With so many diapers on the market, you might be surprised how much variation there is from one brand to the next. They all do the basic job, right? After taking a deep dive into various popular diaper brands and trying out some of the most popular ones ourselves, we’re here to tell you that diapers really do come in different packages.
What to Look for When Shopping for Diapers
They’re not the same, so you’ll want to consider a few key factors.
- Absorption: You want an absorbent diaper that’s durable enough to withstand whatever your baby does; Minimal leakage is critical.
- Quality: Your baby deserves the best—sensitive skin or not, softness and fit matter.
- Style: It’s in terms of both function and, for some of us, let’s face it, fashion. OK, maybe not that serious, but with a wide range of diaper aesthetics, why not pick one that fits your vibe?
- Price: Babies go through many diapers. Knowing that you’ll likely need 2,000-3,000 diapers in the first year alone, you’ll want to consider your family’s budget when determining which brand is best for your little one’s bottoms.
- Eco-friendly: Again, babies go through a lot of diapers. That means a lot of dirty diapers end up in the trash. While this factor may not be a top priority for everyone, eco-friendly options are worth considering if you’re hoping to reduce your carbon footprint.
We’ve combed through reviews, completed at-home tests, and rounded up a list of the best diapers for babies of 2023. Check out our Chick’s Picks below!
Best Overall Diapers (And Best for Newborns!): Pampers Swaddlers
A classic brand, it’s no wonder Pampers is the #1 pediatrician-recommended diaper and the #1 choice for US hospitals, according to nurses and parents. Pampers Swaddlers are hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested to be safe for a baby’s skin, providing comfort you can count on. They offer up to 12 hours of protection from leaks (perfect for nighttime), a breathable liner, dual leak-guard barriers, and a color-changing wetness indicator line. Pampers Swaddlers also feature an umbilical cord cutout for added protection for your newborn.
Why We Love Them:
- 100% free of parabens and latex
- Soft and gentle on baby’s delicate skin
- Multi-layer leakproof design
- navel notch
- hypoallergenic; reviewed and accredited by the Skin Health Alliance
- Excellent rewards program
- Widely available at most retail outlets
Parental Thoughts: Pampers Swaddlers are tried and true with multiple endorsements, giving parents peace of mind with diapers as their go-to. They provide reliability, comfort, and classic design at a reasonable price, making the choice a win-win overall.
Best For Bundling (And Customizing!): Hello Bello
Hello Bello
Amazon
Walmart
Hello Bello is another eco-friendly, hypoallergenic pick known for fun, creative prints, and consumer-friendly bundling options. This chlorine-free, sustainably built diaper features a plant-derived liner for clean absorbance and a lovely selection of eye-catching and dynamic designs.
Why We Love Them:
- Eco-friendly
- Hypoallergenic, chlorine-free, and made from sustainable material
- Wet indicator
- Light and absorbent
- Beautiful prints (including seasonal)
- Customizable bundling options
Parental Thoughts: Hello Bello diapers are a favorite for their crowd-pleasing prints and convenient bundling options. Parents appreciate the ability to bundle different diaper sizes, designs, and add-ons (including wipes and other Hello Bello household products) and the user-friendly ordering process of the company.
Best Eco-Friendly (And Bamboo) Diapers: Dyper Diapers
Walmart
Amazon
This wonderfully soft, responsibly made diaper is made from 100% bamboo viscose for plush, wonderfully comfortable wear (and amazing performance). Free from harmful chemicals and irritants, Dyper diapers are made to keep your child comfortable and clean. Besides all the typical features you’d expect from an everyday diaper, Dyper takes conscious diapering to the next level with its innovative ReDyper program, which allows used diapers to be returned and composted .
Why We Love Them:
- Biodegradable, chlorine-free, and responsibly developed
- Crisp, clean aesthetic; not printed for inkless design
- Dermatologically certified free of harmful chemicals
- Incredibly soft
- Consumer-friendly ordering options
- Reimagining environmentally conscious practices, such as the ReDyper program
Parental Thoughts: Parents love Dyper for the company’s careful approach to diapering – and for the perfect blend of diaper firmness and softness. Parents praise this choice for its mildness and report minimal irritation/rash, indicating a high level of satisfaction for adults and children.
A quick web search (or stroll through the baby section at your favorite big-box store) proves that there is no shortage of diapers for parents to choose from. However, there are a number that stand out from the rest. We’ve tested, tested, and approved the ones listed above so you don’t have to. . . because diapering doesn’t have to be more of a chore than it already is!
This article contains affiliate links. These opinions are our own. However, if you purchase something, we may earn a small commission, which helps us keep our content free to our readers. Check out our Chick Picks Shop to see more of our recommended products. This is our carefully curated store of products we love and recommend! ❤️
