Diapers and pull-ups each have pros and cons depending on your baby’s age, level of activity, and readiness for potty training.

As you probably know by now, diapers and pull-ups are costly, especially when needed long-term. First, talk to your child’s doctor about your options as a great number of children on the spectrum qualify for some financial assistance for medically-needed supplies and equipment. Medicaid Price. Generally, pull-ups are more expensive than diapers, depending on the brand. However, some parents find the convenience of using pull-ups with active kids worth the extra expense. And since your child can pull them on and off when they go to the toilet, you may find that you use fewer pull-ups in a day than you would diapers with children who are potty training. So your cost per day on pull-ups might not be as much as you think.

Pull-Ups vs Diapers: The Pros and Cons

There are myriad reasons children on the spectrum often remain in diapers, pull-ups and youth pants longer than their neurotypical peers. Sometimes it’s a developmental delay and the child is not able to recognize he/she has to go potty or maybe the child doesn’t have the adequate skills to maneuver clothing in time to use a toilet. Aside from the difference in how you get them on and off, there are other differences between pull-ups and diapers which might make you consider choosing one over the other. Size. Most brands offer diapers ranging from size 1 for newborns to size 6 for babies over 35 pounds. Pull-ups come in a range of sizes for older babies and toddlers, starting at size 4 for 12 to 18 months all the way up to 5T for bigger kids over 50 pounds. We’ve got you covered in the case of nappy rashes - our baby and toddler selection includes healing creams and ointments to help soothe and protect your child’s bottom. If your little one is still feeling a little rough, we’ve got a handy selection of rubs, ointments, cough drops and more in our baby medicine & vitamins section.

There are so many brands and types of diapers and pull-ups to choose from, it can be hard for parents to know what the difference is or whether there’s even a difference at all. When it comes to diapers vs. pull-ups the most important thing to consider is what’s easiest for you and the most comfortable for your child for the developmental stage they’re in. This includes medically necessary supplies and equipment, so if a child is diagnosed with incontinence, this usually includes diapers for children beginning at age three with a prescription from a doctor.If your state denies your request for diapers for some reason, you can appeal the decision as they are required to comply as indicated by 42 CFR section 440.70 under Home Health Services. If your child is eligible and enrolled in publically-financed medical services such as Medicaid, he/she is likely covered by a provision called Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT). Every state plan is required to make certain services available to all children from birth through age 21 and this program ensures children not only receive a diagnosis, but appropriate treatment. Some parents start using pull-ups much earlier because they find that their active and wriggly baby is just more comfortable and easier to change while standing without fussing with tabs on regular disposable diapers.Absorbency. In the diapers vs. pull-ups debate, absorbency is a big issue. While many brands claim that their pull-ups are as absorbent as diapers, parents often disagree. Many parents find that pull-ups don’t work as well as traditional diapers for containing leaks overnight or bowel movements. Nappy changing time is hassle free when you’ve got an ample supply of baby wipes to hand. And of course, keeping your kids' clothes nice and fresh is easy through our wide selection of baby laundry products to wash those soiled clothes!

Goodnites are pull-ups that are designed to be more absorbent for overnight use up to 12 hours when a child might not change out of them until morning. What’s the difference between pull-ups and Pampers 360? Convenience. If you have a very active baby or are potty training a stubborn toddler who acts up during changing time, you might find it easier to do standing diaper changes using pull-ups. Since they don’t have tabs like regular diapers, pull-ups can make it easier to deal with a fidgety toddler on the changing table because they easily tear at the sides. They look similar and the same companies make them—so is there really a difference between diapers and pull-ups? Is there a particular age when you should transition your baby from one to the other? And do you have to use pull-ups to potty train? Private insurance plans are not required to provide comprehensive benefits and many do not cover diapers or other incontinence supplies. Some insurance companies, however, will cover a portion or the full-price of diapers, pull-ups and youth pants for children with special needs because they are a necessity. It is worthwhile to find a vendor who will attempt to bill your private insurance, because you may be surprised to find the supplies approved.

The range of sizes for older toddlers up to school-age kids allows parents flexibility for children who are potty training or older children who may still need help with nighttime potty training. Some parents find that larger sizes of pull-ups that look like regular underwear give potty training toddlers a sense of independence while also making accidents easier to deal with.

The main difference between pull-ups and overnight diapers is the snugness of the fit which helps to prevent leaks. Pull-ups use elastic around the waist and legs which can cause gaps and leaks, particularly at night. Pull-ups are also different from diapers in that they are designed to let children feel when they’re wet to signal that they need to get to the potty or toilet. This can be helpful when your child is ready to potty train. But not so comfortable and even irritating if your toddler hasn’t reached that stage yet. You might find that you need to use more absorbent night-time pull-up pants with older kids who are already potty trained and don’t want to wear diapers but still have accidents at night. We have specific options for bedwetting and night-time use. Our pyjama pantsuse a stretchable fit like normal underwear to help kids feel confident and secure from leaks. They’re super discreet as well and not easily seen underneath clothing.

Huggies Pull-Ups Size Chart

Help with potty training. Many parents use pull-ups along with whatever potty training method they find works for them. Because kids can pull them on and off and they look like underwear, some parents feel that pull-ups give their children a sense of independence and control when potty training. The switch to pull-ups signals to children that they are leaving diapers behind and moving to a new stage. But if they have an accident on their way to the potty, pull-ups also make clean-up more convenient for parents. You may find better prices on larger diapers, pull-ups and youth pants through a medical supply retailer. As previously stated, some insurance companies and Medicaid may require the diapers come from a specific retailer, so keep that in mind. Super soft, absorbent pull up pants with anti-leak leg cuffs, to help toddlers adapt to life without nappies Children with communication challenges are less likely to be able to tell someone else he/she has to go to the bathroom. Those children who take medication with sleepy side effects may also find it difficult to wake up in time to go to the bathroom. And children with severe autism often don’t have the cognitive and motor skills to use a toilet — making the task that much more difficult to master. With growing kids, you need reliable leak-proof protection that can keep up with their active lifestyle. Our size 6-8 nappies and pants range offers the perfect fit for children in this age group. Snug and secure, they’ll keep them dry and comfortable all day and all night long.