Diapers vs Pullups
Have you been wondering what the difference between diapers and pull ups is? And which ones you should be using?
Well, you’re not alone!
Diapers vs pullups is always a hot topic especially as your baby grows.
Like most baby-related things, there are no hard and fast rules to using pull up diapers vs regular diapers because no two babies are the same.
But knowing how are pull ups different from diapers may make your decision a little easier!
So, to help you decide which choice might work best for you and your little one we have put together this guide to explain what’s the difference between a diaper and a pull up!
And while you’re here, make sure to check out our guides on when to switch to pull ups, Pampers Baby Dry vs Swaddlers, and what to consider when buying diapers!
This post contains affiliate links. See our full disclosure here
With their 360-degree all-around stretchy waistband and Dual Leak Guard barriers, Pampers Easy Ups are a great cost effective pull up!
Although they don't have a wetness indicator, they do come in cute gender specific designs to ensure your child's pull up has additional absorbency where it is needed most!
They are not very bulky which makes them feel a lot more like underwear helping to give your little one the idea that they are transitioning away from diapers into using the potty independently.
What’s The Main Difference Between Diapers and Pullups?
Essentially both diapers and pull-ups do the same job; they absorb urine and contain poop. Yet, diapers have adhesive tabs that require you to manually secure the diaper around your baby, whereas pull ups have an elastic waistband that enables the pull ups to be pulled up and down like underwear.
But there is more to it.
So, let’s dive in a little deeper.
Pros and Cons of Using Pull Ups vs Diapers
When it comes pull ups vs diapers and deciding which one to use there are some pros and cons to each that you may want to consider. We list them below:
Cost of Pull Ups vs Diapers
One thing we all know as parents is that diapers are not cheap!
So, when you’re trying to figure out whether you want to buy diapers or pullups, cost is certainly something most parents will want to consider when making that choice.
This leads to the question, are pull-ups more expensive than diapers or are pull ups cheaper than diapers?
Typically, pull-up diapers are more slightly more expensive than diapers when you compare price per unit. However, you’ll probably find the difference isn’t too significant. Especially when you take into consideration that a pull up can be pulled up and down to allow for toilet use several times whereas a diaper is typically designed as a one-time use.
You’ll also find that you’ll get bigger price differences between branded and non-branded diapers and pull-ups.
We compare the difference between Pampers Easy Ups vs Huggies Pull Ups and was quiet surprised at the difference in price between both brands!
The best way to determine if your preferred brand is more expensive for pull ups or diapers is to calculate the individual unit price.
To calculate the price difference between pull ups and diapers of your favorite brand you simply divide the cost of the diapers by the number of diapers in each packet. And then do the same for pullups. This will then give you a price per unit that you can then compare.
Pull Up Size vs Diaper Size
Diapers can be used from newborns to toddlers. In fact, diapers generally start at newborn size and go as large as size 7. Where are pullups are designed for larger babies and toddlers. Generally starting from size 4 (though some brands start at size 3) and ranging in sizes up to school aged children.
So, if you have a young baby or petite toddler, you may find that due to their sizing diapers are your better option.
Absorbency
When considering the differences between pull ups and diapers one may question which is one is more absorbent.
And the answer may change on who you ask!
We explain more in our guide ‘are pull ups as absorbent as diapers‘.
Comfort and Mobility
Another consideration when trying to figure out the difference between diapers vs pull ups is which option will be more comfortable for your child, especially once they are mobile.
Traditional diapers are a more fixed and rigid design. So, once you have secured the tabs that’s how they stay. This might not always be the most comfortable option for your child as the diaper isn’t flexible with your child’s movement. This doesn’t matter so much before they can crawl or walk as they aren’t moving as much. But it might become more of an issue when they’re on the move.
On the other hand, pull-ups are made to conform to your child’s waist and therefore move with them. They are arguably more comfortable for your child and allow them greater flexibility and movement when they’re crawling or walking compared to using a diaper.
You may also like this guide on the best pull ups for sensitive skin!
Ease Of Use
Are pull ups or diapers easier to use? You guessed it; it depends.
When your little one is a newborn baby or very young, you’ll most likely find that you will only use diapers at this stage. The reason being they are easier to use as you can simply lift your baby’s bottom, slide a diaper under, and then wrap around the sides and secure them to the front.
However, when your little one gets a bit older and closer to becoming a toddler, it depends on you and your little one as to which one is easier to use.
If your baby is a wriggler or always on the move, pull ups are a great option as once you get their feet in the holes you can just slide them up. No need for them to patiently lay on their back while you perfectly position your diaper.
Likewise, active toddlers will generally be happy to help you put a pullup on like regular underwear which can make the diaper change that much easier.
On the other hand, if your toddler will happily lie there for you to put on a regular diaper, there isn’t really a difference between using diapers vs pullups when it comes to which type of diaper is easier to use.
Another factor you might want to consider when determining whether diapers or pullups are easier to use is whether your little one wants to try and take theirs off.
Some children don’t always want to wear their diapers and will try and take them off. Your toddler will be much more successful in taking their pull up off compared to a traditional diaper. The elastic band waste on a pull up makes it super easy for them to get off compared to the fixed tabs on a traditional diaper.
So, if you think (or know) your toddler will likely want to take their pullup off, a diaper may be a much easier (and less messy) choice!
Pullups vs Diapers While Potty Training
You might be wondering what the difference is between using diapers or pull ups to help your little one learn to use the potty. If your think your child is starting to get ready to use the potty then transitioning to pull-ups may help them to do it.
Using pull ups is more like underwear and your toddler can start to develop some independence when it comes to using the toilet. They can help you pull them on and off and using them gives them some of the beginning skills of using the toilet with independence.
Diapers, however, still require you to fully put them on and off for your child. With diapers, they may struggle to develop some of that independence needed for when they transition to real underwear when it’s time for them to start potty training.
Pull ups are a great in-between stage for potty training, compared to just using diapers right up to the point of being potty trained. Using pull-ups gives them an extra step in the middle where they can learn to take their own ‘underwear’ on and off and learn to make the connection between doing this and when they might need to go to the toilet without risking huge accidents.
Common FAQ’S Diapers vs Pullups
Yes, pull ups are as good as diapers. Yet, both have their pros and cons. You will most likely use only diapers in those early days of babyhood, but then as your child gets older and starts moving around, you may want to consider transitioning to pull-ups for ease of use, comfort, and potty training.
There is no set age to when you should start using pull ups. Some parents may choose not to use them at all whilst others may start using them as young as 7-8 months when their baby starts to crawl and meets the pull up sizing requirements.
There are 3 main reasons you may choose to use pull ups instead of diapers. When your baby starts to move to help with comfort and mobility, ease of use if you have a child that wriggles during their diaper change, or when you plan to start potty training.
Final Thoughts on Diapers vs Pullups
Pull up diapers and traditional diapers, both essentially do the same job. But how they go about it and how they fit in with you and your child varies.
You will most likely use only diapers in those early days of babyhood, but then as your child gets older and starts moving around, you may want to consider transitioning to pull-ups for ease of use, comfort, and potty training. However, you may find that pull ups just don’t suit you and you’re quite happy to stick diapers until they’re no longer needed at all.
Either way, there is no wrong or right answer when it comes to whether you should use pullups or diapers. It really comes down to what works best for you and your baby.
And if you’re looking for more great diapering guides, then check out these guides on best diapers to prevent blowouts, best overnight diapers, and diaper bag essentials for toddlers.
With their 360-degree all-around stretchy waistband and Dual Leak Guard barriers, Pampers Easy Ups are a great cost effective pull up!
Although they don't have a wetness indicator, they do come in cute gender specific designs to ensure your child's pull up has additional absorbency where it is needed most!
They are not very bulky which makes them feel a lot more like underwear helping to give your little one the idea that they are transitioning away from diapers into using the potty independently.
