Luvs is an inexpensive somewhat comfortable diaper that has below average test results in almost every metric. With absorbency and leakage performance that is below much of the competition, this diaper may fail you when you need it most which could lead to possible wet clothes and potential diaper rash. If a diaper can't keep liquids locked away, then it isn't accomplishing the basic goal of a diaper. Even if you are willing to accept the unimpressive test results it has other problems including poor eco-friendliness, baby health, and durability. No matter what you are looking for, there is probably a diaper out there that does it better.
Luvs Review
Inexpensive option with possible leaks and only average absorption
Price:
$0.16 List | $0.15 each (in 198-pack) at Amazon
Pros: Comfy, budget-friendly
Cons: Disappointing leakage and average absorption
Manufacturer: Luvs
Pros: Comfy, budget-friendly
Cons: Disappointing leakage and average absorption
Manufacturer: Luvs
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Jul 28, 2017
The Skinny
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Luvs | |||||
| Awards |  | |  | ||
| Price | $0.16 List $0.15 each at Amazon - 9% off | $0.43 List $0.35 each at Amazon - 19% off | $0.32 List $0.33 each at Amazon | $0.30 List $0.32 each at Amazon | $0.32 List $0.34 each at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Comfy, budget-friendly | Great absorption and leak prevention, better health and eco-friendliness | Absorption, comfy, durable, better health | Great health, good absorption, eco-friendly | Great for health, eco-friendly, comfy |
| Cons | Disappointing leakage and average absorption | Hard to find a good fit, not as comfy or durable | Average leakage and eco-friendliness | Possible leaks, not so cozy | Average for leaks and durability |
| Bottom Line | Inexpensive option with possible leaks and only average absorption | High performing, healthier option that is Earth friendly | Top performance where it counts with a comfy feel and durable design | Budget-friendly green option with great health and eco scores | Healthy, eco-friendly choice that gets the job done |
| Rating Categories | Luvs | Nature Babycare | Babyganics | Free & Clear | Bambo Nature |
| Absorption (40%) | |||||
| Leakage (20%) | |||||
| Comfort (15%) | |||||
| Health (15%) | |||||
| Eco Friendly (5%) | |||||
| Durability (5%) | |||||
| Specs | Luvs | Nature Babycare | Babyganics | Free & Clear | Bambo Nature |
| Type of Diaper | Traditional | Green | Green | Green | Green |
| Chlorine-Free | Elemental Chlorine-free | Totally Chlorine-free | Totally Chlorine-free | Totally Chlorine-free | Elemental Chlorine-free |
| Perfume-Free | Not Listed | Yes | Not Listed | Yes | Yes |
| Biodegradable | No | 99.90% | No | No | No |
| Contains SAP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Miscellaneous Materials Details | Corn Based Plastics | ||||
| Wetness Indicator | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Stretchable Side Wings | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stretchable Back | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Eco-awards | FSC Certified Vincotte OK Biobased Certified Swedish Asthma and Allergy Foundation Recommended "Good Environmental Choice" Eco Label from Swedish Society for Nature Conservation EcoCert GOTS Certified | FSC Certified Rainforest Alliance Certified | Nordic Eco-label FSC Certified Asthma-Allergy Denmark |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
Luvs is owned by Proctor and Gamble which also makes Pampers diapers. Luvs is based on the idea that you do not need to pay more for a diaper to find a great diaper that works well. Luvs offers a money back guarantee if you are not happy with their diaper compared to another brand you've used. Luvs believes that once you are an experienced parent you'll use Luvs over other brands because it saves you money with the same level of quality and function.
We also tested Luvs brand diapers in a size 4 in our overnight diaper review. In our absorption tests using the size 4, the Luvs option performed better than they did in a size 1. The Best Disposable Diaper Review is focused on finding a great diaper for newborns and younger infants, while the overnight review focuses more on older babies and those wearing size 3+ diapers with increased nighttime eliminations.
Luvs is an inexpensive diaper with below average test results in most metrics.
Performance Comparison
In terms of overall performance score, Luvs was below the average and came in the bottom half of 23 products.
The sections below include what we like and dislike about the Luvs diaper based on test results and compared to the competition.
The tabs on the Luvs diapers were the coziest parts with no pokiness or sharp edges.
Likes
After testing there isn't much to love about Luvs. In fact, with only two exceptions, this diaper scored below average in every metric but comfort and absorption where it eked out average results. It isn't even the least expensive option with several diapers costing less with higher overall scores. That being said we do like the lower price.
This diaper came in about the middle of the pack for comfort with a 5 of 10 score. The tabs and cuffs are the best part and very skin friendly with relatively soft fabric.
Luvs earned an average score for absorption with test results that weren't terrible but weren't impressive either.
Luvs also scored a 5 of 10 for absorbency, which is average for the group and not really impressive. However, given the lower than average scores overall it is still a like for us. On the upside, the absorption results were at least consistent without some of the wide variations we saw in the Pampers products that are made by the same company. Because the absorbency is subpar, baby's tushie may be continually wet which could result in skin irritation and diaper rash.
Luvs earned a 5 of 10 for leakage which is below the average and online reviewers indicate that leaks were a problem when using this diaper.
Dislikes
We didn't like the test results for leaks. This diaper earned a 5 of 10 for leaks which is below the average for the group. It had more run-off during testing than the some of the competition and online reviewer accounts have a significant percentage mentioning leaking problems. For a diaper that has a money back guarantee for leaks, this is disappointing. The high for leakage in this review is 8, earned by some of the green diapers.
Luvs doesn't provide a full disclosure of what materials were used and how they can affect the environment or your baby's health.
We didn't like that Luvs, much like Pampers, isn't trying that hard to be eco-friendly or limit irritants or chemicals that come in contact with the baby with a 2 of 10 for both ecology and health. If your baby has sensitive skin or you have concerns for the environment, then this diaper is not the one for you.
This diaper is free of elemental chlorine which prevents dioxins, but it doesn't state it is totally chlorine free (TCF). It is latex free but doesn't comment on other common irritants like dyes, perfumes, and lotion. There is a print and a strong odor so we assume it has all three. We'd prefer if Luvs and Proctor and Gamble had a full disclosure list so parents could make informed purchases. Luvs also doesn't disclose any nods toward the environment and it makes no claims for biodegradability of diapers or packaging and it doesn't appear to use renewable resources. Given that many other brands are moving in this direction it is disappointing to see such a large company ignore the possibilities.
Conclusion
Luvs diapers leave a lot to love, even at the lower price. This diaper is average in most respects with several individual metric scores coming in below average. While it has an average score for absorption the lower leakage score indicates this diaper could result in unwanted messes and baby bottom irritation. If a diaper doesn't absorb or prevent leaks, then it isn't really doing its job. If you combine this with the lower scores for ecology and health, you have a diaper that doesn't really meet any objective.
— Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz