitive Skin earned a Best of The Bump award for best planet-friendlier diapers because they combine TCF construction, FSC-certified materials, recyclable paper packaging and effective leak protection.

There’s no way around it: Disposable diapers aren’t the most eco-conscious products. However, if you’re searching for a disposable diaper designed to reduce environmental impact where possible, look no further than Pura Baby Diapers for Sensitive Skin.

In our survey, more than a quarter of parents cited trusting planet-friendly claims as a diaper frustration, so we paid close attention to whether a diaper’s environmental positioning was backed by clear materials information, certifications and specific production practices. Pura 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.

Absorbency and leak protection
Pura diapers proved highly effective and easy to use during testing. Aside from being easy to put on her wiggly 8-month-old baby, thanks to the strong, stretchy adhesive tabs, our tester Padeja felt the waistband and leg cuffs fit snugly to prevent leaks. “I was impressed with how well it handled blowouts—there was no mess escaping from the back or legs,” she tells us. “The absorbency was excellent; my baby’s skin felt dry to the touch after removing the diaper, with no signs of irritation.”

Our controlled absorbency testing also showed that Pura had impressive capacity, holding a large amount of liquid before leaking. It was slower to absorb than some other diapers we tested, but its ability to hold up before leaking supported Padeja’s experience on leak protection.

Materials and construction
The backsheet of Pura diapers is enhanced with organic cotton for an ultra-soft feel, and the diaper uses plant-based materials in several key layers. The core is also made from certified sustainable plant fibers. Our tester was a big fan of the ingredients that make up these diapers. “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. Pura is also EWG-Verified and made with FSC-certified materials (meaning the wood pulp comes from responsibly managed forests), adding another layer of transparency for parents who are trying to sort through planet-friendly diaper claims.

Our tester would highly recommend Pura diapers 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

The Bump takeaway: With reliable overnight leak protection, standout surface dryness and a secure fit that holds up through long stretches of sleep, Huggies Overnites earned a Best of The Bump award for best overnight diapers.

The single most important job of an overnight diaper? Keeping baby dry until morning. And when they work, they can make a major difference––not just for baby’s comfort, but for their sleep. In our survey, parents cited leakage, sagging and diapers not being effective overnight as common frustrations. Huggies Overnites delivered where it matters most overnight: reliable leak protection, dry skin and a secure fit that held up through those glorious long stretches of sleep.

Absorbency and leak protection
Our tester Dani used Huggies Overnites with her 17-month-old son and called them “the best performing overnight diapers I’ve ever used.” She reported no leaks, no sagging and no red marks, even though her son is an active sleeper who rolls around throughout the night. “These diapers truly work for 12+ hours overnight and you won’t be disappointed in the morning,” she says. “They are the diapers for the parent who deals with constant leaks overnight.”

I can relate. I used Huggies Overnites with both of my boys, and while I typically had to size up for the best fit, I never minded because they gave me peace of mind, especially with my oldest who was prone to overnight leaks. When he wore these, I knew there was a very good chance I wouldn’t be changing crib sheets in the morning, which became a habit with other diapers during long overnight stretches of wear.

Our controlled absorbency testing helped explain why they work so well: Huggies Overnites transferred significantly less moisture back to the surface than most other diapers we tested. While some newer competitors held more liquid overall, total capacity isn’t the only thing that determines overnight performance. For overnight use, a diaper also needs to pull moisture away from baby’s skin, stay securely in place and prevent leaks until morning—and Huggies Overnites excelled in those areas.

Comfort and ease of use
Dani was especially impressed by how snugly Huggies Overnites fit her son. “These diapers fit like a second pair of skin. They really hug his bum in the right places to keep the leaks away,” she says. She also appreciated the flexible leg cuffs, working wetness indicator and thin design, which felt less bulky than some overnight diapers.

The tradeoff? The tabs were a little tricky to grab during a wiggly bedtime change, and Dani accidentally ripped one the first time she used them. Still, once the diaper was on, she said it stayed put all night.

For families dealing with regular overnight leaks, Huggies Overnites offer the kind of dependable protection that can make mornings a lot easier. Their long-standing reputation, strong tester feedback and standout surface dryness make them our Best of The Bump winner for best overnight diapers.

Size range: 3 to 7 | Materials: wood pulp (cellulose fiber), sodium polyacrylate (super absorbent polymer, SAP), polypropylene (PP) non-woven fabric, polyethylene (PE) film, polyurethane elastics, polyolefin elastic, polyester, adhesives, colorants and printed inks, color-changing wetness indicator ink | Wetness Indicator: Yes

The Bump takeaway: With the highest absorbency capacity in our controlled testing, cloud-like softness and strong overnight leak protection, Millie Moon Overnight Diapers earned a Best of The Bump award for best overnight diapers for heavy wetters.

For some babies and toddlers, a standard overnight diaper just isn’t enough. If your child regularly wakes up with soaked pajamas, capacity becomes a bigger priority. While Huggies Overnites earned our overall overnight pick for its balance of leak protection and surface dryness, Millie Moon impressed us with a very specific strength––exceptional capacity.

Absorbency and leak protection
In our controlled absorbency testing, Millie Moon held more liquid before leaking than any other diaper we tested, making it a smart option for babies and toddlers who regularly soak through standard overnight diapers.

Our tester Dani saw that high capacity play out with her 17-month-old son. “I am really amazed at how much this diaper holds,” she says. “It blows up like a balloon and holds A LOT of pee.” After adjusting the fit so the diaper sat high enough on her son’s belly, Dani reported that he woke up dry almost every morning he wore them.

That extra absorbency does come with a slightly bulkier feel. Millie Moon Overnight Diapers are thicker than daytime diapers, and Dani noted that they gave her son a bit of a “fluff butt” under his pajamas. By morning, the diaper could also feel very full—which makes sense given how much liquid it was able to hold. But for babies who regularly soak through overnight diapers, that added capacity may be exactly what’s needed.

Comfort and ease of use
Capacity wasn’t the only thing Dani appreciated. She also praised the diaper’s soft, premium feel, calling them "the most luxurious diapers I’ve ever used.” The tabs were easy to grab and secure before bedtime, the wetness indicator worked well and the diaper stayed put throughout the night. She also liked that they’re latex-free, lotion-free and dermatologically tested, and she didn’t notice any irritation while her son wore them.

For families choosing between Huggies Overnites and Millie Moon, the difference comes down to what you need most. Millie Moon diapers come with a slightly higher price tag than Huggies Overnites, so this might not be the diaper every family needs for a typical night. However, if your baby is a heavy wetter who regularly wakes up soaked, Millie Moon offers the extra absorbency to make mornings drier.

Size range: sizes 4 to 6 | Materials: wood pulp (cellulose fiber), sodium polyacrylate (super absorbent polymer, SAP), polypropylene (PP) non-woven fabric, polyethylene (PE) film/backsheet, elastics/polyurethane elastics, polyester elastic components, polyolefin adhesives, color-changing wetness indicator ink, printed inks. | Wetness Indicator: Yes

The Bump takeaway: With a pull-on design, flexible waistband and strong leak protection for babies on the move, Huggies Little Movers HuggFit 360 Diapers earned a Best of The Bump award for best diapers for active babies and toddlers.

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. Like other 360-style diapers, they slip on more like training pants than traditional tab diapers, with a stretchy waistband designed to move with baby while still maintaining a secure fit.

Kayla, our hands-on product tester, appreciated this style when diapering 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 for a change, the side seams tear away for removal, and an adhesive tab at the back helps secure the diaper before tossing it.

Absorbency and leak protection
The Huggies Little Movers HuggFit 360s are highly 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 didn’t leak,” which is impressive to say the least.

Our controlled absorbency testing supported that real-world feedback––HuggFit 360 performed especially well among the active-baby and toddler diapers we tested, standing out for leak capacity, fast absorption and overall containment. That’s in part thanks to the special Blowout Blocker and enhanced leg cuffs, which are curvier, thicker and more elastic than standard diapers.

Comfort and ease of use
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