Almost everything that comes with having a new baby is more complicated than you might have expected (sometimes in a stressful way, sometimes in a delightful way!), and that includes diapers and diaper brands. Not all diapers are created equal, and there are many, many brands available today to choose from. Picking the right diaper is a matter of finding out which brand meets your personal requirements and, of course, what your baby actually likes to wear. From reusable to disposable, here’s a round-up of some of the most loved diaper brands around.
Esembly
A women-owned business, Esembly offers its customers reusable organic diapers made from certified organic cotton grown responsibly in South Asia. The entire Esembly diaper ‘system’ includes an absorbent ‘inner’ layer and a waterproof ‘outer’ layer for containment — the outer layer also has two rows of snaps, so you can adjust the fit around the waist and thighs separately. Once used, the inner layer can be tossed into the wash (the outer layer is also washable, but as long as there aren’t any accidents, they don’t have to be laundered as often). The brand also sells ‘Tossers,’ biodegradable cloth diaper liners, for easier clean-up when your baby switches to solid foods. Esembly is committed to using as little plastic as possible in their supply chain, and the TPU fabric they use for their diaper covers and bags is made of 100% recycled yarn derived from post-consumer plastic bottles. On top of that, all of their paper packaging and shipping envelopes are made from 100% recycled material and are fully recyclable.
Price per 3-pack: $42-60
Price per Kit: $76-$100
Where to Purchase: Target, Monica + Andy, Amazon, and EsemblyBaby.com
Luvs Ultra Leakguards
People love these diapers because they’re high quality, offer three layers of leak protection, and are very affordable (at the time of this article, a pack of 252 will cost you $32.98). Ultra Leakguards are made to keep your baby clean overnight, with a Leakguard core that keeps your baby’s skin dry, a contour shape for a good fit, a wide fastening area to make it easy to take on and off, and a soft texture that’s comfortable on your baby’s skin. Parents love how well these diapers fight leaks and blow-outs, helping babies to sleep through the night. Adding to the value, Luvs offers a money-back guarantee to any customers who aren’t satisfied with this diaper’s performance.
Price per 108: $17-$38
Where to Purchase: Target, Amazon, Walmart, and more.
Pampers Swaddlers
A great option for newborns, Pampers Swaddlers are hypo-allergenic, latex-free, and super soft so your new baby’s skin doesn’t get irritated. These diapers feature a breathable liner that keeps your baby’s skin dry, dual leak-guard barriers, a color-changing wetness indicator, and a unique umbilical cord notch to prevent your newborn’s belly from getting irritated. With 56,021 reviews on the Pampers site alone, reviewers rave about how well these diapers absorb messes and keep their baby’s clean and dry, without any leaks or blowouts.
Price per 84: $16-$40
Where to Purchase: Most retailers and Amazon
Andy Pandy Bamboo Disposable Diapers
Winner of the 2021 Baby Innovation Award, if you’re looking for a bamboo diaper, this one’s for you. Andy Pandy offers eco-friendly, non-toxic disposable bamboo diapers that are free of latex, chlorine, alcohol and phthalates, are highly absorbent, and are naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial, making these diapers great for keeping your baby clean and not irritating the skin. These diapers are also 86.5-87% biodegradable (some parts of the diaper are made of non-biodegradable materials to make the diapers more effective and durable), making them both functional and better for the planet than a standard diaper. Plus, for every Andy Pandy product sold, the brand plants two trees as part of their partnership with Eden Reforestation Project.
Price per 94: $43
Where to Purchase: Walmart, Amazon, and AndyPandyKids.com.
Hello Bello
Co-founded by celebrity couple Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard, Hello Bello offers a subscription-based diaper model that allows customers to buy bundles of diapers that are delivered straight to their door, with the goal of giving people access to high quality diapers at a lower cost through bulk buying. Hello Bello diapers feature a specially designed core with proprietary absorbent technology that can absorb over 50 times its weight in fluid – allowing for reduced waste while still providing serious leak protection. Soft and made from eco-friendly plant-derived materials, these diapers are also breathable, free of artificial fragrances and lotions, and come in a range of colorful designs. As a cute plus, the boxes the diapers are delivered in are designed to be upcycled into playthings, like a pirate ship or a rocket ship.
Price per 100: $26
Where to Purchase: Bed Bath & Beyond, Amazon, and HelloBello.com.
Coterie
Another subscription-based diaper brand, Coterie doesn’t offer different daytime and nighttime diapers because their standard diaper is so absorbent, with a core that holds 70% more than competing brands. Coterie diapers are super soft, fragrance-free, and their absorbent cores are made of sodium polyacrylate (SAP) and Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) wood pulp from sustainably managed forests. The diaper’s transfer layer moves liquid away from your baby’s skin in a lightening-fast 15 seconds, keeping your baby clean, dry and comfortable, and all components are independently lab-tested and proven to be free from harmful chemicals.
Price per 6-pack: $94.50
Where to Purchase: Coterie.com
What is your favorite diaper brand and why?