What’s the difference between an overnight diaper and a regular diaper?

Overnight diapers are extra absorbent, with the goal of keeping your baby dry for up to 12 hours. Brands that make overnight diapers claim they are up to 25% more absorbent than their regular diapers. Most aren’t much bulkier, but they can be a bit more expensive than daytime disposable diapers. While you can still use regular diapers overnight, you risk the possibility of leakage or an accident occurring. Because overnight diapers are extra absorbent, children may feel less wet than with a regular diaper and will go back to sleep or sleep through the night.

Can I use overnight diapers instead of training pants to potty train at night?

Potty training can be difficult for some parents and caregivers (even kiddos, too!), so it's important to make sure your child is ready first. Ensuring your child is ready can make the toilet training process go more quickly for everyone involved. If your child is used to underwear during the day, they may push back on overnight diapers during the night. Bedtime underwear, like Pull-Ups or GoodNites, is the perfect combination of pull-on style diapers that will still absorb wetness.

The 11 Best Overnight Diapers of 2023

Once your baby begins to sleep through the night, it may be time to consider a thicker, more absorbent diaper. During a long stretch of sleep, regular diapers may become overly soaked and leak, while super-absorbent overnight diapers help keep your baby dry and comfortable to prevent them from waking up.

It can take some trial and error to find the right overnight diaper for your baby. When analyzing overnight diapers, we considered absorbency, fit, and cost. All diapers should be absorbent and leakproof, but with overnight diapers, the expectation is that they will hold more liquid for an extended period.

Another important factor is fit. Overnight diapers should fit the baby comfortably and snugly to prevent leakage. The cost of overnight diapers is typically higher than regular diapers, so these super-absorbent diapers can be reserved for use during baby’s nighttime and nap time for extended protection. We reviewed overnight diapers from the top brands with these features in mind. A family physician on our Review Board also reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy surrounding overnight diapers and the importance of absorbency and fit.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Huggies Overnites Nighttime Diapers at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Luvs Pro Level Leak Protection Diapers at Amazon

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Best Eco-Friendly :

Seventh Generation Free & Clear Overnight Diapers at Amazon

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Best for Infants:

Pampers Swaddlers Overnight at Amazon

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Best Design:

HONEST Overnight Baby Diapers at Amazon

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Best Underwear:

Pampers Ninjamas Nighttime Underwear at Amazon

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Best Subscription:

DYPER Bamboo Baby Diapers at Amazon

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Best for Toddlers:

Goodnites Nighttime Bedwetting Underwear at Amazon

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Best Reusable:

GroV.I.A. One Diapers at Amazon

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Best for Heavy Wetters:

GoodNites Disposable Bed Mats at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected the Best Overnight Diapers
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.7

Amazon

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Pros

Extra absorbency/leak guards
Fragrance-free
12-hour protection

Cons

New design feels thin to some

With a super-absorbent material that provides up to 12 hours of protection, Huggies Overnites are our top pick in overnight diapers. These diapers have a moisture-absorbing liner and double leak guards for added protection. They are extra soft and comfy and have a Snugfit waistband with Double Grip Strips to ensure a secure fit no matter how much tossing and turning your little one is doing.

Thanks to a color-changing wetness indicator, you can tell when it’s time for a change without waking the baby. Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, Huggies Overnites start at size 3, so they fit infants weighing 16 pounds and up.

Price at time of publication: $53 (132-count, size 3)

^{Key Specs:
Size Range: 3 to 7 | Materials: Wood pulp, polypropylene, polyester, and more | Wetness Indicator: Yes}

Courtesy of Amazon

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Pros

12-hour protection
Stretchy sides
100% hypoallergenic

Cons

Lightly scented
May not have Paw Patrol theme

With 12 hours of protection at an affordable price, the Luvs Pro Level Leak Protection Diapers cover your budget and tiny bottoms day and night. The Paw Patrol theme is fun for kiddos who are fans of the show, making no leak too big or small for the rescue dog crew (and absorbent material). Stretchy sides and secure cuffs keep diapers on, even when weighed down by accidents or leakage in the middle of the night.

A wetness indicator helps parents and caregivers know when their kiddos go by turning blue at the first sign of liquid. The 100% hypoallergenic material is the cherry on top, so children with sensitive skin can wear it without worry.

Price at time of publication: $40 (294-count, size 1)

^{Key Specs:
Size Range: 1 to 6 | Materials: Not listed | Wetness Indicator: Yes}

Courtesy of Grove Collaborative

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Pros

Absorbent core
Fragrance-free
Plastic film packaging is recyclable

Cons

Tabs need better quality

If you're looking for eco-friendly diapers, you'll appreciate Seventh Generation's overnight diapers, which are not bleached or processed with chemicals that contain chlorine. The fluff pulp in the diapers comes from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified sustainably-sourced wood pulp, meaning the material is from responsibly managed forests that provide benefits to the environment, economy, and more.

Available in sizes 4 to 6 and free of fragrances, the diapers work for children from 20 pounds to 35 pounds (and beyond) and those with sensitive skin. Plus, the plastic film packaging for Seventh Generation diapers is 100% recyclable.

Price at time of publication: $46 (20-count, size 5)

^{Key Specs:
Size Range: 4 to 6 | Materials: Wood pulp, sodium polyacrylate, polymer spandex, and more | Wetness Indicator: No}

Amazon

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Pros

Wetness indicator
Super soft
Extra absorbent

Cons

Not available in size 1 or 2
Light smell

Pampers Swaddlers Review

The youngest infants probably won’t need overnight diapers since they won’t be sleeping all night long (sorry tired parents!). These comfy overnight diapers start at size 3, or 16 pounds, so hopefully, that’s right when your baby starts sleeping for longer stretches. Fans of Pampers Swaddlers will know and love the super absorbency these provide, along with the soft comfort and parent-favorite wetness indicator.

Price at time of publication: $28 (66-count, size 3)

^{Key Specs:
Size Range: 3 to 6 | Materials: Polypropylene nonwoven and spandex, wood pulp, and more | Wetness Indicator: Yes}

Verywell Family / Leigh Weingus

Amazon

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Pros

Made from plant-based materials
Printed patterns on diapers
Hypoallergenic

Cons

Runs small
Material feels scratchy to some parents/caregivers

These cute overnight diapers are made from sustainable materials and feature a sweet printed pattern. A super-absorbent core is made with sustainably harvested fluff pulp and plant-derived materials. Free of any scents, latex, or chlorine, these diapers may be a good option if your baby has sensitive skin and is prone to diaper rash.

Price at time of publication: $30 (60-count, size 3)

^{Key Specs:
Size Range: 3 to 6 | Materials: Wood pulp, polymer, polypropylene, and more | Wetness Indicator: No}

Courtesy of Amazon

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Pros

Built-in odor technology
Stretchy waistband
Fit like underwear

Cons

Run small

Accidents happen, so equip kiddos with confidence in the form of Pampers Ninjamas Nighttime Underwear. Built-in odor technology helps control smells, while a stretchy waistband provides a comfy yet secure fit for hours of wear. The Ninjamas fit like underwear and feature fun designs, like a real ninja on the outside of the box and fun colors on the underwear themselves. Choose from multiple box sizes, from 11 to 88, and several size options, like small to large, to accommodate your family’s needs.

Price at time of publication: $10 (11-count, size Large)

^{Key Specs:
Size Range: Small to Large | Materials: Wood pulp, polyester, polyacrylate polymer, and more | Wetness Indicator: No}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Dyper.com

Pros

Compostable
Scent-free
OEKO-TEX certified

Cons

Runs large

If having diapers delivered right to your door is a plus, this subscription service is amazing. Dyper has created bamboo-based diapers that are soft, odorless, and breathable. Choose your sizing and delivery needs, and diapers will be shipped on a recurring schedule. If a subscription isn't for you, these eco-friendly options can also be purchased in a stand-alone order. Sizes come in standard diaper sizes (numbers) and regular sizes (small and up), so there's no second-guessing which size you need.

Price at time of publication: $100 (204-count, size Newborn)

^{Key Specs;
Size Range: 0 to 6 | Materials: Bamboo viscose, wood pulp, and more | Wetness Indicator: Yes}

Amazon

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Pros

Mimics underwear
Optimal leak protection
Wide range of sizing

Cons

Run large
Material is stiff upon opening (may feel uncomfortable for kiddos)

For toddlers that are day-time potty trained and used to wearing underwear, getting them to wear nighttime diapers may be a struggle. That’s where bedtime underwear is the perfect solution. The super stretch waistband and pull-on style provide the fit and comfort of underwear with extra absorbency and leg barriers that prevent leaks and keep kids dry.

Available in sizes X-Small to X-Large, these feature cute printed patterns that will appeal to kids. Choose from Girls' or Boys' styles—the difference is not only in the underwear pattern but in where the extra absorbency pads are, so they soak up the most wetness.

Price at time of publication: $30 (44-count, size Small/Medium)

^{Key Specs:
Size Range: X-Small to X-Large | Materials: Sodium polyacrylate, polypropylene, wood pulp, and more | Wetness Indicator: No}

Amazon

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Pros

Very absorbent
Machine washable
Super soft

Cons

Waterproof cover required

Parents and caregivers who choose to use cloth diapers may want an extra absorbent nighttime option. This option is a fitted cloth diaper, so it’s ready-to-wear, made entirely from absorbent fabric, and then requires a waterproof cover to go over the diaper. To change diapers, swap the diaper for fresh ones and reuse the waterproof cover. The standard size fits babies weighing 10 to 35 pounds, and there’s a newborn version made just for babies weighing 5 to 12 pounds.

Price at time of publication: $22

^{Key Specs:
Size Range: One size | Materials: Cotton lining, polyester microfiber and microfleece, and more | Wetness Indicator: No}

Amazon

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Pros

Avoids bedding changes in the night
Soft, quiet material
Adhesive strips keep mat in place

Cons

Only cotton or flannel sheets recommended for best use
Adhesive strips may be hard to remove

If your child is a very heavy wetter, you’re familiar with constant leaks, wet pajamas, and lots of laundry. Help avoid changing sheets in the middle of the night and give these bed mats a try. The disposable bed mat measures 2.4 x 2.8 feet and fits across a twin bed. Adhesive strips keep the mat in place, and it’s crafted from a soft, quiet material that is comfortable and won’t disrupt sleep.

Simply stick the mat over your child’s sheet, and your kiddo will sleep on the mat instead of the sheet. If there’s an accident, simply pull up the mat, change your child, and go back to sleep without loads of extra laundry and middle-of-the-night bedding changes.

Price at time of publication: $49 (36-count, 4 packs of 9)

^{Key Specs:
Size Range: 2.4 x 2.8 inches | Materials: Sodium polyacrylate, wood pulp, colorants, and more | Wetness Indicator: No}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Doubles absorbency
Customizable pad position
Sold with or without adhesive back

Cons

Additional expense
Pieces of material can become loose

These ultra-soft booster pads work by inserting the pad into the overnight diaper before sleep. They’ll double the absorbency of diapers and help prevent leaks. Since the pad is flexible, parents and caregivers can fold and position them in different spots based on anatomical gender (boys position up front, girls on the length of the diaper).

If you find these pads moving around, they are sold with or without an adhesive back to provide a bit more security in the diaper. When changing a diaper, simply throw the pad out with the wet diaper.

Price at time of publication: $33 (90-count, size 4 to 6)

^{Key Specs:
Size Range: Newborn to 5T | Materials: Spunlace fabric, tissue paper, super-absorbent gel, and more | Wetness Indicator: No}

How We Selected the Best Overnight Diapers

We chose the best overnight diapers by studying the design and features of more than 20 diapers on the market and researching reviews from customers and competitors. We reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics on how to tell when a child is ready for potty training and the signs to look for. We also monitored shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offerings on overnight diapers. When reviewing products, we considered materials, fit, absorbency, size range, design, brand, features, ease of use, and overall value.

What to Look for When Buying Overnight Diapers

Absorbency

Overnight diapers are more absorbent than everyday diapers. They're designed to hold more liquid for a longer period of time, however, this can also depend on how much your child urinates and how long they sleep. This changes during each age and stage of development, so if your kid is waking up with wet clothes, it’s time for a diaper swap.

Finding the right overnight diapers for your little one may take some trial and error. Consider how often your child is drinking water before bed, or speak to your child's doctor about any of your concerns if the leakage doesn't stop.

Fit

Overnight diapers should fit snugly on your baby’s body to prevent any leakage. Boys and girls urinate in different places in their diapers, and your child’s sleeping position will also impact where the diaper gets wet. You may need to position the diaper’s exact fit for your child.

If a diaper is too big for your baby, they may leak more throughout the night. However, if the diaper is too tight, your baby will likely feel uncomfortable and may not sleep well. Check the sizing recommendations from the manufacturer, but also look at reviews. This will give you an idea of what diapers other parents and caregivers had to size up or down on.

Cost

Overnight diapers are slightly more expensive than everyday diapers. Use them at night time (and nap time if necessary) to avoid wasting them during the day. While buying in bulk can save money, try before you buy a bunch, and remember your kiddo will grow quickly.

Also, consider disposables versus reusables when it comes to cost. If you're wanting to stay budget-friendly, use only at night time or switch to cloth diapers at night. The upfront cost may be more for cloth diapers, but over the long run, you'll actually save money. Some parents and caregivers may want to switch to cloth diapers during the day and stick to overnight disposables at night.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between an overnight diaper and a regular diaper?

Overnight diapers are extra absorbent, with the goal of keeping your baby dry for up to 12 hours. Brands that make overnight diapers claim they are up to 25% more absorbent than their regular diapers. Most aren’t much bulkier, but they can be a bit more expensive than daytime disposable diapers.
While you can still use regular diapers overnight, you risk the possibility of leakage or an accident occurring. Because overnight diapers are extra absorbent, children may feel less wet than with a regular diaper and will go back to sleep or sleep through the night.
Can I use overnight diapers instead of training pants to potty train at night?

Potty training can be difficult for some parents and caregivers (even kiddos, too!), so it's important to make sure your child is ready first. Ensuring your child is ready can make the toilet training process go more quickly for everyone involved.
If your child is used to underwear during the day, they may push back on overnight diapers during the night. Bedtime underwear, like Pull-Ups or GoodNites, is the perfect combination of pull-on style diapers that will still absorb wetness.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an 11-year-old son, an 8-year-old son, and a 4-year-old daughter. Right now, Maya’s still got one child in overnight diapers. She can’t wait for the day when diapers are out of her budget and off her shopping list since it’s been a long 11 years of diaper buying.