I write posts on occasion that, when I started blogging over 10 years ago, I never could have envisioned myself writing! This post is one of those. I used cloth diapers for my eldest child. I continued using these for my middle child’s first six months of life. With my third child, I chose to use disposables. I assumed we would quickly move beyond the need for diapers, but due to the significant developmental delays that accompany my third child’s autism, we still need them.
Thankfully, many manufacturers are making baby diapers in larger sizes. For a number of reasons, we’ve been using pull-on diapers. We purchased Pampers Cruisers 360, but these are only available through size 7. My daughter, who is very big for her age, needs size 8. I wasn’t sure what brand to try next, so my father generously purchased small packages of three different brands (LILLYDOO Diaper Pants, SmartyPants Easy-On Diaper Pants, and Pura Diaper Pants) so we could figure out what would work.
I would have benefited from a comparison of these three brands, so I’m sharing one here for parents who may find themselves in a similar situation.
LILLYDOO, SmartyPants, and Pura diaper pants comparison
The first thing that struck me about these diapers is their similarities. They feel very similar in your hands (all are soft and pretty thin). Likewise, the elastic around the waist and legs is similar (strong, providing a fit that is snug without being too tight).
Fit
It is important to note that each brand has a different weight recommendation for its size 8 diapers:
- LILLYDOO: 42+ pounds
- SmartyPants: 46+ pounds
- Pura: 41+ pounds
When you glance at the diapers, it is difficult to see a difference. However, when you stretch them out while holding them up against each other, you can see a slight difference (the SmartyPants diapers are a hairsbreadth larger).
Absorbency
I have not had significant issues with leaks with any of these diapers. However, they do not seem as absorbent as the Pampers Cruisers 360. Though they should be more absorbent because they are larger, it seems to me that these size 8 diapers have absorbency like a size 7 in the Pampers.
As I said, this doesn’t mean I’ve had a ton of leaks, but it does mean I have to be careful to change wet diapers promptly, especially if my daughter has had a lot to drink. If you have a heavy wetter, especially if the diaper will be worn for a while (like overnight), you may want to consider something more absorbent or utilize a doubler.
Removal and disposal
Because these diapers do not have tabs that secure the diaper in the front, you remove them by tearing the sides. All three tear easily enough, though I am pleased to say that I haven’t had issues with any tearing accidentally when I pull on the diapers. This has happened previously with the Pampers Cruisers 360.
Once removed, you roll up the diapers for disposal. Two of these diapers (SmartyPants and LILLYDOO) have an adhesive strip on the back that you use to secure the rolled-up diaper. The Pura diapers do not contain a strip. This is important to note because it makes the Pura diapers a little more difficult to deal with when soiled.
Appearance
The SmartyPants diapers are solid white, so there’s not much to comment on regarding their appearance. The LILLYDOO diapers have a whimsical dandelion seed pattern that is grey and yellow in color (one pattern on all the diapers). The Pura diapers have pink images of leaves, a heart-shaped earth, and a baby printed on them (one pattern on all the diapers).
Wetness indicator
None of these diapers have wetness indicator strips like traditional diapers.
Final thoughts
As I noted above, these diapers are quite similar. If cost is your top consideration, then you could simply choose whichever brand costs the least. If having an adhesive strip to secure a soiled diaper is a top consideration, then you’d want to choose the SmartyPants or LILLYDOO. If choosing a brand you can stick with for a while is a top consideration, then you’d want to go with Pura (the only one of these brands that carries size 9 diapers).
What diapers do you prefer for larger children who still need them? What questions do you have about the diapers reviewed here?
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