Your Guide To The Best Baby Diaper Pail and Why You’ll Love It

diaper pail on display

A stinky nursery with 30 or so dirty nappies is the last thing you want to see!

As the name suggests, this article briefs you everything about the essential Baby Diaper Pails and how not getting it is the worst thing you could do to your beautiful sanctuary.

In this article, we’ll be giving you all the nuts and bolts about:

  • Why Baby Diaper Pails are necessary
  • What to look for before buying
  • Top 5 diaper pails of 2021
  • ..and a lot More!

Keep reading to find out…

Introduction

For any new or expecting parents out there, first of all – congratulations!

Secondly, it is overwhelming for some to even know where to start when it comes to preparing themselves for parenthood. 

When we were starting out, we found it so difficult to navigate the world of baby products. 

So we tried to help ourselves by doing research and getting some answers ahead of time. 

Now that I am a much more seasoned parent, I feel much more confident in what to do and what to use when it comes to caring for my kids.

I want to share what I found with you as well–take a look below to see what we found when we were looking into the world of diaper pails!

There is a whole world of diaper pails that offer their own set of features, but picking out which feature is the “right fit” may be confusing. 

The best diaper pails are generally equipped with a hands free operation system to throw the dirty diaper, without having to use both hands and without touching the bin.

The fundamental technologies that a good diaper pail comes with are: rubber seals (for controlling odors), child lock closure, knobs (for easy use), and pistons.

When we go to choose the diaper pail, examine it:

  • Is the material light? How many coating layers does it have?
  • Is it practical to use?
  • Do I need to use special diaper pail bags or does it work with regular garbage bags?
  • Is it ergonomic or bulky?
  • Does it work as a regular trash can later on?

A good dirty diaper bin has many layers of lining, is light, handy, and compact.

There are so many promising pails that you may not even be able to distinguish the differences. 

No worries! 

You are not alone… 

Well let us go over what diaper pails have to offer first, then I’ll walk you through the “is this right for me” process.

RelatedHere Are The 5 Best Baby Diaper Pail Deodorizers

1 – Munchkin Step Diaper Pail

Best Diaper Pail For Cloth Diapers

Munchkin Step Diaper Pail

Quality

Easy To Use

Odor Control

Durability

Overall Score
4.25
Manufacturer: Munchkin
Color: Plain
Material: ‎Plastic
Item Dimensions: 12.25 x 27.63 x 13 inches
Item Weight: ‎12.08 pounds
Batteries required: No

Bottom Line: If you are looking for a diaper pail with a whole lot of features and pizzazz, you should definitely check this one out by Munchkin.

Pros

Child proof lock system

Handy step pedal for busy parents

Traps odors, great for in house use

Works to store dirty cloth diapers as well

Cons

Only works with specific types of bags (snap and seal bags)

Doesn’t maximize the full potential of the trash bag

The Munchkin Step Diaper Pail has much to offer, with a lot of assurances – as far as smell and design – for those who are looking to purify their diaper exposure.  

Basically, this one has bells and whistles to keep you from having to touch or smell those soiled diapers for any longer than it took you to throw it in the pail.

I am not necessarily afraid of germs or strong smellsbut I am also not one to get any closer to them than I need to!

I can see how the Munchkin Step will come through for those in both of those camps!

It comes with a specific Snap, Seal, and Toss disposable bag to go on the – also included – starter ring.  

Note: munchkin diaper pail refills are required and you need to buy them separately.

Besides those two special features, it offers space for a scented baking soda puck and a footstep opening lid. 

Combine that with their patented self-sealing system on the lid, which keeps odors inside whether the lid is open or closed.  

This set of features offers unbeaten odor protection to keep the stinky diaper smell locked inside!

For those with a very sensitive nose, these options may make your life that much better with a child around.

If that were not enough, Munchkin has an eco-friendly proposal for all its customers: Get a munchkin diaper pail, give a tree.  

Munchkin says they will plant a tree for each diaper pail of theirs that is purchased. All in all, a win-win considering this is the only company on this list to offer such a thing.


2 – Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail

Best Steel Diaper Bag

Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail

Quality

Easy To Use

Odor Control

Durability

Overall Score
4
Manufacturer: Ubbi
Color: ‎Gray Chevron
Material: Steel
Item Weight: 7 Pounds
Batteries required: No

Bottom Line: If you have a particular design theme going in your house, or in your baby’s nursery, this effective and stylish option may be what you are looking for.

Pros

Versatile, regular trash bags work too

Several cute designs to choose from

Child safety lock and slow close lid prevents accidents

Holds around 55 diapers

Cons

Chute is relatively small, may need to push down large diapers

Need two hands to properly use it

In the cluttered selection of diaper pails on the market, it is hard to choose one and just go with it. 

As similar as many are, the Ubbi Diaper Pail offers a couple of things different from the rest.  

The first is actually in the name itself… 

This brand is the only on this list that offers a steel container, while the others offer plastic.  

If the looks and aesthetics of metal in the room matters to you, then this one is perfect.  

Additionally, the steel may help with odor control, sturdiness, and clean up.

Another useful option that this pail offers is a childproof lock, which is ideal if you have another young one running around looking to spread used diapers around the living space.

Furthermoreno special bags are required if you purchase this one.  

That means that ubbi diaper pail bags are the same trash bags you use in the kitchen.  

Now whether that is important for you is a personal choice, but for those who are economically prudent, this could be a desirable feature.

Besides, it comes in a different colors to ensure matching any room theme! 

I have to say, the Ubbi diaper pail is a chic, trendy looking kind of diaper pail. 


 3 – Playtex Diaper Genie Complete Pail

Best Overall Diaper Pail

Playtex Diaper Genie Complete Pail

Quality

Easy To Use

Odor Control

Durability

Overall Score
4.5
Manufacturer: Diaper Genie
Color: White
Material: Plastic
Item Dimensions: 9.38 x 12.06 x 27 inches
Item Weight: ‎8.36 pounds
Batteries required: No

Bottom Line: If you have more than one child (like twins) and need a pail that holds the maximum amount of diapers, then this one is right for you.

Pros

Foot pedal for no hand use

Odor lock system to absorb odors with a carbon filter

Simple design that meets anyone’s needs

Large bag holding capacity of diaper

No assembly required

Cons

Diaper pail refills needed for this pail (they sold separately)

The Playtex Diaper Genie complete pail is a very solid option within this group of diaper pails.  

Obviously, this is a well-known company in the feminine needs department, so there is relatability between their products. 

I think of the connection in absorbance technology…  

They brought that helpful trait here, and some other unique qualities that will give you interesting options to consider when choosing between diaper pails.

One of the best options that the Playtex model offers is the antimicrobial coating on the pail.  

This helps to kill germs right away before they grow into something worse.

This model has special 7-layer bags to be used with it that lock into place via the Double Air-Tite Clamps, and funnel the used diapers into a compact shape for easy disposal.  

The combination of odor protection and simple disposal from this three part system give the Playtex Genie a big plus. 

Of course, with this system comes the Playtex exclusive pail liners which you will need to purchase separately.

A common feature that this model offers is the hands-free foot step activator, allowing you to have your hands full of diapers and still be able to dispose of them without getting your hands wet.

A very popular model, Playtex boasts the number one selling diaper pail on the market.

Playtex offers the Diaper Genie in two sizes, the Complete and the Elite.  

The complete holds fewer diapers and is shorter, while the Elite is taller and larger.  

This may make a difference for you based on the amount of diapers you have to dispose of, and your own height.

Having a tall diaper pail may be advantageous for your situation.  

If that is the case, the Playtex Genie is one of the taller options on the market.  

They advertise the ability to hold 270 newborn diapers in one liner. So this is the best diaper pail for anyone with multiple infants to change.


4 – Safety 1st Easy Saver Diaper Pail

Best Affordable Diaper Pail

Safety 1st Easy Saver Diaper Pail

Quality

Easy To Use

Odor Control

Durability

Overall Score
3.5
Manufacturer: Safety 1st
Color: White
Material: Plastic
Item Dimensions: 15 x 18.38 x 10.88 inches
Item Weight: ‎2.9 pounds
Batteries required: No

Bottom Line: If you are looking for a simple diaper pail that gets the job done with minimal cost, look NO further.

Pros

Suited for regular kitchen trash bag

On the affordable side

No assembly required

Cons

Large sticker that first comes with the product is hard to take off

Not for those with busy hands

Less odor control performance than other diaper pails

Not all diaper pails are made the same, and the Safety 1st Easy Saver is probably the most different of this whole list. 

While the other pails offer brand specific special features, Safety 1st does not have the extra frills and whistles that may drive up the price.

What sets it apart is its simplicity…

This means that you can use standard trash bag liners with this pail. 

The savings that come from this will add up over time as you will not need to find the proprietary liners from other competitors.  

Its look is simple as well to reflect the natural qualities built into it.  

The simple look makes it discreet in your home, so any visitors may even mistake it for a normal trash bin.

The Safety 1st Easy Saver does include an odorizing disc in the lid which helps to keep the strong odors at bay.  

These will need to be replaced over time, so keep that in mind.

Like the others…This one offers a foot pedal opener to keep you hands-free while transferring the used diapers.


5 – Dekor Classic Hands-Free Diaper Pail

Best Classic Diaper Pail 

Dekor Classic Hands-Free Diaper Pail

Quality

Easy To Use

Odor Control

Durability

Overall Score
3.25
Manufacturer: Dekor
Color: White
Material: ‎Plastic
Item Dimensions: 12.25 x 21 x 8.75 inches
Item Weight: ‎6.7 pounds
Batteries required: No

Bottom Line: This classic diaper pail is basic and holds a good amount of diapers, but with no odor locking feature.

Pros

Foot pedal to free up your hands for other tasks

Utilizes the entire bag

Regular bags can work, though the assigned bags are better

Cons

Removing the bag is an awkward process

The Dekor Classic Diaper Pail has some helpful features that may interest you compared to the others we have already talked about.  

Of course, there will be some similarities to the other ones, but this Dekor model has differences to set it apart too.

One feature that is hard to find elsewhere is the exclusive end-of-liner marking on the Dekor genuine liner bag refills.  

It gives you a nice visual guide to let you know when it is time to replace the liner. You can see how this would be helpful, from a smell perspective as well as touch.  

Additionally…

The triple odor control features offer multiple levels of smell protection. 

The closed-cell ABS plastic that the pail is made of, the upper rubber seal, and the exclusive strong scented liner give those stinky diaper smells a run for their money. 

Other features that the Dekor diaper pail offers include full assembly, hands-free, and trash can conversion.

That’s not all…

The pail comes fully assembled unlike some other pails, meaning less work for you when it arrives.  

It comes in both white and grey color options to match most rooms and home decor!

The Dekor Classic has a foot step opening mechanism to give you hands-free access during times of peace as well as crisis.  

When your hands are full of who-knows-what, having a hands-free pail will be everything you need and them some.

Having a diaper pail with this kind of good looks gives you the option to convert the diaper pail to a trash can after its main purpose has ended.


Buyers’ Guide: How To Choose a Suitable Diaper Pail

mommy massaging baby's skin

On the market it is now possible to find different types of diaper eaters, which differ in structure, capacity, and type of bags..

Let’s take a closer look into these features now!

Odor Concealment 

For my first time parents, this may be a biggie.

You are probably used to a comfy home with little worry for stinky diapers!

Well, you can still have some peace knowing that smell does not have to dictate your life. 

Many of these pails are designed to block odors for a fresh, diaper-free, home. 

Some don’t have this tech and usually just suggest scented bags, but the high efficient diaper pails typically do come with this feature.

I recommend this feature to all parents who do not mind spending the extra money on this fresh tech. 

I know I had a trash bin in the garage and it was a pain to walk to every time after I finished a diaper. 

If you had a diaper pail with odor concealment, then you could just keep the pail in your nursery. 

Some are so specialized that you would not even smell them when you open the bin. That is a pretty big deal.

Bottom line: Diaper pails are easy, convenient, and meant to stay in the house.

Capacity of Dirty Diapers

So if you are a new parent, then maybe you will not be used to the number of diapers you need to change or will not know what to do when there is a blow-out. 

Yikes! 

It is tough, but diaper pails can help you with the new load.

Typically, I think smaller sized diaper pails work well for first-time parents who are expecting one child. 

If you are expecting twins or even triplets, the larger the pail, the better. 

They do add up..

baby's legs and feet

..and most are designed for a single child, so I think it is important to find a diaper pail that utilizes the whole pail and trash bag. 

You will see that some look larger, but do not use the whole bag. 

Efficiency is key!

Bag Specific?

Some diaper pails that are named brands have their own specific brand of bags as well. 

Sometimes it is not always ideal to buy these because they are pricier, but other times it is worth the efficiency.

I listed a couple of diaper pails that are bag specific and others that are not.

The pro for bag specific pails is that it will never leave you guessing which bag is the best bag. 

They usually have specific functions that match the pails such as lock and seal bags that block odors. 

The con is that you cannot always buy them at any store, or maybe they are only exclusively online.

With more versatile pails, you won’t have to worry about getting specific bags and can shop anywhere for those baggies. 

The downside is that not all regular bags offer features specifically for diapers. 

If you go this route, maybe finding bags with baking soda infused design will help eliminate odors. 

Hopefully you decided which features are more important and weighed the pros and cons between them.

FAQ

Q1: Is a diaper pail necessary for cloth diapers?

Most cloth diapers users keep the dirty diapers in a dry diaper pail. It is the classic kind of pail but has a lid and a reusable cloth liner suitable to store reusable diapers. Nowadays, you will find different kinds of wet bags to store the used cloth diapers for a couple of days without even getting the house smelly. 

Q2: Is it worth getting a diaper pail?

Having a diaper pail is not a must nor necessary. However, it helps keep the odor away, at least for a couple of days, and you will be using it from the first day of having a baby at home until having a fully potty-trained toddler. So it is an investment that helps keep the house fresh, and some might guarantee hygiene and safety against bacteria and germs.

Our Verdict: Best Diaper Pails

What we found here was that all of the different diaper pails offered something slightly different from one another. 

There are a few different ways you can go depending on your particular situation! 

And really, that is what it comes down to – understanding your own needs and what you can live with. 

With that in mind.. 

Our comparison of the reviewed diaper pail is based on the most features that parents are looking for, which are the material quality, ease of use, odor control, and durability.

It is time to take a look at the results below..

ProductRating out of 5
Playtex Diaper Genie Complete Pail⭐ 4.5
Munchkin Step Diaper Pail⭐ 4.25
Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail⭐ 4.0
Safety 1st Easy Saver Diaper Pail⭐ 3.5
Dekor Classic Hands-Free Diaper Pail⭐ 3.25

Based on our review..

The Playtex Diaper Genie Complete Pail comes at the top of the list. It is a practical order locker pail that comes with high-end features at a very reasonable price. 

The Munchkin Step Diaper Pail comes in second place. It has the most effective odor locking mechanism, and its material is high in quality; however, it is less durable than the Playtex pail. 

Next comes the Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail with its unique steel design. It performed within the average level and is favored by many parents. Yet, it is not an affordable option for many parents.

The Safety 1st Easy Saver Diaper Pail comes in fourth place. It is just a basic pail; it is of less quality and doesn’t control the odor like the previous pails.

Unfortunately, the Dekor Classic Hands-Free Diaper Pail ended up at the bottom of the list. Based on the parents’ feedback and our review, it performed lower than the other pails.

Conclusion: Best Diaper Pails

Finally, you made it to the last part of the review..

After covering everything you need to know about each of the 5 reviewed diaper pails, it is time to present our Top Pick, Best Value, and Editor’s Choice options:

So, really you can not go wrong here, no need to overthink it.. Cheers and good luck to the next stage in life!

Related: Here Are The Top 6 Wet Bags For Cloth Diapers