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Did you know that babies can go through at least 700 diapers during their first 3 months of life? It’s true. Babies are typically changed 7 to 9 times a day (even more in the first few weeks). And while diapers may seem like a relatively straightforward purchase, there are a lot of factors to consider when selecting the “right” diaper.

Here’s everything we know about how they fit, what they’re made of, and what disposable diapers are best for newborns, babies, crawlers, and walkers.

Figuring out what diaper works best works for you and your little can be tricky, especially since your baby’s needs will change over time.

Newborns, for example, need soft, high-absorbency diapers while toddlers move a lot, making a secure fit essential. Different activities also require different diapers (e.g., swim diapers can be used in the pool and for water play while training pants are ideal for potty training).

What’s best for your baby will be determined by their needs. So try to be adaptable and flexible, trying different brands.

When it came time to select our favorite disposable diapers, our process was simple: We asked pediatricians and fellow parents for their recommendations.

We considered numerous factors, like absorbency, affordability, and the material each diaper is made from. And finally, we read dozens of reviews.

Looking for the best cloth diapers?

If you’re interested in cloth diapering, we’ve got you (and that baby bum) covered! Check out Healthline Parenthood’s favorite cloth diapers here.

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Best diapers for newborns

Pampers Swaddlers

Parents and hospitals love Pampers Swaddlers, and for good reason. They are super soft and flexible, made from materials that are breathable and absorbent. The Swaddlers for newborns feature a cutout for the umbilical cord — so you don’t have to worry about irritating your little love bug’s tummy or skin.

Best diapers for crawling babies

Huggies Little Movers

With a Velcro closure, absorbent liner, snug-fit waistband, and contoured shape, Huggies Little Movers move with your baby — perfect for crawling, climbing, and walking!

Best nighttime diapers

Huggies Overnites

While it may seem strange to select a different diaper for overnight wear, some children need extra protection. My son, for example, leaks through his day diaper if I put him in it at night. But with extra absorbency and a double leak guard, Huggies Overnites are ideal for the nighttime hours, so you can sleep soundly.

Best diapers for sensitive skin

Seventh Generation Sensitive Protection

Seventh Generation diapers are great for sensitive skin because they’re bleach-free, fragrance-free, and chlorine-free. They are made without chemicals or added toxins, and both the waistband and absorbent core are super soft.

Best diapers for toddlers

Natural Blossom I'm Real Ultra Slim Diaper

These smart diapers are made to fit like underpants, without the Velcro panels on the side. For potty-training toddlers, that makes this diaper an ideal transition to underwear — and it’s a diaper they can’t easily remove.

Parents love that these diapers are very soft and gentle on sensitive skin. But be warned — they’re made in the United Kingdom, so this may not the most cost-effective option due to shipping overseas, and sizing may vary from U.S. brands.

Most affordable diapers

Luvs Diapers

While Huggies and Pampers are (arguably) the most well-known and widely used diapers, Luvs can give both a run for their money. Why? Because Luvs are super absorbent and the help keep your baby comfy with the soft materials.

Their diapers have “diffusion channels” that are designed to distribute urine along the diaper to help reduce humidity. Plus, Luvs products are very reasonably priced. In fact, they are one of the best bargains in the diaper market.

Most eco-friendly diapers

DYPER Bamboo Diapers

Not only is this diaper a superb choice for the environment because it’s made from compostable bamboo, but also because Dyper takes all the effort and guesswork out of composting the diapers after they’re used.

Biodegradable diapers are one thing, but Dyper takes it a step further by making sure their diapers don’t end up in a landfill to begin with. The Redyper program (a partnership with Terra Cycle) makes it simple to package, ship, and compost your used diapers, even if you live in an area without composting service.

Best biodegradable diapers

Eco Pea Co. Bamboo Diapers

Think disposable diapers can’t be good for the environment? Think again. While a regular diaper may take 500 years to decompose, Eco Pea Co. diapers break down in just a few months. Oh, and parents say they are super soft and absorbent.

Best organic diapers

The Honest Company Diapers

Hypoallergenic, ultra-absorbent, and in super cute prints, The Honest Company diapers are a great choice for moms and dads looking for organic options. Bonus: Honest diapers are made with naturally derived, sustainable materials that are gentle on your baby’s skin. They’re available in single packs online and in-store, and as a subscription.

Best diapers for diaper rash

Pampers Pure Protection

If you love Pampers Swaddlers but want to avoid added chemicals and fragrances that can exacerbate diaper rash, their Pure line may be for you.

These diapers are chlorine-free, fragrance-free, and bleach-free. They’re made from premium cotton and plant-based fibers, so they’re gentle on your baby’s skin. Pampers’ Pure line boasts the 12-hours Pampers leak protection promise.

Best nontoxic diapers

Coterie The Diaper

Coterie makes diapers that are simple, made from sustainable ingredients, fragrance-free, dye-free, and hypoallergenic. Parents rave about their absorbency — in fact, Coterie doesn’t even make an overnight diaper because their regular diaper soaks up as much as 25 times its weight, says the company.

Best diaper subscription

Hello Bello Diapers

Founded by Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell, Hello Bello is an eco-friendly, hypoallergenic line of diapers designed specifically for babies’ soft, sensitive skin.

They’re available in a money-saving bundle that comes with seven packs of diapers and four packs of wipes. Each bundle starts at $65 — which is significantly less than other monthly bundles.

Best store-brand diapers

Up&Up Diapers

With soft, stretchy sides, a wetness indicator, and a dry touch liner, Target’s Up & Up diapers are a great, budget-friendly option. This choice is fabulous for babies of all ages, shapes, and sizes because they are easy to find, affordable, and do the job.

Most absorbent diapers

Pampers Baby-Dry

While all the diapers on this list are plenty absorbent, Pampers Baby-Dry diapers claim to lock wetness away in an unprecedented way with their three urine distribution channels and a leak-proof core. In fact, according to Pampers, they’re three times drier than the average brand.

In the reviews, most parents seem to agree. One reviewer said her baby no longer has leak-through accidents.

Best bamboo diapers

Boo Diapers

Disposable diapers account for about 3.3 million tons of waste that ends up in landfills every year. But Boo is out to change that. Made of compostable bamboo, these diapers break down 60 percent in just 75 days, according to the manufacturer.

From a practicality standpoint, parents love that the high back on these diapers prevents blowouts, and the wetness indicator makes it easy to tell when it’s time to change the diaper. The diaper is so eco-friendly, and Boo’s free sample makes it easy to give it a shot without a commitment.

While choosing the right diaper may seem straightforward, from fit to functionality, there are a lot of factors to consider. There is also no right or wrong choice.

What works for one child or baby may not work for another. However, with some patience — and trial and error — you can find the ideal diaper for your little love bug. Trust us. It does exist.