Features

Because you will be using the diaper pail many times a day (and night), it's important to get the features that will make the changing chores easier. Here are the diaper pail features to consider.

 

Capacity

Diaper-pail makers claim that pails hold from 24 to more than 50 disposable diapers, although our tests have shown that capacity to be often overstated, so you have to empty the pail sooner than you might think. Keep in mind that diaper-pail capacity decreases as your baby grows into bigger diapers.  

Child-resistant lid

A disposables pail, which can also be used as a "dry" pail for cloth diapers, should have a child-resistant locking button or a mechanism that makes it difficult for a child to break in, such as a step-pedal opener. Be careful with pail liners, whether model-specific tubular liners or regular trash bags; both are suffocation hazards. A wet pail requires a locking lid to prevent any young child from falling in; children can drown in an inch of water.  

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 two steps: You have to open the lid, and then place the diaper into the plastic-bag insert. Others require more steps; still others can be operated with one hand or have a "hands free" pedal or motion sensor.  

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. Standard garbage bags are not specially designed to trap odors, but diaper-pail liners are, which contributes to their cost. Depending on the sensitivity of your nose, you may feel the extra cost is worth it.

See also:

Strollers

Car seats

Cribs

Play yards