The 13 Best Diapers of 2024

Our top picks to keep your baby dry and comfortable during the day and at night

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

a woman carrying a baby while shopping
d3sign / Getty Images

If there’s one thing every new parent needs in excess, it’s diapers. After all, they’re the only thing that stands between your baby’s bottom and a big mess. They are the must-haves on any baby registry. Ahead of potty training, diapers are used to absorb fluids and catch solids. They also keep moisture away from your baby’s skin to prevent diaper rash and protect clothes from leaks and stains. Since most families rely on diapers until their babies are well into toddlerhood, it’s important to find a brand you can rely on. 

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to diapers. You might prefer one brand when your baby is younger and another when they are older and more active. Because no new parent deserves to learn the hard way that a particular type of diaper falls short, we researched and tested the best disposable, cloth, swim, and overnight diapers on the market. When analyzing diapers, we considered whether they were soft, leakproof, and absorbent. We also examined differences in cost and convenience among different diapers to make our picks for the best diapers available today.

Best Overall

Pampers Newborn Swaddlers

Pampers Newborn Swaddlers

Amazon

Pros
  • Array size options

  • Keeps baby dry for long periods 

  • Super soft

Cons
  • Quality not as good as previous model

Because of their superabsorbent material and uniquely designed liner that helps protect your little one from wetness, Pampers Swaddlers are our top choice. For added comfort, Swaddlers have thin, soft layers that leave baby’s skin nice and dry. In addition to being easier to clean up, this also helps prevent diaper rash. 

The diapers also feature a small notch for the umbilical cord that prevents any irritation for newborns. Thanks to a color-changing wetness indicator, you don’t have to check to know when it’s time for a change. As a bonus, Pampers offers rewards points that can be redeemed for free stuff.

There’s a reason Pampers Swaddlers are so popular with hospitals. Reviewers rave about the softness of the material, declaring it almost fabric-like and perfect for sensitive skin. They also say the diapers are incredible at keeping everything in and preventing blowouts, even with particularly active babies.

Size Range: 0-7  | Wetness Indicator: Yes

Best for Newborns

Pampers Pure Protection Diapers

Pampers Pure Protection Disposable Diapers

Amazon

Pros
  • Ideal for sensitive skin

  • Super soft to touch  

  • Quick absorbency 

Cons
  • Mesh lining inside sticks to skin 

When it comes time to bring home your newborn, you'll be overwhelmed with how to change a diaper. So, choosing a diaper shouldn't be stressful and might come with some trial and error. A great place to start with diapers for your newborn is with the trusted brand Pampers. They recently debuted a line of natural diapers that are free of chlorine bleach, fragrance, lotion, parabens, and EU 26 allergens. They are hypoallergenic and perfect for super-sensitive baby skin! They also come in cute prints, which will set the scene for those photo ops.

Reviewers say these provide great overnight protection (up to 12 hours), and they like how they're chlorine free, though some note the price is a bit cost prohibitive.

"I refuse to use anything besides Pampers Pure, even though I tested out a few brands. They fit well (with minimal blowout incidents), and they're really absorbent. We've never had to deal with diaper rash in six months of using them." — Julia Warren, VP of Commerce


Size Range:
0-6 | Wetness Indicator: Yes

Best Biodegradable

Andy Pandy Premium Bamboo Disposable Diapers

Andy Pandy Bamboo Disposable Diapers

Amazon

Pros
  • Biodegradable

  • Thermal regulation

  • Prevents diaper rash

Cons
  • Expensive 

These Earth-friendly disposable diapers from Andy Pandy are made from bamboo and are 100% biodegradable—perfect for the family that doesn’t want to pollute but might not be ready for cloth diapers. Even better, they’re hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and free of all harsh chemicals—including chlorine, phthalates, latex, PVC, TBT, alcohol, preservatives, and antioxidants—so you won’t need to worry about rashes or irritation on your little one’s skin.

Reviewers love the silky soft texture of these diapers and say that the wet indicator strip (which turns bluish-green when wet) is a game-changer. They also appreciate the plain white design, which lets them easily dress their baby in any outfit without being able to see characters or patterns through the cloth.

Bonus: Bamboo fiber is naturally thermal-regulating, so it’ll keep your baby cooler in hot temperatures and warmer when it’s cold. It's a bit more expensive ($20 for 20 diapers), but we feel it's worth checking out if it's in our budget.

Size Range: N-XL | Wetness Indicator: Yes

Best Budget

Babyganics Triple Dry Diapers

Babyganics Triple Dry Diapers
Pros
  • Sustainably made

  • Latex free

  • Extremely reliable leak protection

Cons
  • New design is slightly smaller than before

If you’re looking for a good budget diaper, we feel Babyganics Triple Dry Diapers is a great selection for you. Not only is this diaper sustainably made free of latex, petroleum-based ingredients, or any fragrances, but it’s also at a great price point for such a high-quality diaper.

It’s cruelty-free, not tested on animals, and has a thin, non-bulky design that babies will love. It’s absorbent, utilizing a “U” shaped channel that swiftly whisks moisture away from the baby while also allowing circulation and ventilation. There are also front and back cuffs which are amazing at fending off blowouts. Oh, it’s dermatologist tested too!

Size Range: Infant | Wetness Indicator: Yes

Best Cloth Diaper

wegreeco Washable Reusable Baby Cloth Pocket Diapers

Wegreeco Washable Reusable Baby Cloth Pocket Diapers

Amazon

Pros
  • Environmentally friendly 

  • Inexpensive option 

  • High quality material

Cons
  • Steep learning curve

Weighing the pros and cons of cloth diapering can still leave you uncertain. If you’re an eco-conscious family, reusable diapers are an easy way to help the planet. This six-pack of polyester diapers comes with six absorbent microfiber and bamboo inserts that slide into the interior pocket. Once the diaper is soiled, you’ll need to change and wash the cloth diaper. The three rows of adjustable snaps mean the diapers can grow with your baby, so you shouldn’t need to buy more later on. Generally, this product fits newborns to 2-year-olds. Suede on the inside feels soft against a baby's skin while helping prevent rashes.

Some reviewers noted that they were skeptical of reusable diapers at first but ultimately ended up feeling pleasantly surprised by the high-quality material and how easy they were to clean. While these diapers cost more upfront, reviewers felt good about their purchase, as they were both lowering their carbon footprint and helping their baby stay clean and comfy.


Size Range:
0-2 years | Wetness Indicator: No

Best Disposable Swim Diapers

Huggies Little Swimmers Disposable Swim Pants

Huggies Little Swimmers Disposable Swim Pants

Amazon

Pros
  • Easy open side straps

  • Ease of use

Cons
  • Only used for swimming

A leaking diaper in a pool can be disastrous, so you want to make sure your child is wearing one that fits properly. Huggies Little Swimmers feature stretchy sides with three different size options and leak guards to keep all the mess safely inside. Plus, they’re made with an absorbent material that won’t swell up when it gets wet, so your baby can maneuver more easily in the water.

Parents who bought Huggies Little Swimmers were impressed by the product’s durability, and many declared they wouldn’t use any other brand in the pool. They were also big fans of the resealable side fasteners (like those on a regular diaper) that let you secure the diaper tightly and easily make adjustments or changes, even with a wet and slippery baby.

Size Range: 3-6 | Wetness Indicator: No

Best Reusable Swim Diaper

Beau & Belle Littles Nageuret Reusable Swim Diaper

Beau & Belle Littles Nageuret Reusable Swim Diaper

Amazon

Pros
  • Budget-friendly 

  • Adjustable up to size 5 

  • Environmentally friendly

Cons
  • Does not absorb liquid without liner

Made by a small family-owned company based in Colorado, this reusable swim diaper is adjustable and fits kids from about 8 to 36 pounds, so you’ll only need to buy one for the first few years of your little one’s life. The outer layer is made of a waterproof PUL (a type of laminated fabric) cloth, while the inner polyester mesh is soft and easy to wash. There’s no inner absorbent layer because it would soak up water and weigh down your baby. And it comes with a warranty that’ll let you rest easy: If something happens to your Nageuret diaper during the first year, Beau & Belle Littles will gladly refund your money and give you a new diaper.

Better yet, this product is a big hit with customers: Parents trust it to prevent embarrassing leaks in the pool, and they can’t get enough of the cute colors and patterns. In addition, many with both petite and larger babies—who normally have a hard time finding swim diapers that fit—are huge fans of the adjustable snaps.

Size Range: N-5 | Wetness Indicator: No

Best Overnight Underwear

Goodnites Nighttime Bedwetting Underwear

Goodnites Nighttime Bedwetting Underwear

Amazon

Pros
  • Fits like underwear

  • Easy to pull off and on 

  • Thin under clothes

Cons
  • Not as absorbent as a diaper 

If you’re dealing with a kid who struggles with staying dry at night, GoodNites can offer extra protection. Five absorbent layers and extra thick leg barriers keep everything locked in and absorb all unpleasant odors. The product fits like a pair of underwear and comes in a variety of cute designs like princesses and superheroes.

Goodnites underwear reviewers call the product a lifesaver, saying it’s easy to slip on and absorbs better than any other overnight diaper. The smooth material easily fits under clothing and won’t cause scratching or itching. Potty training? These can also be worn during the day as your child adjusts.

Size Range: XS-XL | Wetness Indicator: No

Best Training Pants

Pampers Easy Ups Training Pants

Pampers Easy Ups Training Pants

Amazon

Pros
  • Secure fit 

  • Sides tear easily for changes 

  • Soft like cotton underwear

Cons
  • Ideal for toddlers only

Potty training is always a challenge—but Pampers Easy Ups make the job slightly easier. They’re soft and designed to fit like underwear, so your little one can get used to feeling like a big kid. The stretchy waistband moves up and down smoothly, while the sides are easily torn off when it comes time for removal. And most importantly, the extra-absorbent material and leak guards are there in case of an accident.

Reviewers say these pull-ups are more secure than other brands, so kids aren’t able to rip them off. They’re also comfortable and durable enough to last when the family is traveling or on the go.

Size Range: 2T-4T | Wetness Indicator: No

Best Organic

DYPER Bamboo Baby Diapers

DYPER Bamboo Baby Diapers

Amazon

Pros
  • Compostable

  • Very soft 

  • Chemical and scent free

Cons
  • Only available online

If you're wanting to be more environmentally friendly, these compostable, plant-based diapers by Dyper are a great place to start. They're made from bamboo and designed free of chlorine, alcohol, and other chemicals. The diapers are unscented and unprinted yet still remain soft, durable, and absorbent and include a wetness indicator.

Once your little one has used their diapers, you can return them through a special service where they will be composted. Reviewers gush about the diaper's absorbency and soft material, making it perfect for their baby's sensitive skin.

Size Range: N-XL | Wetness Indicator: No

Best Subscription

Hello Bello Premium Diapers

Hello Bello Premium Diapers

Amazon

Pros
  • Fun designs 

  • Great absorption 

  • Scent-free

Cons
  • Expensive 

  • Tough to tell front and back

In addition to being eco-friendly, with Hello Bello diapers you can choose from several different adorable designs. When you subscribe and bundle, you can mix and match designs and buy add-ons. Once you've picked out what you need, you can set the frequency of your bundle and change any future shipping dates, making your life a whole lot easier.

Created by parents (and celebrities!) Kristen Bell and Dax Sheppard, the couple wanted a baby-inspired brand that didn't sacrifice in any category. Hello Bello diapers are eco-friendly with their plant-based absorbent liner and chlorine-free processing.

Size Range: N-XL | Wetness Indicator: No

Pros
  • Hypoallergenic

  • Fragrance-free

Cons
  • Can only purchase a six-pack

Keep your little one drier all day and night thanks to this diaper's incredible absorbency. These diapers soak up wetness fast, removing liquid from your baby's skin and avoiding diaper rashes. It's perfect for little ones with sensitive skin as it's hypoallergenic and free of fragrances, dyes, lotions, parabens, and more.

Reviewers rave about how well the diapers fit on their babies, saying they don't sag and have no problem dressing their babies in white again. They're also soft, chemical-free, and have not been tested on animals.

Size Range: 1-6 | Wetness Indicator: No

Best for Sensitive Skin

Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers

Huggies Snug & Dry Baby Diapers
Pros
  • No harsh ingredients

  • Prevents leaks for up to 12 hours

Cons
  • Different product quality depending on seller

Our vote for the best diaper for sensitive skin is Huggies’ Snug and Dry Diapers due to being hypoallergenic, free from fragrances and parabens, plus elemental chlorine and natural rubber latex, which means a soft, comfortable diaper and a healthier skin option for your baby.

Clad with triple-layer protection, this diaper absorbs wetness within seconds and keeps it away from your baby to prevent rashes and irritation. It also stops leaks for up to 12 hours, regardless of whether your baby is moving around or sleeping. There’s also a wetness indicator that changes from yellow to blue to indicate when it’s time to switch to a new diaper.

Size Range: N-6 | Wetness Indicator: Yes

Best Blowout Proof Diaper

Esembly Blowout Proof Cloth Diaper

Esembly Blowout Proof Cloth Diaper Bundle
Pros
  • Highly convertible

  • Can be made into a swim diaper

  • Double lined (and liners are removable)

Cons
  • Not disposable

Esembly’s Blowout Proof Cloth Diapers are our favorite leak-proof diapers for preventing blowouts. It’s devised with two products—an inner liner and an outer liner, one that is super absorbent and another that’s waterproof. When combined, your baby is kept dry and comfortable without any spillage out the legs or sides.

These diapers are waterproof, breathable, and incredibly stretchy. They can grow with the baby, too, even though it comes in two sizes due to the waist snaps and stretchy elastic around the legs. Esembly’s Blowout Proof Cloth Diapers come with three inners and one outer, which you can also buy individually as well to fit your diapering needs. You can also just use the outer and not the inner, in case you want to take your baby into the pool for a great swim diaper!

Sizes: 1 (7-17 lbs) - 2 (18-35 lbs) | Wetness Indicator: No

How We Rated the Diapers

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best diapers we tested. We recommend them without reservation.

4.5 to 4.7 stars: These diapers are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.

4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great diapers, but others are better.

3.5 to 3.9 stars: These diapers are just average.

3.4 and below: We don't recommend diapers with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

How We Selected the Best Diapers

We selected the best diapers from researching dozens of diapers on the market based on cost, material, size, fit, style, and purpose. We also researched reviews from customers and competitors while monitoring shopping and consumer trends to bring you the most up-to-date options on baby diapers for parents and caretakers alike.

What to Look for When Buying Diapers

Cost

Finding a diaper that works for your kid is important, but it also needs to fit your budget.  Once you do, keep an eye open for sales on your favorite brands because saving a couple of dollars here and there will add up over time. Buying in bulk or signing up for a subscription service can also be a cost-saving measure.

Disposable vs. Cloth

There are two main types of diapers: disposable and cloth. Both are great options, but there are differences in cost, maintenance, and overall quality. Factor in your lifestyle and what you think would work best for your family.

While many disposable diapers are made to be more environmentally friendly these days, they still produce a lot of waste, which can end up in landfills. But disposables are perfect for traveling, anytime you don't have good access to laundry machines, or if you simply don't have an interest in cloth diapering. The overall cost is typically higher with disposables but can be ideal for a family with multiple kiddos in diapers and easy, quick changes.

Cloth diapering is more environmentally friendly, but it does come at a cost. While over time you will save money cloth diapering, the upfront cost to get started can be in the hundreds of dollars. Also, consider the maintenance of washing them and how many you'll need as backups.

Absorbency

One of the most important features parents and caregivers look for in a diaper is absorbency. We all want diapers that can hold even the biggest blowout. To ensure your little one isn't frequently leaking through diapers, check out the diaper's design before buying.

Some diapers feature an extra inner layer for absorbency, so leaks and blowouts don't happen. Other brands will tell you how long protection can last, which is another factor you can consider before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How many newborn diapers do I need?

    Newborns go through more diaper changes than older babies averaging about eight to 10 diaper changes a day. You’ll need approximately 300 diapers for the first few months of your newborn's life.

  • Do diapers expire?

    Technically diapers do not expire, but manufacturers have a "best before date" listed on the packaging. The same performance is not guaranteed as advertised once the period has passed. You will probably notice some discoloration, decreased absorption, and changes in fragrance.

  • How much should I expect to spend on diapers?

    Diaper prices can range depending on size, material, age, diaper count per pack, and purpose (swim, sleep, etc.). You can typically expect to spend between $20 to $100 on diapers. If you're looking to save money, our favorite budget diaper was Babyganics Triple Dry Diapers, at $50 for 160 diapers. Meanwhile, our favorite splurge diaper is our best sustainable diaper pick, Coterie the Diaper, which totals $100.

Why Trust Verywell Family?

Katrina Cossey has been a digital content producer and news and feature writer for more than six years. She has covered local and national news as well as written and researched parenting topics. Katrina is a parent herself and used disposables for her little one.

Additional reporting by Deanna McCormack

Deanna McCormack is a freelance writer and marketing professional who reviews must-have household and parenting products. She had two kids of her own who are still in diapers and can’t live without her Hello Bello subscription.