Of all the changes you and your baby are experiencing during the first year of their life, diaper changes have got to be the least exciting. You’ll be changing dirty and wet diapers as often as 12 times a day and the right diaper can make the mess more manageable.
So whether you’re looking for the best cloth diapers, the best newborn diapers, or the best overnight diapers, we’ve got you covered with Truly Mama’s picks for the best diapers to stock up on. And by stock up, we mean really, really stock up. Because you’re definitely going to use way more diapers than you ever thought possible.
What are Baby Diapers Made of?
Disposable diapers are made very similarly from brand to brand, with small adjustments made in design, primarily for function and comfort. In general, diapers are going to have a core that is made of polymers and cellulose that are responsible for soaking up liquids so your baby feels dry for longer.
The shell of the diaper keeps everything together. Design of the shell is important, influencing fit and comfort.
Features to Look Out For in a Baby Diaper
Since modern diapers typically have a lot of similarities in design, it might be hard to find one diaper that sets itself apart from the rest. For this reason, we recommend paying attention to what reviewers say about absorbency, fit, and breathability to get to scoop on the little differences.
- Absorbency will give you an idea of how long your baby can wear a single diaper between changes. While keeping your baby dry is ideal, no parent wants to interrupt a nap or nighttime sleep over the fear of leaks. Some diapers will perform better for longer stretches.
- Fit will give you an idea of whether or not diapers run true to size and if the design of the fit will keep blowouts and leaks in check. If one brand has a reputation for poop-splosions, you can bet you’ll be able to find out from other parents who have left reviews online.
- Breathability keeps your baby’s bottom feeling dry, even when their diaper is wet. This is important for comfort, helping to prevent irritation and rashes. Many diapers are made with a layer of moisture-wicking materials, so pay attention to what the creators have to say about this added feature.
And while features are helpful to help guide you, it’s also important to keep in mind that every baby is different—your baby’s bum might fit better in a different brand of diaper than your mama friend’s baby and that’s perfectly fine. You may have to experiment and try a few brands before you find the perfect fit.
Different Types of Baby Diapers
Diapers are designed with different ages and needs in mind. Once you’ve got a handle on what your baby needs from a diaper, you can shop for the type that will work best for your child.
- Thin diapers are generally made for daytime wear. They’re not bulky, which means they take up less space in your home, diaper bag, and in landfills.
- Overnight diapers are typically designed to handle up to 12 hours of wear. If your baby is sleeping through the night, this is important for avoiding leaks in the middle of the night!
- Toddler diapers fit kids up to 35 pounds, making them perfect for larger babies and toddlers who aren’t ready for toilet training.
- Newborn diapers aren’t just smaller, most brands also have a lower rise in the front to avoid irritating umbilical stumps. They also have a snug fit created to keep loose, newborn stools inside and a wetness indicator that lets you know when your baby has emptied their tiny bladder.
- Cloth diapers are reusable diapers that you wash and dry instead of dispose of. There are many, many different kinds of cloth diapers from all-in-ones to shells with inserts, so be sure to check out our complete cloth diapering guide if you’re interested in cloth diapering.