The 13 best diapers to buy in 2026: Consumer Reports |
The 13 best diapers to buy in 2026: Consumer Reports
Not all diaper brands prevent rashes and leaks equally. Consumer Reports rated examples on absorption and dryness to find the top 13 picks
New parents learn quickly that diapers are a constant, high-stakes purchase. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that a baby goes through as many as 12 diapers a day, which adds up to roughly 3,000 in the first year. With that volume, even small differences in absorption, fit, and leak protection can make a real difference in how often parents deal with wet clothes and skin irritation. The diaper aisle is filled with brands making bold claims about performance, eco-friendliness, and gentle ingredients, and those claims are genuinely difficult to evaluate without controlled testing.
Consumer Reports tested disposable diapers, scoring each on absorption speed and dryness to find the options that deliver on their promises.
Up & Up Absorbent Soft Diapers
At 15 cents per diaper, the Up & Up Absorbent Soft from Target $TGT earned a score of 97 out of 100 in Consumer Reports' tests. CR rated the diapers excellent on both absorption speed and dryness, giving each criterion 5 out of 5. CR named them a Value Pick in its Top Picks for Diapers in 2026, a designation that reflects strong test results paired with a price point well below the competition. The diapers are free of fragrance, elemental chlorine, and lotion, which may reduce the risk of irritation in babies with reactive skin, and a pocketed waistband helps keep blowouts contained.
Bumbum Luxury Skincare Diapers
Priced at $19.99 per package, the Bumbum Luxury Skincare Diapers earned a score of 97 out of 100 and were named a Top Pick by Consumer Reports in its 2026 roundup. CR rated the diapers a perfect 5 out of 5 on both absorption speed and dryness, meaning they pulled moisture away from skin quickly and held it there. According to CR, testers were impressed by the aloe-enriched liner, which is intended to reduce irritation for reactive skin, and by the diapers' noticeably soft texture. A high waistband provides blowout protection, and the diapers are sold in sizes 1 through........