In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Cuties Complete Care Review

An inexpensive disposable with poor absorption that isn't as durable or eco-friendly
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cuties complete care disposable diaper review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $0 List
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Manufacturer:   First Quality
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Jun 2, 2023
56
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#13 of 19
  • Absorption - 45% 4.0
  • Leakage - 25% 7.8
  • Comfort - 20% 7.3
  • Durability - 10% 4.0

The Skinny

Cuties is a budget-friendly disposable diaper that is generally average. So much so that it ranked almost exactly in the middle of our best 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.
REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Better leak protection
Free of latex/lotions/fragrance
REASONS TO AVOID
Sub-par absorption
Less durable
Not eco-friendly
Editor's Note: An update of this review was performed on May 30, 2023. As a new version of Cuties, this diaper was tested alongside 12 others and added to the review.

Compare to Similar Products

 
cuties complete care disposable diaper review
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Best Value Award   
Price $0.21 List
$0.21 each at Amazon
$0.27 List
$0.27 each at Amazon
$0.31 List
$0.31 at Amazon
$0.24 List
$0.19 each at Amazon
$0.14 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
56
93
78
67
42
Star Rating
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Pros Inexpensive, better leak protection, free of latex/lotions/fragranceExcellent absorption, great leak protection, comfortable, durable, inexpensiveBetter absorption, good leak protection, comfortable, durableDurable, comfortable for baby, affordableComfortable, durable
Cons Sub-par absorption, less durable, not eco-friendlyNot eco-friendly, uses coloring/inksNot eco-friendly, disappointing health attributesAverage absorbency, less eco-friendlyPoor absorption, more leaks, not eco-friendly
Bottom Line An inexpensive disposable with poor absorption that isn't as durable or eco-friendlyA high-performing diaper that works well and has a reasonable price, but isn't as eco-friendly as you might wantCozy with great absorption and leak protection at a lower price, but eco-friendliness and health attributes are disappointingA durable diaper that has some health and comfort benefits without breaking the bankA comfortable option that fails to provide enough absorption and leak protection, even at the lower price
Rating Categories Cuties Complete Care Kirkland Signature Huggies Snug & Dry Mama Bear Gentle Touch Target Up & Up
Absorption (45%)
4.0
10.0
8.0
6.3
3.3
Leakage (25%)
7.8
9.0
7.8
6.6
2.0
Comfort (20%)
7.3
8.6
7.5
6.6
7.6
Durability (10%)
4.0
8.0
7.0
9.0
7.0
Specs Cuties Complete Care Kirkland Signature Huggies Snug & Dry Mama Bear Gentle Touch Target Up & Up
Type of Diaper Green/Traditional Traditional Traditional Traditional Traditional Traditional
Chlorine-Free ECF/TCF ECF ECF Not Listed ECF ECF
Fragrance-Free Yes Yes No - Strong baby powder scent Yes Yes
Biodegradable Not listed Not listed Not listed Not listed Not listed
Contains SAP Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Miscellaneous Materials Details The fluff used in these products are sustainably sourced Made with Plant Based Materials (At least 23%+ by weight) Wood Pulp
Sodium Polyacrylate
Polypropylene
Polyethylene
Adhesives
Polyester
Polyrurethane elastics
Wood fluff pulp for core
Wetness Indicator Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Stretchable side wings Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Stretchable Back of Diaper Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Eco-Awards & Certifications
Dye-Free Not listed, has a very minimal print on waistband Not listed, does have a print "Printing inks are used to provide a decorative design. The colorants and pigments we use are evaluated to ensure they are safe and non-sensitizing." Not listed, has a very minimal print on waistband Prints on Diaper
Lotion-Free Yes Yes Not Listed Yes No
Latex-Free Yes Not listed Not listed Yes Not listed

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.

Performance Comparison


cuties complete care disposable diaper review - the top elastic on the cuties diaper seems to do its job to keep...
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).

cuties complete care disposable diaper review - very little liquid ended up in the pan during our leak prediction...
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.

cuties complete care disposable diaper review - the leg gussets on the cuties diaper are soft with no pokey parts or...
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 complete care disposable diaper review - cuties is free of many common irritants that could lead to diaper...
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 complete care disposable diaper review - cuties had more liquid transfer o the filter paper in our absorption...
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 complete care disposable diaper review - cuties are not as durable as some of the competition, and we found...
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 complete care disposable diaper review - cuties diapers can get the job done, but competitors do it better at...
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.

What Other Disposable Diaper Should You Consider?


If your budget is tight, but you don't want to sacrifice performance, Kirkland Signature is the diaper for you. This new Kirkland diaper has a perfect absorption score with a leak protection test result you can love. Overall, it might lack some consideration for the environment and baby's health, but it is still impressive compared to much of the traditional competition. Overall, we think Kirkland has a better value than Cuties, and families will love them.

Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz
 

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