How to Start off on Diapers for Newborn?

Updated on December 29, 2008
S.C. asks from Chestnut Hill, MA
34 answers

Hi, I am expecting my first child in Dec and I am just wondering how do people usually start off on diapers? I have been sourcing for diapers from BJs, Costco but they sell in bulk and what happens if my baby is not suitable for the one I have bought? Do hospitals give you samples and we try from there? Or shd I just try smaller packs from supermarkets before trying to buy in bulk? Thanks

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S.B.

answers from Boston on

Hi there,

Usually hospitals do give samples. I'd try getting small packs until you see how big the baby is and how quickly he/she grows. Sometimes the smaller they are the faster they go. ;~)

Congratulations and good luck with the little one.

SB

D.B.

answers from Boston on

Wait until the baby is born - sometimes you need to know the birth weight. There are also diapers for boys and others for girls, with more padding in certain places. The hospital will have a certain brand and you can see if those fit - then you can buy some. Buying them is a great job to give those friends who say "What can I do to help?" - they feel useful, and you aren't out at the store buying things right away. Also, ask parents you see in the supermarket or Costco what brand they buy - some people have their favorites, others buy what's on sale or what they have a coupon for. For now, just accumulate the information. But the reason there are so many brands is that millions of people are satisfied with their favorites!

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S.L.

answers from Boston on

Hello

I just went to CVS and the supermarket and bought some small packs of diapers (all different kinds of brands) to try out once they got home. It was good because I didn't waste a bunch of money on the big boxes and I learned which ones worked and/or fit best.

S.

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M.

answers from Providence on

Hi S.,
Congratulations!! The hospital will usually give you some to start with-but I would recommend buying a small package at firs=different brands fit differently=so you may have to experiment-and even that brand may change as your baby grows! Once you find a brand you like, I definitely suggest BJ's so you get more for your money!

Congrats again=and good luck!
M.

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R.T.

answers from Boston on

First, congratulations!

Yes, you will get diapers provided for you at the hospital, and maybe get a few extra for taking home, but not many. And they only will have one brand, not a variety to sample from. You should definitely have a supply at home.

I have been using the Costco brand since my baby was in a size 1. I love them. One thing to consider, which may make you less reluctant to buy in bulk, is that Costco (not sure about BJs) has a very generous return policy. So if you buy the big box and hate them, they will take the rest back. So you can get a big box, and maybe a small package of another time just in case. The pampers swaddlers are GREAT diapers. They are more expensive though. I personally have hated the Target brand and the Stop n Shop brand. Huggies are okay, but I never used the tiny size of those.

Good luck with everything!

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A.M.

answers from Boston on

Yes the Hospital will give you some diapers, not necessarily samples but you get to take home what is left from your visit. I would really suggest taking all the supplies that you can from the hospital, that you can, like blankets, diaper rash cream, skin lotion, wipes etc. It will help you out on those first days before you get to go to the store. I would buy small packages first to see what you like and then buy as much in bulk as you can because they will go through diapers like there is no tomorrow! Good luck with your new little one!

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S.C.

answers from Boston on

Target has sales once a month where you can buy two packages of diapers and they give you a $5 gift card. If you use manufacturer's coupons from the Sunday paper on top of that you can save a bundle. Also CVS has diaper sales quite a bit-I follow the Sunday circulars and wait until Pampers/Huggies go on sale and cut those coupons! The hospital should give you extra diapers before you leave-ask for some too!

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W.D.

answers from Boston on

you only need one pack of newborn size.. they grow out of them very quickly! If you are having a shower, then people will probably buy you diapers so don't buy them yet. Just buy smaller packs and try them as you go.. they work different on every baby.. my daughter did great with Huggies, but my son peed right out of them.. pampers only for him. some kids also are allergic tocertain brands too.. it's all trial and error (just like everything else with parenthood!). and skip the Desitin and Balmex.. go straight to the Boudreaux's Butt Balm! Good luck and congratulations!

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N.S.

answers from Hartford on

Plan on going thorugh an average of 7 diapers a day with a newborn...for every fedding there is a diaper soon after. I do not think there is any harm in purchasing some of the newborn swaddlers or size one swaddlers (Pamers brand) becuase they tend to come with a little over 100 diapers which would last around 2-3 weeks. You baby unless is VERY big will need newborn diapers (they also have the convenient cut out for baby's healing belly button). If you do not want to go that route then buy a few pacakes of the meduim or jumbo diapers of swaddlers newborns...if the package is unpoened and your baby is bigger most stores will let you swap the package for a larger size. Everyone I know has had to use newborn diapers for at least 2 weeks. IAfter moving on from newborn diapers I did find that my dauther was in size 1 diapers for maybe 4 or 5 weeks and she was an avaerage birth weight 7 lbs 11 oz. They held us until she had her fist real growth spurt. I hope this advice helps....Here is a little hint use sensitive wipes with no scent for babies my daughter got rashes from the non hypo allergenic wipes. Or you could save money and just use damp paper towels (our peditrician recommend that) put them in the diaper warmer and your good!
-N.

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B.S.

answers from Boston on

I would definitely NOT buy in bulk. I spent a little extra money on just one regular-size pack of the kind that gives room for the umbilical cord. My son ended up being 10-1/2 pounds (not a C-section!) and the diapers did not even fit. They provided diapers at MGH and since you're at the hospital a couple of days, you can judge what size you need. Start small and good luck!!

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J.M.

answers from Boston on

The hospital probably will send you home with Pampers. I would hold off on stocking up for a little while, because you don't know how fast your little one is going to outgrow the early sizes, and you don't know what diaper will fit him/her best. Everyone I know loved Pampers, but they leaked with both our kids - just a different shape I guess. Grab one decent sized box of the newborn size of whatever brand so you have something at home. Don't worry about running out - you'll appreciate the time out of the house to take the trip to the store (at least, I did!)

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D.H.

answers from Lewiston on

I would have at least a few packages of newborn diapers at home, (maybe a few styles/brands to choose from) and then buy from bulk once they are gone. Get a good feel for what you like and what works best for you and then find out where to get them cheaper. It is true, some women have 10 pound babies and a huge supply of newborn diapers may not last long for them!

Our favorite was Swaddlers, but you may find a less expensive brand to be just as well!

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K.F.

answers from Boston on

Hello and congratulations!!!!

All hospitals have different brands that they use while you are in the hospital. That doesn't mean you have to use them when you get home. I have been using Pampers for 7 years and love them. Never had a problem with them. I wouldn't buy too many newborn diapers because you don't know how much the baby weighs and they outgrow the newborns so fast. I would maybe buy a small pack or two just to get you through and then see what you will need. Also, I buy my diapers from www.diapers.com and love them. They are bulk and offer free shipping and are quick with delivery. You also can order formula etc. from there as well. They take coupons and everything. I highly recommend them to everyone I know. I have had such great success with them.

Congratulations again!

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K.T.

answers from Boston on

The hospital will send you home with some diapers. But if I were you I would make sure I had a small package of size Newborn and size 1 at home. I perfer LUVS but I dont think they have newborn, Pampers are good too. On the packages they show the size and the estimated weight. That can vary too depending on how tall your child is. I wouldnt buy too many Newborn size yet, cause my children were only in that size for a few weeks. Once they get into size 1 and 2 and so on then you can buy them in bulk.

Another thing... Please... dont at all be scared of labor and delivery. Things will fall into place, you will find this inner strength inside of you during it all that you never knew you had, your body can do amazing things. Really, it isnt all that bad at all.
Best of Luck

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A.W.

answers from Boston on

As other have said the hospital will probably send you home with some diapers. I would not stock up too much on the smaller sizes, as they outgrow them very quickly. I would only buy one package of newborn - 2 of my children were put in size 1 diapers at the hospital since they were big babies (over 9 lbs). Most stores will make exchanges if the package is not open.

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J.C.

answers from Boston on

I honestly wouldnt buy in bulk yet,see how he/she does with the brand from the hospital(usually pampers swadlers)and go from there,maybe buy a pack of those and see, b/c you dont know if he/she could have a reaction to a certain diaper??Just my opinion.They give you some to go home with!!:)congrats!!!!And dont worry about the delivery,you will do just wonderful!!!!!!!!!Promise.

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D.V.

answers from Boston on

First of all, congrats, and welcome to the club. Usually the hospitals give you diapers to bring home that should last you at least a day or two. I had both my kids at Ana Jacques in Newburyport, and they gave me tons of stuff to take home. But that should give you a good idea of what size, most likely it will be "newborn". I do believe BJ's, Costco and Sam's all carry newborn sizes in bulk. But they do grow out of them quickly. I do know, as my daughter is still in diapers, that it is cheaper to get them at the warehouse clubs you get more diaper for your buck!

Good luck!

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A.B.

answers from Boston on

If you are looking to save money, store brand is fine, and don't buy them until you know what size you baby is. But if you are looking for what is best for your baby I recommend Earth's Best with no chlorine and nearly non-existant chances of a diaper rash (they are a little cheaper than Seventh Generation and have a better fit, there are also G-diapers, even better, biodegradable, but very pricey).

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T.K.

answers from Boston on

Congradualtions!!!!!!

I really liked pampers swaddlers the best. Also look around at Walmart and Target. You'll find that Bj's isn't the best price. You actually can pay more there. We went to all the stores and did the math. For 2 boxes at Target, we got more and spent less than BJs. That was a different brand and months ago but you get the point. Good Luck!

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R.K.

answers from Springfield on

Hi. I wouldn't buy them in bulk just yet. My oldest was too big for the newborn diapers he wore size 1 to start and not for very long he was a big boy my youngest wore newborn diapers forever but he was and still is on the small side. You just never know. Try a couple different brands and decide which one you like best and go from there. My youngest ended up being irritated by almost every diaper we tried so we used mostly cloth which works quite well and is very different from the ones our grandparents used and you can get them in one size to grow with baby so its only a one time expense. I hope you have better luck finding a brand that works for you than I did. Good luck

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K.N.

answers from Boston on

we started by buying what was on sale at cvs and stocked up.for newborns i would say use pamper sswaddlers.they work awesome and are softer than most diapers. i would buy in bulk at bjs becuase you will go through them in no time at all. mosthospital will give you some diapers to take home.they usually use papmers swaddlers.i hope this helps.

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C.K.

answers from Boston on

Most hospitals will send you home with Pampers Newborn size. The hosptial I had both my boys at let us take off what ever was left in the bassinet babies sleep in, in the hosptial and they gave me a diaper bag filled with diapers and formula. I love Pampers and Luvs brand. Don't buy in bulk at first because newborn size only goes to 10 lbs and you really don't know how big your baby will be until he or she is born. Plus they grow fast and may be out of newborn size quick! BJ's is a good place to buy in bulk though!!

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L.M.

answers from Boston on

S.,

Hospitals will most likely use pampers swaddlers. We like these and when we used up all of the ones we took from the hospital we continued to use them. I tried others and sometimes was happy and sometimes I wasn't. If you want to try other brands definitely buy a small pack just in case it doesn't work out.

Good luck,
L. M

ps take everything from the hospital.

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E.O.

answers from Burlington on

You can just buy them at the supermarket.
Consider going cloth, though. AFter the first two weeks (during which they tend to poop a lot, and are unusually messy, and you're too tired), I started my daughter on cloth diapers. It was very, very easy. It was comfortable for her, easy to do, only added two washes to my week's laundry, and saved an unbelievable amount of money. And, of course, it helped the environment.
There are plenty of web sites devoted to it, but www.greenmountaindiapers.com is the one that sticks out. They have information about washing them as well.
Good luck!

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L.S.

answers from Hartford on

At first you are not going to know what size of diapers to buy and they move out of the smaller sizes very, very quickly -- or at least mine did. So i would stay away from buying in bulk at least for the first couple of weeks. Have a small package of Swaddler Newborns and a package of size 1 diapers. When you get a good feeling of what size he/she is going to be in for a while then buy in bulk.

You also will probably get some gifts as diapers. From what i have heard Pampers is the diaper of choice for girls and Huggies is the diaper of choice for boys. Pampers makes Luvs -- and I have had good luck with them (i have 3 girls) Be careful of store brand diapers -- they are all sized different and feel different (some are soft, some plastic some i woudn't want near MY bum if you paid me!) So you might spend more money looking for a good store brand than using the name brand -- but if you find a good store brand AWESOME!.

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A.M.

answers from Providence on

Good Morning,
My suggestion is to purchase the package of new born diapers with the umbillical cord curve you may just need 1 package and then buy a few packages of size 1. Pampers Swaddlers are a good choice.
Once the baby is in a size 1 he may bein that for a while.
please let me know how you make out, congratulations, ! A. M

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B.R.

answers from Boston on

If you are going try out different diapers I would buy them from walmart where their prices are better than supermarkets. I always had great luck with pampers for both my girls. Although a friend swore by huggies for her son. So I'm thinking one may be better than the other depending on boys or girls. Good luck. Check online at diaper websites for coupons and samples.

P.H.

answers from Boston on

It is hard to plan ahead as your baby coudl be in New Born or go right to the next size..you can always just stock up on the size after new born as they will be in that on (unless you have a 12lbs baby! lol NOT!) coupons, gift cards..this is all you can do..

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S.G.

answers from Boston on

I am a first time mom too and I will tell you what I did. My dr. ordered an estimated fetal weight when i was 34wks pregnant, so I got lucky. He weighed 5lbs 15oz. So she said I would have an estimated baby at no more than 8lbs. So I bought 1 package of bulk new borns and Then I got like 2 boxes of stage one in bulk. I buy from BJ's only pretty much because I think it's so much better to buy in bulk. When you get closer to the end the dr. can feel around (to see if your baby is head down..ect.) and they can give you their thought on estimated weight. Mine turned out perfect, my son weighed 6lbs 15ozs when he was born so I used the new born diapers right up and went into stage one no problem. just dont go over board on buying newborns cause they wont be in them for very long. I hope this helps and I can say this. Being a first time is wonderful. I love it! Good Luck to you and go with what you think will be best.

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L.R.

answers from Boston on

We bought only a few packs of the newborn diapers. They grow out of them quickly. You should stock up from Costcos and BJs for the size one diapers.

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M.D.

answers from Burlington on

Hi S.,

Congratulations! The hospital will fit the correct size diaper on your child. It usually will have a notch at the top that goes around the umbilical cord so as not to irritatie it, or they will fold the diaper down to keep it away (keep the cord area clean as it heals and dries before falling off).

My children were tall so they wore size 1 instead of the newborn size, if I remember correctly. You'll know what size your child wears when you leave the hospital.

As for brand, diapers have changed since my children wore them. Name-brand diapers will probably be better than store-brand. I started out with Price Chopper diapers. They were less expensive but they had to be changed more frequently. As the child's bladder grows and holds more urine, the greater the chance of the store-brand diaper to leak.

Enjoy the new light in your life. If you need help, be sure to ask for it. You can get quite tired. Eat well, drink plenty of fluids, take a nap when your little one takes a nap. You'll need it!

: ) Maureen

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H.Z.

answers from Boston on

Diapers are such a "personal" choice. I have used Huggies for all three of my boys. You might want to buy some of the smaller packs and just find out what works best for you. You will get free samples in the mail, but that is usually just one, not really enough to decide from. My babies usually outgrew their first size 1 diapers very quickly, so I would not buy too too many for that first stage.

Good luck and I am sure you will do great with the labor. Try and look beyond the labor and to the time when you are holding that precious baby and you will quickly forget the pain.

H. Z. (SAHM 5, almost 4, and 15 month old boys)

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L.E.

answers from Hartford on

you could purchase a small package of newborn diapers but it's probably best not to buy in bulk until the baby is actually here and you know what he/she weighs.
as for labor and delivery...when it starts just keep reminding yourself that...24hrs from now i'm going to feel sooooo much better and have a very special little one to love.
good luck!

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T.A.

answers from Providence on

We always started with first the diapers we received at our shower and then tried store brands to see how they were because they were inexpensive.We lucked out the Walmart brand worked well for us. T.

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