Choosing a diaper for your baby is kind of a big deal. It can be the difference between a blowout, a middle-of-the-night leak through, or a terrible diaper rash.
And sometimes, the right diaper can even change from baby to baby in your family. But if you’re considering choosing Honest diapers vs Pampers, there are some facts you should know.
Honest Diapers vs. Pampers: Diaper Duty Gets Real
All diapers perform the same basic function: holding poop and pee. At first glance it may seem like there really isn’t much of a difference between them all, but there are some contrasts that could make a difference in which one is best for you and your little one.
Pampers are what you might consider traditional disposable diapers. The brand is owned by the company Procter and Gamble, which also owns Luvs, Charmin, and Pantene. Pampers are widely available at most grocery stores, drug stores and online manufacturers like Amazon, and are the leading brand used by hospitals in the U.S.
Honest diapers are sold by the Honest Company, which was started by actress Jessica Alba with a focus on sustainability, wellness, and natural ingredients. In addition to diapers, the Honest Company sells other baby products, like shampoo and lotions as well as beauty, skincare and household cleaning products. Honest products were once only available online, but they have branched out to several retailers, including Target and Walgreens, where you will likely find Honest diapers in the baby aisle with other brands.
Honest vs Pampers: The Differences
The main differences between these two brands of diapers comes down to three points:
- Environmental friendliness —Honest diapers are biodegradable and have more naturally-derived components
- Price point — Pampers are more affordable
- Comfort — this can be different for every baby’s shape and skin, but comfort is key when choosing a diaper
Let’s take a closer look at each diaper to figure out which might best for your baby’s bum.
Honest Diapers
Honest diapers are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional disposable diapers made from plant-derived materials and sustainably harvested pulp. They are not processed with and are also free from lotions, fragrances and latex. This means Honest diapers are hypoallergenic and may be a great choice for babies with sensitive skin. In addition to these benefits, Honest diapers also come in tons of adorable patterns and contain naturally-derived odor blockers to help cut down on the stink.
An Honest Look at Honest Diapers
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly disposable diaper free of harsh chemicals, look no further than Honest. These adorable diapers are a great option for little ones with sensitive skin who may be allergic to the chemicals in other diapers.
Honest diapers are free of dyes and gels used in mainstream diapers that can contribute to diaper rash. Plus, the cute patterns are almost too fun to pass up.
Like most other diapers on the market, Honest goes up to size 6, but some parents say they run small. For example, Honest size 4 diapers are comparable to size 3 Pampers Swaddlers, so you may need to move up a size. And if you have a babe topping off the growth charts, even the biggest Honest size may be too small. If you are able to size up, Honest diapers are effective at containing blowouts with stretchy side panels, re-fastening tabs and securely fitting cuffs around the legs.
Highlights of Honest Diapers
- Size range from NB (10 pounds or less) to size 6 (35 pounds or more)
- Flexible stretchy sides
- Secure and comfortable fit
- Hypoallergenic
- No harsh chemicals, chlorine, lotion fragrances or latex
- Tons of cute patterns
- Wetness indicator (so you know if the diaper is wet)
- Made with plant-based materials
Before You Buy
Honest diapers aren’t cheap. They are considered a high-end diaper and the price point may be too steep for some families. Some parents also claim they are not as absorbent as traditional disposable diapers leading to more leaks.
If the moisture control isn’t adequate for your baby, it might pose a risk of diaper rash, so you may want to purchase a small pack of diapers before you invest in a subscription or larger pack to be sure it works for your baby.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cute patterns
Eco-friendly
Hypoallergenic
Cons
Possible overnight leaks
More expensive
Sizing runs small
Pampers Diapers
As the leading choice for hospitals in the U.S., Pampers diapers are often the first diapers many parents use. Pampers are exceptionally soft and cozy on your little one’s bum and also exceptionally absorbent, lasting longer than other brands with fewer leaks. These diapers also have a wetness indicator that turns from yellow to blue when it detects urine. Wetness indicators can be found on many different types of diapers, but the ones on Pampers are especially sensitive and can even tell you just how full the diaper really is by only turning slightly blue for a bit damp or completely blue when soaked.
Pampered by Pampers
When it comes to comfort and leak protection, you can’t really beat Pampers. These diapers are ultra-soft and absorbent, so you know your little one is wrapped in comfort.
Pampers also stands out from other brands because their diapers go up to size 7 for babies 41 pounds and more. Most other diapers, including Honest, tap out at size 6 for babies 35 pounds and more. If you’ve got a babe on the bigger end, Pampers may be your best best bet, especially into the toddler years.
Pampers also offers an eco-friendly diaper called Pampers Pure that boasts a lot of the same advantages as Honest, including diapers made with plant-based materials that are free of chlorine, bleaching agents, parabens, and latex.
Highlights of Pampers Diapers
- Color-changing wetness indicator
- Ultra-soft
- Three-way fit adapts to baby’s shape and helps prevent blowouts
- Brand used by most hospitals in North America
- Dual leak guard barriers
- Available at just about any baby store, grocery store or online retailer
- Flexible so baby can move easily
- Tabs
Before You Buy
Pampers are safe to use, but do contain some ingredients not found in Honest diapers, including:
- petrolatum
- stearyl alcohol
- aloe barbadensis leaf extract
Some parents also claim that because they are so effective at pulling moisture away from the child’s skin, using Pampers actually makes the transition to potty training more difficult because the child doesn’t recognize when they are wet.
You’ll also want to take your baby’s own shape and size into consideration, because some parents have found that babies who are on the longer and slimmer side have problems with getting the correct fit with Pampers.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Extra soft
Carries size newborn to size 7
Color changing wetness indicator
Cons
Contains some ingredients that may irritate skin
Not all lines are eco-friendly
May not hold up well over night (particularly Pampers Swaddlers for newborns)
Final Verdict
Both Honest and Pampers are good, reliable diapers that get the job done. The right diaper choice for you will depend on your priorities. If your little one has allergies or sensitive skin, investing in Honest might be worth the price since they are hypoallergenic and free of lotions and fragrances.
Honest diapers do however come with a hefty price tag that may not work for all families, especially when there are more affordable eco-friendly options available. Pampers Pure diapers, for example, are also made with plant-based materials and are free of chlorine, bleaching agents, and parabens.
Honest diapers are worth trying out if an eco-friendly option is important to you. Plus, the adorable patterns are hard not to swoon over. While some babies with sensitive skin may benefit from diapers like Honest that are free of harsh chemicals, research suggests that all disposable diapers on the market are safe and are not affiliated with long-term health complications.
There are some key differences between Pampers and Honest, but as with most baby products, the best one for you really comes down to personal preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Honest diapers good?
Honest diapers are a good, safe, reliable choice for a disposable diaper. They are more eco-friendly than some other brands and are made from plant-derived materials and sustainably harvested pulp. However, they are still disposable diapers that have some impact on the environment.
Do Honest diapers run big or small?
Many parents claim they run small, so if you’re purchasing Honest diapers, you may want to try sizing up.
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