The short version
- The cheapest diapers are usually store brands bought in the biggest box. Compare the price per diaper, not the price per box.
- Don't stock up on newborn size. Babies outgrow it fast. Stock sizes 1 and 2 instead.
- Stack savings: Subscribe & Save, your registry completion discount, Pampers Club rewards and cash-back apps.
- If money is tight, diaper banks give out free diapers.
Diapers are the one baby expense that never lets up, so small savings per diaper add up to real money over a couple of years. Here's how to find the cheapest diapers and keep your costs down without sacrificing a good fit.
1. Compare the price per diaper, not per box
Box sizes vary wildly, so the cheapest-looking box often isn't the cheapest diaper. Divide the price by the number of diapers. Most store shelves and many websites show this "unit price" for you. The biggest boxes almost always win, once you know your baby's size.
2. Try store-brand diapers
Big retailers sell their own diaper brands, such as Target's up&up, Walmart's Parent's Choice and Costco's Kirkland Signature. Store brands typically cost noticeably less per diaper than the big names, and plenty of parents find they work just as well. Fit varies from baby to baby, so test before you commit.
3. Test fit with samples first
Every baby is shaped differently, and a diaper that leaks is no bargain. Before buying a giant box, try a few brands using samples from your registry welcome boxes or small trial packs.
4. Don't overbuy newborn size
Many babies outgrow newborn diapers within a few weeks, and some skip them entirely. Buy one or two packs of newborn size, then put your money into sizes 1 and 2, which babies wear much longer. Signs it's time to size up include frequent leaks and red marks around the legs or waist.
5. Stack your discounts
- Subscribe & Save on Amazon: subscribing to diapers and wipes gets you an extra discount and saves trips to the store. Adjust or skip deliveries as your baby changes sizes.
- Registry completion discounts: Amazon, Target and Babylist give 15% off leftover registry items near your due date. Add bigger-size diapers to your registry and buy them with the discount.
- Pampers Club: if you buy Pampers, scan every pack. Pampers says 10 diaper scans gets you $10 off.
- Cash-back apps: receipt apps can pay you back on diapers and wipes.
6. Buy wipes and cream in bulk too
Wipes disappear almost as fast as diapers. Unscented wipes in bulk multi-packs bring the price per wipe way down. A basic zinc oxide diaper cream handles most rashes, so skip the premium tube.
7. Consider cloth diapers
Cloth diapers cost more up front but can save money over the long run, especially if you use them for more than one child. They mean more laundry, and some families use cloth part-time (at home) and disposables for outings and overnight.
8. Get free diapers if you need them
Diaper banks distribute free diapers through local food pantries and family agencies. Find one through the National Diaper Bank Network, or call 211. Our free diapers guide covers every option, including the states where Medicaid covers diapers.
Frequently asked questions
What are the cheapest diapers?
Store-brand diapers bought in the largest box are usually the cheapest per diaper. Compare the unit price (price per diaper) rather than the box price, and test fit with samples before buying in bulk.
Should I stock up on newborn diapers?
No. Many babies outgrow newborn size within a few weeks. Buy one or two packs, then stock sizes 1 and 2, which babies wear much longer.
Are store-brand diapers as good as name brands?
Many parents find them just as good, and they usually cost less per diaper. Fit varies by baby, so try a small pack before committing to a big box.
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