Pampers Vs Huggies: Which Diaper Is Better In 2023?
Pampers and Huggies have dominated the market for disposable diapers for many decades. The size, price, and everything about them may appear the same; however, we will explore some nifty details in our comparison of Pampers vs. Huggies.
Most parents struggle to find the best diaper brand for their babies. Most of the time, you may try different diapers from several brands before settling on your best match.
The majority of parents are at crossroads on whether to pick Pampers or Huggies for their babies.
Based on our research, we found that both diaper brands are excellent for newborns. However, there are some key differences you should know:
- Pampers is more popular for newborns, while the Huggies tend to be better on older babies
- Pampers diapers are softer than the Huggies
- Finally, Pampers diapers are a little pricier than Huggies
You might feel that Pampers holds a slight edge over Huggies from the above differences. Still, there are some remarkable features that differentiate the two most popular diaper brands on the market.
But, first things first, let’s take a look at the two products.
Name User Rating Pampers 4.8/5 Huggies 4.8/5
Pampers vs Huggies: Comparison Chart
Pampers vs Huggies: Differences & Similarities
Diapers are different, and in our review of Huggies vs. Pampers, we considered a few things as highlighted below. We’ve spent countless hours testing these two products, and as we conclude our discussion, you’ll be able to decide what works best for your baby. Read on.
Price
For new parents, the cost of diapers is an important thing to consider. However, the price point of Pampers and Huggies is almost the same. We found that Pampers and Huggies diapers cost around $0.25 to $0.35 per diaper on Amazon and Walmart.
So it’s a TIE when it comes to the price point.
Size
Firstly, both Pampers and Huggies are disposable diapers for newborn babies. Huggies diapers are available from newborn to size 7 and suitable for babies up to 37 pounds. Just the same, Pampers is also available from newborn to size 7 and up to 35+ pounds.
Although the Huggies brand claims their diapers conform to the baby’s shape, the newborn versions fit the waist and the legs but leave a budge between the legs. There’s also a small opening around the baby’s leg, irrespective of the dual-leg feature. Therefore they are not a perfect fit and may not protect against leakage in case of a loose mess. Additionally, as your baby gains more pounds, the gussets still feel larger, especially around the waist.
As for Pampers, the preemie diapers are a perfect fit around the waist, and the gusset is a snug fit. Even as your baby gains more weight, they’ll still fit well; hence you can be confident that there’ll be no leakage.
So it seems we have a TIE again.
Design
The design appears identical for both diaper brands. However, there are some notable differences in the shapes of the waistband and the closure tab.
- Tabs
All diapers, irrespective of the brand, come loaded with tabs, which are small pieces for holding the diaper. Thankfully, both Huggies and Pampers have these features; however, the design is slightly different.
A closer look at the Huggies diaper reveals that the tabs are mounted along the sides. The tabs are made of elastic material that attaches to the back. However, they only cover the sides, and this is a downside.
Many parents complain about this design and note that the tabs tend to fold when they change the diaper.
Another weakness is that it assumes a round shape, and with tabs mounted, there is a chance of loosening as the baby is playing.
Although the diaper will not fall, you may experience awful episodes where the messes start leaking. Also, the diaper can skew and not cover the baby properly.
By contrast, although Pampers diapers have tabs, they are not visible since they’re part of the design. After opening the diaper, you only need to pull the tabs, making Pampers the winner.
Due to user-friendliness, moms appreciate this design because it makes their lives easier, and there’s no risk of folding during a diaper change.
The tabs are perfectly placed, and the diaper covers the baby, including the hip area. Therefore, this is an advantage, and the diaper is unlikely to leak even when the baby is active.
Conclusively, the tabs feature gives Pampers an edge over the Huggies brand.
- Color
Despite both diapers being white, it’s easy to observe the difference. On the front side, both diapers have cartoon character images.
On the backside, Pampers diapers are plain with no graphics. However, Huggies diapers have the brand name printed on the back. Also, it has an elastic waistband, which is perfect for snug fitting.
Parents feel that Pampers have boring images that could be more aesthetically appealing compared to the Huggies diapers.
Parents would love more interesting images instead of the classic Sesame Street cartoon characters. Huggies have a Winnie-the-pooh character, and parents are overly impressed by the colorful cartoon characters.
- Umbilical cord cutout
The umbilical cord cutout is yet another useful feature for protecting a newborn baby’s tummy button as it heals.
The Huggies diapers have a better cutout located below the belly button. However, the Pampers diapers cutout is above your baby’s waist, but it’s loose and will not irritate the baby.
As parents, you need to ensure there’s plenty of room for the cord. Also, the cord area needs attention since a tear can lead to an infection.
- Liner
The leak-proof liner is a big plus when choosing a diaper, and no parent would not want a leaking diaper.
For this reason, the liner is yet another feature you’d want to consider as you decide on the best brand for your baby.
The Huggies are the epitome of comfort and have a gentle-absorb liner that protects your baby’s skin from wetness. It’s essentially another layer for wicking away moisture.
However, the Huggies use silica to trap the wetness, and it can be disturbing to some parents if they find the beads sticking to their baby’s skin. However, these are safe and don’t harm the baby.
When it comes to Pampers, the liner is different and consists of a quilted material that instantly soaks the wetness. These offer the best comfort by keeping it dry and pulling the wetness away. Additionally, there are tiny air channels that allow for aeration and thereby keeping your baby’s skin dry.
Unlike the Huggies, whose silica beads appear on the diaper, the silica gel in Pampers is not noticeable. One major criticism of Pampers diapers is the chemical smell when the diaper gets wet.
- Wetness indicator
Both diapers have a wetness indicator that alerts you when there is a need for a diaper change. It’s a yellow line that cuts across the diaper from the front to the back. When the diaper soaks, the line assumes a blue color.
- Shape
Both diapers come in different shapes. Whereas the Huggies have a cradle shape, Pampers are narrower around the crotch area. This explains why the Huggies diapers are likely to sag more when wet, and this can be a problem if the baby has a lot of mess as it’s likely to leak.
- Velcro closure
Huggies diapers have a premium Velcro closure that offers a better grip and allows for flexibility when you want to adjust. Although Pampers diapers will equally grip well, it’s not easy to adjust once applied. All the same, both diapers perform well in that they’ll not pop open when put correctly.
- Thickness
Both diapers have the same thickness, and there isn’t much of a difference. Be it dry or wet, they swell or puff in the same manner.
Stuffing
Some parents complain of diapers clumping up, which can be a problem, especially when a diaper gets wet. Conversely, both diapers are of superior quality and are unlikely to stuff even at night.
Absorbency
There’s no argument about it; both brands are high-quality brands tested and tried by millions of parents around the world.
The Huggies diaper pulls the wetness away, and the pocket-back waistband keeps the messes. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about diaper blowouts.
Also, the Huggies diapers promise long-lasting dryness since they have a leak-lock system that helps in getting rid of leaks for a maximum of 12 hours.
Huggies diapers are soft and hypoallergenic; hence they are gentle on your baby’s skin. The outer material is breathable, and this allows for maximum airflow. Therefore, your baby’s skin stays clean, and this promotes good health.
Further, the diaper is loaded with polypropylene and polyethylene compounds that pull the wetness from the baby. It helps keep your baby’s skin dry as it forms a barrier to keep away the messes.
Pampers have a leak-proof liner that keeps the baby’s skin dry and the material is breathable.
After analyzing different testing results and user perspectives, we see no clear winner here. Huggies did score higher initially in our tests but Pampers performed better in pulling away the messes and ensuring there are no leakages. So it’s a TIE.
Safety concerns
Your baby’s safety is a top priority, and every parent would like a product that will not harm the baby. Huggies Little Snugglers are fragrance-free, paraben-free, lotion-free, chlorine-free, and free of rubber latex.
Equally, Pampers diapers are non-toxic and are not known to contain dyes, chlorine, fragrance, or lotion.
Deals
Both brands offer amazing deals for buyers on their respective websites. Pampers has a lot to offer, and you’ll find lots of coupons.
Huggies coupons rotate at the rate of 9, whereas Pamper rotates at 5. Hence, there’s more chance of winning a token with the Pamper brand. Usually, a coupon is redeemable between $1 and $5.
Amazon Prime members are eligible for 20% off their product subscription. Hence, you can get to save some money, depending on the package.
Perfect fitting
Both diapers have ruffles along the leg area, and from observation, Pampers ruffles are longer and cover a portion of the hips. Also, the elastic area is wider, and hence there’s a perfect fit. The ruffles cover well and hold any mess, thereby preventing leakage.
The elastic waistband is a nice feature of Huggies. Also, three is a back pocket for blowouts.
So Huggies is a Winner in this category.
Related post: 10 Best Backpack Diaper Bags With Large Capacity
Pampers vs Huggies Diaper Reviews
Both Huggies and Pampers offer six different kinds of diapers. Check out the comparisons of almost similar product lines from Pampers and Huggies.Â
Pampers Swaddlers vs Huggies Little Snugglers
We found that both Pampers Swaddlers and Huggies Little Snugglers have a very similar classic clean look and good absorbency. These two product lines are specially designed for infants or newborns.
Both diaper brands come with soft straps. However, compared to Pampers Swaddlers, Huggies Little Snuggler’s straps are softer and attached to the diaper nicely.
Many parents note that Huggies Little Smugglers offer more overnight protection than Pampers Swaddlers.
Overall, Huggies Little Smugglers is the Winner here.
Pampers Baby Dry vs Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers
Baby Dry and Snug & Dry serve the same age group as the previous one, but they are the cheaper options for both brands.Â
They are both on the thinner side, which often makes the outfit feel damp. However, Pampers Baby Dry fares better in terms of absorbency.Â
Most parents reported that they both hold pee/poo well for up to 12 hours as promised by the brands. Unfortunately, the new design of Huggies Snug and Dry is leak-prone.Â
It looks like Pampers Baby Dry is the Winner here.Â
Pampers Cruisers vs Huggies Little Movers
As your baby starts moving, You need a diaper that offers extra protection from leakage due to movement. Both diapers come with a soft liner for a comfortable feel and better absorption. However, Little Movers has additional side purple internal straps to offer extra durability for movement.Â
Some parents mentioned the fact that Pampers get really saggy and squishy when wet. Compared to Pampers Cruisers, the straps of Huggies Little Movers are more firm, so they perform better than Cruisers.
We think that Little Movers holds an edge over Cruisers.Â
Pampers Splashers vs Huggies Little Swimmers
If you are looking forward to taking your baby to the pool for some swimming lessons, you should use a swim diaper. These are the two best swim diapers out there.
Apart from design, they both look pretty similar and serve the same purpose, which is holding the poop. They don’t sag like regular diapers and don’t hold the pee.Â
Overall, Pampers Splashers are rated better by parents but cost a little extra money than Little Swimmers.
Pampers Easy-ups vs Huggies Pull-ups
Both Easy-ups and Pull-ups are catered towards older babies to help with potty training.Â
Starting from the design, the two diapers look very different. Many parents don’t like the scent of Easy-ups. Instead, they prefer fragrance-free Pull-ups.
Moreover, many parents cited that the soft, stretchy material of Easy-ups tears easily. So from the comparison of Huggies Pull-Ups and Pampers Easy-Ups, Huggies Pull-Ups is a better choice than the Pampers Easy-ups.
Pampers UnderJams vs Huggies GoodNites
Both UnderJams and GoodNites are bedtime pants designed to prevent bedwetting. Although Goodnites is the best-rated nighttime underwear brand, they both have pros and cons.
So take a look at the similarities and differences between these two overnight diapers.
Pampers vs Huggies: Our Recommendation
We find the wetness indicator a useful feature since it alerts you when to change the diaper. For ease of detection, it changes the color from yellow to blue. However, most parents complain that this feature may not detect a heavy mess.
A diaper should fit perfectly and leave no room for leakages or messes. Pamper diapers score points when it comes to size since they have smaller sizes for preterm babies.
However, even as your baby grows, you may want to change to large sizes to allow for more comfort. Huggies diapers are a bit flexible and suitable for growing babies.
As for fitting, Pampers baby diapers are a perfect fit and are less likely to cause leakage. But, Huggies diapers are a little larger around the legs and may lead to a leakage. For this reason, we highly recommend Pampers diapers for tiny babies or preterm babies since they’ll fit well.
Conversely, as your baby gains more pounds, Pampers diapers tend to be tight and not flexible to accommodate the extra weight. Huggies diapers are more elastic and will fit your baby even as they outgrow.
Pampers baby diapers score great points as far as design is concerned. This is because their tabs are a part of the diapers, unlike the Huggies tabs which are affixed.
When picking a diaper for your baby, absorbency is a critical consideration. A diaper should have a high rate of absorbency such that it pulls away from the wetness, thereby keeping the baby dry. In our review, Huggies and Pampers have silicone gels that keep the skin dry.
If silica gel bothers you, then you’ll be comfortable using Pampers, which rarely show these beads.
The diapers cost the same; however, the Huggies come across as a premium brand. But, when it comes to functionality, Pampers diapers are the best in keeping the baby dry and preventing leakages.
Newborn diapers have a special design to cater to the cord stump. It takes a few days for the stump to fall, and it’s crucial to get a diaper with more room. From our review, the Huggies have a full clearance than Pampers diapers.
As for dryness, Pampers diapers perform better than Huggies. The quilted liner in the Huggies brand is soft; despite, Pampers having a textured liner that is breathable. Although both keep your baby dry, the skin stays dry longer with Pampers than with Huggies.
Some babies, especially newborns, may develop allergies popularly known as diaper rash. When shopping for the best product, choose one that will not react to your baby’s skin. Luckily, both Huggies and Pampers diapers are allergens-free and an excellent choice for small babies.
Read Also: Top 5 Cloth Diaper Pails & Cloth Diaper Liners
Conclusion
Pampers and Huggies have the almost same design that features tabs for a perfect size. Pampers diapers have a premie size or tiny babies and hence are an excellent choice. Sizing is a vital factor since a perfect-fitting diaper doesn’t leak.
Pampers are less likely to cause a blowout and hence the right choice for small-sized babies. However, as your baby grows, Huggies are flexible and stretchy to accommodate the increase in size.
In keeping your baby dry, both have silicone gels that trap the wetness. Additionally, the Pampers diaper is rated highly as far as comfort is concerned. They’re soft, comfy, and gentle on your baby’s skin.
Both are dependable since they have a wetness indicator and hence, you get to know the best time for a diaper change.
However, Pampers are better when it comes to fitting, keeping baby dry and comfortable. Huggies score high on the aspect of size, flexibility, and comfort.
At the end of it all, it may not be possible to declare the winner since your selection of either model depends on your baby’s needs. Reliability is critical when choosing a perfect diaper for your child.
