Diapers are an essential (though maybe not beloved) part of life with baby—and finding the right type can be a process of trial and error. Admittedly, diapers have a pretty tough job to do, but when they fail, they can fail big time. That’s why our test experts set out to find the diapers that perform the best when it comes to absorption and dryness, whether disposable, reusable, or overnight diapers, all in the hopes of stopping messes and rashes before they start.
In this article
- Top Picks:: Disposable Diapers Reusable Diapers Overnight Diapers
“We rated diapers on how quickly they absorb urine and their ability to hold moisture away from the baby’s skin. Those are really the only lab-testable performance factors,” says Bernie Deitrick, Senior Test Program Leader, who led CR’s tests on diapers. But when looking for the right diaper for your family and lifestyle, there are other considerations that may play into your final decision, Deitrick says, including:
• The cost per unit: Is it budget-friendly?
• Ready availability: Will it be easy to replenish your stash?
• Sustainability: Are environmental factors important to you?
• Fit and comfort: Are you looking for extra blowout protection, like a pocketed waistband?
• Design factors, like patterns or scent: Are these non-negotiables?
Top Picks for Baby: See more top performers in Bassinets, Cribs, High Chairs, Infant Car Seats, Strollers, Double Strollers, and Travel Systems.
Consumer Reports tested more than 60 different diapers for absorption and dryness, including budget and store brands, subscription diaper brands, and premium diaper brands. The models that impressed our testers the most are our Top Picks for Diapers for 2025, in three categories: Disposable, Reusable, and Overnight.
In each category, our Top Pick is the highest-rated widely-available model from our rigorous lab tests. We’ve also designated a Value Pick for each category that offers a great test score for a good price. And because not every family’s needs are the same, our Expert Pick in each category offers standout features our testers appreciated.
Top Picks for Disposable Diapers
Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: Consumer Reports
Top Pick and Value Pick: Target Up&Up Absorbent Soft Diapers
It’s not often that our Top Pick and Value Pick are one and the same, but when it comes to disposable diapers, our experts were impressed by the , which received a rating of 97, thanks to this diaper’s super absorbent abilities. The fact that it was among the most budget-friendly of all the disposable diapers we tested made it also our Value Pick.
More features we like include:
•Available in a wide range of sizes—from newborn (less than 10 pounds) to 8 (46 pounds or more)
• Pocketed waistband at the back of each diaper helps control blowouts
• Wetness indicator
Expert Pick: Kudos Diapers
Kudos diapers, founded by an MIT-trained material scientist, engineer, and mom, excelled in both our dryness and absorption tests. Our testers also liked that they’re cotton-lined and made with a combination of chlorine-free and FSC-certified wood pulp, making them ideal for babies’ sensitive skin.
More features we like include:
• Available in size 1 (7-12 pounds) to 6 (35 pounds and up)
• Wetness indicator
• Free from lotion, fragrance, and natural latex
Top Picks for Reusable Diapers
Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: Consumer Reports
Top Pick: bumGenius Freetime 2.0 All In One
The mom-designed bumGenius Freetime 2.0 All In One cloth diaper far and away outperformed all other cloth diapers in our absorption and dryness tests. The fully waterproof outer layer prevented any seepage or moisture from coming through—a definite plus. And this diaper gets extra points for sturdiness: It held up well through repeated wash cycles.
More features we like include:
• All-in-one sizing that’s designed to fit babies between 8 and 35 pounds
• Repositionable inner layers to move where you need more coverage
• Sueded-fabric interior wicks moisture away from babies’ skin
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