What diaper brand do pediatricians recommend?

There are dozens of diaper brands on the market, but Dr. Vernovsky says there is one brand that’s typically recommended over others. “Overall, the most recommended brand for diapers is Pampers,” she explains to Verywell Family. “Pampers come in a great variety of sizes, have certain specific features, [such as] a small notch for the umbilical cord that prevents irritation for newborns. Pampers are highly absorbent, provide a good snug fit, and are well tolerated by babies with sensitive skin.”

How many newborn diapers should you buy?

Families will likely need the most diapers immediately after their little one arrives. Dr. Vernovsky recommends buying, initially, approximately four to five packs for newborns up to 10 pounds. As a child gets older, the amount of diapers they use in a day decreases. “For full-term newborns that are at or above average weight, size 1 might be better; it will fit for 8 to 14 pounds,” says Dr. Vernovsky. “About 12 to 13 packs (40 per pack) or three to four boxes (160 per box) should be enough to begin with.”

Are diapers FSA eligible?

If something is “FSA eligible,” it means a product will likely be covered by your Flexible Spending Account (FSA), the pre-tax account your employer may provide. Diapers, however, are not FSA eligible, according to Dr. Vernovsky. “Unfortunately diapers are not FSA eligible,” she says. “For some babies with chronic medical conditions or genetic syndromes, a Letter of Medical Necessity provided by the pediatrician might help to make diapers eligible for FSA.”

The 9 Best Diaper Brands of 2023

If you have a little one—or one on the way, diapers are an essential baby item you’re going to want plenty of. Indeed, a baby registry wouldn't be complete without diapers. There are dozens of diaper brands on the market, but some brands only offer specific styles, like cloth or single-use disposable diapers. The best diaper brand for your family will fit into your budget and lifestyle, work well with your baby’s skin, and trap messes and leaks.

JustAnswer physician Natalya Vernovsky, MD, tells Verywell Family that how many diapers a baby will need is going to depend on their age and weight. “For newborns, up to 10 pounds, initially, about four to five packs, [with approximately] 40 per pack, should be purchased,” she explains, adding that newborn size should work for babies under 10 pounds.

When looking for a diaper brand, keep your budget and lifestyle in mind, as busier families may prefer disposable diapers rather than cloth, and subscriptions over individual purchases online or at the store. Moreover, look for the materials used in the diapers to ensure liquid will stay in, and check if the brand has a rewards program to save money. We carefully considered design, sizes, rewards programs, discounts, subscriptions, and value when reviewing products.

Here are the best diaper brands on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Best for Newborns:

Best for Potty Training:

Huggies Pull-Ups at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Sensitive Skin:

Hello Bello at Amazon

Best Subscription:

Best Cloth:

Best Organic:

Honest Company at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Absorbent:

Coterie at Coterie.com

Jump to Review

Best Generic:

Costco at Costco.com

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.9

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Umbilical cord notch on diapers
Pampers Club program
Large size/style variety

Cons

App needed for rewards
Some diapers have strong fragrance

Pampers earns the top spot on our list because the company designs diapers with all kids in mind, including the tiniest and newest of littles, newborns. The company’s diapers feature a wetness indicator to tell when it’s time for a change, and an umbilical cord cut-out to prevent any irritation on newborns. Pampers also designs regular diapers, swim diapers, and overnight diapers, and all are available in a wide variety of sizes, in stores or online.

If you determine Pampers to be your family’s diaper brand, keep in mind that the company offers a loyalty program to customers. Through the Pampers Club App, parents and caregivers can earn Pampers cash for diapers, find parenting and birthing tips, and receive a discount on specific products.

^{Key Specs:
Size Range: Preemie and up | Rewards Program: Yes | Subscription: Through Amazon}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Diapers are free of harsh chemicals
Rewards program
Wide variety of sizes

Cons

App required for rewards

Whether you need overnight diapers, regular diapers, swim diapers, or more, Huggies designs diapers for any occasion. Huggies’ diapers are absorbent and free of irritating chemicals, and there’s a wide variety of sizes, so all littles are covered. In addition to diapers, Huggies also makes several different wipe options, all of which (just like the diapers!) are free of harsh ingredients that could irritate your baby’s skin.

Huggies offers a rewards program, Huggies Rewards+, that you can access via a smartphone app. Simply scan your receipt and receive points to go toward any Huggies products or other diaper brands. Huggies diapers can be found just about anywhere, online or in stores. Plus, the company puts coupons on their website, so you can easily save money on your next purchase.

^{Key Specs:
Size Range: Preemie to Size 7 | Rewards Program: Yes | Subscription: Through Amazon}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Easy for toddlers to take on and off
Coupons on company website
Pull-Ups are absorbent

Cons

No sizes under 2T
Pull-Ups can feel like a diaper
No subscription service through company

For parents preparing to potty train their kiddo, we recommend Huggies Pull-Ups for the big transition. Pull-Ups are absorbent, feature a fastener for quick changes, and come in adorable patterns that fade away when your little one is wet. These disposable training pants also come in a variety of sizes, from 2T to 5T, for kids weighing 16 to 50 pounds.

Because Pull-Ups are made by Huggies, you can take advantage of the company’s rewards program, Huggies Rewards+. Collect points with every Huggies purchase and redeem later for rewards. And, Pull-Ups are available at a variety of stores or online, so they’re easy to find.

^{Key Specs:
Size Range: 2T–5T | Rewards Program: Yes | Subscription: Through Amazon}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Diapers are free of harmful chemicals
Bundles available
Budget-friendly

Cons

No preemie sizes

HelloBello manufactures diapers, wipes, diaper rash creams, soaps, and all kinds of other baby and home products, all of which are made without harmful chemicals (wherever possible) with transparent ingredients lists on all product labels. While they aren’t the only safe diaper manufacturer out there, they set themselves apart by being one of the most affordable ones.

While these diapers are available at retail locations, ordering through the website will give you access to their subscription bundles, which include seven packs of diapers or training pants and four packages of wipes, which should be enough for a month’s worth of diaper changes. HelloBello offers diapers in sizes NB to 6, all covered in fun patterns and designs that you get to pick for your bundle. You can also join the company’s reward program, Love Club, for perks, rewards, and more.

^{Key Specs:
Size Range: Newborn–Size 6 | Rewards Program: Yes | Subscription: Yes}

Courtesy of Dyper

Pros

Sustainable materials and carbon offsetting
Buy individually or bundle
Helps calculate diaper needs

Cons

Costly
No sizes above Size 5

For diapers that are sustainably made and are about as pure as they come, order from Dyper. All of their diapers are made without any harmful chemicals, dyes, or scents so they’re safe for even the most sensitive skin. The brand offers standard diapers, wide diapers, cloth diapers, and training pants, as well as skin and home products.

You can purchase products individually or sign up for the subscription bundle, which delivers enough diapers to last you the month. Dyper uses individualized calculations to help determine the size and number of diapers you will need. If you're skeptical, you can rest assured as the brand will send you replacement diapers that can be delivered the same day if they are wrong.

^{Key Specs:
Size Range: Newborn–Size 5 | Rewards Program: No | Subscription: Yes}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Wide variety of sizes
Can purchase individually or in a bundle
Loyalty rewards program

Cons

Cost upfront can be high
Additional products needed for cloth diapers (sometimes sold separately)

For parents who like cloth diapers or are considering switching, we think you’ll love Kanga Care. They offer a wide variety of sizes and absorbances, including an organic option, as well as skin and home care products. You can purchase diapers individually or opt for a bundle that offers anywhere from four to 24 diapers in a pack.

All of the diapers are made with quality materials and they come in really cute colors. Plus, the company offers a loyalty program, which gives you access to exclusive shopping access, free stuff, and much more.

^{Key Specs:
Size Range: Preemie and up (adjustable) | Rewards Program: Yes | Subscription: No}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Diapers are free of harsh chemicals
Subscription available
Attractive designs

Cons

Costly

Jessica Alba’s Honest Company sells a variety of products, but the brand’s diapers and baby wipes are the company’s main product lines. Their insanely adorable printed diapers are available from newborn up to size 6. What sets Honest apart is that all of their products are free of harmful chemicals and made with organic ingredients, all of which are clearly listed on every product label for full transparency.

While you can purchase these in-store at a few retail locations, ordering directly from Honest lets you sign up for their monthly subscription shipments, which include seven packs of diapers and four packs of their plant-based wipes. You can also add products to your shipments like their overnight diapers, soaps, cleaners, lotions, and more.

^{Key Specs:
Size Range: Newborn–Size 6 | Rewards Program: No | Subscription: Yes}

Courtesy of Coterie

Pros

Subscription available
Free of harmful chemicals
Safety testing results published and available

Cons

Free shipping only for $49+
Diapers can run small

Coterie diapers are made with high-quality materials that are free of irritating chemicals, scents, and dyes so they won’t bother babies’ sensitive skin. They offer diapers in sizes Newborn to 6, all of which are breathable and super absorbent, so absorbent that the company claims you don’t need to purchase separate overnight diapers or diaper cream.

You can purchase a one-time six-pack bundle or sign up for the discounted monthly subscription instead. Make changes to your subscription at any time, and add extra products like wipes to the same shipment if you need to.

^{Key Specs:
Size Range: Newborn–Size 6 | Rewards Program: No | Subscription: Yes}

Pros

Diapers made with plant-based material
Budget-friendly
Pick up in store or online

Cons

Costco membership required
Not widely available

Despite Costco’s wide variety of diaper options, its generic store brand is a family-favorite because it’s hypoallergenic and made with plant-based materials. You can grab a box at the store while you’re doing other shopping or opt to have it delivered to your home. The only caveat is that in order to get access to these great diapers, you need to have a Costco membership, which costs $120 annually.

^{Key Specs:
Size Range: Size 1–6 | Rewards Program: No | Subscription: No}

Final Verdict

If you find yourself still struggling with a decision, we think you’ll love Pampers. The company’s diapers are absorbent and newborn-friendly, and you can save money on future purchases thanks to Pampers’ rewards program. For families who prefer cloth diapering, check out Kanga Care. The brand offers a wide variety of sizes and absorbances, including an organic option.

How We Selected the Best Diaper Brands

We chose the best diaper brands by researching reviews from customers and competitors, and we studied the features of more than 20 brands on the market. We considered price, design, material, sizes, rewards, and subscriptions when deciding our picks. We also consulted with JustAnswer physician Natalya Vernovsky, MD, for any considerations or product recommendations, and reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

What to Look for in a Diaper Brand

Sizes

Picking the best diaper brand for your family will likely involve some trial and error. Look for a brand that offers a wide variety of sizes and styles, so you can easily shop for what you need from one place. Check out the brand’s size chart to get a better idea of measurements and if the company recommends sizing up or down. Plus, not all diaper brands carry preemie sizes, meaning you’ll need to find those tiny sizes elsewhere if your preferred brand doesn’t sell it.

Material

Keep in mind the materials the brand uses in its diapers, as some can irritate skin. Most diaper brands make their products free of harsh chemicals, but there are some brands that design diapers specifically for sensitive skin. You want materials that are absorbent, soft, not irritating to skin, and easy to clean if the diapers are reusable.

Budget

It’s no secret diapers can be expensive, but between perks, reward programs, discounts, and more, diaper brands attempt to ease that pain a little. Calculate the cost per diaper by taking the price of the diapers and dividing it by the amount of diapers. For example, for a 198-count box of diapers at approximately $52 totals around $0.26 per diaper. This gives you a better idea of how much you’re truly spending on each diaper and allows you to compare brands.

To get the most bang for your buck, check for diaper brands that offer a loyalty program or subscription. Often a subscription will save you a certain percentage off each month, while a rewards program will provide you with additional perks, like $30 off your next purchase or free shipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What diaper brand do pediatricians recommend?

There are dozens of diaper brands on the market, but Dr. Vernovsky says there is one brand that’s typically recommended over others. “Overall, the most recommended brand for diapers is Pampers,” she explains to Verywell Family. “Pampers come in a great variety of sizes, have certain specific features, [such as] a small notch for the umbilical cord that prevents irritation for newborns. Pampers are highly absorbent, provide a good snug fit, and are well tolerated by babies with sensitive skin.”
How many newborn diapers should you buy?

Families will likely need the most diapers immediately after their little one arrives. Dr. Vernovsky recommends buying, initially, approximately four to five packs for newborns up to 10 pounds. As a child gets older, the amount of diapers they use in a day decreases.
“For full-term newborns that are at or above average weight, size 1 might be better; it will fit for 8 to 14 pounds,” says Dr. Vernovsky. “About 12 to 13 packs (40 per pack) or three to four boxes (160 per box) should be enough to begin with.”
Are diapers FSA eligible?

If something is “FSA eligible,” it means a product will likely be covered by your Flexible Spending Account (FSA), the pre-tax account your employer may provide. Diapers, however, are not FSA eligible, according to Dr. Vernovsky. “Unfortunately diapers are not FSA eligible,” she says. “For some babies with chronic medical conditions or genetic syndromes, a Letter of Medical Necessity provided by the pediatrician might help to make diapers eligible for FSA.”

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cossey has been a digital content producer and news and feature writer for more than seven years. She has covered topics ranging from local and national news as well as writing and researching parenting content. Katrina is a parent herself, and used Pampers on her little one when he was a newborn. The wetness indicator, newborn-friendly design, and lack of harmful chemicals were her favorite features.