Target Up & Up Review

Target stores are known for their reasonable prices and quality goods. Target has begun to offer various products under the Target brand name in recent years, including over-the-counter medications, diapers, and paper goods. Families and parents familiar with Target may be curious about their brand name products, including the affordable Up & Up diaper.

Performance Comparison

Likes

This product is quite soft and feels good against your skin. The elastic and motion points are friendlier than most of the competition, and the closure tabs and also ski-friendly. We think most babies will find this option is a cozy diaper to wear when dry.

This diaper scored above average in our tests for durability. The unique combination of comfort and durability is not as common as one would hope, making it somewhat of a rarity in this group.

Dislikes

Unfortunately, this diaper did not perform well in absorption tests, with more fake urine on the test paper than much of the diaper competition. This lack of absorption means more moisture on your baby's skin and potential urine and other waste products on clothes or surrounding areas. More moisture on the skin can also translate to an increased chance of diaper rash or skin irritation.

Leaks were also a problem for the Up & Up, with below-average scores in our tests for leaks and online research. This diaper scored low for our leak tests, and many Amazon reviewers felt it had more leaks than other diapers they've used. While this could result from a poor fit or too long between changes, the low absorption score supports the idea of liquid escaping the diaper instead of being trapped in the core.

We didn't like the lack of eco-friendly materials or thoughtfulness in the design of this diaper. Target doesn't disclose much about the ingredients or how the diaper is made or packaged, and transparency is key when considering a baby's health and the environment. Other than recyclable packaging, the diaper doesn't seem to offer much for either.

Target also doesn't disclose much about the makeup of the diaper. The packaging and website don't mention latex use, but it does say they are free of sulfates, parabens, petroleum, perfumes, and dyes, and it uses elemental chlorine-free pulp. However, they have pigments of some kind because the diapers have a print and a wetness indicator, so the claim is vague at best and potentially misleading (they aren't alone in this boat, however). They also seem to have lotion on the inside and no mention of if they are latex-free or not.

Should You Buy the Up & Up?

The Up & Up brand sometimes has a comfortable feel and an attractive price. The connection to Target gives the feeling of quality at a reasonable price that, attracts many parents into giving this diaper a try. However, the absorption and leak test results were not impressive, indicating excessive moisture transfer from the diaper and more leakage than the average diaper as the fake urine pooled in the test pan. These test results make the Up & Up option a disappointment as it indicates the potential for diaper rash, skin irritation, and waste escaping from the diaper. Even though this diaper is inexpensive, we believe it will cost you more in the long run, making it a diapering option we don't recommend compared to the higher ranking diaper competition.

What Other Disposable Diaper Should You Consider?

If you are on a tight budget but hate to sacrifice function for the price, we love the Mama Bear Gentle Touch diapers. These reasonably priced diapers have good absorption and adequate leak protection, with better test results in every metric than the Target brand. If your budget has some wiggle room and you'd like more considerations for a baby's health or the Earth, Seventh Generation Sensitive Protection is a potential choice with impressive absorption and comfort with an average green diaper price.