Little ones make big messes, including lots of soiled diapers. The last thing you want to do is toss those diapers into the regular trash can that the rest of the family uses. If you dispose of diapers that way, the whole home will smell foul in no time. Instead, you’ll be better off purchasing one of the best diaper pails.
What Are Diaper Pails?
Diaper pails are specialized trash receptacles that essentially work to seal away odors. A good pail should have no scent while disposing of a diaper, while the pail is full, and while it’s being emptied. And while it might seem like a frivolous purchase, a diaper pail can actually be a big help when you’re changing so many diapers every day. That’s why we put together this list of the best diaper pails to help you figure out which one is best for your family and home.
The Best Diaper Pails of 2024
- Best Overall: Munchkin® Step Diaper Pail Powered by Arm & Hammer
- Best Budget: Diaper Genie Classic Pail
- Best Splurge: Munchkin® UV Diaper Pail
- Best for Small Spaces: Dekor Classic Hands-Free Diaper Pail
- Best Hands-Free: Diaper Genie Complete Diaper Pail
- Best Design: Ubbi Steel Odor Locking Diaper Pail
- Best Large Capacity: Diaper Genie Signature Pail
Best Overall: Munchkin Step Diaper Pail Powered by Arm & Hammer
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 24″H x 14″W x 12″D
- Capacity: 180 diapers
- Bag Style: Arm & Hammer Snap Seal & Toss Bags
- Pail Material: Plastic
Pros:
- One-handed disposal
- Baking soda puck helps with odor control
- Has a child lock
- Large capacity
Cons:
- On the larger side
- Scented pucks and proprietary bags are expensive
- Sealing mechanism can be loud
Munchkin’s Step Diaper Pail is a phenomenal choice and our pick for best overall diaper pail because it has many special features that make it stand out from the rest. It’s powered by Arm & Hammer, which helps neutralize odors when the lid is open and closed.
This easy-to-use diaper pail has a specialized, self-sealing system that protects your home from escaping diaper odors. Even better, this is the only diaper pail compatible with Refill Rings and Snap, Seal & Toss Bags, so you can dispose of diapers how you see fit. The step mechanism means you can put the diaper in with only one hand (while holding a baby in the other).
The diaper pail comes with a lavender-scented baking soda puck and various other accessories, which makes it a more expensive choice. Parents also say that the mechanism to seal the bags can be loud (especially if your baby is sleeping). But if odor control is your number one concern, this is the best diaper pail for you. It’s a stellar choice because you can go up to a week without emptying it, and you won’t have the foul smell of old diapers wafting through your home.
Best Budget: Diaper Genie Classic Pail
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 21.25″H x 11″W x 11″D
- Capacity: 55 newborn diapers
- Bag Style: Multi-layer refill bag
- Pail Material: Plastic
Pros:
- Odor control
- Easy to use
- Large capacity
Cons:
- Odor released when opening the lid
- You have to push diapers through the flap
Diaper Genie’s Classic Pail is a highly affordable baby product, making it an excellent pick for budget-conscious parents. This diaper pail holds 3.1 pounds before needing to be refilled, and it comes with a push and lock clamp to prevent odors from escaping — and to prevent kids from quickly opening it.
The diaper pail can be opened with one hand for maximum convenience, and it features a multilayer refill film to trap odors within the pail instead of letting them escape. The proprietary Diaper Genie refill bags also have built-in antimicrobial layers for better odor protection and reduction of germ transmission.
Overall, this is a standout choice thanks to its affordability and functionality. While it lacks bells and whistles or fancy features, it does its job well. Consider it an excellent potential secondary diaper pail.
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 27.25″H x 12.75″W x 12.75″D
- Capacity: 272 diapers
- Bag Style: Munchkin branded or up & up bags
- Pail Material: Plastic
Pros:
- UV feature kills germs
- Odor control
- Large capacity
- Sleek, simple design
Cons:
- Proprietary bags are pricey
- Lid doesn’t automatically close
- Requires outlet to use UV light
Munckin’s UV Diaper Pail is another phenomenal choice, especially if you want to double down on germ defense. Diapers are dangerous for your family because of the poop smell and their potential to spread germs around the house. Fortunately, this patented self-sealing diaper pail keeps the bag sealed whenever the lid is open or closed.
With four gold UV lights integrated into the lid, it exposes the diapers to synthetic sunlight, which works to kill up to 99% of germs. This also helps to stop odors, even when the lid is open.
The proprietary bags designed to work with this diaper pail can be pricey, but you can use other Munchkin branded refills as well as off-brand options. You also get a USB cable and adapter and one UV refill ring with the pail. While it’s on the pricier side, many parents swear it’s worth it, noting that they can’t even tell it’s in the room because there’s absolutely no smell. If you’re a germaphobe or someone who really doesn’t want the nursery smelling like dirty diapers, this is stellar pick.
Best for Small Spaces: Dekor Classic Hands-Free Diaper Pail
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 12″H x 8.75″W x 12.5″D
- Capacity: 45 newborn diapers
- Bag Style: Continuous liner
- Pail Material: Plastic
Pros:
- Easy to use and change the bag
- One-handed disposal
- Odor control
- Can be used as a trash can after diapers
Cons:
- On the smaller side
- Must use Dekor refill bags
The Dekor Classic Hands-Free Diaper Pail is a compact, handy diaper pail that can simultaneously hold four gallons of diapers. Like many other diaper pails, it’s hands-free thanks to the step-open system.
This cost-effective diaper pail also benefits from triple odor control to keep the smells inside the pail all day long. That’s partially because of the closed-cell ABS plastic construction, which works similarly to metal but won’t rust. On the downside, you do have to use Dekor proprietary refills — this could mean stocking up might require a little more effort than other diaper pails on the market.
That said, the diaper pail arrives assembled and comes with a preinstalled refill. It’s a great choice if you need a diaper pail for a small, compact room like a bathroom or laundry room. You can also use this as a portable diaper pail; consider putting it in the trunk of your car on a road trip with your diaper bag for easy, smell-free diaper disposal.
Best Hands-Free: Diaper Genie Complete Diaper Pail
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 27″H x 14.32″W x 9.57″D
- Capacity: 6 gallons (36 newborn diapers)
- Bag Style: Diaper Genie bags
- Pail Material: Plastic
Pros:
- Foot pedal for hands-free disposal
- Comes assembled
- Front access door makes it easy to change the bag
Cons:
- Odor released when opening lid
- Doesn’t fit larger diapers as well as newborn ones
The Diaper Genie’s Complete Diaper Pail is the best hands-free diaper pail because it has a foot pedal-activated lid, which means you can open it without bending over or using your hands. More importantly, this diaper pail has several layers of odor protection to keep your home clean and safe.
It’s designed with Double Air-Tite clamps and a deodorizing carbon filter. The refill bags from Diaper Genie have built-in antimicrobial layers to lock in diaper odors and prevent germ transmission. This practical diaper pail can hold up to 36 newborn-sized diapers per bag, with the included refill bags allowing you to dispose of up to 270 diapers. This allows you to easily clean your little one without worrying about a foul smell or further messes.
The pail is durable and easy to clean without worrying about rust. But while it does a great job at neutralizing odor while the lid is closed, it does not stop the odor from escaping when the lid is open. That said, it’s a top choice for anyone who wants an easy way to dispose of dirty diapers so you can keep your hands (and attention) on your little one.
Best Design: Ubbi Steel Odor Locking Diaper Pail
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 19.5″H x 8.4″W x 11.4″D
- Capacity: 13 gallons
- Bag Style: Standard trash bags
- Pail Material: Stainless steel
Pros:
- Doesn’t need specialty bags
- Easy to open and close
- Comes in different colors and patterns
Cons:
- No hands-free option
- On the more expensive side
Ubbi’s Steel Odor Locking Diaper Pail is a popular choice among parents because it has one of the more unique designs out there. Instead of a standard lid, it has a sliding lid that minimizes air distribution, trapping in odor while opening and closing it. This pail also has a childproof lock, which prevents your little one or their siblings from opening it and spilling all the contents over the floor (a parent’s worst nightmare).
But what truly makes this one of the best diaper pails is the the sleek look and feel. It’s made of powder-coated stainless steel that traps odors more effectively so the smell doesn’t linger, even after you take the bag out. And while many pails only come in a couple of basic colors, the Ubbi comes in 14 different colors and patterns, meaning you can find one that fits right into the aesthetic of your nursery.
The Ubbi pail might be on the more expensive side compared to others on this list, but one main perk is that you can use any standard trash bag with it. That means you can save money in the long run by stocking up on trash bags at Costco or any other store. This award-wining diaper pail is loved by parents because it looks nice and works well. If you want a great option that’ll keep the stink out but still look nice in the room, this is the best diaper pail for you.
Best Large Capacity: Diaper Genie Signature Pail
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 27.63″H x 10.25″W x 14.31″D
- Capacity: 13 gallons (47 newborn diapers)
- Bag Style: Tear-off plastic bags
- Pail Material: Plastic
Pros:
- Includes a refill roll
- Hands-free disposal
- Easy to change bags
Cons:
- Odors can escape when the lid is open
- Proprietary bags required
If you need a large capacity diaper pail because you have twins or multiple children in diapers, the Diaper Genie Signature Pail is a great option. It’s a pretty standard design with a foot pedal-activated lid, which means you can dispose of dirty diapers with one hand. But what makes it a great option for multiples is the large capacity. Each bag can hold up to 47 newborn diapers, and the included refill roll means you can store up to 846 diapers before needing to purchase more.
It also has a wide-mouth design, which allows you to dispose of two diapers at once (or one larger diaper). It’s also the tallest on the list, which is great for any tall parents who want a convenient way to dispose of a diaper.
While many parents love this diaper pail, one of the drawbacks is the odor control. It does a great job at keeping the odors contained when the lid is closed, but as soon as the lid opens, you’ll get a waft of what’s inside. Overall, though, we think it’s still a stellar pick for anyone changing the diapers of more than one kid.
The Bottom Line
When choosing the best diaper pail, you should consider your needs, budget and how much odor your want it to control. We think the Munchkin Step Diaper Pail Powered by Arm & Hammer is one of the best overall diaper pails because it does a great job of containing odor, is easy to use, and holds a good number of diapers. But if you’re looking for something a little more budget-friend, the Diaper Genie Classic Pail is a stellar pick. No matter what you’re looking for in a diaper pail, there is one on this list that’ll help make your life with your baby a little easier (and better-smelling).
How to Choose a Diaper Pail
Contains Odor
Making sure the smell from dirty diapers doesn’t make its way into the room is essentially the job of a diaper pail, so you’ll want to make sure that your pail is good at containing those unpleasant odors. Some models have extra features, such as charcoal-lined bags and scented baking soda inserts, which help prevent the smell from escaping into the room whether the lid is open or closed. The more odor-blocking features the diaper pail has, the better defense you’ll have from experiencing the stench that comes from day-old diapers.
Price
Nice diaper pails can range in cost — the ones on our list range from $30 all the way to $130. The higher-cost ones may have some additional features that help mask odors and germs, so you’ll have to decide what you’re willing to pay for when it comes to that. You should also consider if it’s worth investing in a more expensive pail if it’s going to last through many years of use with multiple kids. Plus, there’s the additional cost of buying refill bags (and in some cases odor pods), which can add up quickly, especially if you have to buy the brand’s proprietary refill bags rather than standard trash bags. You should take all of this into consideration before deciding which diaper pail is right for you.
Ease of Use
Most diaper pails are designed to be pretty simple to use. Many come fully assembled, so all you have to do is take the pail out of the box and add a liner. But you’ll want to make sure that your diaper pail has the right mechanisms that’ll make your life easier when changing your baby. Many have a hands-free foot pedal so you can toss the diaper in with one hand while keeping the other on your baby. Others have a sliding design that helps with child-proofing (to make sure your toddler doesn’t spill dirty diapers everywhere). You should also consider how easy it is to swap out a full bag. Many diaper pails are designed to insert a full pack of liners at once, and then pull down when one is full and tie the bottom to swap it. Others will have you swapping the bag out like a garbage can.
Size
Finding space for a diaper pail amongst all of the other items you need for your baby can be challenging. That’s why you’ll always want to check the dimensions to make sure it fits into your nursery. Larger sized pails will be more noticeable in the room while smaller ones can be tucked away. The capacity of the diaper pail is also something to factor in. Having a larger capacity is great if you have multiple kids in diapers, or if you just don’t want to take it out that often, but it will mean that the diaper pail may stick out more in your nursery. Most brands list out the capacity based on the amount of newborn diapers that will fit, but that isn’t always the most helpful metric since your baby will most likely grow out of those during the first month or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy a diaper pail?
A diaper pail isn’t necessarily essential for raising your child, but it’s very nice to have. Since you’ll be changing your baby’s diaper multiple times throughout the day and night, you’re going to accumulate a lot of dirty diapers. While you could keep them in your regular trash can, that might start smelling up your home pretty fast. Plus, it can be hard as a parent with a newborn to take the soiled diapers to an outside trash can multiple times a day, especially if you live in an apartment. A diaper pail is a great product to have because it will make your life with your baby a little easier.
How long do you use a diaper pail?
You’ll use a diaper pail for one to two years, or until your child is potty trained. (And you can totally use them longer if you have more children.) You’ll want to invest in a high-quality diaper pail if you know you’ll be using it for a long time.
How do you clean a diaper pail?
Diaper pails should be cleaned weekly, as they contain a lot of gross bacteria. You can use warm water and a baby-safe soap to thoroughly clean the inside and outside of the pail.
Can you use a diaper pail with cloth diapers?
Yes, you can use a diaper pail with cloth diapers. You can even find specific liners that are made to work with cloth liners, so you don’t have to use plastic ones.
Methodology
A lot of research went into picking out the top diaper pails for our list. We consulted with moms who had used multiple diaper pails to hear what they liked and disliked about them. We also updated an earlier version of this to cut products that didn’t meet our standards and add more information including key specs and pros and cons to ensure that all information was accurate and up to date. You can trust that this list has the right information to help you pick the best diaper pail for you.
