Complete Guide To Choosing The Best Baby Diapers

Easily determine the best diapers for your baby.

First, we will explain common baby diaper features, including features like where the diaper is made, wetness indicator, and eco-friendly diapers.

After determining which diaper features are important. Use our diaper comparison chart (below) to easily select a diaper or we also feature some of our Top Picks.  We have also included popular brands like Pampers, Huggies, Luvs, Honest diapers, Bamboo Nature, as well as Seventh Generation, and Naty diapers.

 

Baby Diaper Features

Baby diaper features can range from helpful to sometimes harmful. Take a look at these common diaper features.

Eco-Friendly Diapers

These include diapers made from sustainable materials. For example, diapers made from sustainably harvested fluff pulp like bamboo. Also, diapers that lean towards being chemical-free.

Fragrance-Free Baby Diapers 

Most fragrances are chemically synthesized and contain chemicals that can irritate your baby’s skin. Especially if your baby is prone to sensitive skin. The good news is that there are plenty of fragrance-free diaper options.

Latex-Free Diapers

Several diaper brands are now latex-free. You can find them listed in the chart below. Latex can be found in not only baby diapers, but also in bottle nipples, pacifiers, and certain toys. Here is a link to the Boston Children’s Hospital to read more on latex allergies in babies.

Wetness Indicator

Pretty sure a parent invented this because it’s just sheer genius!   A wetness indicator strip is located along the middle of the diaper and allows you to quickly determine if your baby’s diaper is in need of changing without taking the whole diaper off.

Where the diaper is made

This one speaks for itself. Personally, we try to buy American-made products whenever possible and economically feasible. Most baby diapers are currently made in China, Mexico, and the USA. Several companies produce their diapers in the USA including Seventh Generation Diapers ( link to Seventh Generation Diapers page on manufacturing), Huggies Diapers (link to Huggies Diapers page on manufacturing), and Target Up & Up diapers that are assembled in the USA.

**update on Huggies diapers. Huggies used to be made in the USA but after looking at the Huggies website and Kimberly Clark, the parent company, I can’t confirm that this is still the case. I have emailed Huggies on 12/1/21 for more up-to-date information.

Its not easy to find baby products that are made in the USA. I appreciate the fact that Target has the information within the product description and states the diapers are assembled in the USA. I’ve spent hours digging through websites of other major diaper brands searching for where the diapers are made with no luck.

If the diaper contains Sodium Acrylate

Sodium Acrylate is classified as an (SOP), super absorbent polymer, it can hold something like 7 times its weight in water. This is what makes some diapers extremely leakproof. Supposedly the way it is used in diapers leads to a low risk of it causing any health-related side effects.  Personally, I would steer clear of this ingredient but I am not a scientist and suggest if you are concerned to do your own research.  Here is a good resource to learn more about Super Absorbent Polymers.

Gluten-free disposable diapers

Wheat gluten is used in some diaper brands because of its natural absorbency properties. Which makes it a good alternative to Sodium Acrylate, but not so great if your baby is allergic. While not common, there are babies with gluten (wheat) allergies. Luckily now there are several brands of diapers that cater to these sweet little babes.

Animal cruelty-free diapers

Pretty much speaks for itself. There are several companies that go to great lengths to make sure they are animal cruelty-free diapers including Honest Company Diapers. Here is a link to read more about their companies policies. Another disposable diaper brand option is Parasol disposable diapers. Link to learn more about Parasol diapers.

 

Chlorine Free Diapers

Used for bleaching diapers the sole purpose of chlorine is to turn them white. Chlorine contains dioxins which can cause a variety of health problems. Here is a link to the Environmental Working Group where you can learn more about chlorine and dioxins in baby diapers.  A few of our favorite chlorine-free diapers include Pampers Swaddlers disposable diapers. Pampers diapers are free from dioxins, BPA, parabens, and PVC just to name a few. For a complete list of Pampers materials and safety standards, click here.

Diaper cost

For most of us, the price of diapers does play a key role in which diaper brand you end up using regularly. Once you find a diaper that works well for you and your baby there are usually several purchasing options including bulk or subscription purchasing cutting about 5-15% off of typical in-store prices.

Some of our favorite diaper subscriptions include: 

Biodegradable Diapers

Several bamboo disposable diapers are at least 75% biodegradable, but that number varies by diaper brand. Currently, there aren’t any 100% biodegradable diapers. When you think of how many diapers enter our landfills each year, choosing one that is semi-biodegradable is a good option.

 

Additionally, these are other factors that matter when choosing a diaper.

Sizing

Most diapers come in a variety of sizes, your baby’s weight will help determine which diaper will fit them the best.  If your baby is close to being able to fit in two different sizes you’ll want to look at other physical factors. For instance, if you have a long and slender baby the might want to opt for the smaller-sized diaper which may be a better fit than the standard size. If you having issues with the diaper leaking it’s probably due to the size. If sizing up or down does not solve the problem, try a different diaper brand.

Sensitive skin

If your baby’s skin is sensitive your best bet is an Eco-friendly style that will contain fewer chemicals than a regular diaper. This will not only help your baby’s skin but also help in avoiding diaper rash. Also, if your baby is prone to diaper rashes try changing the diaper more frequently.

Leak Protection

When it comes to diapers leaking it’s usually due to one or two things. It’s either the fit of the diaper or the diaper is soaked. A soaked diaper is pretty self-explanatory. Your baby just needs to be changed more often. An ill-fitting diaper could mean it’s time to try a larger or possibly smaller size. It is also possible that you will find your baby to be between two different sizes. When this happens you can always try another brand and see if their sizing is a little better until your baby has grown a little more.

 

Our Top Picks for Best Baby Diapers

All-around Best Disposable Diapers

 

Diaper Comparison Chart

Finding the best diaper will most likely involve trying a few different brands. However, this chart will help make the decision a little easier.

Below is a chart comparing over 20 of the most popular disposable diapers, focusing on the most frequently asked questions we receive.

TO OUR READERS: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take action after clicking one of these.

 

 

How to Save Money When Buying Diapers

Lastly, another key part of picking a diaper is price, ease, and convenience.

Price Per Diaper

Determine the price per diaper. Keep in mind this price will slightly increase or decrease depending on how many you are purchasing.  For example, a twenty pack of diapers will usually be more expensive per diaper compared to a box of 120 diapers. Once you have a rough idea of the price per diaper you can compare prices between several brands of diapers that have the features you are looking for.

Ease of Purchase

You’ll want to consider different methods of purchasing your brand of baby diapers.  For instance, if your diaper of choice is Seventh Generation, you can order it in bulk from Amazon and also have the option of picking up a package at your local Target.

 

Additional Reading

Furthermore, if your baby has sensitive skin check out our Best Diapers for Babies with Sensitive Skin Guide

If you are still on the fence about disposable diapers being the best option? Check out our Beginners Guide to Cloth Diapers

Our take on Baby Wipe Warmers