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Becoming a parent is overwhelming. There are many decisions to be made in those first days including which diapers to use for your little one. Diapers are part of every parent’s life for quite some time, with the American Academy of Pediatrics estimating most U.S. parents will go through nearly 3,000 diapers during their baby’s first year alone[1]Changing Diapers. American Academy of Pediatrics. Accessed 5/5/2022. .

Of course, every baby is different, and certain diapers will provide more comfort or better leak protection depending on the infant. That’s why it pays to troubleshoot and figure out what diapers are best, but busy parents don’t have time to try all of the available options. That’s why the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on nearly 40 types of diapers, factoring in price, materials and available size ranges in order to find the best of the best. See which baby diapers earned our recommendations.

Note: All prices are accurate as of the publication date.

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Pampers Baby Dry received a near-perfect score on our ranking for being hypoallergenic, latex and paraben-free. A possible downside is they’re not fragrance-free, however, some parents do enjoy that powdery baby-fresh smell, so that’s a matter of preference.

Seventh Generation Sensitive Protection diapers are an excellent all-around choice for parents who are especially concerned with diapering as sustainably as possible. The brand uses Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified, sustainably sourced wood fluff pulp to manufacture its diapers, and helps protect waterways by ensuring the absorbent core is bleached or processed with any chemicals containing chlorine. But sustainably-made doesn’t mean ineffective––this diaper scored well for being fragrance free and offering 12-hour leak protection.

Among the most reasonably priced diapers we analyzed, Babyganics Ultra Absorbent are made with a triple-layer core for absorbency and leak protection. The diapers are also made without latex, petroleum-based lotions or fragrances. The core fluff pulp is made without chlorine processing.

Cuties are among the most affordable of all the diapers we analyzed, but pack a punch when it comes to features that matter to parents. The diapers are free of latex, fragrance, dyes and chlorine, with a hypoallergenic inner liner featuring aloe, natural botanicals and vitamin E. Reviewers on Amazon applaud the diapers’ softness and accurate sizing, going up to size seven.

Affordable and free of latex and parabens, Luvs are a classic brand for parents looking for a wallet-friendly diaper that gives their baby a comfortable fit and strong leak protection. The diapers come in a variety of sizes, with reviewers noting how well they work for babies with sensitive skin.

Offering 12-hour wetness protection and an indicator that turns blue when wet, buybuy BABY diapers are an affordable option with sizing for children up to 35 pounds. They come in two fun designs, too. A downside, though, is that they are not as widely available as others on this ranking.

Among the more affordable diapers on our list, Pampers Swaddlers have a number of features parents will appreciate. They’re hypoallergenic, latex and paraben-free. They are not fragrance-free, but if you like that baby powder smell, that could be a plus.

Hypoallergenic, fragrance and latex-free, these affordable diapers are a great choice for older babies (they come in sizes 3-6). If the soft, cloth-like cover and cute patterns don’t win you over, the stretchy leg openings and absorbent material might. Older babies are movers, and a comfy diaper that holds up is a must.

Bamboo Nature Diapers are latex and fragrance-free and made of eco-friendly materials that make them a standout for environmentally-minded parents. Certified with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, the diapers’ fluff pulp is TCF (totally chlorine-free).

Plant-based and free of latex, alcohol, perfumes, PVC, lotions, TBT or phthalates, Dyper Bamboo Diapers are a great choice for the eco-conscious family. While not among the most cost-conscious on our list, these diapers are available via monthly delivery, which is extremely convenient for busy caregivers.

To choose the best baby diapers, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data for more than 35 products on factors including:

When it comes to finding the best diaper for your baby, the first consideration is their weight. Start off with a small pack of newborn diapers, as your baby is likely to outgrow this size fairly quickly and will soon require size one diapers. Diapers are sized based on your baby’s weight—below is an example of a sizing chart from Pampers.

Once you know which diaper brand works best and your baby is in size one, make sure to check the cost per diaper and pay attention when purchasing to make sure you’re getting the best price possible. You may want to try a few different types of diaper to see which one fits your baby best and seems most comfortable.

If you are concerned about the safety or efficacy of disposable diapers in general, you may consider cloth diapering for your little one.

Part of being a parent is figuring out what your baby needs, because they aren’t able to tell you with words. If their diaper just isn’t working out, you’ll know based on a few key signs:

Diaper changing may seem relatively simple, but it can be a bit overwhelming at first. Here are some tips on making the process go smoothly:

Need guidance on how to change a diaper? Check out our step-by-step guide.

Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.

Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.

Valerie is a seasoned writer and editor who has spent her career creating content in the parenting and women's wellness spaces. Before joining Forbes Health, Valerie was the trending news editor at Scary Mommy. When she's not helping women and families live their best and healthiest lives, she's spending time with her family, walking her dogs, reading or exercising.

Sarah is an experienced writer and editor enthusiastic about helping readers live their healthiest and happiest lives. Before joining Forbes Health, Sarah worked as a writer for various digital publications including LendingTree, theSkimm, CNBC and Bankrate. When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find Sarah with her nose in a book or enjoying the outdoors with her French bulldog, Honey.