April 2007
Diaper pails: Features to consider
Capacity. Diaper pail makers claim pails hold between 24 and 46 disposable diapers, although our tests show that capacity is often
overstated. We were able to put 19 wet diapers in the Genie, which purports to hold up to 30 diapers, and 25 in the Dékor
Plus, which is said to have a diaper capacity of 46. The Diaper Champ doesn't make any claims; its holding capacity depends
on the size of the bag you use. When we used a large, plastic department store bag, we were able to put 30 wet diapers in
it. Keep in mind that diaper-pail capacity decreases as your baby grows into bigger diapers.
Child-resistant lid. Look for a disposables pail with a lid that has a child-resistant locking button or a mechanism that makes it difficult for a child to break in, such as a step pedal opener. For cloth diapers, you'll need a standard wet pail, or a dry waste-basket-type diaper pail that can be used for either cloth or disposables, with a securely locking lid to prevent your baby and other curious children from falling in.
Comfort. If you're going the cloth route and choose a wet pail, pick one with a pouring lip and comfortable handles.
Ease of use. Some diaper pails require more than two steps; you have to open the lid, then shove the diaper into the plastic-bag insert, then twist. Others can be operated with one hand or have a hands-free pedal and are only a two-step process. All the diaper pails we tested were relatively easy to use. The Diaper Genie though, required three steps to dispose of a diaper. The Diaper Champ and the Diaper Dékor Plus were the easiest to use. We didn't test the Diaper Genie II, although its new, simple disposal system might make it a contender.
Liners or bags. Some pails require special plastic liners, which add to the cost of diapering, while others use regular garbage or plastic bags. The cost of refills will depend on the brand of diaper pail you choose. Liners for the Diaper Dékor Plus, for example, cost $3 per month and refills for the Diaper Genie range from $6 to $12. See our Ratings
Child-resistant lid. Look for a disposables pail with a lid that has a child-resistant locking button or a mechanism that makes it difficult for a child to break in, such as a step pedal opener. For cloth diapers, you'll need a standard wet pail, or a dry waste-basket-type diaper pail that can be used for either cloth or disposables, with a securely locking lid to prevent your baby and other curious children from falling in.
Comfort. If you're going the cloth route and choose a wet pail, pick one with a pouring lip and comfortable handles.
Ease of use. Some diaper pails require more than two steps; you have to open the lid, then shove the diaper into the plastic-bag insert, then twist. Others can be operated with one hand or have a hands-free pedal and are only a two-step process. All the diaper pails we tested were relatively easy to use. The Diaper Genie though, required three steps to dispose of a diaper. The Diaper Champ and the Diaper Dékor Plus were the easiest to use. We didn't test the Diaper Genie II, although its new, simple disposal system might make it a contender.
Liners or bags. Some pails require special plastic liners, which add to the cost of diapering, while others use regular garbage or plastic bags. The cost of refills will depend on the brand of diaper pail you choose. Liners for the Diaper Dékor Plus, for example, cost $3 per month and refills for the Diaper Genie range from $6 to $12. See our Ratings
(available to subscribers)
for the cost comparison of refills.
