10 Best Diapers for Toddlers in 2024 [That Don’t Leak]

Best diapers for toddlers come in large sizes, are safe for the skin, and are environmentally safe.

My toddler is a master pooper, so I go up a size in diapers overnight. If your toddler outgrows regular diaps then go for pull-ups.

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Best Diapers for Toddlers

1. Thrive Market Toddler Diapers

Thrive Market diapers use 30-40% more renewable and sustainable materials than the leading diaper brands. Their smaller carbon footprint puts them among the best disposable diapers for toddlers.

They are excellent diapers for toddlers over 35 lbs because they combine the naturally absorbent pulp with traditional absorbent gel making them leakproof for bigger and busier kids.

Thrive Market diaper requires a subscription with an additional fee to the cost of the diapers.

However, the site sells many wonderful and unique products at discounted rates so that you can combine your diaper subscription with food and household products.

What We Liked

  • Cruelty-free product, no animal testing 
  • Simple designs so you’re not paying extra for flare
  • Soft and safe for sensitive skin
  • No petroleum-based ingredients 
  • Affordable and convenient to order – quick shipping/delivery

Sizing: Large Sizes 3-6 (16-35+ lbs)
Fragrance: No
Subscription: Yes
Biodegradable: Parts
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Wetness Indicator: Not Listed
Free of: Dyes, fragrances, additives, chlorine, Gluten
Sustainable: Sustainably farmed materials and recycled packaging

2. Dyper Plant-Based Diapers for Toddlers

Dyper brand diapers are the best toddler diapers for eco-conscious parents. Not only are they manufactured using sustainably sourced viscose from bamboo, but Dyper purchases carbon offsets on behalf of their customers. 

Diaper plant-based diapers are ideal for toddlers because they are soft and flexible, making it easy for your little one to move. They’re also durable, soft, and absorbent, so you don’t have to worry about leaks. 

Available for home delivery saves parents time and money, and it’s easy to adjust your subscription as needed. The Redyper service will pick up and compost your diapers for an extra fee.

But even without the added service, these diapers are better for the environment than traditional disposable diapers.

What We Liked

  • Standard 100 certified by OEKO-TEX.
  • SOS Delivery if you need more in a hurry
  • Odorless and breathable
  • 10% military discount
  • Discounts on additional diapering items when bundling

Sizing: Large Sizes 3-5 (16-27+ lbs)
Fragrance: No
Subscription: Yes
Biodegradable: Can be composted
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Wetness Indicator: Yes
Free of: Phthalates, toxic ink, TBT, chlorine, perfume, and alcohol
Sustainable: Carbon neutral shipping, recyclable boxes

3. Esembly Cloth Diapers for Toddlers

The Esembly cloth diaper is the best diaper for toddler parents who wish to avoid disposable diapers. Made with 100% organic cotton, these cloth diapers are soft, absorbent, and natural. 

Cloth diapers are washable and reusable, saving parents from last-minute trips to the store. Plus, Esmebly’s adjustable size diaper means it will grow with your baby. 

Natural fibers like cotton can feel damp against your baby’s skin, so if you prefer, Assembly cotton diapers come with a fleece, stay, a dry layer that you can add.

These aren’t necessarily the best diapers for toddlers at night on their own, but you can add an overnighter booster to increase absorbency.

What We Liked

  • Parents can use disposable liners to clean up messy poops
  • Responsibly made
  • The outer waterproof layer can also be used as a swim diaper
  • Outer layers come in fun colors and patterns.
  • Esembly diapers can be re-sold back to the company or recycled.

Sizing: Size 2 (18-35 lbs)
Fragrance: No
Subscription: No
Biodegradable: Cotton Inner Diaper – yes
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Wetness Indicator: No
Free of: Fragrances, chemicals, and plastics
Sustainable: made with organic cotton

4. Eco Pea Bamboo Diapers for Toddlers

Eco Pea diapers are one of the highest-rated toddler diapers regarding sustainability and biodegradability. They use 85% bio-degradable materials, and tests show their diapers degrade by over half in just a few months. 

Diapering toddlers is challenging because they are constantly on the move and don’t always want to pause for a diaper change. Eco Pea diapers are flexible, soft, and absorbent, which allows your little one more freedom to play. 

Eco Pea diapers are some of the more expensive natural diapers; however, using their subscribe and save option saves parents 20%. Plus, their subscription options are incredibly flexible to fit all parents’ needs.

What We Liked

  • Hypoallergenic and antibacterial
  • Environmental protection water-based ink
  • Vegan, no animal testing
  • No trees are used; bamboo pulp only
  • Best diapers for toddlers with sensitive skin

Sizing: Large Sizes 3-6 (16-35+ lbs)
Fragrance: No
Subscription: Yes
Biodegradable: Mostly
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Wetness Indicator: Yes
Free of: Harsh chemicals, fragrances, gluten, and chlorine.
Sustainable: Carbon-neutral shipping

5. Made Of The Better Baby Diapers for Toddlers

MadeOf diapers are only made of the good stuff with no harsh chemicals or irritants. They are the ideal diapers for larger toddlers because they offer an XXL size for 35+ pounds.

In addition to selling diapers, MadeOf also sells bundles of some of its top products. 

Their simple white construction means you aren’t paying extra for patterns and designs. In addition, no inks or dyes are used, so they are ideal for sensitive skin. 

MadeOf diapers contain some polymers and plastics, so they are not 100% biodegradable, but they are entirely free of harmful substances.

What We Liked

  • Rainforest Alliance Certified
  • Made in the USA
  • 10-Hour Leak Free Guarantee
  • The WIde Stretch panel allows for a more comfortable and secure fit
  • Soft leg gussets to prevent leaks.

Sizing: Large Sizes 3-6 (16-35+ lbs.)
Fragrance: No
Subscription: Yes
Biodegradable: Parts
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Wetness Indicator: Yes
Free of: Rubber latex, chlorine, fragrance, and dyes
Sustainable: Uses some organic materials

6. Kudos Ultimate Toddler Diapers

Kudos Ultimate diapers are the first and only disposable diapers with only 100% cotton touching your baby’s skin.

These are excellent disposable diapers for toddlers with sensitive skin as cotton is the number doctor recommended material to treat diaper rash and eczema. 

Cotton is naturally absorbent, so there is no diaper rash. Plus, your baby can wear the diaper longer for naps and at nighttime without leaks.

You cannot buy a single pack of diapers; a box is the smallest order. However, they offer a 100% risk free-guarantee; so if they don’t work for you, you can get your money back.

What We Liked

  • Almost entirely plant-based polyethylene is sourced from sugarcane. 
  • Cotton produced from US farms
  • Transparent and honest about the ingredients in their diapers and areas they are trying to improve
  • 4X Greener than other plant-based diapers
  • Customizable subscription services

Sizing: Large Sizes 3-6 (15-35+ lbs)
Fragrance: No
Subscription: Yes
Biodegradable: Parts
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Wetness Indicator: Yes
Free of: Chlorine, latex, parabens, lotions, fragrances, phthalates
Sustainable: Made of more plant-based materials than any other disposable diaper

7. ECO by Naty Toddler Diapers

Eco by Naty is the first toddler diaper that does not use oil-based plastics. That means nothing but natural, plant-based materials touch your baby’s delicate skin. They also live up to their name and are the recipients of multiple environmental awards and certificates. 

Eco diapers are super absorbent and made using FSC-certified wood pulp. Naturally absorbent and breathable means you don’t have to worry about diaper rash on your baby’s sensitive skin.

Founded in Sweden, these toddler diapers are now popular in the U.S. Eco diapers are not widely available in stores. However, they offer a subscription plan with free shipping for orders over $69 within the contiguous 48-states.

What We Liked

  • No Oil-based plastics
  • Soft yet durable
  • No fragrances or harsh chemicals
  • Big enough for larger toddlers
  • Work great overnight

Sizing: Large Sizes 4-5 (15-55+ lbs)
Fragrance: No
Subscription: Yes for Sizes 2-5
Biodegradable: Parts
Hypoallergenic: Not Listed
Wetness Indicator: Not Listed
Free of: VOCs, fragrances, parabens, HAP, and latex
Sustainable: Packaging made from renewable materials.

8. HealthyBaby Toddler Diapers

Healthy Baby diapers are the only brand to use certified organic cotton. The stretchy, comfortable waistband and snug leg cuffs make these among the best diapers for active toddlers. They move and flex with all your toddler’s movements.

In addition to organic cotton, they use sustainably sourced wood pulp and sugarcane, so they are great diapers for toddlers whose parents are focused on the environment. 

Healthy Baby diapers use only top-quality ingredients making them relatively expensive. But their bundle option saves parents 25% of retail prices with the convenience of home delivery.

In addition, their bundle includes four packs of 100% plant-based hypoallergenic wipes.

What We Liked

  • Uses organic cotton
  • OEKO-TEX STanard 100 Certified
  • Wet wipes are 100% biodegradable
  • Super absorbent works great as toddler overnight diapers
  • First and only EWG Verified diaper

Sizing: Large Sizes 4-6 (18-27+ lbs)
Fragrance: No
Subscription: Yes
Biodegradable: Parts
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Wetness Indicator: No
Free of: Parabens, Phthalates, fragrances, brighteners, and chlorine
Sustainable: Manufactured with renewable energy and uses paper packaging

9. Abby&Finn Eco Diapers for Toddlers

Abby&Finn Eco diapers come in adorable prints and patterns and are soft and gentle on your baby’s skin. They are some of the best diapers for walking 1-year-old because of their flexible, soft elastic waist and anti-leak side cuffs. 

A toddler’s diaper needs to be snug to prevent leaks, and Abby&Finn diapers offer more sizes to achieve a better fit.
The wide range of sizes with smaller eight ranges offers a customizable fit. However, Abby&Finn diapers run small or narrow, so they may not be the best diaper for toddlers that are chunkier in the belly or legs.

What We Liked

  • Parents can choose designs and patterns or plain white
  • Parents save 28% on additional items added to their diaper bundles
  • Abby&Finn makes charitable donations for each box purchased
  • Bundles are easy to customize, starting with a minimum of 3-packs+
  • Adding 4-packs of wipes  saves 33% off retail

Sizing: Large Sizes 3-7 (14-38+ pounds)
Fragrance: No
Subscription: Yes
Biodegradable: Parts
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Wetness Indicator: No
Free of: Fragrances, dyes, latex, chlorine, heavy metals, lotions, heavy metals
Sustainable: Toxin-free diapers and sustainably sourced materials

10. HelloBello Toddler Disposable Diapers

HelloBello diapers are great diapers for toddlers over 20lbs because they offer super-leak protection for busy movers. In addition, their stretchy, comfy fit provides optimal comfort with a soft, cloth-like feel inside and out. 

HelloBello diapers work well as a girl or toddler boy diapers because they provide absorbency all over. They combine chlorine-free tree pulp with a high-performance super absorbent polymer to achieve their superior absorbency.

HelloBello bundles ship every five weeks, so you can’t customize delivery. However, you can add different sizes to your bundle if you’re baby is about to switch sizes. Bundles also include wipes which you always need!

What We Liked

  • Made sustainably in the USA
  • 20% Military discount
  • They offer training pants bundles
  • Fun themed bundle boxes
  • 15% off additional items

Sizing: Large Sizes 3-6 (14-35+)
Fragrance: No
Subscription: Yes
Biodegradable: Parts
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Wetness Indicator: Yes (only sizes Newborn-3)
Free of: Chlorine, artificial fragrances, phthalates, parabens, lotions, latex, TBT, DBT, and MBT
Sustainable: Sustainably harvested pulp, recyclable boxes

Disposable Diapers vs. Cloth Diapers

When choosing between disposable and cloth diapers, parents should decide how important sustainability and biodegradability are to them. Even the most natural disposable diapers are not fully biodegradable. 

Second, size matters. Diapers for toddlers over 50 lbs can be challenging to find. Parents may have one-size cloth diapers. The best cloth diapers for toddlers will be adjustable, flexible, and provide maximum absorbency. 

When looking at diapers for 2-year-olds, consider how easy they are to get on and off your toddler. Busy toddlers don’t like to lie still for diaper changes, so if you’re opting for cloth, an all-in-one is the most uncomplicated style to take off and put on. 

How to Choose the Best Toddler Diapers? 

When deciding on your toddler’s nappies, you should consider sizing, price, sustainability, and whether they are biodegradable. In addition, look at the ingredients to ensure they are chemical-free.

Sizing

Finding the best diaper for an 18-month-old is sometimes a challenge for parents. When your baby reaches a year and a half, their weight and height could vary significantly from their sibling or cousins.

To achieve the perfect fit, you need to pay attention to your baby’s weight, length, and where they carry their weight. Read reviews on diaper sites to see what other parents say about fit.

Hypoallergenic

Toddlers still have sensitive skin like younger babies, so it is important to have diapers that are gentle on delicate skin. In addition, toddlers may have developed substance allergies like gluten or fragrances or skin conditions like eczema.  Therefore hypoallergenic diapers are the best option to prevent diaper or contact rash. 

Biodegradable

By the time your child reaches the age of two, they will have worn 3,000 or more diapers. Unfortunately, conventional disposable diapers are not biodegradable and, at best, will take hundreds of years to decompose.

If you choose disposable diapers looking for ones that are at least partially biodegradable can help the environment. In addition, partially biodegradable diapers use more natural ingredients, which are better for your baby’s bottom.

Wetness Indicator

A wetness indicator may not be essential for older kids, for example, on diapers for toddlers over 40 lbs, because by this point, they can typically communicate when wet. However, if you have a non-verbal child or a child who resists diaper changes, you might want to look for diapers with this option. 

Free of Chemicals

Nobody wants chemicals on their baby’s bottom, so it’s a good idea to read the diaper packaging and look at the ingredients used.

While there are no disposable diapers that are 100% natural, the ingredients used can vary widely. Brands that use some natural ingredients are less likely to use harsh chemicals that could irritate your baby’s bottom. 

In addition, toddlers spend more time between diaper changes because they don’t go as often, so it is crucial to have the most gentle ingredients possible. 

Sustainability

Disposable diapers add to landfills and contribute to pollution when not made or sourced responsibly. By the time your child is a toddler, they will have used lots of diapers, so using a company that uses sustainable practices can reduce your child’s carbon footprint right from the start!

FAQ

Do 2-year-olds need diapers? 

Nearly all two-year-olds need diapers. And the best diapers for a walking 2-year-old will be flexible and comfortable to allow for movement. 

Do 3-year-olds need diapers?

Many three-year-olds will still be in diapers for a few months; in some cases, four and five-year-olds will still need diapers part-time or at night. All children develop at their own pace, so don’t feel discouraged if your child takes longer. 

What type of diapers should 18-month-olds wear?

An 18-month-old should wear a standard diaper; it can be disposable or cloth. It should be flexible and comfortable as 18-month-olds move around a lot. 

What type of diapers should 2-year-olds wear?

A 2-year-old might be ready for training pants, but in most cases, a two-year-old can wear traditional diapers. 

What type of diapers should 3-year-olds wear?

Most three-year-olds are ready for training pants. Training pants go on and off like underwear but are absorbent like diapers. Conventional diapers are okay if your child is not ready for potty training. 

What size diapers for an 18-month-old?

Diapers depend on weight more than age. For example, the average weight for an 18-month-old is 20-27lbs. In general, this corresponds to diaper sizes 3 through 5. 

What size diapers for a 2-year-old?

Two-year-olds usually weigh between 24-32 pounds. Typically two-year-olds will wear sizes 4-6 diapers. Each brand’s sizing varies, so always check the sizing recommendations on the packaging. 

What size diapers for a 3-year-old?

Three-year-olds may use 2T-4T training pants, or conventional diapers sizes 4 or larger. The average three-year-old weighs 28-38 pounds. 

How to keep diapers on toddlers?

Not all toddlers like wearing diapers, so keeping them on can be challenging! If your child is a diaper, Houdini consider switching to cloth and using diaper pins. You can also put clothing on backward, so it’s harder for them to undress.

What age should a child be potty trained by?

Each child is different. However, the average age for potty training is around three. Look for signs of readiness: your child can undress themselves, show an interest in the potty, and communicate that they need to go or have gone. 

What is the largest diaper size?

It depends on the brand. Typically the largest size is 6, but some brands offer 7. Training pants are for larger toddlers that are ready to potty train.

What is the next diaper size after 6?

Some companies offer a size 7, but in general, after a size 6, training pants are the following option. They typically are sized 2T, 3T, 4T, etc. 

Are there size 7 diapers?

Some companies offer size 7 diapers, but each brand is different, so a size 7 doesn’t necessarily mean it is bigger than a size 6 with another brand. Always check the weight recommendations on the packaging.

L. Elizabeth Forry

L. Elizabeth Forry

L. Elizabeth Forry is an Early Childhood Educator with fifteen years of classroom teaching experience. She earned a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from The University of North Dakota and has a Bachelor of Arts in English and one in Music from Lebanon Valley College. She has taught children in Japan, Washington D.C., Chicago, and suburban Maryland. She is trained as a reading therapist, has a TEFL certification, and has done extensive work with children regarding mental health, social-emotional development, and gender development. She has written curriculum for children and educators and has led training sessions for parents and educators on various topics on early childhood development. She is the mother of two boys and resides outside of Annapolis, Maryland.

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