Pampers Cruisers vs Swaddlers vs Baby Dry Diapers- Which is the Best?

Last Updated on April 28, 2021

We, as parents, have so many things to worry about, especially when caring for a new baby. And diapers are arguably one of the essential items you’ll purchase for your little one.

Picking the best diapers is crucial, not just for keeping messes contained but also for protecting your little one’s sensitive skin. This said, as a new dad, I had no idea what to look for after deciding to go with disposable diapers. I knew that Pampers was one of the top brands but was lost when it came to choosing between Pampers Cruisers vs Swaddlers vs Baby Dry diapers. 

To help you save some time, I put together the review below to help you learn more about each of these three options so you can make more quickly the best selection for your baby.

Pampers Cruisers vs Swaddlers vs Baby Dry Diapers With Stretchy Sides Comparison Overview

Pampers SwaddlersPampers Cruisers Pampers Baby-Dry
Caring for Skin Breathable liner and lock-away channels help to keep the skin dry. Hypoallergenic materials are unlikely to irritate the skinHas lock-away channels & made of hypoallergenic material to protect the skinLock-away channels & hypoallergenic materials help to protect the skin Three layers of absorbency help to keep your baby dry
Indicator Lines?YesYesYes
Softness (subjective)+++++++
Available sizesNewborn-41lb 16-41lbNewborn-35lb 
Extra FeaturesUmbilical notchThree-way fit which should theoretically reduce the risk of leaksThree layers of absorbency
PriceLatest on AmazonLatest on AmazonLatest on Amazon

Things to Consider When Buying Disposable Diapers

Finding the correct diaper for your little bundle of joy is no easy task. There are several features and benefits to consider as you compare Pampers Cruisers vs Swaddlers vs Baby Dry diapers. Plus, every baby is different and has different needs to keep in mind, so the perfect diaper for your little one may differ from the ideal diaper for another baby.

You know your baby better than anyone else. Use that knowledge, along with the considerations outlined below, to help you decide whether Pampers Cruisers, Pampers Swaddlers, or Pampers Baby Dry Diapers will be the right choice.

Absorbency

Absorbency is vital when selecting a diaperā€¦surprise, right? šŸ˜Š Without sufficient absorption, a baby’s pee or poop will leak or cause the diaper to become too saggy. In addition to the laundry and cleaning mess that diapers lacking in absorbency can cause, they will also lead to increased contact between the baby’s skin and the wet diaper, which may cause a diaper rash.

All three of the reviewed products use lock-away channels to direct moisture away from the baby’s skin, of course.

All disposable diapers have an absorbent core made of Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP). Many different variations are available, and thanks to them, Pampers Diapers can absorb up to 0.3 gallons of urine. And Baby Dry Diapers claim to have three layers to give even better results.

This means that none of the three reviewed options has problems with absorbency.

Indicator Lines

Wetness indicator lines have been added to diapers more recently. While these don’t impact the performance of the diaper, they make it easier for parents to assess if their baby needs a diaper change. When a baby pees in the diaper, it will change the indicator line on the diaper to a different color (from yellow to blue in the case of Pampers) to alert you of the need for a diaper change.

This said indicator lines don’t work that well for poop. It’s sometimes hard to decide if you’re smelling only gas, or could there also be something solid in the diaper? So don’t expect these lines to be a perfect guide for when it’s time to change a diaper. 

Fit

Finding the right fit is essential because otherwise, you may have to put up with a lot of leaks. A couple of leaks now and then is normal though. This said, they shouldn’t be too tight around the waist of your baby. Leave approximately finger-width of extra space and check how they perform.

Since every baby is unique, you probably need to experiment with a few different diapers until you find the one that provides the right fit for your little one’s body. Keep in mind that the fit of a diaper may also change slightly as your baby becomes more mobile. As a result, you may have to try all three options and only then decide between Pampers Cruisers vs Swaddlers vs Baby Dry.

Comfort

Finally, don’t forget about your baby’s comfort in a diaper. Look for diapers that are made from a breathable and soft material. Out of the three reviewed diapers, Pampers Swaddlers is the softest.

If your baby has sensitive skin, you may need to be more selective about the materials used to make the diaper or choose fragrance-free options. This said all Pampers diapers have a fragrance smell to them. According to them, parents generally seem to like it. But if you find it to be too strong, you may want to try any of the other three available options or go with another brand.

Pampers Cruisers vs Swaddlers vs Baby Dry Diaper Reviews

Pampers Cruisers Review (Check the Latest Price on Amazon)

Pampers Cruisers are specially designed to provide a three-way fit to ensure babies can move around comfortably. This makes them a good option for older babies who are starting to crawl or walk since the baby’s legs, waist, and bottom won’t be constrained by the diaper. Pampers Cruisers also feature Pampers’ “stay-put waist,” which provides solid grips and stretchier sides than many competitor’s diapers.

To keep the baby dry and comfortable, Pampers designed these diapers with lock-away channels. These particular channels work to absorb pee and keep it away from baby’s skin. They can hold liquids for up to 12 hours of leak protection, making them a good choice for babies who sleep through the night. Additionally, the “dual leak-guard barrier” helps to reduce the risk of leaks.

Like all of Pampers’ products, Pampers Cruisers are “hypoallergenic” and “dermatologically-tested” for added peace of mind about what you’re putting against your little one’s skin.

There are five different sizes available:

  • Size 3: 16 to 28 pounds
  • Size 4: 22 to 37 pounds
  • Size 5: 27+ pounds
  • Size 6: 35+ pounds
  • Size 7: 41+ pounds

PROS

  • The three-way fit is designed to make it easier for babies to crawl and walk, so they are very comfortable
  • These diapers have stretchy sides for a secure and comfortable fit
  • The lock-away channels keep a baby’s skin dry. Additionally, Pampers diapers don’t contain common allergens. As a result, these are unlikely to cause skin reactions
  • If you’re looking for diapers for potty training, then these are one of the best options. The absorbency is so good that Cruisers offer up to 12 hours of leak protection
  • You can also choose Pampers Cruisers 360 Fit with a waistband (check the latest price on Amazon)

CONS

  • These diapers aren’t available for babies weighing less than 16lb
  • You may accidentally tear off the tabs when you are adjusting your baby’s diaper

Pampers Swaddlers Review(Check the Latest Price on Amazon)

Pampers Swaddlers include numerous features designed to keep babies comfortable. These diapers are very soft and have Pampers’ BreatheFree Liner to protect a baby’s sensitive and delicate skin. They also feature lock-away channels to direct the moisture away from the skin. The umbilical cord notch in these diapers can help protect the umbilical cord stump while still ensuring a secure fit for newborns.

Pampers Swaddlers offer excellent protection against leaks. They have stretchy and flexible sides to ensure a proper fit, even as a baby squirms or moves around. “Dual Leak-Guard Barrier” around the legs should theoretically reduce the risk of leaks even more.

You’ll easily be able to tell whether your baby needs a diaper change with the wetness indicator. The diapers have a yellow line down the middle that turns blue when moisture is detected.

Pampers Swaddlers are also “hypoallergenic” and dermatologically tested. 

There are eight different sizes available:

  • Size Newborn: under 10 pounds
  • Size 1: 8 to 14 pounds
  • Size 2: 12 to 18 pounds
  • Size 3: 16 to 28 pounds
  • Size 4: 22 to 37 pounds
  • Size 5: 27+ pounds
  • Size 6: 35+ pounds
  • Size 7: 41+ pounds

PROS

  • These diapers are available in a range of sizes to fit newborns through toddlers. They even have an umbilical notch for use with newborns
  • Pampers Swaddlers are probably the most comfortable option of the three. They are very absorbable, but the moisture is directed away from your baby’s skin. Additionally, very soft material is used
  • The yellow line will turn blue when your baby needs a diaper change
  • For a comfortable fit, they have soft and stretchy sides

CONS

  • Finding a suitable size may be a problem as they are relatively small. Some babies size out of the diapers well before hitting the upper weight limit

Pampers Baby Dry (Check the Latest Price on Amazon)

Pampers Baby Dry is another popular choice. These diapers are designed to keep babies dry for up to 12 hours like the other two options. They have three layers of absorbency to hold liquids and prevent leaks and ensure that a baby’s skin stays dry and comfortable. “Dual Leak-Guard Barrier” around the legs helps to reduce the risk of leaks even further

The sides of Pampers Baby Dry are designed to be stretchy and flexible to keep babies comfortable and to adjust to their movements. The inside of the diapers is also soft and breathable for added comfort. Pampers also added a wetness indicator to these diapers (for sizes newborn, 1, and 2). When the diaper gets wet, the yellow line will change to blue to alert parents and caretakers to the need for a diaper change.

Like all of Pampers’ other diapers, Pampers Baby Dry are “dermatologically-tested” and “hypoallergenic” for a baby’s sensitive skin.

There are seven different sizes available:

  • Size Newborn: under 10 pounds
  • Size 1: 8 to 14 pounds
  • Size 2: 12 to 18 pounds
  • Size 3: 16 to 28 pounds
  • Size 4: 22 to 37 pounds
  • Size 5: 27+ pounds
  • Size 6: 35+ pounds

PROS

  • The diapers have three layers of absorbency to keep babies dry and prevent leaks. Additionally, they also feature lock-away channels and “Dual Leak-Guard Barrier,” similarly to the other two options
  • Like the other two options, they have stretch sides to allow for movement and comfort
  • Seven different sizes are available for newborns to babies or toddlers weighing over 35lb

CONS

  • These diapers don’t come in size 7 for babies and toddlers weighing over 35lb, unlike the other two choices
  • The wetness indicator is only on the newborn, size 1, and size 2 diapers

To Sum Up: Pampers Cruisers vs Swaddlers vs Baby Dry

I can say from my own experience that all Pampers diapers are very absorbent, and all three claim to hold babies try up to 12 hours. Additionally, all three come with stretchy sides with strong grips so you can easily adjust them.

Pampers Swaddlers (check the latest price on Amazon) is the best choice for newborns and younger babies since they come in smaller sizes, have an umbilical cord notch and are very soft. But they also sell larger sizes for older kids. 

If your baby is already more mobile and has started crawling, you may want to choose Pampers Cruisers (check the latest price on Amazon) since they provide a three-way fit to allow for movement and leak protection. And they are great when already potty-training. Additionally, you can also buy them with a waistband (check the latest price on Amazon).

Thanks for reading!