Best Diaper Pail Alternatives
Trying to find the best diaper pail alternatives?
Then you’re in luck as we have listed every alternative to diaper pails that you could think of!
Diaper pails are basically specialized trash cans used to dispose of dirty diapers. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They are usually made from either plastic or metal.
They are great for keeping your nursery odor-free, but they are an added expense and many require special diaper pail bags in order for them to work.
So, what baby diaper pail alternatives are there if you choose not to use a diaper pail or you run out of diaper pail bags?
We’ll answer these questions and more in this alternatives to a diaper pail guide! So read on to find the answers!
And if you love this guide on other diaper pail options, then make sure to check out these guides on Diaper Genie vs Munchkin, Ubbi vs Munchkin diaper pail, baby wipe alternatives, baby powder alternatives, and best organic baby diapers. Or even these diaper pail deodorizer ideas!
This post contains affiliate links. See our full disclosure here
Diaper Pail Alternatives
Let’s dive in an look at what diaper pail alternatives there are:
1. Disposable Diaper Bags
One great alternative to a diaper pail is disposable diaper bags.
They’re extremely easy to use with easy to close ties, plus most brands available to buy are scented with baby powder to keep nasty smells at bay.
Disposable diaper bags are designed to keep wetness and their contents contained, so they can be stored in a diaper bag for disposal later.
They can be used indoors or outdoors owing to their portability, and very handy when you and your baby are on the move.
If you need to change your baby’s diaper frequently, then these bags will save you time and money.
As the name suggests, disposable diaper bags are disposable, which is exactly what you want when it comes to disposing of diapers.
You can get biodegradable and non-biodegradable diaper bags. Obviously, biodegradable diaper bags are more eco-friendly because they can break down, however they still not a very environmentally friendly option.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Scented
- Portable
Cons
- Not environmentally friendly
2. Regular Trash Can
Trash cans are often overlooked as an alternative to diaper pails, however they cost a fraction of the price of a diaper pail, yet do exactly the same job.
As you’ll have your hands full changing diapers we recommend getting a hands free trash can or one with a pedal to lift the lid.
If you’re disposing of poop diapers, you may also want to consider wrapping them in an extra bag before throwing them away to keep bad odors at bay.
If you want to make sure that your trash can doesn’t smell too much ensure it comes with a well sealed lid.
Often, you will find that baby things cost a lot more than their alternatives. So, if you want to keep the costs of your shop for baby things down, we would recommend considering a trash can as an alternative.
You can always use it again for a different purpose in the future.
You might like our guide on trash can vs diaper pail.
Pros
- Cheaper than a diaper pail
Cons
- Not effective at keeping odors contained
3. Dog Poop Bags
Yep, you did read this one correctly. While this may seem a bit strange at first, doggy poop bags are worth considering as an alternative to a diaper pail.
They’re designed to pick up our four-legged friend’s no 2s, so they mask foul odors.
You can even get some which are scented, which makes them great for indoor use.
They’re also massively cheaper than diaper pails and even some other alternatives on this list.
You will often see people using diaper bags as an alternative to dog poop bags, so why not use it the other way round?
So, if you’re struggling to get your hands on both a diaper pail, and diaper bags, then dog poop bags could be a good alternative. Don’t knock it till you try it!
Pros
- Mask foul odors
- Very cheap
Cons
- May not fit more than one diaper at a time
4. Wet Bags
Wet bags are more economically friendly than doggy poop bags, as they’re usually reusable.
They’re also waterproof and leakproof, meaning that they store soiled diapers well, which is great if you’re traveling.
Wet bags come in various shapes and sizes, with some holding more than others.
It might be an idea to buy a smaller size for use around the house and a larger size for when you’re traveling with your little one.
The thought of using a disposable bag for your diapers might be a bit strange, especially because it is often difficult to get bags completely clean.
But, a wet bag is actually a great alternative. And they are easy to store away too!
Pros
- Economically friendly
- Waterproof and leakproof
- Portable
Cons
- Have to rehandle diapers to dispose of or clean in the case of cloth diapers
The minimal design of this zippered wet bag from GroVia seems simple, but it has everything you need for effective cloth diaper storage. Durable and convenient, we think this wet bag is a fantastic choice.
The large zipper makes it easy to get your cloth diapers in and out. Whilst the loop handle makes it easy to hold on your wrist or loop around your stroller whilst out and about.
Best of all it is machine washable so you simply throw the bag in the washing machine when it comes to needing a clean.
5. Plastic Grocery Bags
If you have a stash of plastic grocery bags in a drawer or cupboard you may want to consider using them instead of a diaper pail.
This is probably the cheapest alternative on the list, but still worth mentioning.
They can quite easily be used to throw diapers away, or even used as a pail liner or bin liner for disposing of soiled diapers.
More and more people are turning against the use of single use plastics, so if you use a plastic grocery bag as a diaper pail alternative, you are helping the environment.
If this is your best option, we’d advise keeping a natural air freshener on hand, as plastic grocery bags don’t hold smells within them.
So, your room will quickly get very smelly!
Pros
- Cheap and easy to come by
Cons
- Not environmentally friendly
- Do not contain bad odors
6. Bin Liners
A bin liner is another cheap alternative to a diaper pail. These are made from thick plastic, making them ideal for storing dirty diapers.
Bin liners are relatively inexpensive and can be bought in different colors and patterns.
You can also purchase special bin liners specifically designed for diaper storage.
Some of these are scented, while others contain absorbent pads to soak up any liquid that leaks through the diaper.
The great thing about bin liners is that you can also buy them in different strengths, so if you want your bin liner to hold more diapers, then go for a higher strength.
Pros
- Made from thick plastic
- Store more than one diaper at a time
Cons
- Not environmentally friendly
FAQs on Alternative to Diaper Pail
No, a diaper pail is not necessary. They can be great for helping to keep your nursery odor free, but they are also an added expense and many require special diaper pail bags in order for them to work. Instead you can choose to use a diaper pail alternative such as a wet bag or disposable diaper bag.
Final Thoughts on Baby Diaper Pail Alternatives
We hope that this article helps you when selecting a diaper pail alternative.
It may seem like a simple choice, but it’s important to remember that not all products are created equal. Make sure that you do your research before buying one.
The last thing you want is to buy a diaper pail alternative that isn’t suitable for your needs. This could lead to messy diapers and even worse, stinky messes!
And if you’re looking for more great diapering guides, then check out these guides on best natural diaper rash creams, best wet bag for cloth diapers, diaper caddy essentials, and Desitin vs Boudreaux diaper rash cream.
