REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Better leak protection
Free of latex/lotions/fragrance
REASONS TO AVOID
Sub-par absorption
Less durable
Not eco-friendly
Cuties Complete Care Review
An inexpensive disposable with poor absorption that isn't as durable or eco-friendly
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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Our Verdict
Cuties is a budget-friendly disposable diaper that is generally average. So much so that it ranked almost exactly in the middle of our disposable diaper review. This inexpensive diaper has better leak protection and is free of latex, lotion, and fragrances. Sadly, Cuties didn't perform well in absorption or other key considerations we think will be important to parents, like health considerations and the environment. While the price might be right for families on a budget, there are similarly priced options in our lineup with excellent absorption and better scores in every metric, making cuties a boring choice for those who aren't that interested in performance or how it's made.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Cuties brand diapers are manufactured by First Quality, which also makes adult incontinence products. First Quality began making children's diapers in 2008, and Cuties are the only diaper for children they produce. The company aims to create a great-performing diaper with high absorbency qualities. It is one of the more economical diapers we tested.
The top elastic on the Cuties diaper seems to do its job to keep contents contained.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Likes
The diaper did well in our testing and research for leak protection. Only a small percentage of online reviews complained of leaking when using Cuties. In our tests for retention and run-off, some liquid skirted around the absorbancy strip in the diaper center and went to the front of the diaper during the insertion period (20-40 sec).
Very little liquid ended up in the pan during our leak prediction tests for the Cuties diaper.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
Only a few droplets were on the tray after we stood it upright. Our second test resulted in a few droplets outside the absorbency strip but no leaking in the pan.
The leg gussets on the Cuties diaper are soft with no pokey parts or indication that it would cause chaffing under normal circumstances.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
This is a reasonably comfy diaper compared to the competition and is impressive, given the lower price. The material is soft and “puffy,” like an excellent napping pillow, but it might be too bulky for some little ones. The elastic on the sides and back is gentle but not very stretchy. A survey of our test crew shows it is a soft, friendly diaper in most regards.
Cuties is free of many common irritants that could lead to diaper rash.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Cuties offer more for babies' health than much of the traditional competition. It is free of fragrances, latex, and lotion and uses lead and hard metal-free inks. While we wish there were more transparency about the materials, it is better than past Cuties and still better than most Pampers or Huggies options in this review.
Cuties had more liquid transfer o the filter paper in our absorption tests than some of the competition. While not the worst, by far, it isn't great.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Dislikes
The tests for absorbency showed Cuties struggles to keep up with the competition. The absorption rate is slow compared to others, and some of the liquid rolled into the gussets and never absorbed, which could lead to a wet bottom or soaking into clothing.
We simulate the pressure for a baby sitting in a wet diaper to help determine how well a diaper can lock liquids away and prevent leaks from happening and limit moisture exposure to skin.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
This diaper also struggled to offer much for the environment with a production that is only elemental chlorine-free and lacks any transparency on what it is made of. In our experience, this usually indicates there is nothing to brag about. However, they do list that the fluff is from sustainable forests and is produced in a zero-waste-to-landfill facility. We do wish they used renewable resources, were potentially compostable, or were totally chlorine-free.
Cuties are not as durable as some of the competition, and we found lots of complaints about faulty tabs.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Last, Cuties didn't do well in our tests and research for durability. Cuties have a lot of faulty tab issues where they pull off the diaper or don't reattach. This renders the diaper useless and increases the per-diaper cost for each when you don't get to use some. It also had frequent complaints of falling apart and SAP leaking, which will result in more frequent diaper changes and a bump in per diaper cost again.
Cuties diapers can get the job done, but competitors do it better at a similar price.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Should You Buy the Cuties Complete Care?
We see the appeal of a lower-priced option for families with a tight budget, and that is the big draw of Cuties. It offers a basic diaper with an average overall score that neither impresses nor merits mocking. However, there are better options in the lineup with similar prices and higher scores for absorption, the primary metric that matters.
—Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz
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