Baby sleeping quietly in a crib

Best Overnight Diapers for Your Baby

5 min readUpdated January 20, 2026

Overnight diapers are designed to help your baby sleep longer, stay dry, and wake up comfortable—something regular daytime diapers aren’t always built to guarantee. Parents often wonder whether overnight diapers are truly worth it, how they differ from standard options, and which products offer the best protection for newborns, infants, toddlers, and heavy wetters.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know so you can choose the right nighttime diaper with confidence.

Whether you're comparing brands, searching for the most absorbent overnight diapers, or building a better nighttime routine, this article will help simplify your decision-making—and help your baby (and you) enjoy longer, more peaceful sleep.

Key Takeaways

  • Overnight diapers are more absorbent than regular diapers and designed for up to 12 hours of leak protection.

  • Pampers offers several nighttime diaper options, including Pampers ZZZ, Baby‑Dry, and Swaddlers for toddlers.

  • Pampers ZZZ diapers are a top choice for nighttime dryness, with extra absorbent zones and all-around leak protection.

  • Overnight diapers can help reduce night wakings and may support healthier skin by keeping moisture away.

  • They're not a must for every baby, but can be especially helpful for longer sleepers or heavy wetters.

  • You can start using overnight diapers when your baby begins sleeping for longer stretches—often around 6 to 8 weeks.

Why Nighttime Diapers Are Essential for a Long, Peaceful Sleep

While baby sleep can be unpredictable, and it’s normal for babies to wake frequently during the night (especially as newborns), you may still be wondering how to get your baby to sleep longer at night. One option for a better night’s sleep is using nighttime diapers, also called overnight diapers. Here are some reasons why overnight diapers, such as Pampers ZZZs are a great option to help your baby get the most out of their sleep:

  • Overnight diapers offer longer-lasting absorbency to keep your baby dry overnight

  • They prevent leaks and moisture buildup, reducing discomfort that can disrupt sleep

  • Babies who stay dry tend to sleep better and longer

  • When your baby sleeps peacefully, you also enjoy better rest

  • Nighttime diapers are designed for the extra hours of nighttime sleep, making them essential for a peaceful night for both baby and parents.

Keep in mind that every baby is unique, and it's uncommon for them to sleep “through the night,” especially in the early stages. Typically, babies start sleeping for longer stretches at night at around 8 to 9 months. You can find more sleep tips to help your baby snooze for longer, such as using a good-quality overnight diaper and establishing a soothing bedtime routine, in our article "When Do Babies Start Sleeping Through the Night?"

Are Overnight Diapers Worth It?

Yes—nighttime diapers are worth it! If you’re wondering, “Do overnight diapers work?” you’re touching on a common parenting question, and the answer is that quality overnight diapers truly work. They are designed with extra absorbency and leak protection for longer periods, ensuring your baby stays dry and comfortable throughout the night. That can mean less frequent wakeups due to wetness, helping both your baby and you to sleep more soundly.

Parents find that having reliable overnight coverage, especially from trusted newborn overnight diapers, adds peace of mind and better quality sleep for everyone.

Quiz duration is 3 minutes

Find the perfect diaper

Every baby is unique, and so are their diapering needs. Take our quick quiz to discover the diaper that fits your little one’s stage, comfort, and lifestyle – because the right fit makes all the difference.

  • Tailored to your baby’s needs

  • Quick, fun, and stress-free

  • Clear recommendation + handy tips

Overnight Diapers vs Regular Diapers

Understanding the difference between overnight diapers and regular diapers can help you choose the best option for your baby’s sleep needs. So, if you’re wondering whether overnight diapers are different or more absorbent than regular diapers, here’s some more information:

How to Choose the Best Overnight Diapers

Choosing the best overnight diapers comes down to your baby’s size, wetting habits, and skin type. Here are a few criteria to consider:

  • Superior absorbency. Opt for diapers that offer enhanced absorbent zones and moisture-wicking layers to keep your baby’s skin dry overnight.

  • Reliable leak protection. Look for built-in leak guards and flexible sides that help prevent wetness from escaping, even for wriggly sleepers.

  • Gentle for sensitive skin. If your baby has delicate skin, hypoallergenic diapers with soft, breathable materials can offer added comfort.

  • Comfortable fit. A well-fitting diaper that hugs securely around the legs and waist can reduce leaks while allowing your baby to move freely in their sleep.

For some parents, finding the best overnight diapers takes a bit of trial and error. But choosing quality designs with proven reliability makes peaceful nights more likely.

Pampers Best Overnight Diapers for Newborns, Older Babies, and Toddlers

We offer a comprehensive range of diapers designed to keep your baby dry throughout the day and night. Here are some options to choose from and how they can help your baby, toddler, or older child have a comfortable night’s sleep:

  • Pampers ZZZ. Our dedicated infant nighttime diapersare designed with extra absorbency and all-around leak protection to help keep your baby dry for up to 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep, even for heavy wetters.

  • Pampers Baby-Dry. A versatile diaper that offers up to 100% leakproof protection both day and night with Lock‑Away Channels and a Dri‑Weave Liner to help keep skin dry. This daytime and overnight diaper offers sizes from newborn to Size 7.

  • Pampers Swaddlers. With their absorbent KeepDry Liner to keep wetness and mess away from the skin, Swaddlers are designed to keep your baby comfortably dry all night long. #1 Brand.* For Sleep. *based on Nielsen sales last 52 weeks

Whether you’re looking for nighttime diapers for newborns or the best overnight diapers for toddlers, Pampers has you covered with options that balance dryness, comfort, and fit.

Best Overnight Diapers for Heavy Wetters

If your baby tends to soak through diapers overnight, you’re not alone. Parents searching for the best overnight diapers for heavy wetters should prioritize high absorbency, secure leak protection, and moisture-wicking materials that keep wetness away from delicate skin.

Pampers ZZZ diapers are engineered with targeted absorbent zones and All‑Around LeakGuard protection to help keep babies dry even during long, heavy wet nights. Many families find that these most absorbent overnight diapers reduce the need for middle-of-the-night changes and help support more restful sleep for both baby and parents.

Comparison Chart: Our Best Overnight Diapers

Here’s a feature-by-feature comparison of Pampers nighttime diapers, focused on what matters most at bedtime: absorbency, leak protection, comfort, and ease of use.

Pampers ZZZ Diapers

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Pampers ZZZ are trusted by parents and recommended by pediatricians as the go-to choice for overnight diapers designed to keep babies dry and comfortable throughout the night. These diapers are engineered with 50% more absorbent zones vs. everyday-of-the-year brand, which helps distribute wetness evenly and provides up to 100% leak protection, even for heavy wetters.

Benefits of Pampers ZZZ:

  • Prevents up to 100% of leaks, even blowouts

  • All-night leak protection ensures you’re worry-free for up to 12 hours

  • Absorbent and breathable liner helps lock away wetness to keep your baby’s skin 3x drier* (*vs size 4 leading value brand)

  • Wetness Indicator shows when your baby needs a diaper change

  • Soft Flexi‑Sides for a secure and comfy fit

  • Extra soft for sensitive skin, hypoallergenic and dermatologically approved.

Pampers ZZZs were also recognized as the Best Overall Overnight Diaper in 2025 by What to Expect.

How We Test Our Overnight Diapers

At Pampers, we understand that trust starts with rigorous testing and a deep commitment to safety. Our overnight diapers—including Pampers ZZZ—go through more than 500 safety tests and evaluations before they reach your baby’s skin. Every step of the process is designed to ensure exceptional performance in absorbency, leak protection, comfort, and safety—especially during those long nighttime stretches when your baby’s skin needs the most support.

Here’s how we ensure every Pampers diaper is reliable, gentle, and safe:

Ingredient and safety testing

Every ingredient in a Pampers diaper is carefully selected and thoroughly evaluated by scientists and toxicologists. Before any material is used, it undergoes a robust safety assessment process to ensure it’s safe for your baby’s skin—especially for sensitive newborns and overnight wear. We never add chlorine bleaching, parabens, latex (natural rubber), or ethanol alcohol.

We also monitor in real time, every day, and listen to real-world feedback from parents globally to keep raising our standards.

How Often Should You Change a Newborn’s Diaper at Night?

Newborns need frequent diaper changes, even at night. In the first few weeks or months, it’s common to change their diaper every 2-3 hours, or as needed if they’ve soiled it. Newborns’ sensitive skin can become irritated easily, so it's important to keep them dry to avoid diaper rash. However, as your baby grows and starts sleeping for longer stretches, you can begin to space out diaper changes.

Should You Wake Your Baby for a Diaper Change at Night?

Generally, it’s best not to wake your sleeping baby for a diaper change unless absolutely necessary. If your baby is sleeping soundly and the diaper isn’t heavily soiled or causing discomfort, it’s fine to let them sleep. Many overnight diapers are designed to absorb a lot of liquid, so they can last through the night. If your baby wakes up naturally, it’s a good time to check and change the diaper, but waking them up unnecessarily can disrupt their sleep cycle.

You can find out more about how often to change your baby’s diaper in our dedicated article.

FAQS AT A GLANCE

You can start using overnight diapers once your baby begins sleeping longer stretches at night—typically around 6 to 8 weeks. If you notice frequent leaks or discomfort from wet diapers overnight, it might be time to switch.

The Bottom Line

Ensure your baby stays dry and comfortable throughout the night by trying one of our best overnight diapers, such as ZZZ, Swaddlers, Baby-Dry, or Pure. This simple choice leads to longer, more restful sleep for both your baby and you, making nighttime diapers an essential part of a peaceful bedtime routine. And while we’re on the topic of diapers, download the Pampers Rewards App for exclusive rewards on all those diaper purchases.


  • American Academy of Pediatrics. Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5, 7th ed. (New York: Bantam Books, 2019).
  • Mayo Clinic. Guide to Your Baby’s First Years, 2nd ed. (Rochester, MN: Mayo Clinic Press, 2020).
  • Kids Health. “Sleep and Your 4- to 7-Month-Old.”

The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.

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