Diaper Expenses: Newborn Monthly Costs And Tips

Diapers are an essential item for newborns, but they can also be a significant expense for new parents. On average, a newborn will go through about 8-12 diapers per day in their first month, which equates to about 240-360 diapers for the month. The cost of disposable diapers can add up quickly, with an average price of $0.20 to $0.30 per diaper. This means that parents can expect to spend around $500-$900 on diapers in their baby's first year. To save money, some parents may opt for cloth diapers, which can be reused after washing, or buy diapers in bulk at a lower price per diaper.

Diaper costs: $70-$80 per month for disposables, $930 in the first year for cloth diapers

Diapers are a necessity for newborns, but they can be expensive. The cost of diapers varies depending on the brand and where you purchase them, but on average, you can expect to spend around $70-$80 per month for disposable diapers. This adds up to about $1,000 a year.

Disposable diapers are convenient, but they can be costly, especially if you use premium brands. On average, a disposable diaper costs between $0.20 and $0.30. Newborns go through about eight to twelve diapers per day, so you will need to stock up.

Cloth diapers are a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to disposable diapers. They require an initial investment, but they can be reused multiple times. The total cost for cloth diapers in the first year is estimated to be around $930. This includes the cost of the diapers themselves, detergent, and utilities for washing.

When choosing between disposable and cloth diapers, consider your budget, convenience, and any day care requirements. Disposable diapers may be more convenient for busy parents or those who do not have easy access to laundry facilities. However, cloth diapers can save money in the long run, especially if you plan to have multiple children.

Regardless of the type of diapers you choose, it is essential to change them frequently to prevent diaper rashes and other health issues.

Diaper quantities: 6-12 diapers per day for newborns, reducing as they get older

Newborns go through a lot of diapers, with sources suggesting they may need changing up to 6 to 12 times a day. This is because newborns feed very frequently, and so they tend to soil their diapers more often.

Newborns may feed every one to three hours, or between eight to 12 times a day. They will also likely poop after every feed, or at least three to four times a day. This means that, in the first month, you can expect to change their diaper up to 12 times a day.

As your baby gets older, the frequency of diaper changes will reduce. Babies over one-month-old may only require 4 to 6 diapers a day. By the time they are 2 to 4 months old, this will be reduced further to around 8 to 10 diapers a day.

The number of diapers a baby uses will depend on their weight, age, and diaper size, but it's important to change them regularly to avoid infections and rashes. This means that, in the first year, babies can use up to 3,000 diapers.

The cost of diapers can add up, with disposable diapers costing on average $0.25 to $0.30 per diaper. This means that a week's supply of diapers can cost around $25 to $30. For the first year, the average family spends around $1,000 on disposable diapers and supplies.

To save money, it's a good idea to stock up on diapers and buy in bulk. You can also save money by using coupons, finding discounts online, and buying larger package sizes. However, it's important to consider your storage space and your baby's growth when stocking up.

Diaper sizes: Newborns use 'newborn' or 'size 1' diapers

The cost of diapers for a newborn baby can be a significant expense for new parents. On average, newborns go through about 8-12 diapers per day, with some sources suggesting that number could be as high as 15. This means that for the first few weeks, you will need 2-3 packs or 1-2 boxes (based on 140 per box) of diapers.

Now, let's focus on diaper sizing. Newborns typically use diapers in the "Newborn" size category, which generally accommodates infants up to 10 pounds. Some brands, like Huggies and Pampers, also offer "Preemie" diapers for premature babies weighing less than 6 pounds.

It's important to note that diaper sizes are based on weight rather than age, as each baby grows at a different rate. As your baby grows, you'll need to transition to larger diaper sizes. Many parents find that they need to switch to size 1 diapers within the first few months as their baby starts to gain weight.

Size 1 diapers are typically suitable for babies weighing between 8 and 14 pounds. Most babies will need size 1 diapers until they are around 4 months old, and they will go through about 8-10 diapers each day during this period.

When choosing the right diaper size, it's crucial to consider your baby's weight and body type. Some weight ranges overlap between different sizes, so it's helpful to monitor your baby's fit and comfort level to know when to switch sizes.

• The fastening tapes don't reach the center of the waistband, or they overlap.
• You can't comfortably fit two fingers under the waistband of the fastened diaper.
• Red marks appear on your baby's tummy or thighs when removing the diaper.
• The diaper doesn't fully cover your baby's bottom.
• Your baby experiences frequent diaper rash due to the diaper being too small and not keeping the skin dry.
• Your baby shows signs of discomfort, such as pulling at the diaper.

Diaper brands: Try a few brands to see which works best for your baby

Diapers are a necessity for newborns, but they can be expensive. On average, newborns go through about 8-12 diapers per day. This can amount to around $500-$900 on an annual supply.

There are many diaper brands in the market, and it can be challenging to determine which one is the best for your baby. Here are some popular diaper brands that you can try to see which works best for your baby:

Huggies

Huggies is one of the most popular diaper brands, and for a good reason. They offer excellent absorbency and are effective in preventing leaks. Huggies Little Snugglers and Little Movers are designed for younger and older babies, respectively, and provide a flexible and snug fit for babies of different sizes and genders. They are also hypoallergenic and free from fragrances, parabens, and lotions.

Kirkland

Kirkland diapers are known for their affordability and performance. They are fragrance-free, produced without elemental chlorine, and made with similar materials as Huggies diapers, as they are manufactured by the same company. They offer a stretchy waistband and wetness indicator. While they may not be the most absorbent, they are a solid choice for the price.

Pampers

Pampers is another well-known diaper brand. Their Swaddlers and Cruisers diapers have wide, stretchy panels that provide a secure fit. However, they are scented, and some parents have reported leaks, especially overnight.

Honest Company

The Honest Company diapers are known for their cute and stylish designs. They are fragrance-free, chlorine-free, and made with plant-based materials on the back sheets. However, they tend to run small, so sizing up may be necessary.

Bambo Nature

Bambo Nature diapers are an eco-friendly option, made with sustainable materials and free from dyes, fragrances, chlorine, and phthalates. They are highly absorbent, but their narrower fit may not work for all babies, leading to leaks.

HealthyBaby

HealthyBaby diapers are ideal for sensitive skin as they publish a comprehensive list of ingredients and are free from parabens, phthalates, fragrances, and other potential irritants. They are thin, soft, and highly absorbent, making them a good choice for travel and hot summer days.

Coterie

Coterie diapers are a premium option, known for their softness and elimination of common skin irritants. They are free from fragrance, lotion, latex, rubber, dyes, alcohol, heavy metals, parabens, phthalates, and other chemicals. They offer excellent absorbency and are available in a full range of sizes.

Amazon's Mama Bear

Mama Bear diapers from Amazon are a good budget-friendly option, performing well in absorption and dryness tests.

Walmart's Parents Choice

Parents Choice diapers from Walmart are another affordable alternative, scoring well in absorption and dryness tests.

When choosing a diaper brand, it is essential to consider your baby's unique needs, such as skin sensitivity, fit, and absorbency requirements. It is also a good idea to try a few different brands to determine which one works best for your baby in terms of comfort, leak prevention, and value for money.

Diaper savings: Buy in bulk, use coupons, or opt for cloth diapers

Buying in Bulk

Buying diapers in bulk can be a great way to save money, with larger package sizes generally offering lower costs per diaper. For example, a pack of 252 Pampers Baby Dry Diapers in size 1 costs $55.94 on Amazon, which equates to $0.22 per diaper. However, with a Subscribe & Save discount, the price drops to $53.14, or $0.21 per diaper.

Using Coupons

Using coupons and taking advantage of special offers can also help reduce the cost of diapers. For instance, Pampers offers its customers coupons and other deals via its Pampers Club app and email newsletter. The Big Book of Cloth Diaper Savings is another example of a coupon book that offers discounts of up to 30% on cloth diapers and related products from over fifty retailers.

Choosing Cloth Diapers

While they may be more expensive upfront, cloth diapers can be more cost-effective in the long run. Parents who opt for cloth diapers should have at least 20 newborn diapers on hand, and they will also need to launder them regularly. Cloth diapers are adjustable and can be used for longer than disposable diapers, which a baby can quickly outgrow.

Other Ways to Save

In addition to buying in bulk and using coupons, there are several other strategies for saving money on diapers:

• Sales: Keep an eye out for sales at local convenience and grocery stores, as well as drugstores like CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens, which often offer additional discounts when certain items are purchased together.
• Subscribe and Save: Take advantage of subscription services offered by retailers like Amazon and Walmart, which provide regular deliveries and free trials.
• Clubs and Rewards Programs: Shop at stores like Sam's Club or Costco, which offer bulk shopping and cash-back rewards, or look into individual brand loyalty programs, like Pampers Rewards.
• Diaper Banks: For families who are struggling to afford diapers, the National Diaper Bank Network is a nonprofit organization that provides free diapers to those in need.

By combining different savings strategies and choosing the option that best fits their situation, parents can reduce the financial burden of diapers, which typically cost around $1,000 in a baby's first year.

Frequently asked questions