We Tested 50 Different Diapers. These 5 Are the Best.
Not all disposable diapers are created equal.
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By the time your baby is potty trained, you'll have worked your way through thousands of diapers and mountains of wipes, so it's essential to choose quality, absorbent diapers that really work because the cost adds up, and using a diaper that doesn't do the job is both a mess and a waste of money. Since your baby is spending most of their time in diapers, it's also important to ensure that they're comfortable, lightweight and unrestrictive. With new diaper brands popping up all the time and tons of options already on the market, it can be difficult to decide which ones are best for you and your baby.
✔️ Diapers tested in the Textiles Lab: 50
✔️ Absorbency tests conducted: 784
✔️ Softness ratings given: 1,125
✔️ Parent testers: 176
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we test all kinds of baby gear including diapers and baby wipes. When we test diapers, we first consider their construction and design. Then, we use a variety of standardized tests to assess absorbency, and we blind rate each diaper for softness. Along with Lab tests, we share diapers with parent testers who try the diapers out on their babies and toddlers and give feedback. We've tested 50 diapers from popular brands, and the following five diapers are our top-tested picks.
Huggies Snug & Dry Baby Diapers
Pros
- Top scores in absorbency tests
- Elastic waistband and leg openings for secure fit
- No leaks in our evaluations
Cons
- Only available in Mickey Mouse print
Sizes: 1 to 8, 8 lbs to 46 lbs | Price per diaper: $0.35 (size 4, 92 count)
Huggies Snug & Dry diapers have maintained their first place ranking throughout years and years of diaper testing in the Textiles Lab. With the highest score in our tests, these diapers stood out for their superior absorbency and top-notch construction.
When we assessed absorbency, the diapers quickly soaked up fluids from different angles (babies don’t pee in just one position). The liquid stayed inside the diaper's core, meaning the diaper didn't feel damp at the surface, which is ultimately more comfortable for your baby. And despite being some of the most absorbent diapers we've tested, they're impressively lightweight, so they aren't bulky and won't hold your moving baby back. During our pooling absorbency tests, none of the test liquid leaked out of the diapers, thanks to thoughtful design details like the fitted elastic waistband and double-elastic leg openings.
Huggies Snug & Dry diapers are only available in a colorful Mickey Mouse print, which some testers have noted are visible through lighter clothing, but most weren't concerned about the design. At $0.35 per diaper, they're not the most affordable diaper we've tested, but they're not the most expensive either, and we think their performance in the Textiles Lab and with at-home testers proves they're worth the price. The brand also carries other top-tested styles like Overnites for sleeping, Little Snugglers for infants and Little Swimmers for trips to the pool.
WHAT PARENT TESTERS SAY: Consumer testers agreed that the diapers were great at containing messes and preventing blowouts. One tester who used Huggies diapers shared, "I love that these diapers were easy to put on, have great absorbency and seem to even hold in smells great!" Another said, "These diapers kept [my baby's] skin drier than the brand I normally use."
Pros
- High softness ratings in blind comparison test
- Testers said they felt secure
- Technical features like double-elastic leg openings and wetness indicator
Cons
- Didn't perform as well as others in 45-degree runoff test
Sizes: 3 to 6 , 16 lbs to 35+ lbs | Price per diaper: $0.17 (size 4, 82 count)
For less than half of the price of other popular diapers we've tested, Little Journey diapers (only available at Aldi) are an affordable, high-performing option. When our testers rated a collection of diapers for softness in a blind comparison test, these diapers rose to the top for their soft and comfortable feel. One at-home tester said that the material seemed "breathable" and shared that "no rashes arose" when using the diapers on her baby.
During construction evaluations, we noted helpful technical features like a front and back wetness indicator so you know when it's time for a change. The diapers also have double-elastic leg openings to contain messes and stretchy panels on the front and back of the diaper for a better fit.
The diapers didn't perform as well in our 45-degree runoff tests as other brands, meaning they may not be as effective at holding onto liquid while your baby is on the move, but at-home testers haven't had issues with blowouts or leaking. They did earn higher scores in our pooling and rewet tests, meaning the diapers held onto our test liquid when in a flat or cupped position, and the surface felt dry even after we applied pressure. The size range is more limited (3 to 6), but Little Journey also offers training pants with larger sizes for older kids. And the brand's baby wipes are some of our favorites.
WHAT PARENT TESTERS SAY: One tester shared, "I like the fit of the diapers around the waist and legs." Another said, "I've tried diapers from tons of brands, and these work just as well as the others. The tabs were easy to attach to the diaper and stayed secure until it was time to change. I used them on a 2-year old and have had no issues with accidents."
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Pros
- Soaked up tons of liquid in absorbency tests and still felt dry
- Lightweight design
- Extra barrier in back to prevent blowouts
Cons
- Some parents didn't like the baby powder scent
Sizes: Preemie to 8, <6 lbs to 46+ lbs | Price per diaper: $0.37 (size 4, 120 count)
Used by many hospitals for newborn babies, loved by GH analysts who are parents and favored by at-home testers, Pampers Swaddlers diapers are one of the most popular options on the market. In our Textiles Lab evaluations, the diapers weighed less than any other style we tested, and they earned high scores for construction. Equipped with features like a stretch waistband, double-elastic leg openings and front and back wetness indication, the diapers passed our inspections with flying colors.
The diapers are especially ideal for newborns who spend most of their time snuggling and sleeping – not on the move. They aced our pooling, strike-through and rewet absorbency tests using our test liquid, which means the diapers were highly absorbent, soaking up tons of liquid in the same spot without feeling damp to the touch or leaking. Plus, the diapers have an extra barrier built into the back to prevent accidents.
When we applied test liquid to the diapers at a 45-degree angle, there was some notable runoff, which means a baby who is up and crawling around could experience more leakage. But parents who used Pampers Swaddlers said the diapers felt flexible and moved with their babies. They do have a powdery, stereotypical "baby" scent, which some parents found to be too strong and unnatural, while others said it was pleasant and helped mask unwanted odors.
WHAT PARENT TESTERS SAY: One tester shared, "These diapers fit our kiddos the best and we trust them to be worn overnight." Another tester said, "I like the fit of the diaper on my son. It seemed to be snug, yet flexible in the legs. The shape of the diaper in the back was also good to avoid blowouts that go up."
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Millie Moon Luxury Diapers
Pros
- Performed well in absorbency tests
- Perfect softness scores
- Not one tester experienced leaks or blowouts
Cons
- Bulkier design
Sizes: Newborn to 7, <9 lbs to 37+ lbs | Price per diaper: $0.33 (size 4, 120 count)
Millie Moon describes its Luxury Diapers as "feather soft," and our testers and GH experts agree. In a blind comparison, testers unanimously gave the diapers perfect scores for softness, earning these diapers the highest softness rating in our test.
In our absorbency tests in the Textiles Lab, we were impressed by how much test fluid these diapers were able to absorb and by just how quickly the fluid soaked into the diaper. Even after being saturated and then pressed by a weight (replicating a baby sitting or lying in its diaper), the surface of the diapers still felt dry. Several testers opted to try the diapers for overnight use and were pleasantly surprised by how well they performed without leaks. One tester shared, "I feel like the diapers were extremely absorbent and held up to the 12-hour claim."
Because the diapers are so soft and padded, they were some of the heaviest diapers in our recent round of testing and have a bulkier look. Testers appreciated the fuller coverage design, though, and according to our feedback, not one of our 10 Millie Moon testers experienced leaks or blowouts.
WHAT PARENT TESTERS SAY: Testers shared comments like, "Woah! They're so soft and plush!" and, "They're the best combination of soft and smooth." An at-home tester noted, "We really liked how soft the diapers were especially on baby’s gentle skin," and another said they felt comparable to "luxury" diapers.
Pampers Pure Protection Baby Diapers
Pros
- Highest construction scores
- Enriched with shea butter for added skin protection
- Aced absorbency tests in the Lab
Cons
- Only average softness scores in blind comparison
Sizes: Newborn to 7, <10 lbs to 41+ lbs | Price per diaper: $0.42 (size 4, 108 count)
If your baby has particularly sensitive skin, it may be worth investing in diapers designed specifically for babies who need something gentler. Pampers Pure Protection diapers are made without added fragrance, unlike the brand's Swaddlers diapers, and they feature a quick-dry liner that's enriched with shea butter for extra skin protection. While the diapers only earned average scores in our blind comparison test for softness, our parent testers gave them perfect softness scores. One tester shared, "They are extremely soft which is great for my toddler's sensitive skin."
The diapers also received the highest score in our most recent construction evaluations, thanks to helpful design details like a pocketed blowout barrier, front and back stretch at the waist, double-elastic leg openings and a front and back wetness indicator. These features also helped the diapers earn a Good Housekeeping Parenting Award in 2024.
During our Lab tests for absorbency, the diapers soaked up the test liquid and held it in the absorbent core. Even after we placed a weight on top of them, the surface of the diapers still felt dry, which means your baby should feel comfortable when sitting or lying in them before a change.
WHAT PARENT TESTERS SAY: Testers said the diapers were easy to put on their babies, making changing less of a struggle, and found that they protected well against leaks. "Great absorbency and no leaks even when worn overnight,” said one tester.
Other diapers we tested
We tested 50 diapers to find the best for you and your baby. Here are a few other diapers we evaluated that weren't featured but are still worth considering:
Hello Bello Premium Baby Diapers: These popular diapers performed well for absorbency and softness. They were loved by parent testers who couldn't get enough of the adorable prints and patterns, but because there's an all-over print with no label or wetness indicator, some testers said it was difficult to differentiate between the front and back during changes.
Coterie The Diaper: Some of the most luxurious diapers we've tested, Coterie's diapers are so soft they earned top marks in our blind softness evaluations. Compared to other diapers, they're a bit bulky with more padding, so while they proved highly absorbent in our tests, they felt heavier.
Dyper Charcoal Enhanced Diapers: While these diapers earned strong scores in our pooling and rewet absorbency tests, they had lower softness scores. They're also totally black, which was polarizing with our parent testers — some said they were chic, while others thought they seemed out of place on their baby. And they're some of the priciest diapers we've tested at nearly $1 per diaper.
How we test diapers
Diapers have a seemingly straightforward job — hold onto your baby's pee and poop — but they're a bit more complex than that. Made with layers of absorbent materials, elastic bands and color-changing designs, diapers are technically developed to not only to prevent messes but also keep your baby dry, comfortable and happy for hours at a time.
We put diapers to the test in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab to help you determine which ones really work, and we've evaluated 50 diapers in recent years. Here are some characteristics we consider during our evaluations:
✔️ Construction: We visually assess each diaper, scoring its design features like elastic waistbands, front and back wetness indication, double-elastic leg openings and extra absorbency layers. We also weigh the diapers and measure the length of the absorbent cores.
✔️ Absorption: Because babies spend so much time in diapers, either lying down or crawling around, it's important that the diapers are able to absorb liquid quickly from different angles and hold onto the liquid without feeling wet at the surface. We conduct multiple absorbency tests on each diaper to ensure it will keep your baby dry and comfortable.
- Pooling: During pooling tests, we clamp diapers in a cupped position in a steel bowl and place the bowl under a funnel that's positioned above the diaper. We fill the funnel with a set amount of liquid and then release the liquid onto the diaper, recording the amount of time it takes for the liquid to fully absorb into the diaper. We then repeat this process on the wet diaper and score our results.
- Strikethrough and rewet: We lay the diapers flat and tape them onto a countertop. Then we place a pouring ring on the diaper, pour a set amount of liquid into it and record the time it takes for the liquid to be fully absorbed. After waiting 10 minutes, we place blotting paper on the wet diaper and lower a 10-pound weight onto it, leaving it to sit for two minutes. We then lift the weight and weigh the blotting paper to determine how much liquid it has absorbed. We repeat the process on the wet diapers and calculate a score for the diapers based on their absorbency time and their ability to hold onto the liquid when subject to pressure (just like when your baby is sitting or sleeping in a wet diaper).
- 45-degree angle runoff: The diapers are mounted at the side of a sink at a 45-degree angle. We release a set amount of liquid onto the angled diaper, and any liquid that doesn't soak into the diaper's absorbent core runs off and is collected in a metal tray. We weigh the runoff, let the wet diaper sit for five minutes and then repeat the test. We score each diaper based on the amount of runoff liquid left behind.
✔️ Softness: We stretch the diapers out on a countertop and tape them securely into place with the inside facing up and all labels or visible branding covered. We then invite GH analysts and testers to touch each diaper and rate it for softness in a blind comparison.
✔️ Consumer testing: We share the diapers with parents who try the diapers at home on their own babies of different ages and sizes. Our consumer testers rate characteristics like how well the diapers fit their children, how easy they are to put on and take off, how well the diapers protect against leaks and how soft the diapers feel. Testers also share if they would recommend the diapers to other parents and explain what they specifically like and dislike about the diapers, along with any additional commentary they'd like to give.
What to look for when shopping for diapers
When you're looking for a new pack of diapers to buy, here are some things to keep in mind:
✔️ Size: Diapers typically come in sizes 1 to 6, with some brands offering newborn or premature options (size 0) and others offering a larger size 7 or 8. It's important that you choose the right size diaper for your baby to prevent unnecessary irritation or leaks.
Diaper sizes are determined based on baby weight, not age, so while your baby is 6 months old and wearing a size 3, another 6-month-old baby could be wearing a size 4. Most diaper brands follow the same weight classes when distinguishing their sizes, but we recommend following each brand's size guide before buying to ensure that you're getting the best fit for your baby.
✔️ Special features: During our evaluations, we've found that diapers with special features can be helpful for containing messes and can even ease the changing process. Look for diapers with elastic on the front and back of the waistband, as well as double-elastic leg openings for a secure fit to minimize leaks. Extra panels or "pockets" inside the diaper near the waistband can contain messes or blowouts, as well. We also appreciate wetness indicators on the front and back of the diapers which turn color when your baby's diaper is wet. Some diapers have stickers on the back that you can use once the diaper is soiled to securely seal it closed, prevent messes and minimize unwanted odors.
✔️ Materials: Most disposable diapers are made of wood pulp from trees and polymers that work together to keep your baby comfortable and dry. If you prefer something more sustainable, look for diapers made of bamboo pulp (not viscose) instead of wood pulp. For babies with sensitivities, check to see if your diapers are latex-free and fragrance-free.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Amanda Constantine has been with Good Housekeeping Institute since 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst in the Textiles Lab. She has tested and covered a variety of baby and children's products, including clothing, kids' luggage and crib mattress protectors. During her time at GH, Constantine has tested more than 30 different styles of diapers in the Lab from well-known and up-and-coming brands and has coordinated consumer testing to gather feedback from dozens of real parents.
Lexie Sachs has been with Good Housekeeping for 12 years and is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has a fiber science background and has extensively evaluated a variety of children's products for the Textiles Lab, including diaper bags, swaddle blankets and kids' clothing. She is also a mom and has tested diapers from many of these brands herself and with her own children.
Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
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