The 5 Best Diaper Pails

Dirty diapers can stink up the nursery. Or your whole house. Baby poop is powerfully potent. That's why you need a diaper pail to contain your baby's soiled diapers. These specially designed products help keep your home fresh. They contain the odor generated by dirty diapers so you don't have to smell it. A diaper pail is a great addition to your nursery. To help you decide which one to go with, here are reviews of five of the best.

Munchkin Step Diaper Pail Powered by Arm & Hammer

Works with Two Types of Bags

This diaper pail accepts both the ring system and snap, seal and toss bags.

Best Overall

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This unique diaper pail can accept two different types of inserts. It takes both the rings and snap system or the snap, seal and toss bags, so you can stock up on whichever you prefer. Both types provide exceptional odor control. To help keep things really fresh, this diaper pail also comes with a Munchkin lavender scented puck that you can install in the top. This baking soda based puck absorbs odors continuously, so you will need to replace it regularly. There’s a convenient step pedal to open the top of this pail. Once it’s open, you stick the dirty diaper down inside and push it through the seal. Then you shut the lid. This twists the insert and seals it off, locking the odor away. It holds a dozen or more diapers, depending on what size you’re tossing in.

Pros

One-handed operation
Baking soda puck to help absorb odors
Takes two types of inserts

Cons

Have to use brand name replacement inserts

Ubbi Steel Odor Locking Diaper Pail

Childproof Lock

You don't want your toddler to play with the contents of this pail, and the lock helps keep them out.

Most Colorful

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Most diaper pails are plain white, but not the Ubbi. You can get this one in a whole array of colors, and use it to add a bright spot to your nursery. Made of non-porous steel, this diaper pail keeps the smells safely contained inside. Though the pail itself costs a little more, you can use a standard tall kitchen garbage bag or a cloth liner inside. This means you won’t have to buy any proprietary bags, so you cost over time is less than with other brands. The child safety lock helps keep curious little ones out of the mess. The lid is slow to close, so it won’t slam any fingers inside. This diaper pail holds up to 55 newborn diapers, and about 20 of the largest size.

Pros

Made of steel
No special bags needed
Available in many colors

Cons

Steel can rust

Safety 1st Easy Saver Diaper Pail

An Affordable Diaper Pail

A simple plastic diaper pail that'll get the job done.

Best on a Budget

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If you’re looking for an affordable, simple diaper pail, this is a great option. It uses standard plastic bags instead of expensive inserts. Because there is no twisting or turning, it is easy to use. You open the lid, drop the diaper in, and shut the lid. You can do it with a single hand, which is perfect for when you’re holding baby. To help contain the odors, it comes with a small deodorizer disc that slips into the top. For best results, replace this disc regularly.

Pros

Affordable
Uses standard plastic bags
Can use with one hand

Cons

The deodorizer disc has a weak smell

Dekor Classic Hands-Free Diaper Pail

Hands-Free Operation

Open the pail with your foot, drop the diaper in, and the lid closes automatically. You don't have to touch it.

Best Features

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Does the though of squishing a dirty diaper through a sealing mechanism cause you to squirm a little bit? This diaper pail is hands-free, and could be a great option. You use the step pedal to open the lid. Then you drop the diaper in through the large opening. The spring-loaded lid shuts by itself, so you don’t have to touch it. Made from high-quality Closed-Cell ABS Plastic, this diaper pail is durable. It will last a long time, and will not rust. Once your baby has grown out of diapers, just turn this pail into a regular garbage can. You will need to use the Dekor refills, but they are specially designed to keep odors out of your house. To keep your kids from emptying the contents across your floor, there are child proof locks on both the lid and the access door.

Pros

Two child locks
Durable material
Hands-free operation

Cons

Have to purchase specific refill packs

Playtex Diaper Genie Complete Diaper Pail with Odor Lock Technology

Double Air-Tite Clamps

The unique odor locking system will help keep your nursery smelling sweet.

Holds the Most Diapers

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If you’re looking for a diaper pail you don’t have to empty everyday, check this one out. With the special odor lock technology, smells don’t escape. The clamps help to keep the odor on the inside. There’s a carbon filter to help keep the smell from escaping while you use it. When you have a dirty diaper to get rid of, you step on the foot pedal to open the lid. Since the pail is so tall, you won’t have to bend over to reach it. You push the diaper through and shut the lid. Inside, it twists it away into a bag, and seals it. When the pail is full, you can use the built-in cutter to remove the used bag and begin again with a new section. You will need to purchase refills for this diaper pail, but there are generic options available to help reduce the cost

Pros

Each refill pack is large (can hold up to 270 newborn diapers)
Great odor locking technology
Tall in design, so it’s easier to reach

Cons

You really have to squish the diaper into the narrow opening

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a diaper pail?

A diaper pail is simply a container designed to hold dirty diapers and prevent the smell from taking over your home. Diaper pails can be made of metal or plastic. They’re meant to hold a bunch of dirty diapers temporarily. Once full, you will need to remove the bag from the diaper pail and dispose of it properly.

Do I need a diaper pail?

While a diaper pail is nice to have, and does help keep your nursery smelling fresh, it is an optional piece of baby equipment. If you don’t have one, you can dispose of each diaper individually in the garbage can. However, this method will not prevent odors from taking over your nursery.

How do I clean my diaper pail?

Even though their meant to contain odors, sometimes diaper pails get a little stinky. They do absorb some of the odor, so over time the smell can add up. When your diaper pail needs cleaned, always follow specific directions your manufacturer recommends. If there aren’t any, here are some general guidelines you can follow. First, remove the bags and any deodorizers from the pail. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda in the bottom. Let this sit for several minutes, as it will start absorbing the smell. Now it’s time to use a rag to gently scrub the baking soda all around. Rinse the diaper pail carefully and then let it dry completely before you use it again. Setting it outside in the sun is a great way to speed up the drying process.