How Much Do Baby Diapers Cost?

Last Updated on January 9, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

As any parent knows, the countless diaper changes a newborn requires quickly add up when it comes to your budget. But how much do baby diapers actually cost on average?

What brands and sizes offer the best value? Here, we’ll break down current baby diaper prices so you can estimate costs and shop smart as you stock up on this essential supply.

We’ll look at pricing factors like diaper size, popular brands, eco-friendly options, bulk discounts, and more. You’ll also get pro tips for saving money on stocking up on diapers and wipes so your little one stays clean, dry, and comfortable on a budget.

Key Takeaways on Diaper Pricing

Here are the points to remember when budgeting and shopping for baby diapers:

• Disposable diapers cost $0.20 to $0.35 on average depending on size, brand, and count.
• Go for larger bulk boxes over smaller packs whenever possible to save up to 30%.
• Generic store brands offer the lowest prices – you’ll pay more for premium names.
• Larger sizes (3, 4, 5, etc.) cost a bit more per diaper than newborn and size 1.
• Eco-friendly disposables made from plant materials run $0.10 to $0.15 more per diaper typically.
• Use coupons, rewards programs, and email alerts to get the best deals on diapers.

How Much Do Baby Diapers Cost?

Most disposable baby diapers cost between $0.20 to $0.35 per diaper on average depending on brand, size, absorbency, and features. For a typical newborn, you can expect to spend $30 to $90 per month on diapers to start.

Here’s a quick overview of current baby diaper pricing:

• Leading brands like Pampers and Huggies cost $0.20 to $0.30 each on average.
• Generic store brands run closer to $0.15 to $0.25 per diaper.
• Specialty eco-friendly diapers cost more – around $0.30 to $0.40 each typically.
• Buying bigger bulk boxes saves up to 30% vs. smaller packs.
• Larger sizes (size 3, 4, 5, etc.) cost a few cents more per diaper than newborn sizes.

Next, we’ll look at how sizing, count, brand, and other factors impact pricing.

How Diaper Size Affects Price

One of the biggest factors determining diaper costs is the size you need. Here are typical prices by size:

• Newborn – $0.20 to $0.28 per diaper
• Size 1 – $0.22 to $0.30 per diaper
• Size 2 – $0.23 to $0.32 per diaper
• Size 3 – $0.25 to $0.35 per diaper
• Size 4 – $0.25 to $0.35 per diaper
• Size 5 – $0.25 to $0.35 per diaper
• Size 6 – $0.25 to $0.35 per diaper

As babies grow into larger sizes, the price per diaper increases slightly given more materials used. Newborn and size 1 are the most budget friendly.

Here are some prices reported on different websites:

Diaper Dabbler:

• Walmart Parent’s Choice: $0.10/diaper
• Amazon Mama Bear Gentle Touch: $0.15/diaper
• Costco Kirkland Signature: $0.16/diaper
• Huggies Snug & Dry: $0.18/diaper
• Pampers Baby Dry: $0.18/diaper

My Kudos:

One-time purchase: 216 diapers for $0.41/diaper

Homegrown Hillary:

Generic brand diapers: $0.11/diaper
Name brand diapers: around $0.20-$0.40 each
Eco-friendly or ‘clean’ brands: $0.50 per diaper or more

Popular Diaper Brand Prices

Major diaper brands also impact pricing. Here’s an overview of price ranges by popular labels:

• Pampers – $0.22 to $0.35 per diaper
• Huggies – $0.22 to $0.32 per diaper
• Luvs – $0.18 to $0.23 per diaper
• Up & Up (Target brand) – $0.15 to $0.25 per diaper
• Hello Bello – $0.25 to $0.30 per diaper
• Cuties (Walmart brand) – $0.17 to $0.23 per diaper
• Honest Company – $0.30 to $0.40 per diaper

Premium natural brands like Honest tend to cost the most while generic store brands offer the best value. But parents remain loyal to brands like Huggies and Pampers that are tried and true.

Diaper Count Pricing and Bulk Savings

In addition to size and brand, the diaper count per package heavily influences pricing. Buying bigger bulk packs saves significantly:

• Small packs (16 to 48 ct) – $0.25 to $0.35 per diaper
• Medium packs (72 to 100 ct) – $0.22 to $0.30 per diaper
• Large packs (140 to 200+ ct) – $0.17 to $0.27 per diaper

You’ll also see options like:

• Trial/travel packs (7-22 ct) – $0.30 to $0.40 per diaper
• Value packs (100+ ct) – $0.20 to $0.25 per diaper
• Club packs (176+ ct) – $0.18 to $0.22 per diaper

You might also like our articles about the cost of a baby crib, baby clothes, or baby formula.

Buy larger bulk boxes whenever possible to save 20-30% versus smaller pack sizes.

Eco-Friendly Diaper Prices

Eco-friendly diaper brands made from plant-based materials cost a bit more but are kinder to baby’s skin and better for the environment. Some product options and pricing:

• Seventh Generation – $0.30 to $0.40 per diaper
• Andy Pandy – $0.35 to $0.45 per diaper
• Earth + Eden – $0.35 to $0.45 per diaper
• Natracare – $0.30 to $0.40 per diaper
• The Honest Company – $0.35 to $0.45 per diaper

For the extra sustainability, plan on paying $0.10 to $0.15 more per natural diaper versus standard brands. But many parents feel it’s worth it for safety and eco-friendliness.

Additional Diaper Buying Costs

Beyond the actual diaper price, you’ll need to budget for:

• Sales tax – Varies by state, add 7-10%
• Shipping – Free for $35+ orders on Amazon and other sites
• Wipes – $0.02 to $0.05 per wipe depending on brand
• Diaper pail – $15 to $40 for odor locking model
• Diaper rash cream – $8 to $15 per tub
• Changing pad – $15 to $50 per pad

So while the diapers themselves are the biggest cost, accessories and supplies add up too.

Tips for Saving Money on Diapers

While an ongoing expense, here are great tips for spending less on diapers:

• Join Amazon Prime or Walmart+ for free expedited shipping and member prices
• Create a diaper fund at your baby shower to offset costs
• Use coupon apps like Honey to find codes for major brands
• Sign up for rewards programs and email lists for exclusive deals
• Buy generic store brands to save 30% or more vs. name brands
• Purchase large packs and stock up when diapers go on sale
• Buy previous season patterns or prints to score discounts
• Consider eco-friendly diaper subscription services to schedule delivery of exactly what you need

With some good shopping strategies, you can keep your baby clean and comfortable while saving on this recurring childcare cost.

How Many Diapers Does a Baby Use?

To estimate your total diaper supply costs, here is an overview of the average diaper usage by age:

• Newborn – 8 to 12 diapers per day
• 0 to 3 months – 8 to 10 diapers per day
• 3 to 6 months – 6 to 8 diapers per day
• 6 to 12 months – 4 to 6 diapers per day
• 1 to 3 years – 4 diapers per day

Babies use fewer diapers as they begin eating solid food and sleeping longer at night. But expect to change at least 6,000 diapers by age two!

Final Words

With the right budget-friendly buying strategies, you can keep your little one dry and comfortable without breaking the family budget. Just resist overpurchasing more than you realistically need when tempted by sales and compare prices between multiple suppliers.