Diaper Reviews

Everyone has a strong opinion on the diapers that they use, like and recommend to others. Since all babies differ, not every recommendation is spot-on, but I always enjoy hearing what others think, and why they like/dislike a particular diaper. I used to be very particular about what diapers I would put my kids in and still have my preferences, but truth-be-told, price really matters now and I'll try anything as long as it's reasonably priced, or I have a coupon, or there is some other incentive to buy (like a free gift card, etc.).

Since I have 4 babies in diapers and go through between 25-40 diapers/day, which is a lot more than most people do, I feel I can offer some insight and Dish on Diapers. I do not use cloth diapers (seriously, I have 4 kids under 2...that's a lot of maintenance and crap to deal with), so I can't give you my ratings on the different brands of cloth diapers and diaper services, but I can give you the dish on the disposable diapers.  That being said, I have my favorites, the "Top of the T8RTots" and my dislikes "It's Full of Shit".  Here are the Tater Tot Twins Mom's Tips for Diaper Happiness.


WHERE TO BUY DIAPERS

Top of the T8RTots: 

• Diapers.com - free overnight shipping on all orders over $50; they accept manufacturer coupons (you have to send them in and have them applied to your account; but if you're a big ticket shopper, it's worth it); weekly specials; they carry most name brands (including "Kirkland")
• BJs - you have to be a member of the warehouse club, but they carry the major brands of diapers, plus they have their own brand; prices are competitive (but not always the cheapest); they accept manufacturer coupons and they have their own coupons (you can double dip and really save); they do not stock "Huggies Supreme" (Little Movers or Snugglers), just "Huggies Snug & Dry"; they also stock tons of wipes
• Costco - "Kirkland" brand diapers and wipes only; they also sell "Huggies Snug & Dry" (but the price isn't the best)
• Target - stock "Huggies" & "Pampers" and their own brand (have had a hard time finding "Luvs" at our location, but then again I have a hard time finding most things at that one); I have a hard time finding smaller sizes (P, NB, 1, 1-2, 2 & 3) they have competitive prices and sales frequently, but beware, sometimes they will promote a sale and put the wrong size package where they are promoting it (it won't be the one on sale); they also do incentives like "Buy 2 boxes of Pampers Swaddler Sensitive and Get a Free $15 target gift card"
• Babies R' Us - I'm more of a fan of buying them online, because most of the time they offer free shipping on purchases over $50 (and it's a schlep to the nearest store). You can use both manufacturer and store coupons in store (but not in conjunction) and they have incentives similar to Target. They now have their own brand of "premium" diapers.

It's Full of Shit: 

• Grocery Stores - seriously, don't buy your diapers at the market unless you really enjoy paying a premium for your premium diapers (caveat: every once in a while "Shaw's" will have a good deal on a random sized box of diapers and in conjunction with the store incentive program & manufacturer's coupon you'll get a good deal), but this is very infrequent.
• Drug Stores - same as above, it's a rip-off.

I'm on the fence about Amazon.com - I used them twice for diaper orders and it seems like most of their diapers are from diapers.com, so the prices are the same. They do have a service for automatic reordering and you get a discount by using it, but I'm a price shopper and I don't always buy the same thing or from the same store. I also had trouble with my actual order both times, but they did fix the issue and I received part of my money back for the mix up.


DIAPER REVIEWS

Top of the T8RTots - Sizes: Preemie, Newborn, 1 & 1-2

• Pampers Swaddlers - a premium diaper that was my most favorite for the named sizes. We've had few leaks and they have a "wetness indicator:, I'm not a big fan of the new "dry max" (two of my babies have had reactions to them, while the other two have not), so I'm tending to stay away from them for now (unless I can find a case w/out the dry max).
• Huggies Supreme Little Snugglers - these diapers aren't as "soft" as the Pampers, but they are contoured for a baby and can hold a whole "shitload of poop" (seriously). I really like the way these fit, but I tend to go for the Pampers while they're in these sizes (I just prefer the softness for my new baby's skin)

It's Full of Shit - Sizes: Preemie, Newborn, 1 & 1-2

• Luvs - too many leaks in the 1-2 size (I haven't been able to find any in a smaller size) and they don't stay closed.
• Store-Brands - I don't know why store/generic brands are not good for the infant sizes, but they really suck (even the ones I really love in bigger sizes). I really, really dislike the Babies r' Us Premium diapers the most, followed by BJs and Target. I will buy the Kirkland brand if I really am stuck, but prefer Pampers or Huggies at this stage.

Top of the T8RTots - Sizes: 2, 2-3, 3 & 4

• Huggies Little Snugglers & Little Movers - I love these diapers for these sizes for my kids, they're moving around a little more (learning to roll, sit, crawl, stand & walk) and these diapers "hug" their little tushies and haven't leaked yet (seriously). They are "stiffer" than the other brands and really hold up well.
• Kirkland Supreme - a close second to the Huggies. I really, really like these for the same reasons I like the Huggies. If I can get to Costco, I buy them. Note: they are much more expensive online (via Diapers.com)
• Pampers Baby Dry - need a great diaper to keep baby dry overnight or on a long trip? If so, here's the diaper for you. They are more expensive than the Pampers Swaddlers and Cruisers, but I think they're a better diaper. We use these diapers for our babies overnight and have no leaks, once they hit Size 4, we move to an "overnight" diaper.
• Luvs - a marginally good, inexpensive diaper. Since most diapers are good and pricey, I'm including this because it's good for the price you pay.
• Huggies Overnights - these ROCK, I've tried the competition and they can't hold up to these. No leaks, period!
• Huggies Snug & Dry - we've only used these once, but I do like them. They're not as nice looking as the premium ones, but they don't leak.- we've only used these once, but I do like them. They're not as nice looking as the premium ones, but they don't leak.

It's Full of Shit - Sizes: 2, 2-3, 3 & 4

• Pampers Swaddlers & Cruisers - I don't know what happens to the effectiveness of Pampers once my kids start to move, but it goes down hill pretty darn fast. I love, love, love the Swaddlers when my babies did not move and yes, I have given the bigger sizes plenty of opportunities and am always disappointed (I really want to love them). It sucks because I would be a loyal customer if these diapers were just better. Once my kiddos are into Size 2+, they have to stop wearing Pampers or I have to buy stock in Spray & Wash.
• Babies R' Us Premium - If you want to know what a disposable diaper would be like if you made your own, then this is the brand for you. I bought 2 cases of Size 3 for the Big Tots and I have to finish them, but if I could find a good use for them (other than a diaper) I would...they really suck! They don't stay closed, they are not contoured to the body (or soft enough to contour themselves after being worn), they leak like crazy and fall down once they get wet. Even my girls hate them (they ask "why Mommy" when I put them on).  Enough said!
• BJs Brand / Target Brand Premium - I am convinced these are made by Pampers for BJs and Target (they have to be), as I've had the same issues that I have with Pampers with these two brands. Oh, how I would love to love them (and it would really be cost-effective), but I can't. I definitely do not hate them like I hate BRU brand, but they are not my favorite.
• Pampers Extra Protection - these are Pampers answer to overnight diapers for Sizes 4+. They really, really sag and have a hard time staying on once they're full, and they leak.

WIPES REVIEWS

Top of the T8RTots:

• Kirkland Premium Unscented - hands down, these are my absolute favorite! They come in their own little package that closes easily (no peeling back and forth), they are soft, yet very strong (no shredding) and they do not irritate the Tater Tots little tushies! You can buy these at Costco or online at Diapers.com or Amazon.com (they're more expensive online). I use these primarily for my diaper bag, in the car and in the nurseries.
• Huggies Natural Care (and most other Huggies brand wipes) - a close second! You have to use one of wipes bins with these, so they're hard to use in the diaper bag (unless you really don't mind carrying a tub around with you). They are super thick and soft. I have to use more of these to clean up a dirty diaper than the Kirkland brand, but I do like them primarily for my downstairs changing station and in the kitchen to wipe up hands/faces.
• BJs Fragrance Free - these are cheap, medium thickness & a good buy. I hate the packaging (it's a resealable pull back seal vs. an actual top to close), but I buy these if I can't get to Costco (for the diaper bag, car, etc.)

It's Full of Shit:

• Pampers Baby Fresh &Pampers Natural Aloe - I don't know what they put on these, but it's weird and slimy. These wipes make my Tots tushies a little red and it just feels real weird...not a fan.
• Target Brand - I love Target brand for everything else except baby diapers and wipes. These are thin (poop leaks through) and a little rough. I have to use a lot to clean a little mess...I think it's worth buying a better, more expensive wipe that you'll use less of.
• BJs Brand - similar to the Pampers brand (unless they've changed the "recipe" in the past year).

Those are my favorites and not for Diapers & Wipes. I haven't tried every brand, so if there's something you really love, just let me know because I am always on the lookout for something better.  I have to run and change some dirty diapers now!