From Newborn to Toddler: A Diaper Parents Trust Most

For many Filipino parents, choosing a diaper seems simple, until their baby starts crawling, climbing, running, and refusing to stay still during diaper changes. What worked perfectly during the newborn months may suddenly feel less suited for an active toddler who is always on the move.

As babies grow, so do their diaper needs. Many parents begin looking for diaper pants that can keep up with their little one's mobility, comfort requirements, and increasing absorbency needs. But does that mean they need to leave behind a brand they already trust?

To better understand parents' diaper transition journey, EQ Diapers partnered with Smart Parenting to conduct a Home-Use Test with Group Debrief entitled "Diaper Series: The Toddler Transition."

The Smart Parenting Café group discussion was moderated by marriage and motherhood public speaker Love Cosio. One of the event’s main objectives was to explore parents’ diaper transition journey from babyhood to toddlerhood.

The group discussion was held on May 26, 2026, at The Giving Café in Mandaluyong City and brought together 30 moms and dads from across Greater Metro Manila.

Here’s a look at the parents who joined the discussion:

• Cecilia V. Balais, mom of a toddler over 24 months old 

• Clara Cruz, mom of a toddler over 24 months old

• Dayanie Heteroza, mom of a toddler over 24 months old 

• Zarah Mendoza, mom of a toddler over 24 months old 

• Esther Cardano, mom of a 12- to 18-month-old toddler 

• Aila de Guzman, mom of a 12- to 18-month-old toddler 

• Johaina Vermon-Mapue, mom of a 6- to 12-month-old toddler 

• Meldy Natividad, mom of a toddler over 24 months old 

• Bianca Lozano, mom of a 19- to 24-month-old toddler

• Irine Carlos, mom of a toddler over 24 months old 

• Allison Perez, mom of a toddler over 24 months old 

• Jayline Perez, mom of a 12- to 18-month-old toddler 

• Jaahzel Alvendia, mom of a 6- to 12-month-old toddler 

• Vincent Flores, dad of a toddler over 24 months old 

• Pauline Doroteo, mom of a toddler over 24 months old 

• Rae De Pala, mom of a 6- to 12-month-old toddler 

• Trisha Gadil, mom of a 12- to 18-month-old toddler 

• Melvie Bucayan, mom of a 12- to 18-month-old toddler 

• Aiko Padilla, mom of a toddler over 24 months old 

• Angelica Kiggins, mom of a 12- to 18-month-old toddler 

• Jeorgia Judithfa, mom of a toddler over 24 months old 

• Catherine Miguel, mom of a 19- to 24-month-old toddler 

• Bernadette Tan, mom of a toddler over 24 months old 

• Nina Germar, mom of a toddler over 24 months old

Before the discussion, participants received EQ Premium Pants samples in the appropriate size for their child and used them at home under natural daily conditions, including daytime wear, overnight use, and active play. They also completed a structured questionnaire based on their trial experience, covering brand perceptions and product evaluation.

When parents reflected on their diaper journey, one theme emerged repeatedly: the transition from babyhood to toddlerhood.

For many participants, trust in EQ started early. They started with EQ Dry when their babies were newborns because of its gentle feel, skin protection, reliability, and affordability. In fact, EQ remains strongly associated with newborn care, with parents describing it as a trusted and dependable first diaper choice.

One mom shared, “4 na ang anak ko and EQ talaga ang unang binibili ko for them,” while another described the brand as “matagal na din siya sa market and isa na din talaga sa trusted brands.” Parents also appreciated that EQ remained accessible without sacrificing quality, with one participant saying it was “pasok sa budget ng pamilya and still quality without leak.”

However, as babies became more mobile, many parents automatically began looking for diaper pants. Some assumed they needed to switch brands as part of that transition.

“Nahirapan na ako gamitin yung tape diaper,” one mom shared.

Leakage also became a concern for some families as their children grew. One parent explained, “Super likot na during diaper changes, kaya minsan nagkaka-leak din.” Another parent described their child as a “heavy-wetter,” while another shared, “Pag gabi, napapansin ko na parang nagle-leak yung wiwi.”

About 33% of parents said they switched diapers when their babies became more active, finding tape diapers less convenient once their little ones started crawling, standing, and exploring the world on the move.

The discussion revealed that for many families, the switch was not driven by dissatisfaction. Instead, it was triggered by a developmental milestone: babies becoming more active, more independent, and constantly on the move.

As babies transitioned into toddlerhood, parents' expectations naturally evolve.

Parents cited several factors that influence their diaper choices:

• Baby is becoming more active and needs better features  

• Availability and convenience  

• Hiyang, skin sensitivity, or rashes  

• Price, affordability, and budget consideration  

• Influence from other moms, family members, advertisements, and reviews 

• Product performance, including leakage, absorbency, and overall quality 

• Ease of use, comfort, and fit  

• Personal preference and experimentation 

• Size and growth-related concerns 

• Other factors, such as curiosity, promotions, weather, and miscellaneous reasons

The toddler years bring new challenges. Diapers need to keep up with crawling, climbing, running, and long hours of activity while remaining comfortable and dependable. This is where EQ Premium Pants was designed to step in.

One of the strongest findings from the discussion was that parents' trust in EQ never really disappeared.

Parents continue to associate EQ with “pang-newborn,” “trusted,” “pangmatagalan,” and “sulit”, accounting for nearly half of all mentions. This strengthens the brand’s position in terms of newborn care, practicality, affordability, durability, and quality.

As one parent put it, EQ is "pasok sa budget ng pamilya and still quality without leak."

After trying EQ Premium Pants, many parents realized that the same qualities they trusted in EQ Dry were still present in the toddler stage.

Participants rated the EQ Premium Pants highly across key performance criteria, with scores ranging from 4.0 and 4.7 out of 5 compared with the brands they were currently using.

Among the features parents appreciated most were:

• Absorbency

• Comfort and fit

• Performance for active toddlers

• Skin gentleness

• Overall reliability

Several participants shared that the trial changed their perception of EQ's pants category. Despite having tried other brands, some parents admitted: "Si EQ pa din ang hinahanap ko."

Others simply said: "Back to EQ na kami."

The findings suggest that many parents did not intentionally leave EQ, they simply moved to the diaper pants category before considering EQ as an option. After experiencing EQ Premium Pants, many realized they had no reason to switch away from a brand they already trusted.

One of the clearest takeaways from the discussion is that the trust built during the newborn stage matters.

Parents consistently identified absorbency, skin safety, comfort, and reliability as the qualities they value most in a diaper. These are the same strengths that helped EQ Dry earn parents' trust from Day 1, and the same strengths that many participants experienced with EQ Premium Pants during the trial.

As babies grow from newborns into active toddlers, parents want a diaper partner that grows with them. Rather than starting over with a different brand, many parents discovered they could continue to rely on the same brand that supported them during those first newborn months. For many families, EQ Dry begins the journey. EQ Premium Pants is the continuation. And that's what defines a truly trusted all-stage diaper partner: a diaper parents can depend on from Day 1, through every crawl, climb, run, and adventure that follows.

Participants went home feeling refreshed after an afternoon of honest insights on baby and toddler care, delicious food, and meeting other parents from Smart Parenting Village. When it comes to raising children, the village a parent builds is intentional and careful, whether it's with the relationships they handpick or what they use on their little ones.

For inquiries, contact Bettinna Santos, Growth Lead, at bettina.santos@summitmedia.com.ph.

Check out the Smart Parenting Cafe session on raising digital natives.