To a new parent it may seem like all diapers are created equal. But it will not take long for trial and error to snap you out of this belief quick smart!
Brands, sizes, and style of diaper could all lead to a messy situation if you misjudge what is best suited to the task. And the results can be… ummmmm… messy if you get it wrong.
While most diapers will be ok for daytime, it is your nighttime diaper that requires some additional consideration. Your precious sleep is on the line!
Especially as your little one enters into toddlerhood.
When your child graduates from nursing and becomes a full-blown toddler, you can expect that there will be more wetness being generated during the night thanks to her ability to drink more fluids and the increased size of her bladder.
A diaper that is not absorbent enough or that fits improperly will result in wet sheets and an unhappy baby. There may be cries during the night as your little one wakes up to find herself all wet and uncomfortable.
So, we have set out to find out which overnight diapers perform best.
In this article we will be reviewing the following overnight diapers:
- Pampers Baby Dry (Disposable)
- Huggies OverNites (Disposable)
- Luvs Ultra Leakguards (Disposable)
- Goodnites Bedtime Underwear (Disposable)
- Seventh Generation Overnight Diapers (Disposable)
- BumGenius Freetime (Reusable)
- Rumparooz One Size Pocket Diaper (Reusable)
- HappyEndings “Night Night” (Reusable)
Diaper Features And Performance
Absorbent Layers
If you are looking for overnight diapers, then you are looking for maximum absorbency for hours of extended wearing, usually up to 12 hours.
Multiple layers of premium materials will absorb more liquid, making the diaper more absorbent and your little one very happy.
Accurate Sizing
Some diapers run smaller than others, even when they are the same size. And some diapers do not work for babies on either end of the size spectrum.
A diaper that fits well, whether the baby is slim or chunky, will provide better, leak-proof protection.
Trustworthy Materials
You do not want anything scratchy next to your baby’s sensitive skin, nor do you want an adverse reaction to something that is found in the diaper material.
Finding a diaper that is hypoallergenic or simply just soft will keep your baby happy and ready for hours of diaper wearing.
Disposable Vs Reusable Diapers
We have included both disposable and reusable diapers in our reviews below. There are environmental considerations if you are that way inclined – but there are pros and cons to each type.
No judgment here on which way you choose to go (Full disclosure – I use disposable!).
Best Disposable Overnight Diapers
1. Pampers Baby Dry Diapers
The sizing is true to your baby, and their triple layer protection, as well as extra absorb channels, make this diaper extremely absorbent and great for overnight use.
Pampers are a personal favorite, being brought to the market in 1961 and offering 5 different types of diapers in 9 sizes, as well as training pants and swim diapers.
We are very particular to this brand due to the ultra soft material, which is gentle on sensitive skin, and their ability to remain thin (not bulky) while still being absorbent for up to 12 hours.
With 3 layers of protection to keep your baby dry, this diaper is much more absorbent than the traditional 2-layer diapers.
Pampers are known for the softness of the material used in their diapers, and the Baby Dry are no exception.
Some parents may find the baby powder scent of these diapers to be a bit strong.
Pro
- Triple Layer Protection
- Soft, Cotton-Like Material
- 12 hours of protection
Con
- Baby Powder Smell
2. Huggies OverNites Diapers
Bonus: they come in adorable Disney character designs.
Huggies have been trusted for many years, and we love them too.
The double grip strips on the OverNites are a unique feature, as most diapers are equipped with single grips which can allow the sides of the diaper to shift and slide, causing more potential leaks.
The closure tabs on these diapers are equipped with double grip slips, which help them to stay on better and prevent leakage.
The embossed inner line draws away moisture and the outer layer is made of breathable material.
This newer version (with Mickey Mouse print) of Huggies OverNites is a little bit on the thin side compared to the previous “model” of these diapers (with Winnie the Pooh print).
There have been a few reports of this diaper leaving behind residue or “disintegrating” when they get too wet.
Pro
- Double Grip Strips
- Layered for Dryness
- Also offers12 hours of protection
Con
- Newer Model is Thin
- Material May Fall Apart
3. Luvs Ultra Leakguards Disposable Overnight Diapers
Luvs Ultra is a very affordable overnight diaper that still performs well for those on a budget. Given how many diapers you will have to buy over the years small savings can really add up!
The leak guard core and leak barrier ensure that you get maximum absorption and protection from spillage of any excess. They are also very light and soft on the skin to keep your baby comfortable, and dry.
A handy feature are the stretch tabs, which can be refastened multiple times if adjustments are needed.
You will not find a wetness indicator on this brand, which is one of the reasons they can keep the price down. I never paid any attention to these anyway and would not miss this feature… If it’s full, you know.
Pro
- Great budget option
- Re-fastenable stretch tabs
Con
- The scent of the diaper is not for everyone
- No wetness indicator
4. Goodnites Bedtime Underwear
For older toddlers, the Goodnites Bedtime underwear is an overnight diaper that more closely mimics regular underwear.
This allows toddlers to also use the potty as normal and get used to self-managing this before it’s time to go to bed.
They customize the design for boys and girls to ensure that the diaper is stretchier where it needs to be, and has zoned protection for extra absorption where it is needed and stronger leak protection.
The designs also come with cool graphics with Iron Man for the boys, and Tinker Bell for the girls.
Pro
- 40% more absorbent than training pants
- Gender-specific zone protection
- Boys and girls prints
Con
- A bit more expensive
5. Seventh Generation Baby Free & Clear Overnight Diapers
Seventh Generation has been known for their organic and eco friendly products since 1988.
Their diapers, which are bleach, fragrance, and lotion free, are a great choice for parents who are looking for a disposable option that is sure to be gentle on their baby’s skin.
While these diapers are still more absorbent than some generic brands, their use of wool pulp rather than absorbent gel leaves these diapers more prone to leaks over the other disposable overnight diapers we have reviewed.
The interior liner and pulp used for padding is made of wool fluff, making this diaper super comfortable for our baby.
You know your baby will not have an adverse reaction to these diapers as they are chlorine bleach, lotion, and fragrance free.
Even though these diapers are advertised as “overnights”, there have still been multiple reports of leakage throughout the night.
Pro
- Super soft on skin wool fluff
- Organic material
- Eco friendly
Con
- Lack of absorbency
Best Reusable Overnight Diapers
1. BumGenius Freetime All In One Diaper
The bumGenius Freetime All in One Diaper is our choice when it comes to overnight cloth diapers. It is highly versatile and fits just about every baby perfectly.
There is no need to purchase additional inserts, and the material is highly absorbent and leak-proof. It even comes in multiple colors and a few patterns.
The cloth diapers created by bumGenius are designed to make cloth diapering easy. With no need for additional inserts, their all in one diapers provide a one piece, one step diaper changing experience.
The best thing about these diapers is the attached, absorbent insert. Unique to bumGenius diapers, the insert can be folded to meet your baby’s needs, whether you need more absorbency in the front for a little boy or in the bottom for a little girl.
The bumGenius diaper is also a great choice for babies of all sizes.
Many parents have raved that they fit even the most slim babies, which is a big deal as a poor fit can leave gaps in the leg holes causing leaks during the night.
There is no need to purchase an additional insert for absorbency as the one that is included with this diaper is attached and has extra fabric that can be folded to create extra coverage and absorbency where it is needed most.
Even if your baby is on the smaller size, the shape and versatility of this diaper creates the perfect fit for just about every baby.
For parents looking for cotton cloth diapers, be warned that this one is 100% polyester.
Pro
- Foldable attached insert for custom absorbency
- Great Fit Even for Slim Babies
Con
- Polyester, not cotton
2. Rumparooz One Size Pocket Diaper
The patented dual inner gusset makes these cloth diapers great for overnight wear as they keep moisture in, preventing leaks, and wet sheet and clothes.
This diaper comes with two insert sizes, for newborn and small babies, and older babies, which fit into the inner pocket, eliminating the need to fold them like traditional cloth diapers.
From newborn to toddler, the unique flap and snap design fits your baby through all stages.
After several washes and uses, the snaps that close the diaper can wear out, either not snapping correctly or falling off completely.
Pro
- Pocket Design w/ Two Insert Sizes
- 4 Sizes in One Diaper
Con
- Snaps Wear Out Over Time
3. HappyEndings “Night Night” All In One Diaper
HappyEndings Eco Diapers were created with your budget in mind, offering an array of affordable modern cloth diapers.
The antibacterial bamboo liner and low cost are our favorite things about this cloth diaper. However, the downside to this diaper is its lack of a waterproof outer layer, which can cause leaks when it becomes soaked through during the night, especially if your child is a heavy wetter.
The built-in liner has 2 layers of bamboo fabric and 2 layers of microfleece, allowing for better absorbency.
The special properties of the charcoal bamboo liner make allow your baby to remain germ-free.
Unlike most other reusable diapers, this one does not have a waterproof outer layer, which can lead to wet clothes if the diaper is soaked through.
If you have a heavy wetter or you want to use these diapers for overnight, you will likely need an additional insert, which can be placed into the pocket inside the diaper.
Pro
- Sewn-in 4 Layer Bamboo Liner
- Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties
Con
- Outer Fabric is Not Waterproof
- Additional Insert is Needed
FAQs
What are the best diapers for heavy wetters?
The Pampers Baby Dry was the best diaper for heavy wetters. It was our top pick overall and we expect this overnight diaper to stand up to heavier use in order to keep your baby dry and comfortable.
Do overnight diapers make a difference?
Overnight diapers make a difference due to their increased absorption capacity of the diaper core, and leak protection around the legs and waist to prevent any wetness seeping out.
Regular daytime diapers will not last the full 12 hours that a toddler is likely to sleep and will lead to leakage of the excess urine.
This can get quite messy!
How do I stop diaper leaks at night?
To stop diaper leaks at night you should use a specific type of diaper designed to be absorbent overnight.
It will minimize the accumulation of wetness if you either encourage your child to use the potty or do that last diaper change, immediately before bedtime.
This is also a good habit to establish in the lead up to potty training.
Are disposable or reusable overnight diapers better?
A disposable diaper and a reusable diaper both perform adequately and your preference is more likely to be dictated by cost, skin sensitivity, the effort you are willing to put in, and your environmental conscience (again no judgment!).
Re-usable diapers are far more eco friendly and will save you a lot of money over time. But for many, the additional laundry and cleaning is just too much to do when added to an already full workload looking after children.
Disposable diapers are quick and easy!
Final Word
Whether you are looking for disposable or cloth diapers, everyone would like an overnight diaper with the most absorbency, and reliability to protect against leakage for a full 12 hours without irritating your baby’s skin.
Our preference was a disposable diaper, and so the Pampers Baby Dry ticked all the boxes for us. But there are a number of great alternatives to suit your budget, scent preference, and also some eco friendly options.
Thankfully, there are great picks in both categories of nighttime diapers, and you are sure to find something that works for you.
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