How Does an Adult Diaper Differ From a Baby Diaper?

Basic Adult Diapers

A typical adult diaper is manufactured in the same shape as a baby's diaper. It's just made larger to fit an adult. The diapers are plain white without the cartoon figures that decorate baby diapers. The diapers come in sizes from small to extra large, according to adult weight. Baby diapers are sized from Newborn to Size 5, also by weight. There are different styles of adult diapers: unisex diapers, pull-up diapers and diapers designed for women.

Diapers for Women

Specialized adult diapers for women are rectangular in shape, resembling a very large sanitary napkin. These diapers have buttons at the top that attach the diaper to elastic strips over the hips, leaving women feeling less tied up in the over-coverage of a unisex diaper. This also cuts down on the rustling noise a diaper makes when moving.

Unisex and Pull On Diapers

A unisex adult diaper is white and has velcro strips on each side for attaching in front of the hip. These diapers most resemble a baby's diaper with little difference in form and function.

More expensive and more absorbent are the pull-up type diapers. Also resembling a baby's pull-up type diaper, these diapers don't have velcro strips, but they have elastic side panels that expand to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down.