Best Diaper Pail in 2023

If we are ranking baby essentials, there’s no doubt that diapers are on the number one spot. However, most parents tend to overlook another must-have that should come with diapers. Whether you are using disposable diapers or cloth diapers, you will need a container for keeping the soiled ones. And this is where diaper pails prove their worth.

You might be thinking that you could just put dirty diapers on any container. Perhaps, maybe just wrap them “securely” before putting them in the trash bin. However, there is one significant factor that you must consider, and that is the odor. Babies can use up to 6 or more diapers per day. And each time your baby needs changing, you might be surprised by what your little one has in store for you.

Manufacturers have designed diaper pails specifically for every “challenges.” These include odor control and ease of disposal. What we mean by the latter is that there are units that come with a foot pedal. This feature will give you freedom with your hand that’s not holding the dirty diaper.

We reviewed 10 units, and each of them can easily become the best diaper pail for you and your baby. And to help you further decide which one should you choose, we wrote a comprehensive buyer’s guide as well.

Best Diaper Pail Comparison Table

Best Diaper Pail Reviews

Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail – Best Diaper Pail for Cloth Diapers

If you opt to use cloth diapers, then what you’ll need is the best cloth diaper pail out there. Our first model, which is from Ubbi, is a steel diaper pail that we think is excellent for cloth diapers. But the good news is, you can also use it for disposable diapers.

18 Colors and Patterns

A pail’s overall aesthetic might not be your first priority over odor control. However, it is worth noting that Ubbi comes in 18 different designs. Ranging from chrome, gray, ivory, to even different shades of pink and blue, you won’t have a hard time matching this model to your baby’s room. You can also find patterns from triangles to chevron or make your own from the decals that Ubbi offers.

Measuring at 15 x 10.75 x 22.48 inches, Ubbi bragged that this model could hold 55 newborn diapers. This capacity is beneficial for saving time from constant unloading of dirty diapers in the laundry or trash (if disposable.) However, a unit’s capacity is not going to be useful if the pail has poor odor control.

Steel Built

As we have mentioned earlier, this model is made of steel. The advantage of steel over plastic is that the smell will not seep through as easier because it’s not as porous. The scent will not linger in the pail so you can save time from deodorizing it religiously.

Sliding Lid

Another design feature that helps in locking the odor inside is the rubber seal surrounding the rim and lid of the pail. This makes the unit air-tight unless you open the lid. But don’t worry, you will not open the lid fully when putting the diaper in. You’ll just slide the lid in or out to access a smaller opening on the top.

The sliding lid helps so that you won’t get “attacked” in the face by the odors; however, it can also be a drawback. After changing your baby’s diapers, you will need to hold him/her because it wouldn’t be safe just to leave him/her unattended. And some moments, chances are you are multitasking with certain chores.

Minimal Odor Release But…

The Ubbi steel diaper pail lacks a foot pedal for a “hands-free” operation. You’ll have to hold the dirty diaper in one hand and use your other hand in turning the lock and sliding the hatch of the lid. It is also worth noting that the opening for putting the diaper in only has a diameter of 4 inches. But then again, these features on the lid helps in minimizing odor release. So if you’re considering this model, you have to compromise. Is the lack of foot pedal a significant drawback or is minimized odor release a priority?

Child-Proof Lock

We may have spoiled this feature in the previous paragraph. But yes, the knob that you’ll have to turn is mandatory because it locks the sliding lid. If you have a toddler in the house or if you’re baby grows up, you’re going to appreciate this feature more. Kids are curious and sliding any hatch is stimulating for them, even if it’s a diaper pail lid.

No Special Bags Required

Although Ubbi sells plastic bags for their pails too if you want to stick with biodegradables. And if you’re using cloth diapers for your little one, why not step the eco-friendliness more and use recyclables/compost-friendly bags? You can also use any cloth liner then wash it along with the dirty cloth diapers.

Munchkin Step Diaper Pail – Best Diaper Pail for Smell

For our next model, we have the Munchkin Step Diaper Pail. Looking at it, it seems like your ordinary step trash can. However, do not conclude that it’s minimalistic looks meant that it works the same way as a trash can. This simplistic-looking container is actually our best diaper pail for odor. And as a feel-good bonus, the manufacturer also claims that they’ll plant a tree for every diaper pail bought.

Self-Sealing System

With our previous model from Ubbi, the pail minimizes odor release because it has a sliding lid. However, you’ll still get some smell because it doesn’t have a second barrier. With Munchkin, on the other hand, it uses a second odor barrier because of its self-sealing system.

A comment that we have in this mechanism involves the size of the opening for the diaper to fall in. Again, this diameter is excellent for preventing the internal odors from escaping. But at the same time, this means that you’ll have to push the diaper further inside the pail. The reason for this is because the poor placement of the diaper inside the liner will prevent the twisting mechanism to happen.

Hands-Free Opening and Child-Proof Lock

Another feature that we like with the Munchkin Step is from the name itself, “step.” It wouldn’t be convenient to hold the diaper in one hand and open the pail lid with the other. This doesn’t mean that it wouldn’t be doable. But think about it, you’re tired one night, and you absentmindedly dropped the dirty diaper on the floor as you fuss with lid.

Dual-Refill Compatible, However…

You can use the Munchkin Step with rings and snap or seal and toss bags. However, unlike the previous diaper pail, you’ll need to use the manufacturer-exclusive liner with this pail. This demand of the model might be a hassle for you, especially if the liners are not readily available except online. Units that can use ordinary kitchen trash bags or washable liners might be more attractive, especially for those on a budget.

On the bright side, removing the bag inside the diaper pail is easy. You just cut the liner with an inner blade and then tie it conveniently and hygienically. When it comes to refilling the model with a new bag, it’s also as easy. The main door is well-spaced for putting and tying the liner inside.

Scented Baking Soda Puck

Lastly, Munchkin Step sells scented baking soda cartridge. You can add this puck on your pail to absorb any remaining odors while masking them with a lavender scent. Depending on your personal preference, the lavender smell can be either welcoming or overwhelming.

Dekor Plus Hands-Free Diaper Pail – Best Child-Proof Diaper Pail

Another step pedal pail in this review is the Dekor Plus. The manufacturer mainly markets this unit as hands-free, which is true considering it uses a foot pedal. Stepping on it will lift the lid but instead of immediately seeing the large opening, the pail has a trap door. This acts as a barrier for the interior smell.

Spring-Loaded Trap Door

As we have previously mentioned, you don’t have to lift anything when putting dirty diapers in. You can just drop them, and they will push through the trap door themselves. However, if the diaper that you’re putting in is quite lightweight, then you might need to lend a hand, literally. You have to push the diaper in, which can be gross if it leaks and spills happen.

Quiet Pedal-Release Lid

Once you released the pedal, the lid will close onto itself. It’s also quite impressing that it doesn’t slam shut violently. The last thing you want is to make your baby fussier due to a sudden loud noise.

What about odor control? Similar to our previous units, take it with a grain of salt. The pail itself has rubber gaskets both on the lid and trap door to seal the odors. However, during usage, the trap door works the same way as the sliding lid of Ubbi. Some smell will still come out, in contrast to Munchkin’s additional twisting mechanism. Dekor’s pedal-release lid’s slight pressure when hitting the pail also adds to the wafting of odors.

Child-Proof From Top to Bottom

Dekor Exclusive Liners and Refills

A potential disadvantage that you should be familiar by now is manufacturer-exclusive liners. However, Dekor mentions how their liners differ from the rest. First, is the additional odor control. Their refills are powder-scented for masking the smells. Depending on your nose’s sensitivity, the powder scent might be an advantage or something that you might despise.

The second feature of their liners is that they are continuous, making it possible to maximize the whole bag. And lastly, they are also biodegradable refills, which is always a plus from an environmental standpoint. Speaking of which, if you’re using cloth diapers, Dekor also offers washable cloth pail liners.

Playtex Diaper Genie Complete Diaper Pail – Best in Effortless Disposal and Refilling

Tall and Slim

Our next two models are both from Diaper Genie, but first, let us focus on the Playtex Complete Pail. This tall, fridge-looking pail will easily fit in any corner, and it also comes in 5 colors to choose from.

Hands-Free Disposal

Like our previous pails, Playtex uses a foot pedal. It also has a second layer of odor protection from the trap door. However, instead of letting the diaper drop on the door to open it, the step pedal will do it for you. Similarly, releasing the foot pedal will close the trap door along with the lid. This lack of manual intervention is a nice thing because some diapers are not going to be heavy enough to open the trap door.

And because this pail is on the taller side, you won’t have to bend when tossing the diaper inside. How many diapers can it hold? Diaper Genie mentioned that its capacity is up to 270 newborn diapers. Although, the catch to this is that you have to use their refills.

Button-Operated Tilting Bin

On the bright side, when changing the bag, you only have to pull it through the built-in cutter inside. Because you’re doing this all in the front tilt bin, you don’t have to position the pail away from the wall. Think of this action as remove-and-go, press the button to tilt the bin forward and pull the liner outward. However, this mechanism also takes up interior space so you can’t fully maximize the space inside for throwing in diapers.

Odor Control Features But…

For odor control, Playtex has some features worth mentioning. First, physically, it uses double air-tight clamps to seal the odors tightly. And other than being anti-microbial itself, Playtex also allows the usage of a carbon filter. The filter holder is at the lid side facing the interior to ward off potential odor leakage. Sadly, some parents are disappointed with how this pail controls odor in the long run.

Playtex Diaper Genie Expressions – Best Diaper Pail for Nursery

Customizable Sleeves

Following the previous pail is also another Diaper Genie model. The difference though is that it’s a toned-down version distinguishable as Expressions. We could assume that it is so-called because you can customize its design from choosing different fabric sleeves. This is also the same reason why Expressions is our best choice for nurseries.

Expressions is not as slim-looking as the previous Diaper Genie. And it also differs not just physically but also in certain features. If you can recall, the trap door of the previous pail will open along with the lid when you step on the pedal. However, Expressions lacks a step pedal to do this for you.

Push n Lock Clamp

To open the pail, you have to push the lid button, and the spring-loaded door will pop open. You need to press down the diaper on the bag-covered swinging door for it to fall inside. After this, the door will swing back to closure. What this step does is seal the bag so that you can avoid the odors. Basically, you’ll get two odor barriers; one is the swinging door and the second is it being covered by the liner.

Straightforward Changing

When it comes to accessing the liner/bag for a refill, Expressions uses its top opening in contrast to the previous Playtex with tilting front bin. Because it has no tilting mechanism that requires space, you can maximize its interior to store more diapers.

And as for the changing itself, there are no other compulsory steps. Raise the top opening, cut off the bag, and then tie a new seal for the next batch of dirty diapers. If you’re confused, Expressions uses an infinity bag, which works the same way on how you would tie off sausage casings.

Speaking of liners, you can assume that Expressions also uses proprietary bags. Again, it will depend on your situation if you think this is a significant disadvantage.

The Diaper One N Done – Editor’s Choice

Hanging or Standing

We are halfway through our review, and what we have here is the Diaper One N Done. And this model also happens to be our top pick. The One N Done comes in 13 different colors to choose from, and it has a “unique” look compared to our other pails. The pail itself stands on a support that you can leave standing on a flat surface.

However, the frame also has hooks making it easy to attach on a changing table. Think of it as a hanging diaper pail, except it doesn’t look like a hammock. It’s a literal pail that you hang! The advantage of this design is that you’re closer to the pail when you change your baby. And because it is elevated, curious toddlers won’t have access to it as easily.

A Unique Disposal System

Using the Diaper One N Done is somehow related to its name. What we mean by this is it uses a roll of bags, and each bag is for a dirty diaper. You drop the diaper in the pail and then tie off the used liner. After this, you pull out a new bag coming through the hole in the bottom of the pail.

No Odors

Some parents would rather empty the diaper pail sooner because it’s more hygienic in contrast to keeping a full pail. And because the Diaper One N Done seals each diaper individually, smells are also not going to be a problem. Compared to pails that keep multiple diapers in one liner, you won’t get smacked with the odors everytime you open the model.

A potential drawback with this kind of disposal system is it wouldn’t be as eco-friendly. However, you can use less plastic bags in certain occasions. For example, you can fit more diapers in one bag, especially when the diaper only holds pee.

Overall, we like how simple yet effective the One N Done works. It’s almost reminiscent of how you would use pet waste bags during a walk.

Dekor Classic Hands-Free Diaper Pail – Best Back-Up Diaper Pail

Smaller, More Affordable Dekor Classic

Earlier, we reviewed Dekor Plus, but now, we will also have a look with the smaller Dekor Classic. Of course, because it’s smaller, you can assume that it can hold lesser, if not, only half of what Plus can keep. However, the Dekor Classic still has some similar features at a more affordable price. We recommend this pail if you need an extra, or if you want to have pails for multiple rooms.

Spring-Loaded Trap Door

Looking at both Dekor pails, they look very similar other than their sizes. The Classic also uses a pedal for opening the lid, as well as a trap door where you’ll drop the diaper in. As you can assume, this trap door system is not perfect. First, with more lightweight diapers, you’ll need to manually push through this door in order to get them in. And while doing so, you can get a whiff of the internal odor.

Child-Proofed

As for child-proofing, Dekor Classic has buttons both at the front door and main top lid. Again, this can be both an advantage or a disadvantage. The former being that it can keep curious hands from accessing the stinky inside of the pail or messing with the bag. While the latter, on the other hand, means that you’ll have an additional step before opening the lid and accessing the liner.

Infinity Bag

When changing the liner, all you have to do is pull it out from the front door of the pail. Afterward, you can use the built-in cutter at this door. Dekor Classic also uses an infinity bag so after each removal of a full bag, you will tie a knot for the bottom of the new bag,

Tommee Tippee Simplee Diaper Pail – Best Classic Diaper Pail

Simple and Compact

Next on our review is one of the most traditional-looking pails. This compact pail from Tommee Tippee lives up to its name as “Simplee” when it comes to looks and usability. You can choose from three lid colors if you want a more personalized touch for your changing room.

Double Lid

Straight away, you’ll notice that it has no buttons nor a step pedal. This means you’d have to lift the lid manually. And because it also has an inner lid/trap door, you’d even have to push the diaper through to get it inside the pail. We think this can be a drawback to most parents, especially with those having difficulties in bending down. The fact that you have to open lids twice might be a turn-off.

Antibacterial and Multi-Layer Film

The liner of the Simplee is antibacterial and has multiple layers. These features both help in sealing any odors. But as we have discussed with trap-door style disposals, the pail’s odor control isn’t fool-proof. It would make a difference if Tommee Tippee included a twisting feature on the liner similar to Munchkin Step.

Infinity Bag

Replacing the full bag inside of the pail is similar to the previous pails from Dekor. You cut the bag using the built-in cutter and tie a knot to create a new bag inside. However, we found the cutter to be tricky to use, so we opt in using scissors instead. And unfortunately, the refill cartridges that this pail uses is exclusive to Tommee Tippee.

Depending on how you would approach the pail’s features, you can either hate it or love it. Some parents like the simplicity of the unit and even commend the model’s odor control.

Safety 1st Easy Saver Diaper Pail – Best Budget Diaper Pail

Before our last model, we like to review the Easy Saver diaper pail from Safety 1st. If you’re on a budget but needs something that’ll work efficiently and hygienically, this is our recommendation.

Button-Operated Lid

Right off the bat, the Easy Saver works as an ordinary trash bin. However, it has a button for opening the lid, so you don’t have to lift it manually. On the contrary, accessing the liner means you will pull it out from the top because it has no front door.

As we have said, it has a button for opening the lid. Once the lid pops open, you’ll just simply drop the dirty diaper in. There is no secondary lid/trap door, so you can expect that it is a disadvantage. You wouldn’t have another line of odor protection once you open the lid.

Deodorizer Compartment

You will see at the top of the lid that there’s a ball-shaped compartment. This is where you put the deodorizer disc exclusive with this model. It will eventually need replacement, although, for us, it doesn’t make much difference.

Compatible with Any Liner

Now, for the liner, the good news is you don’t have to buy proprietary bags. You can use any standard plastic bags, which is economical in the long run. This also means you can use cloth liners for cloth diapers and biodegradable bags if you want to help the environment.

Charlie Banana Hanging Diaper Pail – Best Hanging Diaper Pail

Our last diaper pail might not be a pail per se. In fact, it is made of polyester and looks like a hammock or tote bag. The Charlie Banana Hanging Diaper Pail, from the name itself, is a hanging cloth diaper keeper.

Elastic Handle

You can choose from 12 colors if you want it to match in your room decors. And as we have said earlier, it looks like a tote bag where you’d hang its elastic handle on a hook or a doorknob. This elevation makes it difficult to reach for toddlers.

Safe and Leak-Free

As for safety concerns, Charlie Banana is free of chlorine and perfume, as well as any potentially harmful chemicals. This means it’s safe to keep in a baby’s room. The material itself is durable and stretchy, so you can keep up to 20 diapers in this “pail.” The fact that it is waterproof also makes it trustworthy for keeping in soiled diapers.

Airs the Odors Out

A potential issue that you may have is that this hanging pail doesn’t have a button at the top to seal the odors in. However, because you’ll use this for cloth diapers, it can be a good thing. Instead of keeping the dirty diapers sealed, the slight aeration can help in avoiding ammonia and nasty odor accumulation.

Most parents will agree that even though the Charlie Banana is not sealed shut, it doesn’t emit odors in the room. The only time that you might get a whiff is when you’re emptying the contents in the laundry. Nonetheless, this is inevitable with any cloth diaper pail. And speaking of which, we appreciate that the hammock has a side zipper. It opens widely, making it easier to dump the contents in the laundry.

Buyer’s Guide

Types of Diaper Pail

Generally, there are two types of diaper pail:

• Dry Diaper Pail

A dry diaper pail is so-called because it’s dry, meaning it contains no water inside. All the “pails” in this review are an example of this type. And as you have noticed, they look like ordinary trash cans. You can use dry diaper pails with both disposable and cloth diapers. The only difference with the latter is you will just remove the waste over the toilet before you put the diaper in the pail.

• Wet Diaper Pail

As we have briefly mentioned, a wet diaper pail differs from a dry diaper pail because you can fill it with water. Of course, this means this type of diaper pail is meant for cloth diapers since they need washing. You will fill the pail with water to soak the cloth diapers while waiting for their turn in the wash. Think of this like soaking your laundry to remove stains and odors prior to washing. However, remember that bleach is not meant for cloth diapers. On the contrary, we suggest adding baking soda in the water.

More than classifying this baby must-have as dry and wet diaper pails, we can also further categorize them exclusively on what type of diaper they can store.

• Pails for Cloth Diapers

If you’re looking for a pail specifically for cloth diapers, you will notice that this type has features to make their storage more convenient. For example, these pails allow you to use them either as a dry or wet storage system. They also have hooks inside so you can hang the cloth diapers inside their laundry bags. This makes the inside of the pail neater, while also sealing the odors more efficiently.

You can also find cloth diaper bags such as Charlie Banana Hanging Diaper Pail. These bags look like hammocks which you can hang from a hook, or even to a knob. If you are limited in space, cloth diaper bags are a nice consideration.

• Pails for Disposable Diapers

We can safely say that this type of diaper pail is the more common and traditional one. They look like trash cans, but you cannot use them with cloth diapers because of the way they store them. Since the pail wraps the diapers, you run the risk of developing mildew in the cloth diapers, especially when they are in storage for too long. Not to mention, this can also be an invitation for bacteria to grow.

• Pails for Any Kind of Diaper

There are also pails that you can use for both cloth and disposable diapers. Typically, they use plastic bags that you can throw away together with the dirty diapers. However, these bags are not washable.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Diaper Pail

Capacity

The first factor that you must consider is the pail’s capacity. If you think about it, the primary purpose is to store dirty diapers prior to disposal or laundry. You should keep in mind how much diapers your baby typically use throughout the day. Use this as your basis on what size of pail should you go for. A good measure to start with is a 2-day capacity.

In this factor, the storage time and the diaper type will also play roles. For example, if you use cloth diapers, then you have to store them in a shorter period. This could take two to three days to avoid the growth of mildew and bacteria. On the one hand, you can also store cloth diapers in standing water. This storage method is even shorter, and since wet cloth diapers will be heavier, you can opt for a smaller pail.

For disposable diapers, you should correlate the pail’s size with your baby’s age. The younger your little one is, the more diapers he/she will go through. And if you have twins, then you’ll be disposing twice the amount of diapers. Consequently, a smaller pail will require emptying every day. A larger pail is going to be more convenient, but keep in mind that storing dirty diapers for too long will make them smell worse.

Another consideration that affects the capacity of the diaper pail is your changing room’s size. If you have limited space, then you’ll have to compensate and choose a smaller unit. Speaking of which, make sure to leave some clearance for the pail lid. You would want it to fully open, so you can safely put the diaper in. We’re sure the last thing you’d want is dropping a soiled diaper on the floor.

Liners or Bags

An essential part of a diaper pail is its liner/bag. They are the ones that come in direct contact with the diapers so you’ll need to replace them after each use. Some models allow washable bags, which are more economical and environmentally-friendly.

Odor Control

We can assume that odor control plays the most significant consideration when choosing a diaper pail. What you should be looking for is a well-sealed unit so that it can keep the odors at bay. If you think about it, if the pail fails to contain the odors, it’s basically not doing what it’s meant to do.

There are many ways that diaper pails control odors. As we have previously mentioned, some seal the odor to prevent it from flowing through the room. However, some units can also use additions, particularly scents, to deodorize the diapers. These deodorizers vary from scented/antibacterial liners, powders, and even air filters made from charcoal.

Child-Proof

Like with anything that you have in your baby’s room, you should consider how your baby might approach it as he/she grows. Once your baby grows into a more curious and mobile toddler, he/she will be able to reach and investigate almost everything in the room. Different brands came up with features to child-proof their pails. Other than making sure that the pail is out of your little one’s reach, you can also find models with child-proof lids.

Now that you’ve “hidden” and made the diaper pail inaccessible to curious hands, the next step is to find any potential hazard with it. What we mean by this is the use of liners in the pail itself. We’re sure you’re familiar with the suffocation warning that comes with plastic bags, and you can treat diaper liners/bags this way. Another safety consideration is pails with standing water. Never estimate the water level because children can still drown in them.

Ease of Use

The last feature that you should consider in choosing a diaper pail is its ease of use. Of course, you’re getting a diaper pail and not using any container because it is more convenient to use. And since you’ll be using it for every diaper change, you should be able to use it fast and efficient.

Some characteristics that you’d find convenient are:

• Easy-open lid: Parents are the kings and queens of multi-tasking. Therefore, you should be able to open the pail with just one hand. Another feature related to the easy-open lid is a foot pedal.

• Easy access for disposal and placement: Think well-sized openings for the diapers to fall through and a separate door for taking out soiled diapers. For the latter, you can choose between a pail that you’d have to reach in and take out the diapers or a pail with a side door for “safer” diaper removal.

FAQ

How to Store Used Disposable Diapers in a Diaper Pail

1. Empty the contents in the toilet. Yes, you have to do this step prior to disposing used diapers. This helps a bit with odor control, and you’re helping the environment since these wastes are not supposed to end up in a landfill.
2. Roll the diaper by pulling its front towards the back. Think of it like you’re turning the diaper into the ball. After you have rolled the diaper tightly, secure it with the adhesives.
3. Place the diaper in the pail and then transfer the contents of the pail before it overflows.

How to Store Used Cloth Diapers in a Diaper Pail

1. Similar to the first step above, empty the contents of the diaper in the toilet.
2. Place the cloth diaper in a bag. Usually, this bag is reusable because you can wash this bag along with the diaper.
3. Put the bag in the diaper pail.

How to Store Cloth Diapers in Wet Diaper Pails

1. Empty the contents of the diaper in the toilet.
2. In a water-filled diaper pail, soak the diapers with a small amount of baking soda or vinegar. And if your diaper pail has a smell, you can also create a paste using baking soda and vinegar. Scrub it inside the diaper pail and leave on overnight. Afterward, rinse the pail with hot soapy water.
3. Place the diapers in the top-load washing machine.

Conclusion

Looking for the best diaper pail means you’ll eventually have to compromise certain features. Depending on what’s more convenient for you, you can reconsider certain drawbacks in exchange for significant advantages.

Our favorite is the Diaper One N Done. It combines the hanging convenience of a hammock-type pail, and the hygienic feature of a pail that uses a liner. However, our review also has a lot of models that utilize a step pedal, as well as those with extra odor control features.

At the end of the day, hygiene and convenience are going to dictate your choice. We hope that our review and guide has helped you in finding this nursery must-have. If you have any questions, leave them below!