Before your baby was born, you may have scouted out the best nappies for your little one. But as your baby grows and gets older, they will be feeding more and (hopefully) sleeping for longer, which means you'll also need to find the best nighttime nappies that offer better protection from any leaks. It is also important to ensure your child stays dry to prevent any sores from developing from prolonged wetness.
If your tot isn't ready for potty training, or they are potty trained during the day but still need nappies or pull-ups at night, it's totally normal. It's likely because they are deep sleepers, and their bodies haven’t learned to wake up when they need the toilet during the night.
Editor's pick:
• Best nighttime nappy overall: ASDA Little Angels Comfort and Protect Nappies - Buy now on Asda
• Best reusable nighttime nappy overall: TotBots Bamboozle Stretch Night Nappies - Buy now on Amazon
• Best nighttime nappies for affordability: Fred and Flo Ultra Dry Nappies - Buy now on Tesco
Below we have rounded up the best nighttime nappies as tested by other parents including both disposable and reusable options, depending on what you prefer to use.
How we test the best nighttime nappies
Our Mother&Baby awards are renowned in the industry for being one of the most highly respected product awards for baby and parenting products, and every year, we arrange for thousands of independent mum reviewers to test the latest products on the market.
Find out more about how we test and what considerations we take into account in our testing process.
We've tested a variety of different nappy brands and styles through our trusty team of mum testers. Our independent mums review products based on their usability, design, quality, and value for money. Reviewers give us qualitative feedback on their experience with the product, which our team of journalists review to decide our recommended products.
From all this work, the best nappies for nighttime use are chosen and listed below, along with the review comments that we thought would be most useful.
Our editorial team is also constantly updating our best of articles and looking for new nappies to test so that we can help you find the best.
Best nighttime nappies for your baby
Best nighttime nappy overall
ASDAgroceries.asda.com
ASDA Little Angels Comfort & Protect nappies are wonderfully soft and breathable for your little angel. Our parent tester Hannah described them as spacious, as they have super-soft leg cuffs and a super-stretchy waistband that helps to prevent leaks.Accredited by the Skin Health Alliance, feather-soft materials and SmartFlo™ absorbency ensure sensitive skin is cared for, and moisture is absorbed quickly and evenly for comfort. Testers also fond them to hold a lot of fluid, as they super-absorbent gel beads lock away wetness for up to 12 hours. A handy size guide shows you when it is time to go up a size, and fun, friendly woodland characters make change time more fun. All from 6.6p per nappy and also available in affordable jumbo packs.
The ASDA Little Angels Comfort & Protect nappies were awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2022 for Best Value Disposable Nappy. Read our ASDA Little Angels Comfort & Protect nappies review.
Pros
- Accredited by the Skin Health Alliance
- Super-stretchy waistband
- They have SmartFlo absorbency to ensure sensitive skin is cared for
Cons
- Some parents found it doesn't hold its shape while changing baby
Best fitting nighttime nappies
Morrisonsgroceries.morrisons.com
Affordable and soft, these Morrisons Nutmeg Ultra Dry Nappies went down well with our panel of mum testers, who found them "reliable.".
Unlike others on the market, these do not get bulky and saggy and will last overnight with no leaks, which is reflected in what our mum tester Charlotte had to say. With an ultra-thin, absorbent core system, soft flexible sides and leg cuffs for leak protection to keep your little one comfortable and dry.
Made for new adventures, these nappies have a secure fit and are super absorbent for little ones on the go.
These nappies received Silver in the Mother&Baby Awards 2021 for Best Value Disposable Nappy and were shortlisted for 2022. Read our review of the Morrisons Nutmeg Ultra Dry Nappies.
Pros
- Flexible side tapes for easy changing
- Channel technology to help prevent sagging
- They are generous in size
Cons
- Tabs could be more sturdy
- Not eco-friendly
Best recognised brand nighttime nappies
Boots/Pamperswww.boots.com
A well-recognised brand, Pampers baby-Dry Night Nappy Pants will protect your tot and allow them to have a peaceful night's sleep. The night nappy pants promise up to 12 hours of protection thanks to a boosted core that absorbs wetness instantly, with parents mentioning that even with tots who pee a lot, the nappies still don't leak.
They're designed to be put on in just one pull, and they're easy to remove by tearing the sides, which is helpful for any nighttime changes you might need to do while your little one sleeps.
Pros
- A trusted nappy brand
- Offers up to 12 hours protection
- Dermatologically tested
Cons
- These nappies are not eco-friendly
Best nighttime nappies for affordability
www.tesco.com
Tesco's Fred & Flo's Ultra Dry Nappies are super absorbent which is perfect for active days and cosy nights. Parents found that they are really good value for money, while still being super absorbent.
The slim and secure fit means there is room for baby to wiggle but without worries of any leaks. They also feature secure fastenings that stay exactly where they're meant too, which also helps to prevent leaks.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Slim feel design
- Dermatologically tested
Cons
- Some parents preferred the Pampers brand over these
Best nighttime nappies for older children
AmazonThe Bamboo Dreamy Night Pants Nappies are a more eco-friendly alternative to disposable or reusable nappies. They are designed for children aged four and above, with parents being impressed with these nappies.
One parent even commented that her seven-year-old daughter still have "full pull-ups each morning" but no leaks with the Bamboo Dreamy Night Pants. Some parents advised sizing up if you want a more comfortable fit for your child, but they are comfortable as they are designed to be extra soft.
Pros
- A more eco-friendly disposable nappy
- Ultra absorbent and gentle on skin
- Hypoallergenic and asthma allergy approved
Cons
- Not suitable for children under four years old
Best reusable nighttime nappy overall
AmazonThese cute reusable nappies are soft, bright and comfy. What’s more, they’re also super absorbent and fit nice and snug thanks to the poppers.
Whilst you might be a bit unsure about trying a reusable nappy, as they can be considered difficult to use, our team of mum testers found that they were surprisingly easy to use. They also come with a handy instruction leaflet for those who are trying reusable nappies for the first time too.
Some mums also found it took a little practice to get used to them at first but found them to be really good quality and fitted really well without leaving marks. You do have to get the hang of washing them, and they can take a while to try (especially in the winter), so it's important to consider buying back-ups too.**
This eco nappy won Gold in the 2021 and Bronze in the 2022 Best Reusable Nappy category in the Mother&Baby Awards. Read our full TotBots Bamboozle Stretch Night Nappies review.
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Pros
- Better value for money
- Highly absorbent
- Retain the same quality even after multiple use and washes
Cons
- You have to wash and dry them, which might not be as practical
Best reusable nighttime nappy for value
These washable Close Pop-in Puffin Bio Laminate nappies have been designed with comfort in mind. It's a birth-to-potty nappy that's made from a unique, fast-wicking panel to keep excess moisture in the middle of the nappy which some parents mentioned helped to prevent nappy rash.
It has an easy hook and loop fastening with stretchy tabs for a great fit and easy, quick, one-step changes just like a disposable nappy. It converts quickly from day to night with specially-designed boosters, that our mum testers found to help prevent any leaks. It has a unique design and leakproof double-leg gusset.
The designs are cute and colourful, but if you have a wiggly baby, you might find these nappies slightly complicated to put on and take off.
This eco nappy was Shortlisted in the Best Reusable Nappy category Mother&Baby Awards 2021. Read our Close Pop-in Puffin Bio Laminate Nappy review.
Pros
- An eco-friendly option
- Easy to use hook-and-loop fastening
- Comes in a variety of different, eye-catching designs
Cons
- Some found them to be bulky
Best luxury reusable nighttime nappy
Modi Bodiwww.modibodi.co.uk
A known brand for women, Modibodi has expanded its range to the Modibodi Reusable Nappy 4 Pack. The range consists of sustainable and reusable baby products which include reusable nappies and bamboo nappy liners.
They have a one-size-fits-most design, that adapt to an ever growing baby. Our mum tester Victoria was impressed with the quality of the reusable nappy, especially with how well it performed overnight. She found that despite her little one struggling with overnight leaks, there wasn't any with these, as they can hold up to one litre of leak with 12 hours protection.
Not only is it comfortable for little ones, but it has an added bonus of being able to be thrown into the washing machine, meaning there's no soaking or special detergents necessary.
These reusable nappies were shortlisted for Mother&Baby Awards 2022 for Best Reusable Nappy. Read our Modibodi Reusable Nappy review.
Pros
- Can hold up to one litre of leaks
- Easy to use and convenient for busy parents
- Offers comfort as well as protection
Cons
- The patterns come in set packs, with no option to select your own preferences
Best reusable nighttime nappy with bamboo inserts
AmazonParents found the Littles and Bloomz Reusable Pocket Cloth Nappy and bamboo inserts to be highly absorbent, which meant wee wasn't sitting against the skin for hours, especially when asleep at night.
While it only comes with one nappy and one insert, meaning you have to order multiple, they are good value for money as they have adjustable poppers to fit your baby, and adjust as they get bigger. Some parents also found that while they washed well, the inserts do take longer to dry than the reusable nappy.
Pros
- Lots of designs to choose from
- Popper fastener
- One size fits all
Cons
- Can only purchase individual nappy with insert
Best nighttime nappies with animal designs
Kit & Kinkitandkin.com
Recommended by our mum testers, the Kit & Kin Zebra Reusable Cloth Nappy is not only a super sweet design, but it can help keep your baby's bottom dry and comfortable for up to 12 hours.
They're user friendly, as some parents mentioned that poppers with leg rises can be a bit tricky for new clot uses, but they work very similar to your standard nappy. The nappy is also made from sustainable and plant-based materials, with every nappy helping to rescue two plastic bottles from landfill.
Read our Kit & Kin reusable cloth nappy review.
Pros
- Every nappy rescues two plastic bottles from landfill
- One size fits all
- Velcro fastenings makes for quick changes
Cons
- Instructions for use could be clearer
Expert tips around potty training
Amanda Jenner of the Potty Training Academy points out that every child is different when it comes to the potty training milestone, and while some are ready by 18 months, it can still be up to three years old for others. For nighttime training, she says, “What I suggest is you get potty training fully underway and get them completely dry in the day for at least a month before you even consider nighttime training. But don’t start nighttime training until you notice that in the morning their nappy is almost dry, this is an indication that they’re ready to start."
Tips to keep your child dry if they are not ready to be potty trained:
• Check the nappy size
• Change their nappy as close to bedtime as possible
• Invest in a protective mattress cover or use disposable mattress covers
• Find a nappy brand that suits you and your child
Why is my child not ready to be potty trained at night?
According to the NHS, “most children can control their bowels before their bladder.” So, by age one, most babies have stopped doing poos at night, by age two, some children will be dry during the day, and by age three, nine out of 10 children will be dry most days but can still have the odd accident, and by age four are most children reliably dry during the day.
“It usually takes a little longer for children to learn to stay dry throughout the night," says Amanda. "Although most learn this between the ages of three and five, up to one in five children aged five sometimes wet the bed. Most parents start thinking about potty training when their child is between two and two and a half, but there's no perfect time.”
Disposable vs reusable nappies
When you become a parent, you may want to think about eco-friendly options when selecting nappies. If your baby was to wear nappies daily until they were around two and a half (the age when many tots are potty trained), it's likely you will have used around 900 nappies, which take hundreds of years to decompose!
Some parents will still pick disposable nappies for their newborn, some only reusable nappies, while others opt for a mix of both. It's entirely up to you as a parent what you decide and there is no right or wrong choice. Here are some pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision.
Disposable nappies
Disposable nappies are often the go-to for new parents, they are more convenient and save you a lot of time if you are busy trying to juggle taking care of your newborn along with a whole load of cloth nappy laundry.
Although you are producing more waste, when you're out and about you can throw away a disposable nappy rather and carry it around with you until you get home to wash it. They vary in price points depending on which brand you choose to buy, so for some parents, it's easier to manage on a smaller budget - but don't forget, it adds up in the long run.
Disposable nappies use harmless chemicals to lock in wetness, which is a plus so that your baby doesn't leak, but some parents may be concerned about any chemicals near their baby.
Reusable nappies
Not only are they better for the environment, but reusable nappies are also said to be softer on your baby’s skin. They are less likely to spill and help make potty training easier.
However, while it's assumed reusable nappies are more eco-friendly because you are sending less waste to landfills, they need to be washed and dried at 60 degrees - the recommended temperature from the Department of Health.
You will need to check whether your washing machine and tumble dryer are energy-efficient. Depending on how you choose to wash and dry your cloth nappies, you will be producing higher amounts of carbon emissions if they are not.
Cloth nappies are cheaper than disposable nappies, but initial costs are higher. However, because you won't need to keep buying more, they are considered a more affordable option.
Emily Gilbert is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.