Experts say that although it's possible to get by using a standard trash can and liner while your baby is still young, a diaper pail will be a necessity as baby gets older, especially after he or she begins eating solid foods. As babies grow, diapers get messy and smelly, making some kind of diaper pail a must to control odors.

There are two primary types of diaper pails available: those that use regular trash bags and those that require specially designed refill cartridges. ConsumerReports.org says the trade-off is one of personal preference; while the diaper pails requiring special refills generally offer better odor control, the expense of continuously purchasing refills can add up.

Diaper pails with improved designs that can eliminate most odors have come a long way from the days when parents used standard trash cans and liners. According to experts, odor control and ease of use are the most important features of a diaper pail.

Experts suggest considering the following factors when shopping for a diaper pail:

  • Child-resistant lids are best for safety and sanitation
  • Foot pedal or one-hand operation provide for easy access
  • Special refill bags or liners control odors, but are costly in the long term
  • Drop-in styles are easier than designs that require you to push a diaper through a clamp
  • Large-capacity models hold more diapers, which means fewer bag changes

If you're using cloth diapers, you'll need to choose a model that uses regular trash bags. Diaper pails that use specially designed liners are made for tying off the ends and disposing of used diapers, so this method won't work for cloth diapers that need laundering. Still, there are diaper pails using regular trash bags that do a good job of controlling odors.

Back to top