There are so many choices you have to make as a new parent. Whether it’s diapers or formula vs. breast, each one feels like such a big deal, and with so many options it’s easy to feel overwhelmed especially when it comes to diapers. But no worries. If you’re wondering what the difference is between Pampers Swaddlers vs Cruisers, we’ve got you covered.
And in case you’re also considering using Pampers Baby Dry, check out this post comparing Baby Dry and Swaddlers.
(FYI: this post contains affiliate links. Meaning if you purchase anything through a link on this page, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
What is the difference between Swaddlers and Cruisers?
I remember when I had my first child and I had heard so many horror stories about diapers. I remember stories of blowouts that leave the baby and everything around them covered in poop, babies who were allergic to diapers and ended up with terrible rashes, or constant leaks from diapers that just could do the job. I wanted to avoid that at all costs. So I started by buying some of the most expensive diapers out there. I didn’t even think about deciding between just Pampers Swaddlers vs Cruisers.
As a new parent, I went with a subscription to Honest Diapers. I mean, they were just so cute, and they were supposed to be less toxic and more natural right? Well they *were* super cute, but they were also supposed to have fewer chemicals than brands like Pampers, right? After spending a ton of cash on cute diapers I started looking into more affordable varieties (especially after having twins to diaper!), and it turns out Pampers are free from a lot of chemicals too. Check out this list.
But once I realized I didn’t have to pay big bucks for safe diapers for my baby, the question still remains… which ones to choose? So let’s break down the choice between two of Pampers’ most popular lines of diapers, Pampers Swaddlers vs. Cruisers to make that choice a bit easier. (spoiler alert: both are awesome and it depends on you and your baby’s needs.)
The TDLR version on whether to pick Pampers Swaddlers vs Cruisers:
My quick take on the Pampers Swaddlers vs Cruisers battle? If you have a newborn or smaller baby, go with Swaddlers. For older babies and toddlers who are on the move, go with Cruisers. Cruisers are only for babies 16lbs and up, while Swaddlers start from newborn and go up to over 40 lbs. But both are great choices!
Pampers Swaddlers Overview
If you want soft and snuggly diapers that are perfect for sensitive skin, then Pampers Swaddlers are a great choice.
With an emphasis on softness and comfort alongside features like an umbilical cord notch make Pampers Swaddlers best for newborns and younger babies. They seem designed to work for that stage when the baby’s skin is most sensitive and in need of comfort.
However, they do go up to size 7, or 41 pounds and over. So if you love them there’s no need to switch as the baby gets older. You could keep using Pampers Swaddlers vs Cruisers or any other diaper without an issue.
Pampers Swaddlers Features:
- Blankie soft
- BreatheFree Liner
- Soft stretchy sides
- Umbilical cord notch
- Dual leak guard barriers
- Lockaway channels
- Wetness indicator
- Hypoallergenic and no parabens or latex
Soft and comfy for baby’s sensitive skin
Some diapers just feel like they are meant for a baby bottom, and Pampers Swaddlers are one of those. The soft and comfy materials are perfect for an infant’s sensitive skin.
While Pampers Swaddlers work for babies way past the newborn phase, they are designed for the tiniest ones. So comfort is one of the best features of these diapers. The “blankie” soft material, the soft stretchy sides, a breathable liner, and the fact that they’re hypoallergenic make the Pampers Swaddlers perfect for a newborn.
When it comes to Pampers Swaddlers vs Cruisers, Swaddlers win on the softness factor.
Locks in wetness for fewer leaks
Waking up in the middle of the night to a crying and wet baby is just… miserable. For both baby and parent, it makes a sleepless night even worse.
Dual leak guard barriers and lockaway channels keep wetness contained. That means fewer leaks and more comfort for the baby. Hopefully, that leads to longer stretches of sleep too, that I know all new parents are craving. Plus, the wetness indicator lets parents know quickly and easily if it’s time for a diaper change.
Affordable price
Spending too much cash on something that literally gets thrown out within a few hours is so frustrating, but Pampers Swaddlers are pretty easy on the wallet.
They aren’t the cheapest diapers on the market, but they are priced in line with other major diaper brands like Huggies or Luvs. The Pampers Swaddlers’ average cost per diaper is around $.30 at places like Amazon or Target.
Pampers Swaddlers Biggest Pros:
These diapers are really designed with a newborn in mind. With features like the softness of the material and the umbilical cord notch, when it comes to Pampers Swaddlers vs Cruisers, the swaddlers are perfect for the snuggly phase when babies are tiny.
They also come in a wide range of sizes. There’s no reason to switch to another diaper just because baby is growing! The Swaddlers work for babies up to 41lbs or more! So when it comes to the largest range of sizes they win in Pampers Swaddlers vs Cruisers.
Pampers Swaddlers Biggest Cons:
There are not many cons to these diapers. The reviews from parents are overwhelmingly positive. However, some parents found they didn’t like the powdery smell of Pampers or had issues with leakage overnight. A few complained of their little ones getting rashes.
I think these complaints are generally something personal to each family. Some diapers work better for some babies, while others… not so much. But those issues seem to be a very very small percentage of babies and parents, so I would say it’s certainly worth giving Pampers Swaddlers a try for our newborn or small baby if you’re in the market for a diaper brand.
Pampers Cruisers Overview
Have a baby or toddler who is on the move or very active? Then try these if you’re debating on Pampers Swaddlers vs Cruisers.
Pampers Cruisers are perfect for little ones who are well.. cruisers. They have a lot of the same features as Swaddlers when it comes to keeping in the wetness or the color-changing line that lets you know when baby needs a change. But the fit is a bit different with some small changes that make it more suitable for older babies on the move, edging it out in the debate of Pampers Swaddlers vs Cruisers for toddlers and older babies.
Pampers Cruisers Features
- Unique 3-way fit
- Dual leak guard barriers
- Stay-put waist
- Lock-away channels
- Wetness indicator
Made for Movement
Pampers Cruisers are really designed for babies or toddlers on the move. They are made to stretch and adapt to your child’s body in three different directions with the 3-way fit. So as your child crawls or toddles around, they will bend and move with them. This keeps your little one comfy and holds in everything that needs to stay in (we’re talking poop here…) stays in.
I know when my kids started crawling around we had more than one instance of what we started calling a “rogue turd.” If the diaper doesn’t fit *just right* sometimes those little stinkers will slip on out the side making a not-so-fun surprise.
So the 3-way fit AND the stay-put waist can be super helpful in keeping all that needs to stay in the diaper… inside. Not to mention it creates a more comfortable fit for your babe.
Keeps baby dry for up to 12 hours
As babies start to cruise around and develop their own little personalities, they might not be so excited about regular diaper changes. I mean hello… they are way too busy getting into everything and playing. So the longer a diaper can keep them dry and comfortable without blowouts, the better.
This is one way the Pampers Swaddlers vs. Cruisers are not too different. The Pampers Cruisers also have lockaway channels for wetness. So not as many leaks as other types of diapers might have.
Plus, Cruisers make it easy to see when a baby needs a change with the wetness indicator.
Dermatologically Tested and Hypo-allergenic
Just like the Pampers Swaddlers, the Cruisers are made of the same/similar materials that are non-toxic and meant for a baby or toddler’s sensitive skin. Read more about what Pampers includes in their diapers here.
Affordable Price
Just like the Swaddlers, the Cruisers are not the cheapest diapers on the market, but they aren’t the most expensive either. For many families, these are an affordable option, although not the *most* budget-friendly. If you really want to keep costs down then try store brands like Target’s Up & Up (we’ve used them and they’re great too!).
If you’re looking at Pampers Swaddlers vs Cruisers then they are both in the same price range since both are Pampers.
Pampers Cruisers Biggest Pros
Parents on Amazon are raving about how awesome Pampers Cruisers are for larger babies and toddlers. They come in up to a size 7, and many parents say that this is the only brand that doesn’t sag or leak for their little ones who need that size.
And if you have a baby or toddler who loves to rip of that diaper and run around naked? Then try out the Cruisers. One parent even said they are “Just as absorbent as traditional pampers, but much more toddler-proof.”
The theme with most of the glowing reviews is that they are excellent for big babies and toddlers and can hold in the wetness and… other things… even though their babies are super active. So it sounds like that 3-way fit, leak-guard barriers, and more are doing their jobs.
Pampers Cruisers Biggest Cons
If you have a newborn or small baby, these aren’t for you. They are meant for babies who are a little bigger and start at a size 3, which starts at 16 pounds.
Just like the Pampers Swaddlers, Pampers Cruisers get excellent reviews on Amazon, a 4.8 out of 5.0. So overall they are well-loved and you have to really look for any flaws overall.
A few reviewers did critique the width and said they seem like they are a little more narrow than they used to be. While others said they are excellent at preventing leaks, but that they tend to sag easily. Some just said they prefer Swaddlers or other brands like Huggies.
Though these negatives are a very small minority of all reviewers. So if you want to try the Cruisers, you will most likely love them.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pampers Swaddlers and Cruisers
What is the difference between Swaddlers and Cruisers?
While both diapers will work for nearly all babies and toddlers, the Swaddlers are really designed with newborns in mind, and the Cruisers are designed for babies on the move.
Do Pampers Cruisers have the wetness indicator?
Yes. Pampers Cruisers have a wetness indicator to let you know ASAP when baby needs a diaper change.
Are Pampers Cruisers good for overnight?
Yes. Pampers Cruisers are great for overnight use. They have lockaway channels to hold in wetness for up to 12 hours.
Which Pampers are the best?
Which pampers are best totally depends on you and your baby’s needs. Pampers Swaddlers vs. Cruisers for example are both great diapers. However, Pampers Swaddlers are meant for newborns and smaller babies with features like a notch for umbilical cord healing. While the Pampers Cruisers are perfect for babies on the move.