Why I Use a Tupperware Instead of a Wet Bag for Cloth Diapers—and Why It Works

Cloth diapering often comes with a checklist: specific brands, the right folds, the best liners—and, of course, the trusty wet bag for outings. It’s part of the “gear” that everyone seems to recommend. But early on, I looked at those pretty patterned bags and thought, Do I really need this?

Years later, I’m still cloth diapering—without ever having owned a wet bag. Instead, I use a simple Tupperware container. It’s not trendy or cute, but it’s practical, reliable, and completely aligned with my zero-waste values. And to be honest? It works better than many of the so-called essentials.

This post isn’t meant to be prescriptive—just a peek into a system that’s worked for our family for years. If you’re looking for a sustainable, no-fuss way to manage cloth diapers while out and about, this might be the unexpected solution you didn’t know you needed.

What We Do: A Simple Routine That Just Works

When we go out, I don’t pack anything fancy. I grab a few clean cloth diapers and the Tupperware box that always lives in our stroller. That’s it.

Here’s how the routine unfolds:

When a diaper is used, I place it into the container.
If it’s messy, it still goes straight in—no rinsing, no stress.
Once we’re home, I take the container and the used diapers to the bathroom.
I rinse everything (diapers and container), then:
- The rinsed diapers go into a dry bucket at home, where they wait for a proper wash within a day or two.
- The clean container is put right back in the stroller, ready for the next outing.

There’s nothing revolutionary about it—but it’s simple, effective, and requires no extra thinking or gear.

Why It Works for Us

What began as a spontaneous substitution has turned into one of the most dependable parts of our cloth diapering system. Here’s why the humble Tupperware container beats a wet bag—for us.

1. Odor Control That Actually Works

Tupperware containers are airtight. That means no smell escapes, even on warm days or long outings. I’ve never had to deal with the sour, musty smell that sometimes builds up in wet bags. The diapers stay contained—and so do the odors.

2. Leak-Proof and Stress-Free

Unlike fabric bags that can get damp on the outside or leak if you forget to zip them properly, a sealed plastic box is completely leak-proof. I never have to worry about moisture seeping into the diaper bag or stroller.

3. Rinse-Friendly and Easy to Clean

One of the unexpected perks: the Tupperware is super easy to rinse. When I rinse the diapers at home, I can do the container at the same time. It doesn’t absorb odors, and it dries quickly. No lingering wet-bag smell, no buildup.

4. Always Ready, Always in Place

The container lives in our stroller. I never have to remember to pack it, and I don’t need to rotate or wash bags separately. It’s one less item on the mental load list.

5. Zero-Waste and Resourceful

We already had the container—it wasn’t bought for this purpose, which makes it a perfect example of using what you already have. No trendy accessories. No buying new just for the sake of it. Just practicality in action.

Why It’s Not the Norm—and Why That’s Okay

If Tupperware works so well, why isn’t everyone using it? I’ve often wondered that myself. The answer, I think, lies somewhere between marketing, aesthetics, and habit.

Wet Bags Are the Default

Most cloth diaper brands sell wet bags alongside their products, often with matching prints and colors. They’re marketed as essential—and when you’re new to cloth diapering, it’s easy to assume you need everything that’s listed in the starter kit.

There’s also the visual appeal: wet bags look cute, feel “eco,” and match the cloth diaper culture of soft fabrics and cozy routines. A plastic container doesn’t fit that image, even if it performs better.

We’re Not Always Encouraged to Question the System

Sometimes, sustainable living becomes more about buying the right items than about reducing waste or simplifying life. But true sustainability often looks like rethinking, repurposing, and resisting the urge to buy something new when something old will do.

Practical Tips for Anyone Wanting to Try This

If you’re curious about trying a container instead of a wet bag, here are a few simple things to keep in mind. It’s low-effort, but a few tweaks can make it work even better.

1. Choose the Right Container

Look for:

A sturdy seal (snap lid or locking sides)
Enough space for the right amount of cloth diapers (for us that’s up to 7, as we love longer trips, but consider how much time you like to spend outside)
A shape that fits your stroller basket or bag—shallow and wide usually works best, but again, consider your basket or bag

You might already have something suitable in your kitchen.

2. Keep It Simple When Out

No need to rinse on the go. Just drop the diaper into the box. The airtight lid keeps everything contained until you’re home.

3. Rinse Everything Together

Once you’re back:

Rinse the diapers and the container in the bathroom or laundry sink
Diapers go into your regular dry pail
Container goes back in the stroller

No need for soap each time unless it was especially messy.

4. Dealing with Poop?

You can use liners, which catch most solids and make cleanup easier. Otherwise, you can:

Plop solids into the toilet when home
Use a spatula or sprayer if needed
Rinse as you normally would

The container still handles the in-between time without leaks or smell.

Final Thoughts: Sustainable Parenting Is Also About Simplicity

Using a Tupperware box for cloth diapers isn’t revolutionary. It’s not flashy or new. But it has saved us time, reduced waste, avoided unnecessary purchases, and made our routine simpler. And that, to me, is what sustainable parenting is all about: meeting your child’s needs while protecting your own energy and the planet’s resources.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the “must-haves” of cloth diapering—or parenting in general—I hope this little example reminds you that there’s always room for creativity. You don’t need to follow every rule or buy every accessory. You just need systems that work for you.

Sometimes, a plastic box is all it takes.

FAQ: Cloth Diapering Without a Wet Bag

Can I use a plastic container instead of a wet bag for cloth diapers?

Absolutely. A sturdy, airtight container (like Tupperware) is a great alternative to a wet bag. It prevents leaks, contains odors, and is easy to rinse and reuse.

How do you store dirty cloth diapers while out of the house?

We place them in a sealed container in the stroller. Once home, we rinse both diapers and container. The diapers go into a dry pail until wash day, and the container goes right back into the stroller.

Doesn’t it smell?

Nope! Airtight containers seal in odors much better than fabric wet bags. If anything, it smells less than other options.

What do you do with poopy diapers while out?

If there is a bathroom nearby, we plop the poop into the toilet. This is optional at this stage. Anyways messy diapers go in the box just like wet ones and get rinsed at home. You can scrape off solids or use a sprayer if needed.

Isn’t Tupperware bulky?

It depends on the size you choose. A shallow, wide container usually fits easily in a stroller basket. Some families prefer it precisely because it’s firm and stackable.

How many diapers fit in the container?

Ours comfortably holds 6-7 diapers since we often go out for a full day. You can also choose a smaller container (2-4 diapers) for everyday use and bring an extra one (for another 2-4 diapers) just to those longer trips.

Is it really more sustainable?

Yes—especially if you\’re using something you already own. It reduces the need to buy new products, avoids microplastic-shedding synthetic fabrics, and is easier to clean and maintain long term.

What if I already own a wet bag?

Use what you have! This post isn’t anti-wet bag—it’s just an invitation to rethink the idea that it’s the only way, especially if you haven’t set your system yet. Many parents find containers simpler, cheaper, and more effective.

What kind of container works best?