The 11 Best Diapers, Put to the Ultimate Test: Real Babies

When it comes to baby diapers, Coterie reigns supreme—and for good reason. These diapers boast top-of-the-line materials, absorbency and leak protection, keeping babies up to three times drier than leading diaper brands, thanks to 70 percent more liquid capacity and four times faster absorbency. With this type of peak performance, it’s easy to see why Coterie earned this year’s Best of The Bump award—and why 11 percent of our survey respondents had high praises for the brand. (Head here to see all of this year’s Best of The Bump winners.)

Our product tester, who gave Coterie 5 out of 5 scores in a wide range of categories, including ease of use, effectiveness, features and design and comfort, was amazed by the diaper’s overall performance. “The diapers were extremely absorbent—better than any diaper I’ve used,” she said. “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.”

Not only do these baby diapers work exceptionally well, but they’re also soft to the touch and made with apparel-grade fabric and hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested materials. In fact, Coterie diapers are free of more than 200 potential irritants, including fragrance, alcohol, chlorine and latex. “The diapers felt very soft and stretchy,” our product tester reported. “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 easily the top pick of parents and babies, and the winner of a well-deserved Best of The Bump badge.

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

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Love the concept of cloth diapers, but intimidated by the process? The Bumgenius All-in-One Cloth Diaper makes it easy on parents—both those familiar with cloth diapers and those who are brand new to the practice. While cloth diapers traditionally require an additional waterproof cover, the Bumgenius has combined the absorbent cloth inserts and waterproof outer shell into a one-piece design that keeps things simple. The snap closures allow for quick and easy changes, as well as the ability to customize the size to fit baby. “The Bumgenius made changing diapers simple and quick,” said our product tester, who rated this diaper a 5 out of 5 for ease of use. She added, “I loved the fitting of the diaper. I was able to adjust the snaps for the perfect fit.”

Not only is the bumGenius simple for parents to use, but it’s also effective at keeping babies dry and comfortable. So if you’re worried that a cloth diaper won’t deliver on absorbency, let our product tester set your mind at ease: “The effectiveness of the bumGenius All-in-One cloth diaper was outstanding. We didn’t experience any leakage from anywhere while wearing the diaper,” she gushed, rating the bumGenius 5 out 5 not only for effectiveness but also for comfort and materials and ingredients. “I usually dread trying out new diapers, because we haven’t had much luck with other diaper brands,” she told us. “My daughter has sensitive skin so we always have to be careful with what brands and material we use. We haven’t had any issues since using bumGenius.” Performance and simplicity from a cloth diaper? Sign us up!

Size range: One size (fits 8 to 35 lbs.) | Materials: 100% laminated polyester (outer shell); 100% polyester (inner); 100% cotton (absorbent layers); 74% polyester/15% nylon/11% spandex (tabs) | Wetness indicator: No

Newborns can use up to 10 diapers a day—but Huggies Little Snugglers helps make those diaper changes a breeze. These newborn diapers earned top scores—a full 5 out of 5—for ease of use from our product tester, who said that they were “very easy to put on and take off” her 2-month-old. And while parents and caregivers appreciate their user-friendly design, newborns will love the softness of Huggies Little Snugglers Diapers against their fresh baby skin. “The inner lining was textured and very soft,” our product tester reported. “I could appreciate that my baby was comfortable.”

Moreover, 30 percent of parents surveyed from The Bump community told us they were big fans of Huggies diapers. The fit and comfort were singled out for praise by our survey respondents, one of whom told us, “The fit is really nice and not irritating for baby.” Little Snugglers feature a curved shape that helps to conform to a newborn’s tiny body, as well as an umbilical cord cutout to protect their healing belly buttons. “The adhesive tabs are stretchy,” our product tester told us. “They worked to secure the diaper, which stayed in place throughout day and night.”

The absorbent liner keeps moisture away from your newborn’s sensitive skin, and the core protects against leaks for up to 12 hours. This was also a standout feature for our survey respondents, who praised the diaper’s absorbency for both day and night use. Easy-to-use, soft and gentle with excellent absorption—what more could you want from a newborn diaper?

Size range: Preemie (under 6 lbs.) to 6 (35+ lbs.) | Materials: Wood pulp, polypropylene, polyethylene, sodium polyacrylate and polyester | Wetness indicator: Yes

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When baby is born prematurely, it’s hard to imagine a diaper made small enough to fit their tiny bodies. That’s where Pampers Swaddlers come in: Pampers worked with NICU nurses to develop a line of preemie diapers designed to fit even the smallest of babies. The diapers are available in three different preemie sizes, ranging from P1 (for babies under six pounds) to P2 (for babies four pounds and under) all the way to P3 (which fits babies smaller than one pound, eight ounces). The P3 size was the first of its kind from a major brand—which is why it’s no surprise that 24 percent of our survey respondents told us they use Pampers diapers. Thanks to their variety of tough-to-find sizes, this option ensures that there’s a diaper to fit every baby, no matter how early they arrive.

In addition to their inclusive size range, Pampers Swaddlers also offer supreme leak protection for hours. Each of these preemie diapers is complete with dual leakguard barriers along the legs and a blowout barrier along the waistband. Our product tester found the absorbency in these diapers to be impressive, particularly when baby was sleeping. “They work very well overnight,” she reported. “We haven’t experienced a leak at night, and [it] was easy to change them in the morning without any surprises.”

“These diapers seemed comfortable for my baby,” our tester added. “They are pretty soft but also durable.” Welcoming a baby before their due date is stressful enough, but, thankfully, finding a diaper that fits them well (and works well too) doesn’t have to be.

Size range: P3 (under 1 lb., 8 oz.) to 8 (46+ lbs.) | Materials: Polypropylene and spandex (leg cuffs); wood pulp (absorbent fluff); polypropylene and stretch film (fastening system) | Wetness indicator: Yes

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It’s a major parenting win when baby starts sleeping through the night, and one that shouldn’t be interrupted by a leaky diaper. A quality overnight diaper needs to be absorbent, secure and comfortable—and Huggies Overnites Nighttime Baby Diapers excels in each of these areas. Our product tester gave Overnites perfect 5 out of 5 scores in effectiveness, features and design, and comfort, telling us, “My baby girl had no irritation or redness after wearing them at night. She seemed very comfortable wearing them!”

Our product tester was especially wowed by the absorbency of Huggies Overnites, a key factor in keeping babies dry all night long. They feature double grip strips to keep the diaper in place (even as your little one tosses and turns) and a contoured fit to prevent any gaps where leakage can escape. “I didn’t experience any leakage with my one-year-old,” our product tester shared. “They worked a bit better than our regular daytime diapers because of the extra stretch and absorbency!”

With Huggies Overnites, babies are not only kept dry, but also comfortable all night long. The dry touch liner prevents little ones from feeling wet overnight, and the diaper is designed to be extra soft against their skin—a feature that stood out to our product tester. “The Huggies nighttime diapers felt very soft and gentle on my baby's skin,” she shared. With their ability to keep babies dry and comfy overnight, Huggies Overnites are the clear top choice for an overnight diaper.

Size range: 3 (16-28 lbs.) to 7 (41+ lbs.) | Materials: Wood pulp, polypropylene, polyethylene, sodium polyacrylate and polyester | Wetness indicator: Yes

Looking for a diaper with an affordable price tag that doesn’t sacrifice performance? Look no further than Luvs disposable baby diapers, which are a great option for parents looking for a wallet-friendly choice. Luvs average around 17 cents per diaper, nearly 10 cents cheaper than other name-brand competitors—and with the number of diapers you’ll buy throughout your child’s lifetime, those pennies add up fast.

But Luvs aren’t cheap when it comes to quality; they hold their own on the performance front as well. Luvs Ultra Leakguards earned 5 out of 5 scores for ease of use, features and design, effectiveness and (of course) value for money—but one area that particularly stood out to our product tester was their absorbency, despite feeling thinner than diapers she had used in the past. “They have worked perfectly throughout the day and night,” she gushed. “It was also very absorbent!”

Luvs’ triple leakguards offer three absorption areas to help keep baby feeling dry, and are infused with aloe to help soothe your little one’s skin. “My baby had no irritation or reaction to them and seemed very comfortable and happy wearing them,” our product tester reported. Top performance at a low price? That’s a win-win for parents and babies.

Size range: Newborn (under 10 lbs.) to 7 (41+ lbs.) | Materials: N/A | Wetness indicator: Yes

When baby has sensitive skin, you need a diaper that won’t add to their irritation or discomfort. Enter Terra diapers, which are designed with high-quality, plant-based materials—and without any harsh chemicals or fragrances—to keep even the most sensitive of baby skin feeling happy. Our product tester was wowed by the materials and ingredients used in Terra diapers, rating them a 5 out of 5 in the category. “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.”

Another key factor for babies with sensitive skin is keeping their skin 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. Our product tester reported that her “baby felt dry to the touch when changing” and experienced no redness or irritation from the diapers, giving them 5 out of 5 for comfort.

Terra doesn’t stop there, however; they’re also an eco-friendly choice. Terra diapers are made out of 85 percent plant-based materials, 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 Premium 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

Love the convenience of disposable diapers but not their impact on the environment? Eco-friendly diapers are an excellent alternative for parents who aren’t ready to make the jump into cloth diapers—and our favorites are Andy Pandy Bamboo Disposable Diapers.

Andy Pandy diapers are made from bamboo viscose that’s good for both the environment and baby’s skin. The bamboo is grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers and is up to 87 percent biodegradable—while also being super absorbent and gentle for your little one. These eco-friendly diapers also feature pure aloe essence, which helps to keep baby’s skin soothed and protected against diaper rash. “I really love that they put pure aloe, because it seems to help keep baby skin soft and smooth,” our product tester said, giving Andy Pandy a 5 out of 5 score for comfort.

Of course, eco-conscious design is all well and good, but the diaper still has to work right. Thankfully, our product tester loved how absorbent and comfortable they were for her baby, telling us, “He felt comfortable with his diapers and slept well with them too.” Even better, our tester reported that while her baby has sensitive skin, “he never got a diaper rash when using these diapers.” She also praised the fit: “These diapers have been very easy to take off and put on my baby,” she told us “I really loved how stretchy they are and how easy it is to adjust the tabs. It was never too tight or too loose.” Good for the earth, good for baby and good for eco-conscious parents? That’s a diapering trifecta right there.

Size range: Newborn (7-10 lbs.) to XL (26+ lbs.) | Materials: Bamboo viscose, chlorine-free fluff pulp, SAP | Wetness indicator: Yes

Let’s face it: Diaper blowouts are fun for no one. But certain diapers are better at handling those messes than others, and our favorites are Rascal + Friends Premium Diapers. Designed by a mom of four from New Zealand, these diapers feature a stretchy waistband (designed to sit higher on baby’s back to prevent those up-the-back accidents) and an extra-deep pocket (to catch even the biggest of blowouts). Also keeping those messes secure is an ultra-absorbent core that can hold up to 15 times its weight in liquid. And these features don’t just sound impressive, they deliver the goods: Our product tester reported no leaks or blowouts—even when worn overnight.

Rascal + Friends Premium Diapers are also gentle on baby’s skin, as the diapers are made without any harsh chemicals, latex, lotions or fragrances (all potential irritants). “I was comfortable putting my sensitive baby in them,” our tester said, “and she did not have any irritation.” And while all of those are important considerations when selecting a diaper for baby, the most standout feature of Rascal + Friends is their ability to contain even the yuckiest of accidents. Your child—and your laundry pile—will thak you.

Size range: 1 (6-11 lbs.) to 7 (37+ lbs.) | Materials: Fluff pulp, SAP, polypropylene and polyethylene | Wetness indicator: Yes (in sizes 1 to 2)

Have a little one who’s not quite ready for underwear but eager for something less baby-ish than diapers? Training pants are a perfect middle ground, allowing your toddler to feel like they’re wearing undies while still protecting against accidents. We’re big fans of Millie Moon Luxury Training Pants—which earned a whopping 5 out of 5 score from our product tester across all categories.

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,” our product tester shared. “They fit great around her waist thanks to the stretchy material.” 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). Our product tester 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,” our product tester gushed. “She was able to wear them and run around all day without showing any signs of irritation.” Our tester even said they helped with potty training, by getting her daughter used to taking off and pulling on an underwear-like product. So although we love Millie Moons, here’s hoping she won’t need them much longer!

Size range: 2T/3T (22-33 lbs.) to 4T/5T (35+ lbs.) | Materials: N/A | Wetness indicator: Yes

A day of fun in the sun can quickly be ruined by a diaper malfunction—but those can be easily prevented by a quality swim diaper. The best in the category? Pampers Splashers, which excel at keeping messes contained and baby comfortable while taking a dip. “These diapers worked perfectly for the pool and the beach,” our product tester told us, giving Pampers Splashers 5 out of 5 scores for effectiveness. “We had no leakage issues, and I felt confident that we wouldn’t. They worked perfectly in the water and while my baby crawled around on the sand.”

Two other areas where Pampers Splashers rated perfect 5 out of 5 scores from our product tester were features and design, and ease of use. She raved about the diapers’ stretchy waistband and elastic cuffs, which provide a secure fit and protection against blowouts. “They fit like a glove,” she shared. “The diaper had elastic in the legs and the waistband and I loved it. These were the most secure swim diapers I have ever tried, and I really felt confident that my baby was comfortable but also that we were safe from leakage.”

Our product tester went as far as to claim Pampers Splashers were her “favorite of any swim diaper we have tried,” adding, “they gave us the protection we needed to have a good pool or beach day.”

Size range: Small (13-24 lbs.) to large (31-40 lbs.) | Materials: Wood fluff pulp, polypropylene and spandex | Wetness indicator: No