Diapering

Keep Your Baby Healthy and Happy with Diapering Essentials

Dry babies are happy babies, and quality diapering products are important for keeping them safe and healthy. A baby may get through as many as 6,000 diapers before completing potty-training (yes, really!), so start shopping now for essentials.

What you need, when you need it

You want your baby to have the best of everything, but purchasing branded diapers and diapering products can be expensive. Newborn babies may get through as many as eight diapers a day, and even after the first few weeks they may still need five or six each day, so you need to find a way to stock up and make your money go further. Fortunately, at Walmart we offer everyday low prices on essential products from top brands such as Pampers, Huggies, Luvs, Gerber, and Johnson & Johnson.

For better savings, consider buying in bulk. Manufacturers usually package diapers in different quantities, with larger packs representing a better deal. Big packs have a higher up-front cost but a lower price per diaper, so the long-term savings are better. Just don't get too carried away stocking up, because babies grow quickly, especially newborns. You may find that within weeks you're moving up to a bigger diaper size. If you haven't planned ahead, don't panic. We make it easy to get diapering products quickly. The fastest option is our Pick Up Today service, which lets you order online and collect from your local store. Many products are in stock now, so you can have your diapers the same day. If you can't make it to a store, take advantage of Free 2-Day Shipping to get everything you need.

Cloth vs. disposable

For new parents, one of the first decisions is whether to opt for washable cloth diapers or disposable diapers. Both options have distinct advantages, and you need to pick the option that suits your needs best.

You may choose cloth, because at first glance they represent the more cost-effective option, with a lifetime cost of around $300 per child compared to more than $2,000 for disposables. However, that only considers the purchase price and doesn't take into account other expenses such as laundry detergents and the cost of running your washer and dryer daily. Cloth also represents a significant time investment. For busy parents, there's a lot to be said for the time-saving benefits of disposable options.

If you want to try cloth diapers, a reusable diapering system is a good option. It comprises a soft outer shell with Velcro or snaps to secure it in place and absorbent inserts that you wash between uses. They often come in colorful designs, giving you a chance to dress your child in fun and fashionable ways.

Choosing the right disposable diaper size

Babies are unique: they grow at their own rate, defying all your expectations. Disposable diaper manufacturers know this, and while they group their products in age bands, they size the diapers based on weight, simply because two children of the same age may be vastly different in size. Don't grab that box of "newborn" diapers without first checking the weight range, or you may find you can't even get the closures around your baby's waist. For example, Pampers "newborn" size is suitable for babies less than 10 pounds, while the size 1 diapers are for babies 8-14 pounds. Most brands use similar sizes, but you should always check carefully; and it's a good idea to buy a small box of diapers as a test before committing to a large purchase.

To ensure the diapers fit your baby perfectly, check how tight they're around the legs and waist. When you pull on the leg openings, there should be some give to indicate the elastic isn't already at maximum stretch. The fasteners at the top of the diaper should be no more than 2 inches below baby's belly button, and a diaper shouldn't leave red marks on skin, which is a clear indicator it's time to move to the next size up.

Disposable underwear

Once your child reaches potty-training age, you may want to get some Pull-Ups. These work in the same way as traditional diapers, except you pull them up and down rather than securing them with fasteners. The design gives children more control over their own potty-training as they can remove the Pull-Ups without assistance, and this helps them to feel more confident and grown-up. Disposable underwear is another good option for slightly older children who still find it difficult to go through the night without accidents. they're simply absorbent, disposable underwear for sleeping in.

From newborn diapers and baby wipes to potty-training aids, providing your children with the right diapering products is an essential part of their early development. Give them the best start possible, with quality diapers and accessories.