Babies are wonderful, aren’t they? They’re adorable little humans who change your life for the better, and watching them grow is one of the greatest pleasures in life. But, there are some things that aren’t wonderful…such as the cost of babies.
In fact, many millennials cite cost as one of the reasons they’re afraid to have kids. Well, I’m here to tell you there are ways you can have kids and not break the bank!
You know that babies need diapers for a few years after they’re born. And, if you’re not careful, then yes – diapers can get expensive. I’ve seen numbers ranging all the way up to the thousands for the cost of diapers over a child’s life, especially if you have multiples.
One of the best ways to counter that cost is to use tips and tricks from other parents to save money as you go, or get diapers for free! And, I’m here to share with you ways I’ve learned on how to save money on diapers!
Read on to learn my 17 Tips for Saving Money on Diapers!
1. Take Advantage of a Baby Shower
When your friends and family hear you’re expecting, more than likely someone will want to throw you a baby shower. Let them! You can really rack up a lot of great, useful items at baby showers. People just love giving gifts for such a momentous occasion.
When the host asks you what kind of shower you would like, it’s your chance to be honest. Encourage her to spread the word you’re looking for diapers. Heck, make it fun with “diaper cakes” or another baby shower game.
Plan on not opening the packages you receive until you absolutely need them, and keep the receipts in case the baby grows faster than you can use them. You can always return unopened packages.
Don’t be afraid to ask for diapers for your baby shower!
2. Buy on Sale Ahead of Time
Even if you find out late about your bundle of joy, you still have months until the baby arrives. Make the most of that time by scouring sales on diapers! Don’t go absolutely crazy, but pick up a package here or there when you find them at their lowest.
Buying diapers on sale ahead of time is a good way to save money! Plus, you’ll know you have them ready to go. And, if you have the storage space, you can start looking at sizes like 2 or 3 since those are often overlooked at showers!
3. Purchase Diapers in Bulk
Buying diapers in bulk is also a great way to save money on diapers. You can get both name brand and store brand in bulk. It may be a good idea to only do this once you know both you and baby like the diaper.
Some brands work better for certain babies and it may take you time to figure out which ones your baby prefers. However, once you’ve nailed it, go ahead and get that big box! Plus, you can even use coupons for bulk diapers, as well, saving you even more!
4. Pay Attention to Unit Price
Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean it’s a great deal. Calculate the unit price before purchasing! The unit price is listed on the shelf sticker or online details, and indicates how much each diaper is priced for. See what that price is before buying!
Once you understand unit prices a bit better for your favorite diapers, keep a mental note (or type it up in your phone) of what you’re spending per unit. This will help you gauge future purchases on whether or not you think you can get a better deal elsewhere.
5. Check out Coupon Sites
If you don’t check for coupons before you shop, you are missing out, my friend! Never shop for diapers without checking out coupon sites, first. You are sure to find your favorites like Huggies or Pampers at a discount, just from spending a few minutes online.
Make it a habit — check out sites like Koopy.com first before you shop!
6. Sign up for Diaper Rewards Programs
Let’s be honest for a second – diaper companies want your business. They know that we love to be rewarded for brand loyalty, and they are willing to compensate for that! Even before you have your baby, don’t be shy about signing up for rewards programs.
Huggies, and Pampers have rewards programs that give discounts and coupons for their products like diapers and wipes. Take advantage of saving money on diapers by signing up for rewards programs!
7. Switch to Cloth Diapering
Before you scroll ahead, just know that cloth diapering has come a long way since you were a tot. Brands that provide cloth diapers have upped their game on the quality of products, and made them so much easier to use. No more safety pins!
Cloth diapers now use a lot of snap ins with waterproof outer shells, and they can all be washed. While there is an upfront cost to cloth diapering, basically, once you buy initially, you don’t have to continue buying every other week for a few years.
There are also rewards programs for cloth diapers, just like there are for disposable. While this isn’t right for everyone, switching to cloth diapers may save you a bundle!
8. Look for Mom’s Groups on Social Media Sites
You don’t have to search very hard online to find a local mom’s group in your area. These can be a great way to network! Not only can you find groups that are organized by your child’s age, but you have access to a ton of resources at your fingertips.
A local group is a great way to save on diapers because you may find someone has opened a package they realized they no longer need. This is great for you, especially if it’s a current size you’re using or you know you’ll need it soon.
Look for groups on Facebook or Nextdoor and take advantage of all they have to offer.
9. Contact a Diaper Bank
If you are having hard times and need diapers for your child, please do not suffer alone! You don’t have to succumb to reusing diapers or not changing your baby as often because it’s difficult to afford. Diaper banks are here to help – please use them!
A diaper bank is eligible for low-income households, and provides diapers to those that are in need. If you feel you need it, look for a local diaper bank near you and utilize their services.
10. Consider a Diaper Subscription Service
The diaper game is changing, with more competitors on the market now than ever before. The good news is, you get to benefit from that competition, since they all want your business! Recently, a ton of diaper subscription services have appeared to help make parenting easier for you!
One of the benefits of a diaper subscription service is you can usually cancel at any time, set up orders to occur automatically, and most offer free shipping. It’s definitely worth checking out for the discounts.
The Honest Company offers $20 off your first bundle, and companies like DYPER offer a 10% off Military Discount (and a 70% off promo for first timers). Hello Bello offers a 20% discount off every purchase for Military and First Responders.
Take a look at a diaper subscription service to save you more money on diapers!
11. Register for All the Things
One way to get free diapers, or diaper coupons, is to create registries at different stores. Registering at Target allows you a free Welcome Bag with a few samples of diapers and wipes. Also, registering at Walmart makes you eligible for their Welcome Box, also with freebies.
And, don’t forget about Buy Buy Baby for a chance to get a free goody bag. Even if it’s just a few diapers here and there, not only does it give you a chance to sample a brand, but they make for a good emergency stash in the car!
PRO TIP: Check this page for all Free Baby Boxes for New and Expecting Moms
12. Use Store Rewards Points and Dollars
Another way to save money on diapers that is often overlooked is to use store rewards points or dollars. If you spend a lot of time and money shopping at a particular store, you should already be signed up for rewards points.
Rewards from your Target REDcard, or even pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens can be used towards diapers. Use your rewards wisely, and you can get great discounts on diapers!
13. Subscribe and Save with Amazon
You can get just about everything on Amazon, but they are also a great stop to shop for diapers. If you are a member of Amazon Family, you can receive an additional 15% off diapers! Ten percent is taken off at checkout, and five percent is credited to your account.
Not to mention, Amazon also offers competitive prices on diapers, in a variety of brands. You are sure to find what you need and save money on diapers by shopping with Amazon.
14. Use Credit Card Rewards
If you have a credit card (that you pay off!) with rewards and cash back, why not use it more often? Credit cards can be used for food, gas, and groceries and the money you get in return can be applied towards baby needs like diapers.
Since you can already use credit cards in your day to day financial purchases, take advantage of a credit card that gives you cash back and makes it worth your while. Save money on diapers with the money you’re already getting back!
15. Buy Diapers with Gift Cards
Using gift cards is a great way to save money on diapers. Take advantage of holidays and birthdays to get gift cards, but also, utilize websites that provide gift cards, as well.
Sites like Swagbucks offer gift cards and discounts for you being a member and taking surveys, playing games or searching the web. We’re talking just five minutes a day here. Use those gift cards for diapers! Save money by getting rewarded for what you do everyday, anyway!
16. Look for Free Samples
There are free diapers out there, my friend, and you need to grab them! If they have any available in your room before you leave the hospital, take them. If your friend offers to cover you while you’re on a playdate, take it. And, definitely sign up for free samples!
Companies like Cuties offer free diaper samples. They want your business, and are willing to let you try a few before you buy. If you play your cards…er, diapers right, you can rack up a few and every diaper helps!
Check out any brand you can think of and don’t be afraid to contact customer support to ask for a sample!
17. Use Elimination Communication
I’m sorry, what?! In case you haven’t heard, elimination communication (also known as E.C.) is a method by which you reduce your dependency on diapers by learning baby’s natural cues and providing a non-diaper solution for their elimination needs.
The thought behind this is that babies give “warnings” whenever they need to relieve themselves, and usually these notions are consistent for each child. As parents learn to read these cues, they can provide a container of sorts, support them physically while they relieve themselves, and clean them afterwards.
Clearly, this is not for everyone, but it is a way to save drastically on diapers by reducing the amount of diapers you need. There are many pros and cons of E.C., but one of the pros is saving a ton of money!
FAQs for How to Save Money on Diapers
How can I get free Diapers?
If you play your cards right, you can indeed get diapers for free! You can register with companies, use rewards points, and check with your pediatrician on each visit.
How much money do you save with cloth diapers?
Cloth diapers can actually save you a ton of money. While they do cost a little more upfront, they now make adjustable diapers that can last for years, with replaceable liners. And, they’re super cute!
How do you save money on diapers at Walgreens?
While they have replaced Balance Reward with myWalgreens, you can still get all of the benefits you had before, with more! Using rewards points and coupons from Walgreens is a great way to save money on diapers.
Can you save money on diapers with coupons?
Absolutely! Using coupons from coupon sites is one of the best ways to save money on things you need for a baby, like diapers. Always check for a coupon first!
What if I can’t afford diapers?
If you cannot afford diapers, that’s ok. There are a ton of resources out there for you to get what you need to keep your baby happy and healthy. Check out a diaper bank to see if you qualify for free diapers!
Conclusion
The cost of diapers can add up, but with coupons, paying attention to unit prices, and keeping your eyes peeled for deals, you can definitely save money on diapers. Don’t forget to join groups on Facebook or other social media sites and remember sites like Koopy.com!
