Store Brand Verses Name Brand

A few weeks ago on the internet I read where people were buying toothpaste from the dollar store and wondered shy there teeth were discoloring, The response was that a lot of the products sold at the dollar discount stores, are an overstock that was meant for foreign countries. There quality and standards are not like the United States and some products are not even inspected. As for myself, I use the shampoos and some products, but for my baby I wouldn't, you can try the generic products at the store. But that's my choice.

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I use Sams club diapers and have no problems. I have tried others like the walmart brand or white cloud and they are no good. I even tried BJ's diapers and did not like those either. I always used Pampers with my daughter but when i had to buy for two when my son was born that's when i switched My daugter is now out of diapers and my son just turned 2 and hopefully he will be out of them soon too but i would recommend the Sams brand diapers. For baby lotions and powders i still use Johnson and Johnson i like the smell and texture better than the dollar store brands. Also i do use the walmart brand of baby wipes with no problems and i have also used the target brand.
Hope this helps.

We've used Target diapers since the beginning and, although they're not as padded/thick as some others, they've worked really well. We do, however, use Luvs at night just for a little extra protection. I also just bought Target "desitin" and used it only once b/c the redness went away.

Target diapers are great. We used the on both of our kids after the first 3 months or so. You want to wait until the baby gets a little chubbiness on his legs to keep them snug. (In the beginning we used Pampers Swaddlers for our girl and Huggies for our little guy. Trial and eror.)

Hi S.:) I have a 4 yr old and a 15 month old and I know what you are talking about. I have tried PLENTY of the store brand diapers and toiletries. As far as the toiletries I have not found a difference at all. Now as far as the diapers I personally have found that you need to buy the name brand at least for the first 6 months or so. I find that you go through plenty more of the store brand diapers in a day. They don't hold the urine as well and I feel like they fit kind of funny too. I am speaking from personal experience but many of my friends and family members use the store brand or other like White Cloud ect. and they have no problems with them. Hope this helps and CONGRATULATIONS:) Leah

I have tried numerous generic items for my daughter but unfortunately it is going to depend on your child when it comes to diapers and wipes. Mine had skin issues so I only use Pampers Sensitive wipes. She also had explosive poop as a baby and Pampers or Target generic diapers were the only ones to keep it in. I also found that the Walmart brand of baby formula is comparable to the brand name so I used that too.

It's all hit and miss. You'll have to try the less expensive brands and do a trial and error. It all depends on the items. Some are better with the high brands and some are better for the cheap brands.

K. B
mom to 5 including triplets

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I think it depends on what name brand you are talking about. If you are talking about the "big" name brands (Pampers, Huggies, Johnsons and Johnsons, etc.) I don't think there is a big difference-- save the money. As far as getting disposable diapers, I've found that different ones work for different kids, so if you're going to use disposables, get the cheapest ones that work for your kid. Costco/Sams is probably the cheapest. If, however, you look at the name brand "natural" toiletries, they are very different from the generic (or name brand) of the big box stuff. We choose to go generic on somethings (Tylenol, wipes) that there aren't good "natural" alternatives to, and then spend that money on Burts Bees or Jasons shampoos, lotions, diaper creams and sunscreen that are on his skin. I've had the same bottle of Burt's Bee shampoo/body wash for a year and its not empty yet-- it was worth it to me not to be rubbing chemicals onto his skin for the few extra bucks it cost. On the other hand, I wasn't willing to make my own wipes, and I've found generic ones (Costco, Earth First at Big Lots) that have fewer chemicals.

So, if your choice is "Johnsons or Breck" -- go for the Breck. If you were thinking "Burt's Bees or Breck" you're probably not going to be as happy with the Breck.

I have never gone wrong with target brands. We buy their diapers, wipes, and bath toiletries: shampoo, body wash, and lotion (compare to aveeno). Both of my girls have eczema and target brands do not irritate their skin.

I tried the Giant brand diapers and wipes, not as good. The shampoo was ok, but I did not like the smell.

I have used both generic (Luvs) and brand (Pampers) diapers. For diapers, there is definitely a difference. I figured I would try the Luvs, but I would have to change my daughter after every pee-pee. With the Pampers - sometimes I couldn't even tell if she was wet. For bath products - if you are smart you can still get the brand names - like Huggies bath wash or Johnson's if you catch it on sale with a coupon. Your best bet - test the difference once - it won't cost you too much that way.

So, I too noticed that Breck at the dollar store. I tried it but have gone back to the old standard of Johonson and Johnson. I dont know if its me, but I was afraid when it came to the kids eyes! No where does it state for sure that it is "no tears"! So I went back, but I do look for it on sale! While I have found some "finds" in the dollar store, I believe you get what you pay for. I did try different types of diapers though. I do find the Target brand works far better than the grocery store no name brand. Good luck!

I found that giant brand diapers are very weak for my kids, but walmart cloud 9 diapers were good. I have found that wipes are wipes. But some are fall apart as soon as you take them out of the box. As for wipes i have heard people using papper towels, there is a way to make papper towels into wipes and they would work great.

Some store names are good. And sometimes u have to stick to name brands. Trail and error when it comes to what is best for u and ur little one.

I have a 2 year old daughter and I used Target brand diapers on her for a long time with no problems. I also use wipes from Costco (Kirkland brand) and they work just fine! I also have a friend that used Wal Mart brand diapers on both of her sons and never had a problem with them! I think store brands are worth a shot but just keep an eye on your child's skin to make sure a rash is not breaking out or there is irritation.

I love store brand diapers. I have used Member's Mark (Sam's Club) and Especially for Baby (Toys/Babies R Us)on both of my girls for what seems like forever. I did try some national brands that were given to me as shower gifts and I'll be honest, Huggies leaked and Luv's stink like baby powder. Watch for sales at Toys R Us because I have bought them as cheap as $15 a box and it is a BIG box. Although lately, like everything else, diapers are going up in price.

I have been using member's mark, it's sam's club brand. Of diapers and wipes for 2 years now on my oldest. I oculdnt find that brand in size 1 or 1-2 till my youngest was ready to grow out of them. I've never had a problem with them. I have had problems with parent choice and gianteagle and shop'n'saves brands.

Hi S.,

I did a whole diaper evaluation when my son was an infant. I think I tried out every type of diaper ever made! My favorites were the Babies R Us brand - Especially for Baby and the Target brand. I liked those better than all of the name brands! And they were much more affordable too.

J.

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Of course you have to watch some things but I would always say things like, my baby is going to have the best I'm not buying anything cheap but the name brands are so darn expensive. I used the Walmart brand diapers and even their wipes and I think they were just as good as the expensive ones. Good luck!!!

I have used the store brands of baby wash and lotion for k-mart brand down to the dollar tree. I have had good results from all products. But keep in mind that any new product, at any price point, can cause a reaction. If you know that your child has any allergies to any colorants or scents I would stick to the tried and true just to be on the safe sie.

Generic diapers that I have used in the past (I now use cloth) that were great, Esp. for baby -the brand from Toys R Us. They were absorbant and very affordable :)

I am on my third child now and have used both name brand and store brand items. I have never used any store brand baby formula. If you want to save there, buy the largest can of powder you can find. Shop around for prices, but think about the commute and gas $ too.
I tried Target, White Cloud, Luvs, Pampers, Huggies, Pathmark, and CVS for this little one. The CVS were horribly shaped. Most of the generics are very wide in the crotch. If I remember correctly, Target and White Cloud (Walmart) weren't too bad. Different products work differently with different babies. I had one who would always leak through Huggies, but the other was just fine. I've pretty much stuck with Pampers (regular-you get more for the $ than the Swaddlers) since I always seem to have coupons. Luvs are made by the same company as Pampers so they are virtually the same. Little difference.
Some of the generic diapers are very stiff unlike the name brands. It just seems they may be uncomfortable. Name brands also have stretchier sides and tabs.
I would buy Target wipes over Huggies any day. They are very much like Pampers wipes. I can't even tell which container has which in my house.
Lotions, ointments, powders; I use on an as needed basis. Target's A& D ointment smells like soap, so I don't use it anymore. Any diaper rash cream is good if it's just for protection. If you need to treat a rash, look for the one with the most zinc oxide. Desitin Original works great. Only use that one at night, but not even every night.
Give it a try if you like, but get the smallest bottle, package, etc you can in case you don't like it.
Good luck with your bundle of joy. Enjoy him while he is small, he will grow so fast.

In short, you find out by trial and error. Some generic brands of items are actually made by the brand name's manufacturer, so they're just as good. Other things you learn by trying them. Sam's Club carries Smile diapers that are pretty decent, but I hated Wal-mart's brand. Check generic formulas because some of them are made by the makers of Enfamil and Similac. And my husband hated brand name Baby Magic bath, he thought they cried more when it was used. But they were fine with Wal-Mart's baby bath. I'm sure you'll get lots of good advice on products here. Good luck with your new family!

I too agree with everyone that there is nothing wrong with store brands. However becareful when buying from toiletry items from the dollar store. My mother-in-law told me that they are usually produced for 3rd world countries and do not meet the FDA standards for the US. I don't know how true this is but it scared me enough to not purchase these items from the dollar store. There's a store called the Christmas Tree Shoppe located in Wilminton, DE and they have TONS of useful and inexpensive items for all of your needs. From baby items, to household decor, small appliances, cookware, and toiletries. I would recommend looking there for a lot of things to help offset the cost of living. Good Luck with the birth of your son and Congrats!!!

Hi S.,

I always used Huggies newborn diapers, then switched to White Cloud and Parent's Choice (Wal-Mart)and all the grocery store and Target brand diapers after that. I have 2 kids, one in the final stage (size 6) and I rarely buy brand name. They are just too expensive. I have had more Huggie's tabs rip off than generic brand problems. I also used the Costco brand non-alcohol wipes. Buy in bulk if you are able. When people ask you what you need tell them diapers and wipes. Newborn and size 1. I always buy unscented, generic.
I used store brand gentle head to toe baby wash, comparable to Johnson & Johnson, for example. It was exactly the same. The only time a brand may become important is if the baby gets a skin reaction from something. Then you will have to find a brand that is compatible. Also, laundry soap, I used All Free & Clear instead of Dreft. No need for Dreft. Good luck with everything.

Well Sarah having raised two babies as a single mom lots of times I didn't have a choice. Breck brands are just as good with the shampoos, baby washes, etc. I also found that a generic brand of diaper rash cream actually worked quicker than Desitin. But as far as the really generic diapers and wipes, I like LUVS for the price difference as they didn't leak or fall apart. I also bought a big box of Parent's Choice wipes from Walmart for like $8 or $9 and that lasted quite a while, but they were still durable and soft. Some also looked down on me but when I tried the Parent's Choice formula and that was very comparable to Similac formula. Just some suggestions. Lots of times these products are manufactured at the same place and packaged differently elsewhere.

Congratulations!
Let's be serious here--do you think Wal Mart has a factory that makes everything from shampoo to bleach to garbage bags? NO! They are made by and specially labelled by the major brand manufacturer!
I have been satisfied with some store brand products. I will not buy stuff like that at the dollar stores (remember the tainted toothpaste from China incidents?) BUT I will buy Target brands, supermarket brands etc. One specific thing I likes when my son was small was the Nanny's brand diapers from ALDI's. Also their wipes.
I would say not to buy too much stuff too far ahead b/c your baby may have sensitive skin, allergies, eczema, etc. and then you'll need to change brands and be stuck with the stuff.
Enjoy your little son when he gets here--BOYS ROCK!!!

This is a little bit of trial and error, but from my experience I can tell you that 90% of generic products are just fine. Most of the name brand products offer less quantity at a higher price... it is just a waste of money.

"... not at the expense of my baby."
Your baby doesn't know any different. Your baby doesn't know the difference between pampers and dollar store diapers. The dollar store diapers work just fine for us, no leaks.

I am a first time mom (my son is now 2) and I fell for the same traps that it seems like you're falling for... but after 6 months or so, I realized that it was all marketing. The name brands want you to think that their products are better, and they make you feel guilty for buying anything less... but its just advertising!

*Like I said - there are some things that are better name brand... but that varies for everybody. The one thing I buy that is name brand is Aveno diaper creme because it is by far the very best. But diapers, wipes, clothing, toys, medicine, etc - all generic. Good luck!

I've always used Huggies because we have a Costco membership and you can get them pretty cheap there. I did just go through a phase of trying the Target brand diapers because they're about $.05 cheaper per diaper but found they leaked all the time. My 16 month old twins couldn't even make it through a nap!

It depends on what you are buying. Some items are ok to get the store brand but others I don't. Diapers depends on how they fit your baby. After trial & error, I found that Luv's work the best for my baby. They're not expensive & you can usually find coupons for a $1.00 off. Baby wash, lotion & wipes are ok to buy the store brand. BJ's has really great store brand wipes that are just like Pampers but cost allot less. If you have to stick to a name brand, see if you can find a coupon on it from the newspaper or on the website www.coupons.com Good Luck

S., in my experience it's varried by product. My daughter (just turned 1) has been on formula since she was a couple of days old, she just didn't take to breastfeeding. Originally I started with name brand Similac Advance, only because that was the sample I got in the mail. Then a friend reccommended I try the store brand, which is nutrient for nutrient the same as Enfamil Lipil, which is the Similac competitor. Formula is FDA regulated so there is a standard set of criteria to make it safe. I bought mine from Sam's club, but the same manufacturer makes the Walmart brand, BJ's, Costco, etc, and my daugter has flourished on it. I've saved tons on that.

I've bought Sam's club or walmart brand baby wipes since she was born and they've worked great.

Diapers, I really do think the pricey ones are nicer, they're thin, absorbant, fit her bum well, but they are SO expensive. I tried the Babies R Us brand of diapers and just loved them for a while, but then my daughter started growing out of the absorbancy quicker, and they were kind of bulky. They're a great price though. I went with the Sam's club, walmart and kmart diapers as well, and I thought they were wayyy to bulky. But they were cheap. Then I found a happy medium- Luv's diapers. They're not as pricey, but made by the makers of Pampers so they are very similar in style. Great absorbancy, pretty thin, and a good price at Walmart, or even better at BJ's.

Clothing- my daughter wears lots from walmart, because she'll just poop and spit up on things so why spend more?

Walmart has great fruit baby food and puffs, comparable to Gerber. Beechnut is the cheaper baby food brand than gerber and has a great variety and larger size in some items.

Baby shampoo- there's always a store brand of Johnson's and Johnsons and it works just the same.

I liked Dr. Brown's bottles- they have a venting system that's supposed to prevent air bubbles in their tummies, but I really don't know how it differs from cheaper simpler bottles that don't have all of those extra pieces to clean.

Anyway that's my two cents, and some may disagree on some things, but the formula thing I feel very confident about! :) Good luck and congrats on your new one!

I Like the "Parents Choice" wipes from Wal-Mart, The don't pop-up like some brands and I thinks that there only down fall. I have three girls and found these with my third I hate to buy name brand wipes now... Walmarts are almpst $2 cheaper. I am a name brand diaper mom though.. pampers or luvs for me.. i don't think the store brands work as well at holding in leaks. Good Luck woth your baby, you'll learn what works for you.

I use parents choice diaper and walmart brand lotions etc. Only problems I've seen for other people is kids with sensitive skin have only responded well to certain brands.

I agree with Amanda H - my daughter has sensitive skin so we went from any wipe to water and soap, and now to make life easier, we're back to sensitive wipes. But I've been trying store brands since Pampers is so expensive and there's no problem there.

Had to use Pampers to prevent leaks, but the last time I tried generic diapers she was a size 3. Now's she's a 5 and I did the math - the big box of Pampers with one coupon at Babies R Us was $0.40 each! With good sales and coupons, I get it down to $0.25, but without coupons, Target was $0.17 each so we're trying those again! But leaky diapers are no bargain - remember you'll be doing more hot loads of laundry if pee and poop escape:)

I swear by Triple Paste for diaper rash (she was breastfed, so really only got it when we tried a few new foods and then it cleared up) as A&D, Desitin and generics seemed to make it worse. In that case, buy the bigger tub - even if you don't use it up quickly, it lasts a long time and you can scrape every last bit out compared to the smaller tubes.

As for everything else, we were stuck in the "brand name" mode with our daughter since we were terrified new parents - Mylicon for gas, Tylenol and Motrin for fevers, etc. Eventually we tried store brand and Baby Gas X (easier to find coupons) and they are just fine. I haven't found a dye-free store brand Tylenol, so we're still buying that (why DO they put red dye in kids' medicine???!).

Don't forget to look at a valuable book - Baby Bargains (don't know what volume they are on). Great tips for the new mom and GOOD LUCK:)

Good morning! MANY of the store brands are made by the same companies as the name brands. My daughter is now 4 years old and was raised on Target diapers & Giant Eagle brand formula. She was always healthy, grew well and was in the highest percentile for her growth. A very healthy kid that loves all sorts of foods. I have always comparison shopped and my strategy is this: More often than not a store brand will say Compare to "Name Brand." If it is a name brand you know, like and trust, try that store brand. You may be pleasantly surprised. If you don't like what you get, just don't buy again & try something else instead. At least you will know that you spent less to try it & not full price. :)

S.,
Store brands are fine when it comes to diapers and wipes. I use parent choice of both and they work great. The only reason i switched was bc of daycare and my son staying with his grandmother two days a week so it was less expensive. If you don't want to go to store brand a cheaper way to buy name brand is at a website it is diapers.com they have really good buys on cases of diapers. As far as the Breck shampoo and soap that would be up to you as well, but my experience with it is, it is really oily and won't wash out the hair or off the body easily.. I swear by Johnson's when it comes to stuff like that. Good luck with finding a happy medium for you and your newborn...

Walmart's Parents Choice are the same as Luvs. A size 4 in a pack of 40 goes $5.47 ( I believe).

Hi! I love the Target brand wipes. They are are super soft just like pampers sensitive wipes. Never had a problem. I only buy name brand diapers on sale with coupons. Other than that I have tried target, walmart, giant supermarket, acme supermarket and cvs brands. I had no problems with any of those except the cvs newborns were short and wide, my little peanut needed thinner and longer. I use the store brand soaps and lotions without any problems either. Save the money and use it for something fun for you and your family. Best of luck with the birth of your little one!

Hi S....hope this is finding you well :) I just had my second child and I too and a bargain shopper. With my first it was only huggies and only the best. Well, with my second I am a bit more relaxed...anyways...I love Walmart's Parent's choice wipes, you can buy a huge box for 7.50! I am the director of a daycare and we use all parent's choice products...right down to the formula and baby food. I have to say the diapers aren't bad...they are cheap but it is hard to tell if they are wet...they get hard as a rock. I prefer pampers and luvs, which you can always get coupons for. I also use the parents choice milk based formula...surprising he took it better than anything. (not sure if you will use formula) But overall it doesn't hurt to try generic...alot of the products are made by the same companies! Best of luck to you!

We use a LOT of store brand stuff! Although if you watch for sales & have coupons, sometimes you can get the name brand for less than the store brand, especially at the grocery stores. As for "baby" detergent, I was blessed that neither of my kids had very sensitive skin. I used our regular detergent & the delicate wash cycle on almost everything, and that worked great for me. I will say that I LOVE the LUVS brand diapers. Usually, they're cheaper than Huggies & Pampers (even WITH a coupon), but finding coupons for LUVS is difficult. They're still not as cheap as the store brand, but as long as your son doesn't have sensitive skin you should be able to do either one. However, if he has sensitive skin, you'll probably end up buying name brand ~ at least that's what happened to one of my girlfriends. All three of her kids got MAJOR diaper rash when she tried to put anything other than name brand diapers on them! :( Praise the Lord, I didn't have to go through that. Oh, and speaking of diaper rash ~ the generic A&D ointment works GREAT! I can count on one hand the number of times that either of my kids had diaper rash, but it was always gone in less than a day, b/c every time I changed them I put the ointment on. We NEVER used the white pasty stuff!
Well, that's my 2 cents worth. Congratulations on your son. I'm praying that you'll have a safe & easy delivery, and a healthy, happy baby boy! :)

I am not a name brand person. I have used Target and Walmart diapers and have no complaints. I have also used both of those stores brand of wipes and love them as well. Sam's club brand of both work extremely well too. I don't feel we have ever used any more than the name brands.... i feel they are the same but with a more "expensive name". Go with your gut... saving money now pays off in the end. P.S. my docotr actually recommended that i use the Target brand of my daughters formula because it was more cost effective and was the "same" formula.