The Best Diapers for Newborns

Here's something you might not know yet: newborns go through a mountain of diapers per day. Truly, it's incredible how often you have to change them. So that's why it's especially important to find diapers that actually work for you and your new little one. There are a few key components to newborn diapers that you need to keep in mind. Some of these key components include fit, materials, and price. With this list, we've kept all three in mind – and more. If you're unsure of which direction to go in, try a few to find out which diapers best suit you and your baby's needs.

Pampers Swaddlers Newborn Diapers

Soft, Hypoallergenic Protection for your Newborn

A snug, sure fit provides relief from blowouts and leaks.
Best Overall

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The reason why these diapers are number one? It’s in the name. A true ‘swaddling’ fit, Pampers Swaddlers have the ideal fit for the ultimate in leak protection. Add in LockAway Channels that absorb any wetness, a BreatheFree Liner that offers a level up in skin protection, and hypoallergenic materials, and these diapers are the disposable diapers you’ll choose, time and again. Additional perks include an Umbilical Cord Notch (up to size 2), a wetness indicator strip, and soft, flexible sides that don’t dig in.

Pros:

  • Free of latex and parabens.
  • #1 Choice of hospitals, nurses, and parents.
  • Snug fit reduces leaks and blowouts.
  • Umbilical cord notch up to size 2, which is helpful for bigger newborns.

Cons:

  • The tabs can rip easily, so you’ll want to be careful when securing the diaper on your baby.

Huggies Special Delivery Hypoallergenic Baby Diapers

Ultra Soft and Safe for Those Newborn Days

For your own special delivery, these newborn diapers are ultra soft and soothing on that brand new skin.
Runner Up

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What makes these Huggies a “Special Delivery”, or their “Perfect Diaper”? The fact that these diapers are made with plant-based materials that contain no harmful parabens, fragrances, elemental chlorine, or toxic substances. That, and they’re just as soft as, well, as a baby’s bum. Add in the fit of these diapers, and you’ll realize: these Huggies certainly have the newborn diaper down. Equally important, these diapers are dermatologist tested and proven to be hypoallergenic, so you don’t have to worry about your new bundle’s skin. The importance of that can’t be understated. As a new parent, you’ll likely have a long list of worries. Diapers shouldn’t be one of them.

Pros:

  • Leak protection for up to 12 hours.
  • Excellent for ultra-sensitive skin.
  • Soft and comfy against that new baby skin.
  • Zero harsh ingredients.

Cons:

  • These diapers fit a bit on the long side.

Luvs Pro Level Leak Protection

Big Supply, Full Protection

There's nothing worse than running out of diapers in the middle of the night. That's why this bulk package from Luvs comes in handy. With a 252 count, you'll never run the risk of that late-night run.
Best Bulk Buy

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Featuring secure cuffs, stretchy sides, and up to 12 hours of overnight protection, these diapers are a genuinely good diaper at managing the, uh, explosive elimination process of a newborn. With a built-in wetness indicator, a night lock design, and secure straps, you’ll definitely love the option of buying these diapers in bulk. And combatting a pretty frustrating problem with many disposable diapers, the tabs on these are definitely not flimsy. Instead, they’re a bit stiff and hold fast, which is ideal for a secure grip – especially at night.

Pros:

  • Bulk count (252 diapers per box) at a budget-friendly price.
  • Fit to the baby in a non-bulky, comfortable way that allows for movement.
  • Incredibly absorbent.

Cons:

  • The gel-like substance that makes up the diaper’s padding can leach out onto your baby’s skin. It wipes off easily.

The Honest Company Diapers

Pretty Prints and a Secure Fit

Okay, these aren't just about the prints – they fit well, too. But how can you not notice how adorable these are?
Best Prints

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Founded in 2011 by actress and mom Jessica Alba in hopes of encouraging ethical consumerism, The Honest Company has a created a slew of baby products. Their diapers have since become a household staple for parents of newborns and toddlers. Dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic, these adorable diapers are made without latex, chlorine processing, and with zero fragrances or lotions. With a comfy fitting leg band that offers a secure fit, these diapers are non-irritating, fit like a dream, and are made with trustworthy practices and materials.

Pros:

  • Made with The Honest Company’s True Absorb Core, these diapers can hold up to 17x their weight in fluid.
  • Incredibly soft liner (seriously, it’s really, really soft).
  • Cute prints, including rose, panda, feathers, and more.
  • Made with a bio-based core from sustainably harvested fluff pulp, as well as other materials from a plant source.

Cons:

  • For slimmer babies, these diapers don’t fit quite as well. They’re a bit roomier in the waist area.

Wegreeco Washable Reusable Baby Cloth Pocket Diapers

Budget-Friendly Cloth Diapering from Newborn to Toddlerhood

Curious to give cloth diapering a try? These adjustable cloth diapers work from newborn through potty-training times, meaning you can re-use them, over and over.
Best Cloth Diapers

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Curious about cloth diapering but not really sure where to begin? This 6-pack is a great starter pack for the curious new parent. Each diaper is fully adjustable to fit that tiny newborn babe all the way through the typical potty training toddler. How? Through a series of snaps, you can create a tiny diaper that perfectly fits your new bundle. As they grow, adjust the snaps to fit your baby’s unique body. In this way, cloth diapers tend to leak less. Furthermore, if they are adjusted properly, cloth diapers have an incredibly low risk of blowing out. This means, even though you have to wash your cloth diapers, you will be doing less laundry overall. Better on your wallet and better for the environment, these cloth diapers are a budget-friendly parent’s dream. Plus, they’re cute.

Pros:

  • Includes 6 diapers and inserts, as well as a wet bag.
  • Cloth diapers have an initial upfront cost; these particular ones are a budget-friendly option.
  • Multiple sets of adorable prints to choose from.
  • Cloth diapering comes with a lower risk of diaper rashes.

Cons:

  • If you plan on exclusively using cloth diapers, you’ll need to get a larger supply. Additionally, you’ll need diaper covers to cover the entire pocket diaper.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you look for in a properly fitting diaper?

Most diapers typically have the weight specifications printed on the package of the diaper. For example, newborn diapers are meant for babies up to ten pounds. However, size 1s diapers fit a baby from 8-14 pounds. What’s the difference? Mainly, there’s not a dip in the front of the diaper (which is a safety and comfort measure for the umbilical cord). In contrast, there’s a bit more room in the leg area, and the diapers also are a tiny bit longer. As far as a proper fit, you want to find diapers that fully cover the bum and lower back, aren’t cutting in the thighs, and wrap comfortably around the front. Once your baby starts blowing out of the diapers, you know it’s time to size up.

How many diapers does a newborn typically need per day?

Depending on the diaper type (cloth vs. disposable), you’ll want to plan on anywhere from 9-15 diapers per day. See what I mean about a mountain of diapers? It’s quite astounding at first, and why it’s definitely appreciated to get diapers as gifts or to buy in bulk. And just a recommendation: if you have a larger newborn, you might want to just grab a few packs of newborn diapers and a few of the next size up. You’ll be shocked at how quickly that tiny newborn phase passes.

Is it safe for diapers to touch the umbilical cord area?

While it’s not anything you should necessarily stress out about, it is best to keep the diaper away from the umbilical cord. If diapers irritate the cord, it can cause bleeding. Because of this, it’s also best to let the umbilical cord air dry to encourage healing and to keep bacteria at bay. That’s why many newborn diapers have a dip in the frontal area. However, if they do not, it’s perfectly fine to fold down the front of the diaper to protect the sensitive umbilical cord. This is true for both disposable diapers as well as cloth diapers.