The best nappies for babies and toddlers

The Pampers Premium Protection Taped Nappies was awarded Gold for Best Performance Disposable Nappy at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

Our panel of mum testers loved how soft these Pampers Premium Nappies (sizes 0, 1 and 2) felt on their baby’s legs and they found they kept leakages to a minimum. An exclusive DERMACOMFORT layer with absorbent pores instantly pulls wetness and mess away from your little one's skin and locks them inside the nappy so your baby’s delicate skin remains dry and protected and hence protects them from the risk of nappy rash, with one tester saying, "we haven't so far had any problems with nappy rash."

Another reviewer, with twins, loved the fit of the nappies saying that they fit both babies despite them being different shapes and weights, and she commented that they also stay in place overnight. Testers found that there were very few leakages which we love, however, some did comment that there could be a snugger fit at the back because that is where leakages occur if they happen.

Reviewer Chris was pleased with the "luxurious" feel due to the quilting and also appreciated the wetness indicator, which, while not unique to these nappies, is really useful. Another tester noted that the reusable tabs are extremely handy because they let you refit the nappy if it's not on quite right.

While reviewers said they would choose these nappies overall, they did say the price is sometimes off-putting, and they wished the price was more in line with other nappy options. Available in sizes 0 - 5, Pampers claims these are 100% leak-proof which testers generally agree with, noting that they fit well around the legs with just a few issues with gaps at the back. We like the quality of these nappies and especially like the fact they seem to reduce nappy rash because they are breathable and keep moisture away from your little one's skin.

Read our full Pampers Premium Protection Nappies review.

Aldi Mamia won Gold for their size 1 nappies and Silver for their size 2 nappies in the Best Product for a Newborn 0-4 months at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

These newborn nappies come up a little bigger than others on the market, but the quality and unbeatable price is hard to overlook. Our testers really appreciated the absorbency and commented that they seem to be leak-proof, and Mamia claims that they offer twice the absorbency. While testers were impressed with the absorbency, some found that the fabric was more plasticky than others and not as soft as other brands. That said, reviewers noted that this didn't cause nappy rash and were pleased that nappy rash didn't seem to be a problem while using these nappies.

We really like the fit, which has elasticated sides, is snug around the legs, and is flexible, but even better is the cord cut-out area around the belly button, which is especially important for newborns who are extra-sensitive in that area. Reviewers liked the wetness indicator, which is really important for newborns, with one tester, Julian, commenting, "It was particularly helpful in the first couple of weeks when my child wasn’t taking a lot of milk, and the nappies weren’t as full." 

These nappies are hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested, which we love and reviewers appreciated that these nappies have been specifically designed for newborns' sensitive skin. Even better is the price, which all testers agreed is unbeatable, with one reviewer saying, "The price of these nappies is hard to beat, which is a huge saving/help to families, especially when you aren’t having to sacrifice the basic function and comfort of a nappy for newborn delicate skin."

With materials made with fibres from the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, we like that these nappies are kinder to the environment, although not biodegradable. Plus they are breathable and lightweight as one tester commented, " these nappies are fantastic, they're super light-weight and easy to store inside our nappy changing bag/caddy." One final plus point is the overlapping fasteners which ensure a snug and secure fit for even the wriggliest babies.

Read our full Aldi Mamia Ultra Dry Air System Newborn size 1 review.

The Kit & Kin Eco Nappies was awarded Silver for Best Performance Disposable Nappy at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

If you're looking for a more sustainable nappy, then Kit & Kin's award-winning hypoallergenic nappies could be ideal, and they are our Editor's favourite nappy choice. Deemed as the 'most accredited eco nappy on the market', we love that these nappies are made from 100 per cent sustainable materials (including the packaging). Plus we also love that every nappy gives back through the Kit & Kin Foundation, helping to protect acres of endangered rainforest and support the communities living there with educational scholarships and healthcare clinics.

While their eco-friendly credentials are impressive, they do not take away from the nappy's performance, which is just as good. Reviewers commented that these do a great job of keeping their little one dry, however, they were disappointed that there was no wetness indicator, which can make it tricky to know when to change baby if the nappy is not obviously wet. One tester, Holly, said, "The material of the nappies was quite thin, with just a plain white front. This made it easy to see when there was a lot of wee in the nappy - the nappy would stain slightly yellow, working in the same fashion as an indicator line, I suppose!" But obviously, a wetness indicator would be better!

The design of these nappies was popular with our testers and we like the simplistic, sweet animal designs too. Testers did comment that the nappies are quite thin and also feel stiff compared to other brands, but they were pleased they feel soft against little ones' skin.

These are not the cheapest nappies on the market, however, you can either purchase the nappies as a one-off pack (which contains 40 nappies for £8) or save money, you can join their subscription service, where you can choose how often you'd like your nappies delivered straight to your door, which we think is great because it saves you time as well.

Read our full Kit & Kin hypoallergenic eco nappies review.

The Sainsbury’s Little Ones Pants was awarded Gold and Bronze for Best Value Disposable Nappy and Best Performance Disposable Nappy at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

Sainsbury's Little Ones Dry Fit Nappies are great for wriggly toddlers because they have an elasticated waist to ensure a comfortable yet secure fit. One reviewer found that the elasticated waist was also great because it is softer than tabs which can dig into a baby or toddler's skin, especially when they are on the move.

We like the vitamin E insert that is gentle on little bottoms and the manufacturer claims it helps to prevent nappy rash, however, testers did not say that this was certain although nappy rash does not seem to be a big problem while using these nappies. One complaint is that they are narrower than other brands and this can cause leaks, especially for larger children, but they are great for a more petite build.

With a simple fish design, the nappies are pleasing to the eye, and they feel soft to the touch, even though they are quite thin. There are no organic or environmental credentials to these nappies, but they are good value for money and generally reviewers found them effective.

Suitable for day and night, the nappies have soft leg bands and also tearable sides, so they are just as easy to remove as they are to put on, which we love and one reviewer also said, "These nappies work well for us as our baby is very wriggly during a nappy change." if nappies can make a nappy change easier with a wriggly toddler or baby, then they get a thumbs up from us.

The ASDA Little Angels Comfort & Protect was awarded Silver for Best Value Disposable Nappy at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

As a parent with a baby or toddler, you'll have enough on your mind already when it comes to bedtime, which is why you'll want to find the best nighttime nappy possible, so leaks are the last of your worries. No one wants their little one to wake up with a wet nappy, especially if they have finally started to sleep through the night. That is why we love ASDA's Little Angels nappies, because we found them to be reliable both day and night.

Using SmartFlo™ absorbency combined with 12-hour protection, these nappies help to distribute moisture evenly, which keeps your little one feeling dry all night. Our tester, Jasmin, was impressed and said, "since being sent Asda Little Angels Comfort and Protect we have had dry nights every night, she sleeps 12 hours now." Also, our Mother&Baby Editor has been using these recently with her children and loves them, they were also awarded Gold in our 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Another reviewer loved the quality of the nappies and commented that "they were easy to fit, with no breakages of the sticky tabs, and performed well with no leakages or movement." While Julie, another tester, loved "the markers on the waist area that show if the nappy fits ok or if you need the next size up." Reviewers did comment that these nappies are thin, but that doesn't seem to affect the absorbency. However, testers didn't like how the nappies tend to hang down once they have been worn for a while, even if they are not full.

Testers reported that the nappies were true to size, and while they don't have any sustainable materials, we like that the packaging is 100% recyclable, so at least one element of them is kind to the environment.

Read our full ASDA Little Angels Comfort & Protect review.

The Pampers Baby-Dry Taped Nappies was awarded Bronze for Best Value Disposable Nappy at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

Pampers Baby-Dry claims to keep your little ones comfortable and protected for up to 12 hours, and our testers agreed that their absorbency is excellent. Plus, we like the strong leg cuffs, which provide additional protection along with 3 absorbing channels which distribute wetness evenly throughout the nappy.

Our testers were impressed with the slim design of these nappies when they are so absorbent. One reviewer, Diane, was pleased and said, "It does what it says on the packet; it channels the fluid away, leaving baby dry." We also loved how breathable these nappies are because they keep air circulating around your baby's skin, even throughout the night, to keep them feeling fresh. There were no reports of nappies, so these nappies do keep the baby's skin dry and comfortable.

The quality of these nappies is good, and one mum, Katrina, said, "These nappies do have a different feel to other brands I have tried. I have actually never tried this brand of nappies before, due to cost. However I thought these nappies were lovely, they felt much softer than other brands that I am used to buying" after testing them. We agree that are very soft with a cotton-like feel.

Cost is a consideration with this brand as one reviewer said, "I'm not sure how this nappy stands out from other nappies. Whilst it is reliable and does not leak, I have found that most other own brand nappies are just as reliable but for a much lower price." They are more expensive than other nappies on the market, but our testers thought they fit well, were easy to put on, and, most importantly, were comfortable against the skin and incredibly absorbent and reliable.  

Read our full Pampers Baby-Dry Taped Nappies review.

Aldi is always helping our money go that little bit further even with nappies too. Reviewers love that these nappies really do give you value for money, with 48 nappies for under £3.

However, don't worry that because they are cheaper the quality will be poorer because this isn't the case at all. They feature ultra-dry technology which claims to provide 12-hour protection and also evenly distributes liquid throughout the nappy. Reviewers liked this feature and found it made the nappies suitable for both day and night use, although some testers did report that they are not as reliable overnight.

Even more impressive is that they are latex, perfume and lotion-free which makes them great for little ones with sensitive skin or allergies. Plus, we love the fun animal designs which are printed on the back and front.

Aldi Mamia nappies were shortlisted in our 2022 Mother&Baby Awards. They are a great value option, which is reliably absorbent and kind to the skin, too.

Read our full Mamia, Aldi Ultra Dry Air System size 4 review

A well-known and trusted brand in the world of baby care, this pack of Pampers nappies was awarded Gold in our 2022 Mother&Baby Awards. Reviewers found them to be very reliable, with one parent reviewer saying, "I'm able to put my daughter to bed wearing this nappy and know that she won't be disrupted by leaking through the nappy onto her nightwear and bedding, etc." Plus, even better, they are designed with more active babies in mind. We all know how hard it is to change a wriggly baby, but when your little one gets on the move, their nappies can move, which causes leaks. Pampers Active Fit ensure this won't happen, and reviewers noted that they are comfortable for babies to wear too. One mum tester said, "This product has made nappy changing ten times easier. My little one has just started trying to crawl and roll over all the time when lying down. With these pull-ups, I can easily slip them on in one swift action, halving the time needed for changing! They fit so well around the legs, belly, and back and leave no indents on her skin."

We like that they are designed with active babies in mind, and there are some great features to ensure they stay leak-free, including large, soft waist wings and a three-way fit which stretches as your little one moves. Like other Pampers nappies, they still have a wetness indicator, which parents tend to love and find really useful, and they are available in a range of cute designs.

Most important, though, is absorbency, and reviewers were impressed with how these nappies keep little ones dry. One parent reviewer, Haylee, said, "The Pampers Active Fit range makes my life easier as a mum because it keeps my little girl dry and comfortable for extended periods of time." Another mum tester, Gabriella, commented, "We have never had any leaks from Pampers nappies, including any overnight leaks or any dirty nappy leaks. My son also does not suffer any nappy rashes or red marks on his legs."

As with other nappies in the Pampers range, cost is the biggest concern with testers because they are more expensive than other brands. However, one mum loves the reliability of the range, commenting, "I'm a huge fan of Pampers products since my first child was born 5 years ago, now I have a second and Pampers is still as great as years ago."

Read our full Pampers Active Fit review

Rascals Premium Nappies offer up to 12 hours of protection and are recommended by Paediatricians and clinically proven safe for sensitive skin. They're ideal for nighttime to ward off those dreaded poonami leaks, helping baby to stay dry, comfortable and leak and blowout free.

Parents loved the soft feel of these nappies, praising their value for money and high quality. "I tend to buy these over Pampers now, they are great at capturing explosive poos without any leaks - saving me on laundry/stain remover!"

One mum even dubbed them the "holy grail of nappies" praising the materials that didn't irritate her baby's skin, "they fit so well around the legs, lots of stretch in them without allowing for any leakage. The tape sticks to the band like velcro, and I love the sticker feature to wrap the nappy up after use. The new look hasn't changed the quality of these nappies at all and I would 100% recommend them to other parents as a premium nappy without the premium price tag."

Nappy pants are ideal for when your baby gets a little older and can be pulled up and down, just like normal pants, especially when trying to potty train. We love these pants from Morrisons because they are soft and stretchy, plus they have channel technology which means they have great absorption with no nappy sagging, so your little one can remain comfortable. One reviewer said, "I have found these nappies amazing, they have converted me to use ultra dry pants full time." Another said, "these are excellent nappy pants - never leak and strong."

While they are excellent at absorbing, one great feature is that they are pull ups and allow your little one some independence (if they want it). Also, though, pull-ups make nappy changes so much easier as our parent reviewer, Claire, agreed, "I have a very fidgety toddler that likes to run as soon as she sees a nappy, but using these makes a nappy change so much, easier and quicker." However, be warned that the elasticated waist does make it easier for toddlers to pull down their nappy themselves, which, while great for independence, can be messy if the nappy is full! Claire also liked the design, commenting, "they have a neutral design so suitable for boys or girls and not too bold so doesn't show through lighter clothing."

Baby essentials can get expensive, so the price point is a hit, too, and they've been shortlisted in our 2022 Mother&Baby Awards. We also liked the soft, tearable sides and anti-leak leg cuffs for added protection, as well as the stretch waist for comfort. Plus one tester added that they had never had any nappy rash with these nappies.

With toddlers, life can be hectic, and you might feel like you are always chasing them, but these nappies help with that because they are simple to use and effective at keeping your little one dry.

Read our full Nutmeg Ultra Dry Pants review

We understand that disposable nappies are convenient and exactly what you need when you are busy with a little one, but still, it's hard not to worry about the environmental impact. Pura nappies are great because they are made without chlorine and other toxins and they use plant-based materials. Plus, even better, all their nappies are now packaged in paper packaging to reduce plastic waste. We love the feel of them because they are made with organic cotton and really do feel incredibly soft for your baby's skin. They are also approved by AllergyUK and they have been dermatologically tested.

They perform well, too; with flash dry technology, moisture is spread, and it boosts absorption. One mum said, "Even when it’s at full capacity after being on overnight, my baby's skin is always dry and has had no rashes. Great value for an eco nappy!" Providing up to 12 hours of protection, the nappies have a plant-based waterproof layer with micropores to let the skin breathe, plus a moisture-wicking top sheet that draws wetness from the baby's skin. One reviewer commented, "these simple no fuss nappies fit my baby perfectly, no leaks, no nappy rash and good for the environment."

However, one reviewer did find that "the inner absorption layer just doesn't go high enough up her back" and said the nappies leak when she uses them with her little girl. While another reviewer noted that, "they were a little big and when they filled with pee, the nappy sagged and eventually leaked."

We love that these nappies have the convenience of disposable nappies but are a little bit kinder to the planet. Plus, Pura has partnered with NappiCycle, the UK's only nappy recycling company, to keep nappies out of landfill.

We are all worried about the planet, and disposable nappies can have a big impact on the environment, and that is why we love reusable nappies, too. This nappy was awarded Gold in our Mother&Baby Awards 2022 for Best Reusable Nappy and makes swapping from disposable nappies to reusable nappies feel like an absolute doddle. We like that instead of having to wash the whole nappy, this nappy comes with two reusable inserts that are soft on your baby's skin and easy to wash. One reviewer, Tasha, said, "This product exceeded my expectations. I was slightly hesitant at the durability, however they are fantastic! They’re easy to swap over and wash beautifully with no stains as long as you soak soiled nappies pretty quickly."

We also love how great they look because they are available in a range of fun, child-friendly prints too. One mum agreed, commenting, "This nappy looks fantastic on my little girl." They are not all style over substance though because the multiple poppers on the front let you adjust the nappy as your little one grows which one tester loved saying, "The poppers let you get a really good fit - my little one is long and skinny and some popper nappies are really hard to get a good fit."

With a nappy that grows with your little one and can be reused, this, of course, saves you money. The nappies are more expensive initially, but unlike disposables, you only need to buy them once. Mum Tasha, added that they are "a definite money saver." It might seem like a hassle having to wash the nappies after every use, but it is quick to change the inserts, and they can be left to soak or washed in a batch.

Your little one will feel wetter in these because they don't wick the moisture away from the skin in the same way as a disposable, so you might need to change them more regularly, but they are still soft and comfortable, and testers did not report any nappy rash. DO bear in mind that these come up a little small, and you might need a reusable nappy specific for nighttime because these are not great throughout the night. For daytime use, they are reliable and comfortable, and they help the planet a little bit.

Read our full Charlie Banana Reusable One-Size Cloth Diaper with Fleece review

The last thing you want to be worrying about in the pool or sea is whether your baby or toddler needs the toilet and that's where a decent swim nappy or swim pants comes in. This one by Splash About is reusable, making it great for the environment and your little one too. We love that it will make swimming even more fun with the wide range of colours and designs it is available in, and reviewers enjoyed them too, with one mum, Laura, commenting, "The pink colour on these pants was as lovely as pictured, and the quality of the material is really excellent. I love the bold colours, which make my little one even more visible in the water."

They are reliable as well as colourful, though, and are great to give you peace of mind that there won't be any accidents in the pool; as tester, Sarah says, "We have used them with both children on a regular basis, and they have never leaked." Plus, they can be worn under swimming costumes or on their own, so they are extremely versatile.

Made from super-soft thick neoprene and the highest-grade Lycra, they are gentle on the skin while being leak-proof. They are kind to the environment, which is why we've awarded them Gold in our 2022 Mother&Baby Awards (it's been given this award three times prior).

Parents did say that while they are comfortable and reliable, they are tricky to get on and off, and they do come up quite small. One reviewer commented, "They are a little wiggly to get on & off, especially when they're wet, but once you get the hang of them, you're good to go." That said, they are easy to wash, and their thickness is helpful in keeping little ones warm if the pool is a bit chilly. They are a great item to pack in your suitcase for family holidays or for the weekly trip to the pool.

Read our full Splash About New Happy Nappy Duo review