In a hurry to find out which brand deserves that top – or rather bottom – spot? While both Pampers vs Huggies produce fantastic diapers and the call was a close one, I award the title of “better brand” to Pampers. This is because Pampers diapers are slightly more comfortable for babies and toddlers, have slightly more advanced technology and feature a slightly more durable construction.
Unless you practice elimination communication, your baby will need to wear diapers every day of his or her life for the first few years. Just like you and I want to be comfortable in the underwear we wear, babies and toddlers want the same. Give your baby the best of the best by putting them in one of these two brands’ products.
The Ultimate Showdown
Many parents recommend using only premium diapers from brands such as Pampers and Huggies on our little ones, especially if they have sensitive skin that may be irritated by inferior quality products. But deciding between the two brands is actually a pretty challenging feat which new parents specifically find particularly daunting. My aim is to make this decision a little easier for you by arming you with the information needed to make an informed choice.
A Bit About the Brands
If you know anything about baby brands, you’ll have heard of both Pampers and Huggies before reading this. But further than being familiar with their names many parents don’t know much about these brands. I’ll fill you in on what you need to know.
Pampers diapers have been available since 1961 under the ownership of Proctor & Gamble. The brand manufactures diapers, training pants, swim diapers and baby wipes.
Huggies diapers were first created back in 1968 but spent a decade in testing before being released to the general public in 1978. Kimberly-Clark owns the Huggies brand. Diapers and training pants aside, Huggies also manufactures swim diapers, baby wipes and disposable baby bibs. Did you know that Kimberly-Clark is also the manufacturer of Kirkland? See my review comparing Kirkland to Huggies.
Pampers vs Huggies Product Line
One of the reasons why it is so difficult to pick between the two brands is because their diapers are so similar – at a glance at least. Huggies has eight diaper options while Pampers has seven. Both brands offer diapers in sizes Preemie up to size 6. Let’s take a look at how they compare against one another.
- Preemie: Huggies Little Snugglers vs Pampers Swaddlers. Pampers offer sizes -1, -2 and -3 diapers that cater to babies who weigh as little as a single pound. Huggies has one Preemie size that is designed to fit babies weighing between 3.3lbs and 6lbs. Both preemie diapers feature wetness indicator technology. Pampers wins the preemie battle over here simply because they offer more size options.
- Newborns: Huggies Little Snugglers vs Pampers Swaddlers. Accommodates babies that weigh less than 10lbs. The general consensus is that these diapers are almost the same in terms of quality, comfort and features, however Pampers Swaddlers are often the brand of diaper that hospitals trust and use and so those are a little more popular.
- Infants: Huggies Snug & Dry vs Pampers Baby Dry. Both infant diapers are evenly matched and share the same features.
- Older infants and toddlers: Huggies Little Movers vs Pampers Cruisers. While both diapers are able to handle the needs of babies and toddlers that are more active, I personally prefer Pampers Cruisers. This is purely because of its pull-up design that is more difficult for toddlers – also known as amateur escape artists – to get out of.
- Overnight diapers: Huggies OverNites. Pampers does not have an overnight nappy although its Baby Dry range offers 12-hour protection. Naturally, Huggies OverNites win this particular comparison.
- Training pants: Huggies Pull-Ups vs Pampers Easy Up. The training pants offering of both brands is great however the Huggies Pull-Ups have more size options and are able to accommodate kids who weigh upwards of 38lbs while Pampers only cater to those who weigh 37lbs. Here’s how the Huggies and Pampers pull-ups for boys and girls compare.
- Bedwetting pants: Huggies GoodNites vs Pampers Underjams. By the same logic as applied above, Huggies GoodNites trump Pampers Underjams as they are available in more sizes as well as more design options which little ones love.
- Swim diapers: Huggies Little Swimmers vs Pampers Splashers. Both are fantastic products that competitor products don’t even come close to. Personally, for the same reason why Pampers Cruisers beat Huggies Little Movers, I prefer Pampers Splashers.
What Do the Two Brands Have in Common?
Considering that the two brands are both producers of disposable diapers, you’d think that they would have a lot in common with one another. But that is not the case. The only similarities that the two brands share are that they offer preemie through to size 6 diapers as well as bedwetting products and training pants.
It’s also important to note that both Huggies and Pampers are considered to be premium brands and as such, they cost more than diapers from competitors such as Luvs. But when we compare the prices of both brands against one another, Huggies diapers work out between $0.05 and $0.07 cheaper per diaper.
Huggies Little Snugglers
Huggies Little Snugglers are available for preemies and newborns. What makes these diapers stand out is that they have umbilical cord cutouts to prevent infections. They are hypoallergenic, chemical-free, have a wetness indicator and come in a unisex Winnie the Pooh design. Here’s an article I wrote, comparing Huggies Little Snugglers vs Little Snugglers Plus. It’s a type of diaper from Huggies that is most similar to Pampers Swaddlers.
Pampers Swaddlers
Pampers Swaddlers are also designed for newborns and preemies. They feature a wetness indicator, Air Channel technology and are suitable for sensitive skin. This is the diaper that is most often used in US hospitals. They are not themed, but rather have a nice vibrant pattern on them.
Huggies Snug & Dry
Huggies Snug & Dry diapers offer 12-hour protection, anti-leak technology and a wetness indicator. These diapers are available in sizes newborn up to size 6 and are praised for being extremely soft to the touch. They feature an adorable Mickey Mouse design.
Pampers Baby Dry
Pampers Baby Dry diapers are free from parabens and are completely hypoallergenic. They offer 12-hours of protection, feature Air Channel technology, possess a wetness indicator and come in sizes newborn through to size 6. They are available in a fun Sesame Street design option.
Huggies Little Movers
As you can tell, Huggies Little Movers were designed with busy bodies in mind. They are tabbed, chemical-free, have a contoured shape and a wetness indicator. They’re available in sizes 3, 4, 5 and 6. What I love is that a SizeUp indicator is included in the diaper’s design that clearly alerts parents as to when it’s time to progress to the next available size. They come in a whimsical Mickey Mouse design.
Pampers Cruisers
Pampers Cruisers are for toddlers who are always on the go! They come in either a stay-put or 360 stretch waist so you can pick between a pull-up design and a tabbed one. They’re available in sizes 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 and come in an assortment of non-themed designs. Naturally, they are paraben and latex-free.
Huggies OverNites
Huggies OverNites tabbed diapers feature LeakLock technology, have a SnugFit waistband, a wetness indicator and guarantee 12-hours of protection. They’re available in sizes 3, 4, 5 and 6 so they can fit little ones who weigh between 16lbs to 35lbs. They feature a sleeping Mickey Mouse design.
Huggies Pull-Ups
Huggies Pull-Ups are the most popular transition product to get toddlers out of diapers and into undies. They are available in sizes that can fit kids who weigh 18lbs up to 38lbs+. Huggies Pull-Ups are available in Mickey Mouse designs for boys and Minnie Mouse designs for girls as well as Disney princesses and Toy Story characters.
Pampers Easy Up
Pampers Easy Ups are the bridge between diapers and underwear. Pampers Easy Ups are a treat for toddlers as they come in all sorts of fun designs from Trolls to Thomas the Tank Engine patterns. They don’t feature a wetness indicator. They’re available in sizes to fit children who weigh between 16lbs and 37lbs+.
Huggies GoodNites
Huggies’ solution to bedwetting is GoodNites, also known as DryNites in some parts of the world. GoodNites aren’t diapers but rather a form of disposable underwear. They have odor absorption technology as well as anti-leak technology. They are available in sizes XS through to XL and come in an assortment of designs ranging from Marvel superheroes to Disney princesses.
Pampers Underjams
Underjams is Pampers’ bedwetting product. It has a cloth-like construction that sits discreetly under pajamas and features a breathable design for ultimate comfort. They come in sizes S to XL – the latter of which can cater to kids who weigh as much as 85lbs. Underjams are available in designs for boys as well as for girls.
Huggies Little Swimmers
Just because your little one isn’t fully potty trained doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy time splashing around in the water. Huggies Little Swimmers are ultra-absorbent disposable swim diapers that have adjustable reclosable side tabs. They are available in sizes 3, 4, 5 and 6. These pool-friendly diapers come in adorable Winnie the Pooh or Finding Dory designs that your little one will love.
Pampers Splashers
Pampers Splashers are the perfect companion for sunny days at the beach or by the pool. They are available in three sizes to cater to kids weighing 13lbs to 24lbs (S), 20lbs to 33lbs (M) and 31lbs to 40lbs (L). They have a 360 waistband and feature a pull-up design as opposed to a tabbed one. They’re available in two fun ocean-inspired designs.
FAQ
Why are Pampers products so expensive?
This question gets asked often. Like I mentioned earlier, Pampers and Huggies are both considered to be premium brands and there is only a couple cents’ difference between the two. Overall, you get what you pay for when it comes to Pampers products – products of the highest quality from a massively reputable brand.
Conclusion
While I, along with many other parents, consider Pampers to be the slightly superior brand I will be the first to admit that what works for one baby or toddler and its parents won’t necessarily work for the next. In light of this, I can confidently and comfortably recommend that you purchase diapers from both brands and decide for yourself which diaper is the dream for your baby or toddler.
Last update on 2024-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API