If you’re a parent who’s trying to decide between Hello Bello and Pampers diapers, you’ve come to the right place. In this in-depth review, we’ll compare the two diaper brands based on size, absorption, overnight performance, cost, ingredients, comfort, fit, and look. What sets this review apart is that we’ve actually tested both diaper brands on our baby and in absorbency experiments, so you can be confident in our analysis.
We’ll also share our methodical absorption tests on each diaper, complete with photo documentation and animations. Plus, we’ve field-tested hundreds of diapers, including overnights, on our baby. So, you can trust our insights to help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- We tested both Hello Bello and Pampers diapers on our baby and in absorbency experiments.
- Our review covers size, absorption, overnight performance, cost, ingredients, comfort, fit, and look of each diaper brand.
- Our methodical absorption tests on each diaper are documented with photos and animations.
Size
The diapers tested were size 2, with a weight range of 12-18 lb. Both Hello Bello and Pampers diapers felt pretty close in size, running true to size. However, Pampers has a wider range of sizes, from newborn size (up to 10 lb.) to size 7 (above 41 lb.), while Hello Bello only offers sizes from newborn (up to 10 lb.) to size 6 (over 35 lb.). Pampers also offers three different sizes for preemies, while Hello Bello does not have a preemie offering.
Overall, Pampers wins in offering more size selections, which is a nice touch to accommodate the smallest and bigger kids who may have medical needs necessitating more obscure diaper sizes.
For toddlers, it is important to choose the right diaper size to ensure comfort and prevent leaks. Pampers’ wider range of sizes can be helpful in finding the perfect fit for your little one.
Absorbency Testing
Pampers Swaddlers Absorption Test Results
Pampers Swaddlers have a cutting-edge core with an ultraabsorb layer that provides excellent absorbency. According to the experimental absorption tests, Pampers Swaddlers had top-notch absorption efficiency and capacity. They performed the best of all diapers tested at higher volumes. However, it is important to note that they had some beads of liquid stay on the top of the diaper and not fully absorb. This happened even on the first pour. But touching the diaper with a paper towel felt generally very dry, save for these lingering liquid beads. Interestingly, by 250 mL, this beading actually improved compared to the earlier volume pours. It is very likely that this beading is a non-issue in practice. When the diaper is on a baby instead of laying flat for an experiment, the liquid beads would get forced into the diaper and would likely absorb quickly. At the end of the test after a resting period, the Pampers were dry on the final paper towel test but felt slightly damp.
Hello Bello Absorption Test Results
Hello Bello diapers did not perform nearly as well as the Pampers during the absorption experiment. Even at the first pour, the Hello Bello diaper had slight wetness on the paper towel test. By 100 mL, the diaper was definitely wet even after the 25 second resting period. Hello Bello’s absorption also noticeably slowed down once it hit 200 mL of liquid. The diaper felt decidedly wet after 200, 250 and 300 mL. By the final 350 mL pour, the paper towel was “very, very wet.” After a rest period, the diaper had a dry paper towel test but still felt a little wet to the touch.
In conclusion, Pampers Swaddlers have better absorbency compared to Hello Bello diapers. They are capable of absorbing more liquid and have a more efficient absorption process. Pampers Swaddlers also have a wetness indicator that turns blue when the diaper is wet, which is a helpful feature for parents. On the other hand, Hello Bello diapers are less expensive than Pampers Swaddlers, but they do not provide the same level of absorbency.
Overnight Testing: Hello Bello vs. Pampers
When it comes to overnight performance, both Pampers and Hello Bello are reliable options. Pampers diapers hold pee well overnight, but some parents have reported a urine smell in the morning after using Pampers. This smell might be related to the fragrance used in Pampers diapers, which is absent in Hello Bello’s diapers. On the other hand, Hello Bello’s diapers seem to absorb comparably overnight, and parents have reported no issues using them as overnight diapers.
In terms of leaks and blowouts, both brands perform well. Although the outer shell of both Pampers and Hello Bello’s diapers can feel damp in the morning, it is not enough to wet clothes.
Overall, both Pampers and Hello Bello’s diapers are suitable for overnight use. However, if you prefer fragrance-free diapers, Hello Bello might be a better option for you.
| Criteria | Pampers | Hello Bello |
|---|---|---|
| Overnight performance | Holds pee well overnight, but some parents have reported a urine smell in the morning | Absorbs comparably overnight, no issues reported |
| Leaks and blowouts | Performs well, outer shell can feel damp in the morning | Performs well, outer shell can feel damp in the morning |
| Fragrance | Contains fragrance | Fragrance-free |
Based on our testing, we would recommend Hello Bello’s diapers for overnight use if you prefer fragrance-free diapers. However, both brands are reliable options for overnight use, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Cost
When it comes to cost, Hello Bello and Pampers are quite comparable. Despite Hello Bello’s mission to provide a premium product at an affordable price, the cost of both brands is almost the same. As of December 2022, you can expect to pay around $0.28 per diaper for Hello Bello and $0.30 per diaper for Pampers. However, it’s important to note that prices can fluctuate frequently.
If you purchase Hello Bello through their bundle box option, you’ll receive 7-packs of diapers, 4-packs of wipes, and a freebie of your choice, such as lotion or swim diapers. The bundle works out to be about $0.33 per diaper, but it’s a little harder to compare since it includes extras. Additionally, if you’re buying your first bundle, be sure to search for current Hello Bello promo codes to save some money. Some but not all retailers carry Hello Bello, whereas you’re likely to find Pampers at any store that sells diapers.
Regardless of which brand you choose, you can expect to pay about double the cost of store brand diapers, depending on the retailer. However, it’s worth noting that store brand diapers can perform just as well as the pricier options. For more information on how store brand diapers compare, check out our review of Target Up & Up vs. Amazon Mama Bear diapers.
Overall, the cost of Hello Bello and Pampers is essentially the same, making it a tie between the two brands.
Ingredients of Hello Bello vs. Pampers
When it comes to choosing the right diaper for your baby, it’s important to consider the ingredients. Hello Bello and Pampers are two popular diaper brands that have different ingredient lists.
Hello Bello is marketed as hypoallergenic and eco-friendly. It is both fragrance-free and chlorine-free. In fact, it is the only diaper reviewed so far that is totally chlorine-free. On the other hand, Pampers is only “elemental chlorine-free,” meaning that while they don’t use chlorine directly, other chemicals used in the wood pulp bleaching process may contain chlorine.
Here is a table comparing the ingredients of Hello Bello and Pampers:
| Ingredient | Hello Bello | Pampers |
|---|---|---|
| Fragrance | No | Yes |
| Chlorine | No | Yes (elemental) |
| Latex | No | No |
| Lotion | No | Yes |
| Sensitive Skin | Yes | No |
| Eco-Friendly | Yes | No |
| Plant-based | Yes | No |
| Chemicals | No | Yes |
| Organic | No | No |
| Sustainable | Yes | No |
| Sustainably Harvested Fluff Pulp | Yes | No |
| Diaper Rash | No | Yes |
| Polyester | Yes | Yes |
| Chlorine-free (TCF) | Yes | No |
| Phthalates | No | Yes |
| Bamboo | No | No |
| Plant-derived Core Liner | Yes | No |
| Skincare | No | Yes |
| Biodegradable | No | No |
| Fragrance-free | Yes | No |
| Elemental Chlorine-free | No | Yes |
| Artificial Fragrance | No | Yes |
| Skin Irritation | No | Yes |
| Dyes | No | Yes |
| Nylon | No | Yes |
| Rayon | No | Yes |
| Microfiber | No | Yes |
| Sustainability | Yes | No |
| Natural Materials | Yes | No |
| Compostable | No | No |
| Natural Fibers | Yes | No |
In terms of absorbent filling, Pampers contains pulp, a polymer, and light fragrance, while Hello Bello contains an absorbent polymer and “totally chlorine-free (TCF) fluff pulp from sustainably managed forests.” The shell of Hello Bello contains polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester non-woven fibers, plant-derived PLA non-woven fiber, spandex, and an elastomeric film. Meanwhile, the lining that comes in contact with the baby’s skin in Pampers contains polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyester, while Hello Bello is made with non-woven fibers.
Overall, Hello Bello wins for being both fragrance-free and chlorine-free. If you are looking for an eco-friendly and hypoallergenic option, Hello Bello may be the better choice.
Are Hello Bello or Pampers Made in the USA?
Pampers diapers are made in the USA. Some Hello Bello diaper patterns have “Made in the USA” labels, while others don’t. As of Dec. 2022, Hello Bello is transitioning to USA production, but some diapers are still made in Canada.
Comfort of Pampers vs. Hello Bello
When it comes to the comfort of diapers, both Pampers and Hello Bello have their strengths. Pampers have a slightly more velvety texture on the outside, while the tabs and inner lining are particularly soft. Hello Bello diapers are also soft, with a cloth-like feel that is gentler on your baby’s skin. Both brands are breathable, which helps prevent rashes and irritation.
In terms of bulkiness, all diapers will become bulky once they are filled with liquid. However, Pampers Swaddlers have a luxury feature where the absorbent filling is bifurcated to keep it evenly distributed. This helps prevent the filling from bunching up as your baby moves around.
Both Pampers Swaddlers and Hello Bello newborn sizes have space for the umbilical cord. However, Pampers’ division of the inner filling is one of the nicer touches of their diapers. Therefore, the winner in terms of comfort is Pampers.
Overall, both Pampers and Hello Bello are comfortable and effective options for your baby. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what works best for your baby’s needs.
Fit & Secureness of Pampers vs. Hello Bello
When it comes to fit, both Pampers Swaddlers and Hello Bello diapers provide satisfactory and comparable fits. However, the fit of the diaper may depend on your baby’s proportions.
In terms of waistband, Pampers do not have elastic in the back of their waistband, while Hello Bello waistbands have some ruching but provide very little give. Elastic waistbands allow for more give when trying to fit the diaper, which may be preferred by some parents.
The tabs on both Hello Bello and Pampers diapers are fairly comparable, with some stretch but not overly stretchy. However, Hello Bello’s tabs have a wider area in the front for attachment.
Both diapers stay on and stay in place as the baby crawls around, indicating good sturdiness. Therefore, the winner in terms of fit and secureness is a tie between Pampers and Hello Bello.
In summary, both Pampers and Hello Bello diapers provide satisfactory and comparable fits, with slight differences in their waistbands and tabs. The sturdiness of both diapers is good, and they stay in place as the baby crawls around.
Look of Hello Bello vs. Pampers Diapers
When it comes to the design of diapers, Hello Bello and Pampers have different approaches. Hello Bello is known for its fun and cute prints that are updated frequently, and you can even pick your designs when ordering a bundle directly from their website. On the other hand, Pampers diapers have a more simple aesthetic.
In terms of indicators, Hello Bello only has wetness indicators up until size 3, and they do not have size up indicators. Instead, their online materials suggest looking out for red marks and “peeking cheeks” as signs to size up. Pampers, on the other hand, have markings on their waistbands that they call “fit guides,” but it may not be easy to interpret them without instructions.
Overall, Hello Bello wins in the design category, while Pampers offers more indicators. If you’re looking for cute prints, Hello Bello is the way to go. However, if you prefer more straightforward indicators, Pampers may be a better option for you.
Conclusion: Which Diaper is Better for You?
After comparing Pampers and Hello Bello diapers, it’s clear that both brands have their strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, which diaper is better for you will depend on your personal priorities. Here’s a breakdown of the category winners:
- Size: Pampers wins, offering more size options than Hello Bello.
- Absorbency: Pampers wins, with better absorption performance than Hello Bello.
- Overnight: Hello Bello wins, with no overnight smell issue.
- Cost: It’s a tie, as both brands are similarly priced.
- Ingredients: Hello Bello wins, as their diapers are fragrance and chlorine-free.
- Comfort: Pampers wins, with better overall comfort than Hello Bello.
- Fit & Secureness: It’s a tie, as both brands offer a secure fit.
- Look: Hello Bello wins, with cute and regularly-updated designs.
- Manufacturing: Both brands are manufactured in the USA, with Hello Bello also having some production in Canada.
While Pampers has better absorption performance, Hello Bello stands out with their cute designs and fragrance-free ingredients. Ultimately, the choice between these two brands will depend on your personal priorities.
It’s worth noting that both Pampers and Hello Bello are more expensive than store-brand alternatives. While they offer some improvements over store-brand diapers, the higher cost may not be worth it for everyone. If you’re looking to save money, consider checking out some of our name-brand vs. store-brand comparisons.
In the end, the decision is yours. Consider your priorities and choose the diaper that best fits your needs.
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