Which are better? Huggies or Pampers?
Parents land on both sides of the debate, as they often have a distinct preference for one brand over the other. Some say Pampers are the softest, while some insist Huggies are best for overnights. So, which brand is better?
Both Huggies and Pampers are longstanding, trusted brands that promise to keep babies dry and comfortable. It may come down to personal preference regarding brand, diaper style and which features work best for your baby.
How do I choose a diaper for my baby?
It’s all about trial and error, and you may have to try several brands before you find a fit. Your baby’s skin also might be sensitive to a diaper brand, or they may have more leaks or blowouts.
Diaper qualities and features
Some general diaper selection factors to consider are cost, softness, absorbency, fit, fragrance, ingredients and environmental friendliness. Both brands have features like wetness indicators, tabs, stretchy material and are paraben-free. Huggies also include a dry touch liner and pocketed waist back, while Pampers have no chlorine bleach.
Diaper sizing
Both brands offer parallel sizes based on babies’ weights from newborn (under 10 pounds) to size 6 (35+ pounds). Pampers also offers a size 7 (41+ pounds) for bigger toddlers.
Huggies diapers
Huggies diapers, by Kimberly-Clark, have been around for over 40 years. The company donates diapers and wipes, develops hospital hugger programs and partners with NICU nurses to design products. Huggies’ brand promise is to ensure all babies get the care they need to thrive.
Huggies seven varieties include:
- Little Snugglers (newborns)
- Little Movers (older infants/toddlers)
- Snug & Dry (leak lock)
- Special Delivery (plant-based)
- Overnites (overnight diapers)
- Pull-Ups (training pants)
- Goodnites (bedwetting)
Huggies’ price range varies based on diaper size, style and quantity. For example, a box of size 1 Huggies Little Snugglers provides 96 diapers for around $27.
What you’ll love about Huggies diapers
- Incredible levels of leak protection
- Friendly for babies on-the-go
- Snugger fit in the back to prevent blowouts
- Very absorbent
What you should consider about Huggies diapers
- Have a more artificial, plastic-like feel on the outside
- Fasten using sticky strips
- Sizing is limited (doesn’t go up to size 7)
Best diapers for sensitive skin
Huggies Special Delivery Diaper
What you need to know: These are a great choice for babies with super sensitive skin, and you want a plant-based disposable diaper.
What you’ll love: This option is hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, made with 20-percent plant-based materials, paraben-free, fragrance-free, latex-free, absorbent and available in colorful print patterns.
What you should consider: Reviewers say the new 2021 version of the diaper isn’t as good as previous iterations and they may not be as absorbent or soft as the older model.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Buy Buy Baby
Best diapers for active babies
What you need to know: These diapers are great for babies on the go.
What you’ll love: They are durable, absorbent, have an adjustable fit with firm gripping tabs, prevent over leaks and are a solid quality diaper for the price.
What you should consider: This option is not as soft.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Buy Buy Baby
Best overnight diaper
What you need to know: This option is great for overnight protection.
What you’ll love: They are 25% more absorbent than Huggies Snug & Dry, and the SnugFit back waist stays in place to help prevent leaks.
What you should consider: Reviewers say the new diaper model isn’t as good as previous ones, and they sometimes have an unpleasant smell.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Pampers diapers
Pampers, by Procter & Gamble, has been around for over 50 years. Every day, more than 25 million babies in 100 countries wear Pampers. Pampers says it’s transparent about its ingredients and is committed to keeping babies safe by rigorously testing all products.
Pampers six varieties include:
-
Swaddlers, Baby Dry (newborns)
- Pure Protection (plant-based)
-
Cruisers, Baby Dry (older infants/toddlers)
-
Easy Up (training pants)
-
Underjams (bedwetting)
Pampers’ price range varies based on diaper size, style and quantity. For example, a box of size 1 Pampers Baby Dry provides 120 diapers for around $25.
What you’ll love about Pampers diapers
- Reviewers say they’re extra soft
- Have a flexible fit for babies’ different shapes and sizes
- Swaddlers’ newborn design leaves space for the umbilical cord
- Offered up to size 7 (41+ lbs) for bigger kids
What you should consider about Pampers diapers
- Swaddlers line may not hold up as well on overnights
- Have a slimmer profile that may not be better for bigger babies
Best diaper for sensitive skin
What you need to know: If your baby’s skin is extra-sensitive, this option is a great, environmentally-conscious choice.
What you’ll love: They are hypoallergenic, offer up to 12 hours of leak protection, have a wetness indicator strip and are available in cute prints. They are also free of chlorine bleach, parabens, fragrances and latex.
What you should consider: Some reviewers say they occasionally leak during overnight use, and they cost more than other options.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Best comfortable diaper
What you need to know: These are one of the most comfortable options for your baby.
What you’ll love: This option has higher coverage in the back, a lock-away leak design, soft and flexible sides, an umbilical cord notch and better airflow with a breathable liner.
What you should consider: The higher back could cause messes to move up the baby’s back when lying down, and some parents cite more blowouts.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Buy Buy Baby
Should you get Huggies or Pampers?
If your baby is very active, Huggies may be best for flexibility. If your baby has super sensitive skin, Pampers may be best for you. And if you have a larger baby, Pampers may offer better blowout protection along with expanded sizing. It’s all up to you and what works best for you and your baby.
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Jane VanVooren Rogers writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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