Disposable diapers can be a real expense for parents. How much does the average family spend on disposable diapers in a year? And what are some tips to save several hundred dollars on disposable diapers? Keep reading to find out!
Though from the outset, it has to be said that this very much depends on your baby, how often they poop, how quickly they outgrow the smaller size diapers, how soon you plan on potty training and what brands you go for – the difference between budget diapers and premium brand diapers can be as much as $1k over the life of the baby
How Much Do You Spend on Disposable Diapers a Year?
OK, before we dive deep into the calculations, lets look at some rough, broadstrokes calculations, we can dive into the detail later.
So, what’s the average cost of disposable diapers per year? According to the American Pediatrician’s Office estimates that disposable diapers cost about $936 dollars during the first year.
That comes out to about an average cost of $8 a week for diapers alone. How is this value calculated?
Take the average price of a diaper x the average changes per day x 365.
A single diaper for a newborn might cost between $0.10 – $0.44 with an average across the range of 29c each. That’s the newborn size which is the cheapest, prices increase dramatically as the baby gets bigger jumping to an average of 45c in size 5.
We are going to base our average cost on
a) the average cost of a premium brand (Eco by Naty) + a budget brand (Walmart) + a middle-of-the-road brand (Pampers).
| Diaper Size | Budget | Middle | Premium | Average |
| Newborn | $0.10 each | $0.32 each | $0.44 each | $0.29 each |
| Size 1 | $0.10 each | $0.26 each | $0.44 each | $0.27 each |
| Size 2 | $0.10 each | $0.33 each | $0.57 each | $0.33 each |
| Size 3 | $0.11 each | $0.37 each | $0.46 each | $0.31 each |
| Size 4 | $0.14 each | $0.41 each | $0.55 each | $0.37 each |
| Size 5 | $0.16 each | $0.41 each | $0.76 each | $0.45 each |
| Average | $0.12 each | $0.35 each | $0.54 each | $0.34 each |
However, next, we need to look at the average diaper changes per day.
How Many Diapers Do You Need Each Day?
How many diapers you will need depends on the age and size of your baby. The average baby usually produces between eight and 12 dirty diapers each day, while older babies may need six to eight soiled diapers per day. If you’re using reusable diapers, you’ll need even more – around 24 diapers per day. Of course, every baby is different, so you’ll need to adjust the number of diapers based on your own child’s needs.
If you’re wondering how many diapers you should have on hand, a good rule of thumb is to have at least two days’ worth of diapers – so 16-24 diapers for newborns, and 12-16 for older babies. This will help ensure that you don’t run out of diapers in the middle of the night!
| Diaper Size | Minimum | Maximum | Average |
| Newborn | 16 | 24 | 12 |
| Size 1 | 16 | 24 | 12 |
| Size 2 | 16 | 24 | 12 |
| Size 3 | 12 | 16 | 8 |
| Size 4 | 12 | 16 | 8 |
| Size 5 | 12 | 16 | 8 |
| Diaper Size | Baby’s Weight (lbs) |
| N | 0-10 |
| Size 1 | 8-14 |
| Size 2 | 12-18 |
| Size 3 | 16-28 |
| Size 4 | 22-37 |
| Size 5 | 27+ |
How Much Do Diapers Cost per Month?
If you’re a new parent, you might be wondering how much do diapers cost in a month. The average baby will use between six and ten diapers per day, which means the average cost is between $70 and $80 per month on diapers. However, the cost of disposable diapers can vary depending on the brand, size, and type of diaper you choose. Additionally, the total cost of disposable diapers may increase as your baby grows older and begins to use more diapers per day.
How Long Will the Baby Be In Each Diaper Size?
This is a question that I get asked a lot, and it’s tough to answer because every baby is different. Some babies blow through the smaller diaper sizes quickly, while others take their time in each diaper size.
A good rule of thumb is that most babies will stay in each disposable diaper size for about two to three months. However, this is just a general guideline and your baby may move through different diaper sizes at a different pace.
If you’re wondering how to know when it’s time to move up to the next size, there are a few things to look for. First, check the fit around the legs and waist. If the diaper is starting to feel snug or leaks are becoming more common, it’s time to move up.
You’ll also want to keep an eye on the amount of absorbency you’re using. As your baby starts to drink more and have larger wet diapers, you may find that you need to move up to size with more absorbency.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask your pediatrician for advice. They can help you determine if your baby is ready for the next size and offer guidance on any other questions you may have.
| Diaper Size | Average (months |
| Newborn | 0.5 |
| Size 1 | 2 |
| Size 2 | 3 |
| Size 3 | 6 |
| Size 4 | 10 |
| Size 5 | 14.5 |
| TOTAL | 36 |
Will You Need Fewer Diapers for Potty-Trained Children?
The number of potty-trained children who end up needing fewer diapers is relatively small.
In fact, most parents find that their children still need diapers occasionally – especially at night.
However, there are a few things you can do to minimize the number of diapers your child needs.
Here are a few tips:
- Encourage your child to use the potty before bedtime. You will be changing diapers less during the night.
- Put a potty in your child’s room so they can use it if they wake up during the night.
- Make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids during the day. This will help reduce the number of accidents.
- Encourage your child to use the potty regularly throughout the day. The more they use it, the less likely they are to have accidents.
How many diapers you will need should be reduced when your child begins potty-training. However, it’s important to remember that every child is different. New parents should know that many babies will need fewer diapers than others. And some children will need diapers even after potty training. So don’t get discouraged if your child still needs the occasional diaper. As babies grow their need for diapers may not be the same as before, your monthly cost should go down. Just keep doing your best and they will eventually outgrow it!
So what can you do to ease the financial burden of disposable diapers? One option of saving money without compromising your baby’s well-being is to use cloth diapering. These diapers have come a long way in recent years and are now just as easy (if not easier) to use as disposables. They’re also much cheaper in the long run.
How to Save Money on Diapering
For some families, this can be a real burden. And it may result in practices such as changing less frequently, leading to diaper rash, and causing other health complications.
You can expect to spend an average cost of $400 on reusable diapers over the course of three years, which comes out to about $3 a week. But how many diapers you will need will depend on your child. So be prepared because you might need more diapers.
Another option is to use a combination of a reusable and disposable diaper to keep the average cost low. This can be a good compromise for families who are on a budget but still want the convenience of disposables. For example, you could use reusable newborn diapers during the day and a disposable diaper at night. Or you could use them on weekends and during the week.
Whatever you decide, it’s important to make sure that you’re not spending more than you can afford on diapers. There are a lot of options out to keep the average cost low, so take some time to research what will work best for your family. And don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends or family members to help you find diapers that are more affordable than what you are using. They can offer valuable advice and support. For example, some parents are spending less by buying diapers in bulk.
Do Cloth Diapers Save Money?
The answer to this question depends on a lot of factors, including how often you use them, what type of cloth diapers you buy, and whether or not you take advantage of discounts and coupons. In general, though, cloth diapers will save you money over the long run when compared to disposables.
You can expect to spend between $70 and $80 per month on most diapers, more depending on the diaper brands. Cloth diapers, on the other hand, typically have an average cost between $20 and $40 per month. The upfront average cost of washable diapers may be higher than disposables – you’ll need to purchase a diaper pail, wipes, and other supplies in addition to the diapers themselves – but over time, you should be spending less reusable diapers.
Additionally, reusable diapers can be reused for multiple children, which further reduces the diaper costs. And, if you take good care of your reusable diapers, you can even sell them when you’re done using them to recoup some of the diaper costs.
So, while there is an initial upfront average cost associated with reusable diapers, over time you will be spending less. If you’re looking to save a few hundred dollars in the long run, reusable diapers are definitely the way to go.
Why Do So Many Parents Use Disposable Diapers?
There are many reasons why disposable diapers have become so popular. One reason is that they are very convenient. Some parents choose disposable diapers because they are easy to use and easy to carry with you when you travel. They also don’t require any special care or storage.
Another reason why disposable diapers are so popular is that they’re affordable. Diapers can be a big expense for families, so disposable diapers offer a more budget-friendly option.
Disposable diapers also offer a lot of benefits for the baby’s health and comfort. They’re absorbent and can help keep the baby dry and comfortable. They also reduce the risk of diaper rash and other skin irritations.
So why do so many parents use disposable diapers? There are many reasons, but convenience, affordability, and comfort are some of the most popular.
Take Away on the Cost of Diapers Yearly
Disposable diapers have become very popular among parents for many reasons. They are convenient, affordable, and offer many benefits for the baby’s health and comfort. If you’re considering using disposable diapers, be sure to weigh the pros and cons to decide if they’re right for your family.
Despite their popularity, disposable diapers are not the only option. Some parents prefer to use cloth diapers, which can be less expensive in the long run. Others use a combination of both disposable and reusable diapers, depending on their needs and preferences.
No matter what type of diaper you choose, the most important thing is that you’re doing what’s best for your family. So take some time to research your options and make the decision that’s right for you.
This article was written by: Gian MIller – Full-Time Writer, Baby Whisperer & Dad of 3.
Gian spends a lot of his time writing. A self-proclaimed baby whisperer, Gian has been through it all with his own children and is passionate about sharing his hard-won wisdom with other parents. When he’s not writing or changing diapers, you can find him playing the guitar or watching baseball (or preferably both at the same time).
