Best Diapers for Newborns

Babylist parents love Pampers Swaddlers; they’re one of the most-registered-for disposable diapers and a favorite among parents of newborns. Swaddlers are soft, comfy and breathable. They feature a wetness indicator and a cut-out for the umbilical cord so you won’t have to worry about irritating that sensitive area. They also have dual leak-guard barriers around the legs and a blowout barrier at the back, which many parents report helps to contain the mess.

In a recent survey, almost 40 percent of Babylist parents reported trying three to four different brands of diapers before settling on what ultimately worked best for their baby and their family. The Babylist Diaper Box is the answer. This sampler bundle lets you try before you (over) buy. The box includes a pack each of size one diapers and wipes from The Honest Company, Dyper and Coterie—101 diapers and 208 wipes in all. All three brands are popular, eco-friendly and free of chlorine, fragrances, parabens and other stuff you don’t want touching your baby’s skin.

Diapers can add up, especially during the newborn days. Huggies Little Snugglers are an affordable, absorbent choice. They feature a curved, stretchy fit and are hypoallergenic and free of any fragrances. There’s a pocketed waistband around the back of the diaper to contain blowouts and something called a GentleAbsorb linter that helps wick wetness away from your little one’s sensitive skin. The newborn size has a cutout for the umbilical cord.

If you’re a Costco member, Babylist parents have lots of love for the store brand Kirkland’s Signature Diapers, noting that they’re absorbent and a great value. Just note that they don’t come in newborn sizes, so you may have to wait a few weeks to use them if your baby is on the smaller side at birth.

Yes, these diapers are a splurge—but they’re absolutely the softest disposable diapers you’ll ever meet. They’re also really absorbent and do a great job of wicking moisture away from your newborn’s sensitive skin and preventing leaks and blowouts. Coterie diapers are made from 25 percent plant-based materials from sustainably managed forests and are free of things like fragrance, latex, dyes, alcohol, phthalates and chlorine bleaching.

If you love the feel of Coterie diapers but not the price tag, check out Rascal and Friends. They’re (almost) just as soft and a fraction of the price.

Many companies advertise their diapers as eco-friendly, but most don’t live up to the promise. Dyper truly delivers. Soiled diapers—yup, even the poopy ones—can be returned for composting through the brand’s optional REDYPER service. (You can choose curbside pickup if you’re in select metropolitan areas or mail them back via a prepaid bag/box/label kit.) The composting does come at an additional cost, but it’s well worth it if it fits into your budget and you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact. The diapers are made from bamboo viscose and are soft, absorbent and unscented. They’re also free of ingredients like chlorine, latex and alcohol.

Danish brand Bambo diapers are made through a sustainable manufacturing process. They use high-quality, natural ingredients and don’t add chemicals, parabens, dyes or perfumes. (Parents rave that Bambo diapers don’t ever cause diaper rash on their little one.) They’re flexible and breathable, and do a great job of keeping baby fresh and dry.

What can we say—we’re suckers for a cute print. But more than just good looks, Honest diapers are made from plant-based materials and feature a wicking liner, a wetness indicator and something called a “Poo Pocket” for blowouts. The newborn sizes have a cutout for healing umbilical cord areas. They’re available by the pack or via a customizable subscription service.

For a more affordable sensitive skin-friendly newborn diaper, check out Huggies Special Delivery. Made from plant-based materials and free of harsh ingredients, Special Delivery diapers are hypoallergenic and don’t contain fragrance, parabens or elemental chlorine. They offer many of the same features parents love about regular Huggies (leak lock system, wetness indicator, 12-hour protection and a soft, flexible fit) and come in cute designs.

If you’re cloth diapering, you’re going to want to invest in a stash of newborn-sized cloth diapers for those early months. That’s because cloth diapering a newborn can be tricky thanks to their tiny size and skinny legs. These all-in-one diapers are sized just right for smaller babies with a trim fit and an umbilical cord snap down. They feature four layers of absorbency plus a microfleece liner and a waterproof exterior.