Does your baby frequently wake you in the night because their diaper is soaked through?
Are you tired of losing sleep because the diapers you use just don’t cut it during the night time?
We’ve reviewed the best overnight diapers to help make sure both you and your little one get a good and dry night’s sleep.
- Control leaks really well
- Prevents diaper rash
- Tabs stay in place
- Offer long-lasting leak protection
- Fairly cheap for an overnight diaper
- Tabs are elastic
- Flexible
- A lifesaver for heavy wetters
- Adds extra absorbency
- Super plush and soft
- Inner quilt lining
- Comes with wetness indicator
- No chemical odor
- Very soft on baby’s skin
- Absorbent, even for overnight
- Affordable overnight diaper option
- Comes with a leak barrier
- Tabs can be refastened
- Cute, colorful designs
- Adjustable hook and loop
- Easy to wash
- Good, eco-friendly company
- Hypoallergenic
- Premium comfort and style
- Wide, stretchy sides
- Double gusset around leg
- Thicker padding in front for boys
- Truly green choice for diapering
- Fragrance free
- Best for sensitive skin
Product Reviews
Here are 10 great overnight diapers to consider.
Huggies OverNites Diapers
Best Overnight Diapers for Heavy Wetters
Huggies OverNites Diapers can keep your baby dry for up to 12 hours, but for heavy wetters, I wouldn’t count on them lasting that long. I really appreciated this brand when I was a new mom. In the mornings I couldn’t believe how much liquid was in these diapers, and I couldn’t figure out how they didn’t leak.
Their SnugFit waistband helps ensure these diapers fit securely, but not too tightly. They also have a Leak Lock design that keeps the wetness away from your baby, which means a lower risk of getting diaper rash from wearing a single diaper all through the night. The tabs on these diapers stay put, even after a long night of sleep and a heavy diaper to support.
Plus, these diapers are more than just functional — they’re cute, and have little pictures of Winnie the Pooh on them.
Pros
- These control leaks really well.
- Even if your baby sleeps in a wet diaper all night, you shouldn’t have any problems with diaper rash.
- The tabs stay in place.
Cons
- You might need a diaper when you temporarily lose control of your bodily functions after seeing the price.
- They can have a bit of a chemical-like odor to them, which might be bothersome for people with sensitive noses.
Our Ratings
Pampers Baby Dry Diapers
Best for Day & Night
Baby Dry diapers have a wetness indicator on the outside of the diapers, but only on the N, 1 and 2 sizes. The indicator changes color when your baby’s diaper is wet, which puts an end to that awkward game where you squish your baby’s diaper to see if it’s soaked.
These Baby Dry diapers have three layers, while many diapers only have two. They offer up to 12-hour wetness protection and use a big UltraAbsorb layer to add to their leak protection.
One of the reasons these diapers hold so much wetness while still feeling thin when they’re dry is because of the absorbent gelling material inside them. The gel, when it is dry, looks almost like hard little pebbles. When the material gets wet, it softens and increases in size.
These feel soft, both on the interior and exterior of the diaper. With flexible leg and waist openings, you’ll be able to find a comfortable fit for your baby.
Pros
- These offer long-lasting leak protection.
- Fairly cheap for an overnight diaper.
- The tabs are elastic, not rigid like some other brands.
Cons
- If the diaper becomes overfull, the absorbent gel material can break through the diaper, leading to a mess.
- The sizing seems to run a bit small, so you might need to size up.
Our Ratings
Sposie Overnight Diaper Booster Pads
Best Overnight Diapers for Tummy Sleepers
Though these little booster pads look suspiciously like something else, you’ll get over it when you realize how much extra liquid they suck up — which means more valuable snooze time for you and your little one. You simply place one into any diaper and the absorbency is doubled.
Sposies are free from latex, chlorine and fragrance, so they’re less likely to aggravate delicate skin. The quilted top is soft, so although you’re adding extra bulk to the diaper, it won’t feel uncomfortable as your baby sleeps. You don’t have to worry about fit as they come in one universal size, and you can adjust the position to help out your front-sleeper.
Pros
- Flexible, so they move with your baby.
- A lifesaver for heavy wetters.
- It can be used to add extra absorbency to other less suitable diapers.
Cons
- The pads don’t come with a sticky backing, so may shift around.
- Some parents have complained about the absorbent “crystals” leaking out and making a mess.
Our Ratings
Pampers Swaddlers Overnights Disposable Baby Diapers
Most Comfy and Soft
Your baby sleeps best when they’re comfy and snug. Pampers has created a special overnight diaper that is as soft as a blanket to help your baby (and everyone else!) sleep soundly.
There are two different parts to this diaper that make it so comfortable. First is the Heart Quilt liner that keeps all of the mess away from your baby’s delicate skin. These diapers offer 12 hours of protection.
Then, you’ve got the outer cover made of a super plush, blanket-like material that is twice as soft as other leading brands. This is especially important at nighttime because scratchy or stiff materials can wake your baby up if they squirm.
Other features include patented air channels to keep baby dry and a wetness indicator so you know when accidents happen.
You can get Pampers Overnight Swaddlers in a number of sizes.
Pros
- Super plush and soft for all-night comfort.
- Inner quilt lining keeps the mess away from your baby’s skin.
- A wetness indicator lets you know when it’s time for a change.
Cons
- All the added features don’t make this diaper very eco-friendly.
Our Ratings
Bambo Nature Eco Friendly Baby Diapers
Best Overnight Diapers for Sensitive Skin
These diapers offer an environmentally friendly method of diapering your baby while providing great absorbency to avoid overnight accidents. They’re made of pulp from bamboo using sustainable forestry methods, where every tree that’s cut leads to more trees planted.
So if you’re concerned about finding a natural night time diaper for sensitive skin that doesn’t have all the chemicals other diapers have, you should consider Bamboo Nature. Kids with sensitive skin won’t have to worry about these because they’ve been tested by dermatologists to ensure they don’t cause irritation or skin allergies.
They’re breathable, thin, and soft, plus they can be used both day and night with great absorbency that won’t have you changing your baby’s clothes and sheets at 2 a.m. every morning.
Pros
- No chemical odor.
- Very soft on baby’s skin.
- Absorbent, even for overnight.
Cons
- They run small in size — you’ll want to size up.
- Occasionally you’ll run into a diaper with defective tabs.
Our Ratings
Luvs Ultra Leakguards Disposable Baby Diapers
Best Budget Overnight Diapers
These diapers have special leg gatherings with a leak barrier to stop moisture from spilling from the diaper. The leak guard core also sucks up liquid quickly to keep your baby nice and dry.
Best of all, Luvs are one of the more affordable big brand diapers, and they always feel so soft. The stretch tabs can be refastened, so if you don’t get the best fit the first time you put on the diaper, you can just peel the tabs back and try again. Basically, these are cute, nice-looking diapers that are solid performers.
As added protection, Luvs offers a money-back guarantee if you aren’t happy with how the diaper holds up. You just have to send your receipt and UPC to Luvs within 45 days. All moms love a money-back guarantee because it takes the risk out of trying new products.
Pros
- Affordable overnight diaper option.
- These open really well when you are doing a diaper change.
- Tabs can be refastened.
Cons
- Like Pampers, these diapers use gel material, which can sometimes linger on your baby’s skin if the diaper is overly wet.
- No wetness indicators.
Our Ratings
BumGenius All in One Cloth Diaper
Best Overnight Cloth Diapers
BumGenius All-in-One diapers are your best bet when it comes to cloth diapers that will get your baby through the night feeling dry. They also have a leak-proof outer cover.
They use hook and loop closures. Plus the tabs can be adjusted to expand with your growing newborn so one size diaper will fit newborns up to 12 pounds. The elastic gives just enough stretch to this diaper to comfortably hug your baby’s legs and waist without causing those red marks caused by too-tight diapers.
The absorbency power of this diaper comes from the soft attached inserts that suck up liquid. You don’t need to stuff anything extra into this diaper, and when it’s dirty, you simply remove the solid particles and throw it in the washing machine. It’s a cloth diaper that is low maintenance, much like a disposable.
Pros
- These diapers have cute, colorful designs.
- Adjustable hook and loop closure.
- No diaper stuffing is required.
- Easy to wash.
Cons
- Although you’ll be able to use it repeatedly, one single diaper is pretty expensive to buy.
- Can easily be outgrown.
- Diaper can easily be stained.
Our Ratings
The Honest Company Overnight Diapers
Most Adorable Design
The Honest Company has a great track record for creating diaper designs that are seriously adorable. Your baby will be fast asleep most of the time they’re wearing these, but the designs still might bring a smile to your face when you do a diaper change in the morning.
These have a fun little sheep design, but don’t be fooled: they’re still perfectly effective diapers. They fit snugly for a leak-free night, and they’re soft, hypoallergenic, and absorbent without being too bulky on the bum. They’re manufactured from sustainably harvested pulp that isn’t treated with chlorine or other nasty chemicals.
Other designs in the range include T-rex and panda, skulls, space travel, feathers, giraffes and more. Your little sleepy head might not appreciate the style, but you will.
Pros
- A good, eco-friendly company.
- Premium comfort and style.
- Hypoallergenic.
Cons
- May be too thin for heavy wetters.
- Quite stiff and may be uncomfortable for some babies.
Our Ratings
GoodNites Bedtime Underwear for Boys
Best Overnight Diapers for Toddlers
These GoodNite diapers look more like training underwear, and are made with five absorbent layers and a fun Marvel superhero design on the front, so they’ll appeal to little boys. Even once your toddler is potty trained, they may still have difficulty staying dry overnight. A diaper like this is specifically designed for bigger kids who need a little help staying dry after bedtime.
Kids who are working on their independence will get a confidence boost from these diapers and they’ll be happier to wear something if it’s printed with their favorite characters. This brand also makes diapers for girls with Disney characters, although be careful — not all characters come in every size.
Pros
- Wide, stretchy sides.
- Double gusset around the leg to stop leaks.
- Thicker padding in the front for boys.
Cons
- If the diaper breaks you’re stuck with tons of messy “beads.”
- Some children may be sensitive to these diapers and get rashes.
Our Ratings
Seventh Generation Overnight Diapers
Best Eco-Friendly Overnight Diapers
These overnight diapers by Seventh Generation are the real deal. No toxins, chlorine, dyes, or fragrance, plus they’re certified by a host of health and environmental agency FSC. These breathable diapers are made from natural, renewable resources that won’t leave you feeling guilty every time you toss a wet diaper in the trash.
These diapers are great for a natural, hypoallergenic option, and are soft against little bums. If you’ve always been bothered by the layers of plastic and padding that you know will end up in landfills, these lighter, gentler diapers may appeal to you.
Pros
- A truly green choice for diapering your baby.
- Free of fragrances and chlorines.
- Perfect for sensitive skin.
Cons
- The construction is a little flimsier than other brands, so it isn’t ideal for very heavy wetters.
Our Ratings
Does My Baby Need Overnight Diapers?
It’s kind of ironic, but babies love to sleep. It’s pretty much all they want to do for the first couple of months of their life.
Those first few weeks, you get so excited when your baby is finally awake because that means you finally get a little interaction time. But when nighttime rolls around, you’d still like her to keep those beautiful eyes closed as much as possible.
But with so many things in a mom’s life, the more you want it, the less it seems to happen. It’s as if babies can sense our apprehension about having yet another sleepless night. There are multiple reasons why babies tend to wake up so much during the night, but two big ones are being uncomfortably wet and being hungry (1).
Because being wet can cause an otherwise content baby to wake up, you need more than the daytime diapers you normally use.
Extra Absorption Needed
I learned that lesson the hard way. At bedtime, I would rock my baby to sleep while listening to my favorite lullabies. I’d make sure she’d had as much of a bottle as her tiny tummy could handle.
Then I’d carefully place her in her crib and tiptoe out of the room, praying this would finally be the night that she would let me sleep the entire night through. I was starting to look like a crypt keeper by that point and desperately hoping she’d give me a break.
But sure enough, three or four hours later, she’d be screaming at the top of her lungs. I’d check her and her diaper would be squishy feeling and sometimes it was leaking too — no wonder she kept waking up! I’d also be uncomfortable trying to sleep like that.
Finally, I had a lightbulb moment and realized that if I could find a diaper that could hold more, she’d sleep better. So after a search in which I tried multiple overnight diapers, I finally found the one that worked for us.
Did this story end with me getting to sleep a full uninterrupted 10 hours every night? Well, no. But that’s because my baby just wasn’t a great sleeper to begin with.
But it did cut back her wakings to one fewer each night. That was just enough extra sleep to at least make me feel human again.
How to Choose Overnight Diapers
Before you run out and buy an armload of overnight diapers so you can get a good night’s sleep, read through this list of things you might consider before you part with your hard-earned cash. The right overnight diaper can save your sanity, but not every brand is created equal.
Here’s what you need to look for.
Absorbency
To keep your baby dry until morning, you need a diaper to be like a sponge, sucking in all the liquid it can. If a diaper says it has multiple layers, that’s a good indication it will hold up well.
Fit
Look for any red marks on your baby’s skin that would indicate the diaper is too tight. A comfortable baby means you’ll both get more shut-eye. You’ll want diapers with a flexible fit around the waist and legs.
Possible Bad reactions
Some babies get rashes from certain materials used in diapers. If your baby reacts to a particular kind of diaper, you’ll want to avoid it and switch to another kind.
Cost
If you’re on a tight budget, the cost of the diaper you choose is going to weigh in on your decision. And you might experience some sticker shock when you go to purchase a pack of overnight diapers — they’re more expensive than daytime diapers. Try to remember though that they’re worth the extra expense because you won’t have to change your baby as often.
Materials
If you’re worried about chemicals in diapers, you’ll want to stick with an all-natural diaper or a cloth diaper that doesn’t use strange materials that could aggravate your baby.
Tips for Switching Diapers
So you’ve found the brand you’re going to try. Now you may want to use these tips to give your baby an even greater chance of sleeping through the night.
- Don’t buy in bulk: It might be cheaper to buy in bulk, I know, but you’ll be losing money if you stop using them because they don’t work for your baby. When you’re starting with a new diaper, buy the smallest pack available, so you can avoid a major financial commitment before you know if you like them.
- Consider sizing up: Using one diaper size bigger than your baby wears during the day is a risky strategy, but it’s one that can pay off. A bigger diaper will hold more so it might be just the thing your baby needs to avoid leaking until morning. On the other hand, if the diaper is crazy big, it’s going to leak. Use your common sense with this tip.
- Try sticking with your brand: If you have a daytime disposable diaper that works well for your baby, try the nighttime version of that brand. If you like one and it doesn’t cause a rash, you’ll probably have great luck with the overnight kind too.
- You could always double up: When you have a toddler, an overnight diaper may not be enough because toddlers are bigger and can, well, wee more. My kid’s diapers were sometimes so heavy I felt like I was doing bicep curls at the gym just lifting them. If your child is producing 5-pound diapers and they won’t hold all night, you can always use two diapers at once.
How to Use Overnight Diapers
If you have an infant, all you can do is put the overnight diaper on as soon as you think they’re getting sleepy for the night. Then you’ll give them a bottle to make sure their tummy is full before they fall asleep. Then you cross your fingers.
But if you have a toddler, there are a couple of tricks you can use to help set the stage for a full night’s sleep.
- Make sure you’re changing the diaper right before going to bed: Toddlers are fantastic stallers. You can tell them it’s bedtime, and they’ll find a million reasons why they can’t go to sleep quite yet. They’ll want a bedtime story, more snuggles or they’ll suddenly get thirsty or hungry. My toddler would do anything to avoid bedtime, especially days that I worked at the office because he wasn’t able to see me for very long before he was marching off to bed. So if your toddler has a habit of delaying bedtime by 30 minutes, make sure you aren’t changing them until right before they crawl under the covers.
- Make last call for water about an hour or two before bedtime: If you make sure the last big glass of water or milk is an hour or two before bedtime, that’ll cut down on how much liquid they’ll let loose on those poor overnight diapers. Less liquid means less chance of soaking through. If your toddler is thirsty before bed, just offer a few sips rather than a whole glass.
Overnight Diaper FAQs
What Diaper is Best for Overnight?
There are lots of great brands that have different features and benefits, but one of the best choices for overnight diapers are Huggies OverNites. They’re designed to give your baby up to 12 hours of protection, so they stay dry and comfy all night.
How Long Can a Baby Stay in a Diaper Overnight?
It’s possible to keep your baby in a diaper overnight for 10-12 hours, as long as the diaper you’re using is absorbent enough to handle it. But still check to see if it’s performing well enough to do so.
How Do I Stop My Overnight Diaper from Leaking?
- Make sure the diaper is the right size for your baby. If it’s too big or too small you’ll end up with leaking and discomfort.
- Put them to bed in a fresh clean diaper.
- Use diapers with high absorbency like special overnight diapers.
- Make sure the diaper is snug around the legs and waist.
How Many Diapers Do You Need for an Overnight Trip?
It totally depends on the length of your trip and how often you usually change your baby’s diaper. As a general rule, though, it’s a good idea to bring at least one diaper for every three hours you’ll be gone. It’s always better to have too many than not enough.
Is It Better for Diapers to be Too Big or Too Small?
A diaper should be a good fit, but it’s better to be too big rather than too small. Too small can be uncomfortable for them and even cause leaks. But a diaper that’s too big can be adjusted to fit your baby’s body comfortably.
