Did you know that the two major companies that manufacture diapers, Procter & Gamble and Kimberly-Clark not only make the two biggest brand names of diapers, Pampers and Huggies, but they also make generic brand diapers as well?

Luvs, which are a more affordable brand of diapers, are made by Procter & Gamble- the SAME company who makes Pampers.

Costco’s Kirkland brand diapers are manufactured by Kimberly-Clark- the SAME company who manufactures Huggies.

Sams Club brand diapers are manufactured by Procter & Gamble- the same people who manufacture Pampers. Do you see where I’m going with this?

What you need to know about generic diapers is this: Of course the brand name diapers are going to be a little better. But that just means they are made using all the latest studies and tests on what makes the best diaper. The generic diapers might just be an older version of the brand names. But here’s my thing; if the diaper is holding in the pee and poop, does it really matter if it’s the “latest” diaper out there?? We’re not talking a car seat here. It’s a crap catcher. As long as the diaper is catching what it needs to and isn’t causing a diaper rash, no one is going to know what brand diaper you use unless you tell them. And who cares anyway?!

If you’re looking for the more affordably priced diapers, don’t buy the diapers that are at eye level. Look to the top and bottom shelves to get the best deal. If you’re still not sure, check the price per unit cost (it says something like that) on the shelves price sticker and that will tell you what is the best deal. Especially if you are comparing boxes of diapers that have a different count.

Also, don’t be so quick to move your baby up a size. The bigger the diaper, the less come in a box, for the same price. If your baby/toddler can still fit into their current size, don’t move them up just because of the suggested weight on the box. Also, note that consecutive sizes overlap in the suggested weight of the child who should be in them. For example, size 3 Pampers are recommended for babies/toddlers who are 16-28 pounds and size 4 are recommended for babies/toddlers who are 22-37 pounds. Don’t rely on the weight suggestions alone. Instead, move your child up to the next size diaper when the diaper does not sit up on them high enough or they are starting to leak.

Lastly, buy in bulk and use coupons! The more you buy, the better the deal. And typically, the coupons seem to be for the larger sizes. Most store brands do not have coupons, but Pampers and Huggies do. So shop smart. Sometimes the brand name diapers are cheaper than the generic when you use a coupon.

Ultimately, to figure out what diaper is best for your child, you need to try different ones and see what works for them. Don’t assume that just because it’s a brand name, that it’s going to be right for your child. Joey has peed through every Huggies/Kirkland brand diaper we put him in. He’s a Procter & Gamble kind of kid.