Buying guide for Best diaper pail refill bags
Any new parent knows that the wave of dirty diapers that arrives with a new baby can be overwhelming. Diaper pail refill bags are designed to hold wetness and odors from dirty diapers until it is time to empty the trash. There are several types of bags made for diaper pails. While many are interchangeable, when you choose a refill pack, you’ll want to make sure you select a style that fits your diaper pail.
Some diaper pail refill bags are thicker than others, which may make them better able to hold in odors. Some bags are styled like normal trash bags, and others become a long string of twisted mini bags as you use them. Either style can hold the odors in and keep your home smelling fresh until trash day.
The question is, which diaper refill bags are right for you? Choosing from among the options may not be the straightforward task you’d expect. With more brands available every year, parents need to be discerning. Bag style, scent, and thickness are a few of the considerations to keep in mind.
Key considerations
Diaper pail model
What model of diaper pail do you have? That’s the first factor to consider. Each diaper pail has specific requirements for bag size and type. It would be a waste of money to purchase bags that don’t fit your pail, so make sure you know exactly which pail you’re buying for.
Bag quantity
The majority of diaper pail refill bag sets come in quantities of between 20 and 75. Most ring-style refill bags come with roughly 20 bags in each ring. Individual bags generally come in larger quantities, closer to 75. When you have an infant, time is your most valuable commodity. The more bags you have on hand, the easier your life will be.
Attached vs. individual bags
Attached diaper pail refill bags are similar to the produce bags in a grocery store. They are all connected by a perforated area between the bags. This is convenient for many diaper pails because when you pull out a used bag, a new one gets pulled up at the same time. This makes the “re-loading” of clean bags a quick and easy process.
Individual bags can be more cumbersome to deal with, although they are often less expensive.
Desired diaper capacity
Different types of bags have different capacities. If you want to fit as many diapers as possible into a bag, you will want larger bags. Of course, the capacity will always be limited ultimately by the size of the diaper pail. However, you can maximize that capacity by getting the largest size bags possible. The largest bags on the market hold around 13 gallons.
Scent
Although most diaper pail refill bags have some kind of scent, you’ll want to think about what type of scent you want in your home. There are a number of pleasant scent options, from lavender to baby powder. Think about what type of scent you and your family like, and choose that one for your scented refill bags.
For your safety
Never overfill your diaper pail refill bag. An overstuffed bag will be difficult to close and could cause a malfunction of the diaper pail lid.
STAFF
BestReviews
Features
Most features associated with diaper pail replacement bags are related to usability. Any products for use with a baby need to be easy to use and practical. That’s why the following features are worth considering when shopping for diaper pail replacement bags. They make the task of changing diapers more pleasant, less frustrating, and guilt free.
Adjustable size bag
Some individual bags have the option of size adjustment. How is this achieved? These bags are larger than most others. When you load the bag, you tie the bottom off to create your desired size. This is useful if you have an extra-large diaper pail and want to make the most of it.
Durability and thickness
Some diaper bags are more prone to breakage than others. Of course, if you overstuff any plastic bag, it may burst. But there are some diaper bags that unfortunately may tear even if you don’t overstuff them. Finding the right diaper bag for you entails finding a bag with a thickness you can deal with. Thicker bags may cost more, but you also get a little more grace from them. In other words, you may be able to stuff them a little fuller without worrying about a tear or spillage.
How do you evaluate the thickness of a bag? Check the label. Some manufacturers claim that their diaper pail replacement bags are 30% thicker than the standard. This additional thickness is better at keeping odors trapped inside, and it makes the bags less likely to tear if snagged on a piece of plastic or another sharp object. The last thing you want to deal with when changing a baby is a floor full of dirty diapers!
Biodegradable bags
Newer diaper pail refill bags are designed with the environment in mind. They are made of an environmentally friendly plastic that is biodegradable. This is a type of plastic that can be broken down by microorganisms in the environment. For parents who are concerned about pollution and the environment, it’s easier to dispose of diapers in these bags with a clear conscience.
Some diaper pail refill bags are also made of recycled materials. Check the label to see if yours are. For example, the product specs may state that the bags are made of 20% recycled materials.
Expert tip
Wiping out the diaper pail and/or spraying it with a disinfectant, even if you are using bags, is a good idea.
BestReviews Baby and Child Expert
Diaper pail refill bag prices
Inexpensive
Low-cost diaper pail refill bags hover around the $10 mark. These are usually the most basic options. In exchange for the lower price, you might get a smaller-than-average quantity, or you might get diaper bags that are flimsy and more prone to breakage.
Mid-range
For between $10 and $20, you can find diaper bag refills that are slightly more durable. In other words, your extra money may go toward preventing unwanted bag tears and leakages that prompt you to get out the mop and bucket! Diaper bags made of recycled materials and/or biodegradable plastic might also cost a little more. The higher price may also account for a larger quantity of bags.
Expensive
Multi-packs of diaper refill bags could cost even more, depending on how many you buy at once. If you really want to stock up, you could spend up to $50 (or even more) for a larger quantity of bags to keep on hand. If you have a very young child or multiple children in diapers, this might be your most economical choice, as bags bought in bulk often come at a discount.
Tips
-
Make sure the lid to your diaper pail is completely closed. Some have a tendency to stick open, especially if a diaper doesn’t enter completely. A latch that sticks open can lead to unseemly smells escaping from the pail.
-
Clean the exterior of your diaper pail regularly. Because it comes into contact with dirty diapers, you’ll want to make sure that the outer surface is free from contaminants.
-
Roll used diapers up as small as possible before discarding them. Doing so will not only conserve space in the bag, it will also help avoid a stuck pail lid.
-
Calculate your estimated diaper changes per day to determine the long-term quantity of diaper pail bags you need.
-
It’s best to take full diaper pail bags outside after removing them from the diaper pail. Disposing of them in an interior trash can could cause odors to waft around your home.
FAQ
Q. Can’t I just dispose of dirty diapers in the trash can?
A. You could, but if you were to throw your dirty diapers into the trash can in your home, you would be exposing your home to lots of unpleasant odors. Diaper pail bags keep those odors away from your family.
Q. Can I just use trash bags for my diaper pail?
A. No. Diaper pail refill bags are designed specifically for use with consumer diaper pails. They are thinner than normal trash bags and do a better job of sealing in odors.
Expert tip
If scents bother you, make sure to purchase unscented brands.
BestReviews Baby and Child Expert
Q. Do I need to clean the inside of my diaper pail?
A. Yes. Although the dirty diapers are contained in a bag, the interior of your diaper pail can still get dirty. Every time you change out the bags you should clean the interior of the pail with soap and water.
Q. Does it matter which brand of diaper pail refill bags I buy?
A. Yes. You need to buy diaper pail refill bags that are designed to work with your specific diaper pail. Every brand is different, so make sure you get the right one.
Q. Do I need to throw out my diaper pail if it starts to smell?
A. Not necessarily. Diaper pails may start to absorb some of the smell of the diapers and bags after some time. Cleaning inside and out of your diaper pail with a hose and soap will usually keep it smelling fresh and clean.
