Are you having a hard time deciding between Luvs vs Pampers diapers?
Before you had a baby of your own, you probably never realized how many brands of diapers are on the market. In fact, chances are you thought all diapers were the same. But that just isn’t the case! If you have been trying to decide between putting your baby or toddler in Luvs vs Pampers, you might be curious to find out why I think Pampers are a better deal. Read on to find out all the nitty gritty details about both brands.
Pampers
Pampers diapers come in a variety of configurations, from extra soft newborn diapers to training underwear. The brand is well known for its quality products, and many moms (including myself!) swear by their leak protection. These premium diapers work well for many families because there are so many different varieties. If you find that they work well for your child’s skin, it is almost guaranteed you will find a size to fit their body as well.
Are you just starting out with diapering? In that case, I recommend trying Pampers first. If they work for you, you will love them for years to come!
Hospital Recommended
Pampers are the #1 hospital recommended brand of diapers. This has a lot of weight for me, since hospitals see way more babies than I ever will! When I had my son, he wore Pampers from day one, since that was what they first offered, and we never had an issue.
Soft Interior and Exterior
These diapers are super soft, both inside and out. So many brands of diapers feel scratchy from the outside, but Pampers are well known for their softness. These gentle diapers are great for babies who have sensitive skin or commonly get rashes.
Wetness Indicator
Pampers that come in newborn and size 1 all come with a wetness indicator. If you haven’t seen this before, it might be life changing. It can be so hard to tell when a tiny baby has a wet diaper, since they don’t actually have a lot of volume. This little strip on the from of the diaper changes color to let you know when your baby needs a change. No more unnecessary checks!
Excellent Stretch Fit
Pampers just fit better than most diaper brands. They really conform to your baby or toddler’s legs and waist, making them far less prone to leaks than other brands I have tried. Pampers Cruisers are especially great for this, and work well for babies that are mobile. Swaddlers are perfect for new babies, and they work well with their delicate skin.
12 Hour Protection
If your baby is a good sleeper, there is no way you want to wake them for a middle of the night diaper leak. Luckily, Pampers do great at protecting your child for up to 12 hours at a time. If you are lucky enough to have a baby who sleeps through the night, you will need this extra protection!
Variety of Styles
If you want to stay with one brand throughout your entire diapering journey, Pampers have you covered. They have styles for newborns, walkers, toddlers, older toddlers, potty trainers, and even those babies with extra sensitive skin. There are pull on training diapers and overnight diaper versions as well. If you find a brand that works, it can be so disappointing to find out that they don’t make enough sizes. Fortunately, Pampers won’t leave you hanging!
Possible Drawbacks
Higher Cost
Pampers are not the most expensive diapers on the market, by far. However, when compared to Luvs, they are more pricey. If you are on a strict budget and need to keep costs down as much as possible, I recommend starting with Luvs to see if they work for you first. While Pampers may have a slightly better quality, they do cost more.
Fit
I think Pampers fit very well. But all babies and toddlers have different body shapes. What works for one kid might not work for the next, so there is always a chance that fit could be an issue. I recommend trying two different sizes before deciding these aren’t right for you. Sometimes the next size up or down works much better!
Pampers Features
- Preemie through Size 7 available
- Great for sensitive skin
- Small packs through bulk packaging available
- Distribute wetness evenly through diaper for less leaks
- Form fitting for most body types
Luvs
Luvs Diapers are a well known and often purchased economical brand of diapers that come in a range of sizes and styles. Many families choose Luvs because their price point is quite a bit lower than Pampers or any of the other “name brands.” If you need a cheaper choice for budget reasons, or you have more than one child in diapers at once, Luvs might be a good choice for your family.
Ultra Leakguard
Luvs diapers feature an Ultra Leakgaurd protection area. That means they have an extra absorbent core. This pulls the wetness into the middle of the diaper, which helps prevent side, back, and front leaks. This core can sometimes get heavier than the edges of the diaper, causing a saggy look that some don’t enjoy.
Larger Tabs
These diapers have larger than average closure tabs. Also, the tabs are reusable! If you don’t get the right fit the first time, simple undo the tabs and try again, and they will still be sticky enough to work. This can be a lifesaver when dad or grandma is changing their first diaper. We all know it can be a trial and error process, especially with a wiggly baby.
Scented
Luvs diapers all come scented like baby powder. The scent won’t exactly cover up all other diaper smells, but it does give off a significant odor. If you love the smell of baby powder, these could really work well for you! If you are trying to avoid synthetic fragrances, you will be better off with another brand of baby diaper.
Size Range
Luvs come in newborn through size 6. They also make diapers with Nightlock Technology, which will have added protection for overnights. This range generally fits children from 4 to 35 pounds.
Stretch and Reach
Luvs have extra stretch built into the diaper sides. This elastic fit helps you get more time in each size, possibly saving your cash in the long run. It also helps prevent against pesky diaper leaks, since the diaper fits very snugly against your kid’s body. The leg cuffs also feature the same stretch feature, so you don’t need to worry about leg leaks as well.
Possible Drawbacks
Comfort
Luvs are quite a bit thinner than Pampers diapers. This can affect the fit, and make them slightly more prone to leaks. Also, the lack pf padding can be an issue for parents who want a soft landing for their babies who are just learning to walk! Just a note, some parents do prefer the slimmer profile of these diapers. They are less likely to show through leggings or other snug clothing. So for some, this is a bonus!
Strong Odor
This is a love it or hate it kind of feature. Luvs are scented with a baby powder odor. Some parents love this, some hate it. For me, it was a drawback. I prefer no artificial scents in baby products. If baby powder odors bother you, these will not be a good fit. If you adore that old school scent of baby powder, this will likely not be a con for you!
Limited Size Range
Luvs are available in sizes newborn through 6. They don’t make any trainers or preemie diapers. Pampers have a larger variety of sizes and configurations. If you want to stick with one brand, Luvs might not meet your needs for all of the years you spend diapering. While many children do potty train before they hit size 7, you might not want to get that far and then have to switch brands. Just something to think about before you get started!
Luvs Features
- Newborn through size 6 available
- Gentle on skin
- Scented with baby powder
- Easy to refasten
- Economical
FAQ’s About Pampers vs Luvs
Are Pampers and Luvs made by the same company?
Yes. Both are made by Proctor and Gamble. Huggies, on the other hand, are made by Kimberly Clark.
How much do diapers cost?
The average diaper price (considering all sizes) in 2022 is around 37 cents per diaper. See our diaper cost calculator to calculate monthly costs of diapers by size and quality.
Do Pampers and Luvs contain latex?
No, they do not. While many diapers contained latex in the past, most diapers today do not contain latex.
Do Pampers and Luvs have the wetness indicator?
Yes. Pampers, Luvs, Kirklands, Huggies, and Up & Up all have the wetness indicator. The wetness indicator can be seen on the exterior of the diaper; it tells you whether the diaper is wet.
Which is the best brand of disposable diaper?
General consensus seems to be that Pampers Swaddlers is the best disposable diaper. This brand has also received high praise from ExperiencedMommy.
Which is the best non-toxic diaper?
This is, of course, a subjective question. All diaper brands would claim to be non-toxic, and producers are, as a general rule, more health-conscious than in past years. Still, some parents prefer to buy newer diaper brands that use more natural, organic, and/or sustainable materials. Some of the brands most often recommended are:
Andy Pandy
Bambo
Dyper
Eco
Abby and Finn
Honest
Bottom Line
There are two significant differences between Luvs vs Pampers. Luvs are much less expensive per diaper than Pampers. If you need an economical brand they might be a good choice. Luvs are also highly scented, where as Pampers have no odor. If you prefer to keep fragrances off your baby, Pampers are a better choice. Both brands will vary in sizing and fit, but Pampers do have a bigger range of sizes, so they are more likely to fit your growing baby. Both brands offer special absorbent zones to prevent leaks.
Overall, as long as you have room in your budget, I recommend buying Pampers over Luvs diapers. They worked very well for me and many other parents. They are great for sensitive infant skin, and the fit just can’t be beat. If you need a quality diaper that will work with your child from birth up until age 5 and beyond, then Pampers are an excellent brand to try!
Between Luvs vs Pampers, which is the best newborn diapers? Find out in our Best Diaper article.
