Skip to main content

NewFolks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

These 4 trash cans will make changing diapers a breeze

You love your baby, but let’s be honest, you are not a fan of smelly diapers. They can quickly stink up a room, so instead of tossing them outside or just letting the smell overpower your baby’s room, a diaper trash can is the way to go. Diaper pails keep the scent out using some version of a containment method—a trap door for a diaper to squeeze through. While you don’t have to invest in a diaper pail, it may be worth your while to get one yourself or add it to your registry for your upcoming shower.

When deciding which baby diaper pail you’d like, there are a few details to look into. You will want to consider the following:

Recommended Videos

Do you prefer plastic to stainless steel?

Plastic can absorb odor even with liners, so if that’s a concern for you, you may want to go with a stainless steel can.

The size of the diaper pail

If you have an older baby or toddler, or more than one baby, you may want a larger diaper pail. Diaper pails can hold as few as 30 diapers at one time and can go up into the hundreds. Even though baby diaper pails prevent odor, you shouldn’t let too many sit in the pail for an extended period. 

Trap door

A lot of diaper pails function with mini trap doors underneath their lids. You push your diaper through, and the door keeps the yucky smells out. Some trash cans have a squeegee-like opening to push diapers through, while others have sliding lids. You’ll have to figure out which style you prefer.

You need to think about other details from color, trash bag compatibility, and if the diaper pails are hands-free. As you read through the diaper pails we have rounded up, you’ll find which aspects are most important to you. We have found a variety of diaper pails, so you are sure to find something on this list!

baby boy with diapers
HDesert / Shutterstock

Diaper Genie

Diaper Genie

The Diaper Genie is the classic diaper pail, and for a good reason. You step on the pedal for a hands-free experience to open the lid and push a diaper through its airtight clamp. In addition to keeping unwanted diaper scents contained inside, the diaper genie has a built-in carbon filter. It comes with two bags, so you’ll want to stock up on another box when you get your genie! Fortunately, this product can hold up to 270 diapers, but I don’t think you necessarily want to wait until it’s full before taking out the trash. The best part? The diaper genie is ideal if you aren’t looking to spend too much money on your pail.

Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail

Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail 

The Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail is a fun option because you can choose from several design styles to match your baby’s nursery. Designs range from blush pink to marble, making it easy to match your bathroom or nursery decor as much as possible. Because the can is made of stainless steel, it won’t absorb the diapers’ odor, and its sliding lid keeps odor out of your baby’s bedroom. If you have a nosy toddler, no need to worry because the sliding lid has a childproof lock. You can use any trash bag with the Ubbi pail, and it can hold up to 55 diapers if needed.

baby boy in diaper
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Skip Hop Nursery Diaper Pail 

This stainless steel diaper pail has a dual lock door system—two trap doors opening to conceal the diapers below. Its push-n-lock clamp keeps out smells while its lock keeps out your kids. What makes this trash can awesome is that it also has a storage compartment up top. Your diapers, wipes, and ointments can find a new home with this pail making diaper changing consolidated and easier than ever. Bonus points for this pail because it’s hands-free and can be used with any trash bags. Plus, its rectangular, sleek design makes it ideal for sliding into a corner.

Dekor Classic Hands-Free Diaper Pail

Go back to the basics with this diaper pail by Dekor. Step on the foot pedal, open the lid and drop dirty diapers through its trap door. This white plastic trash pail holds up to 45 newborn diapers. Depending on your needs, Dekor also offers a mini-sized can and a larger sized can. You can use Dekor’s matching powder scented liner bags (only two come with initial purchase), and if you’d like, you can even choose biodegradable bags. 

We hope we have made your diaper pail shopping just a bit more exciting, if not easier. Smelly diapers are not something most of us want to think about, but it comes with the territory when you have a little one at home. Hopefully, your family has fresher smelling days ahead!

Antonia Maric
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Antonia Maric originally hails from Westchester, New York. Aside from writing, Antonia takes pride in exploring national…
When do babies’ eyes change color? This is very interesting
Here's how long you have to wait for the final shade
A mother holding her baby.

If you're expecting, you cannot wait to see what your baby will look like. Gazing at the sonogram is one thing, but laying eyes on that squishy little face is another. A feature parents are excited to see in person are those gorgeous eyes. Will they be blue like mom's or green like dad's? Will they stay green or change to hazel? When do babies' eyes change color? Only time will tell if your little one ends up with the eye color they are born with, but we will help give the time frame a bit of structure.
When a baby's eyes change color

We're sorry to report that it will be a bit of a waiting game to know the outcome of your child's eye color, as science and genetics are crazy. When it comes to eye color, it's a moving target, and the color your baby is born with may not be the final color of their eyes.
The first year is when eye color changes
The easy answer is that eye color could start to change as early as 3 months old and keep morphing until a child is a year old. For most of us, our eye color settled on a shade by the time we saw our first birthday. But let's get into the complicated version.

Read more
Can you get a tattoo while breastfeeding? What you need to know about getting inked up while nursing
When is it safe for a postpartum woman to get skin ink?
Tattooed mom with baby

Many women are eager to enjoy certain things they give up during pregnancy after they welcome their baby. However, when a woman chooses to breastfeed, there are many considerations she must continue to make, like whether she can drink alcohol or caffeine. And if you're a big fan of getting new ink, one question you might have is, "Can you get a tattoo while breastfeeding?"
The answer isn't entirely clear, but we've gathered expert information to help you make an educated decision. Expressing your individual style doesn't stop with parenthood so get that tat, but let's figure out if the timing should wait until after weaning.

Can you get a tattoo while breastfeeding? It's best not to because of some possible risks

Read more
When can babies go in the pool? What you need to know before summer starts
Have a safe and cool summer with these pool rules for your baby
Baby swimming in a pool

Once the weather gets warmer, many families are eager to hit the pool for some relief from the heat, but those with young infants at home may find themselves wondering, "When can babies go in the pool?" Whether it's signing up for local swimming classes to teach your little one basic water safety or for recreation and relaxation on a hot summer day, taking your baby in the pool can be a lot of fun.

There are, however, some basic guidelines experts recommend about how old your baby should be before they join the rest of the family. Before you go for a dip this summer, here's what you need to know about when babies can go in the pool.
General guidelines

Read more