When it comes to stocking up on essentials for little ones, parents often find themselves comparing prices among retailers like Costco, Sam's Club, and even Amazon. Costco's diapers and baby wipes are renowned for their quality and bulk savings, typically offering significant value for families. For instance, a pack of their Kirkland Signature diapers usually comes in larger quantities, helping to reduce the cost per nappy, making it particularly appealing for those with toddlers in constant need of change.

On the other hand, Sam's Club presents a competitive alternative with its own brand of diapers and baby wipes, often at comparable prices. Though quantities may vary, savvy shoppers can find attractive deals that rival Costco's offerings.

Amazon, with its vast selection and convenience, doesn’t lag behind either. While prices can fluctuate due to Prime Day or seasonal sales, bulk purchase options can also yield savings that entice parents looking for both affordability and convenience. Ultimately, when comparing these giants, it's clear that while Costco tends to lead with bulk pricing, Sam's Club and Amazon remain worthy contenders in the race for the best deals on baby essentials.

How We Made It Through the Entire First Year Without Buying Diapers

It all began with a simple conviction: we were determined to minimise our environmental footprint and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle for our newborn. The idea of navigating parenthood without the convenience of disposable diapers seemed daunting at first, but we were committed to giving cloth nappies a fair shot.

Our journey commenced with thorough research. We learned about the various types of cloth nappies available—pocket, all-in-ones, and prefolds—each coming with its own set of advantages and quirks. After much deliberation, we opted for a mix of styles that would cater to both day and night use. We also invested in a reliable washing routine, ensuring we had enough clean nappies to see us through those hectic early days.

The unexpected joys of cloth nappying soon became apparent. Not only did we relish the savings—no pesky weekly trips to the supermarket for disposables—but we also appreciated the cuteness of our little one wiggling about in brightly patterned prints. As the months passed, we developed a rhythm, with the nappy changes becoming a quiet bonding ritual, a moment of connection amid the chaos.

Of course, there were challenges along the way. The occasional leak was unavoidable, and we soon learned the art of timing—knowing when our baby was likely to need a change after mealtimes or long naps. We also faced social situations where the choice of cloth was met with raised eyebrows. But we navigated these moments with humour, sharing our experiences and helping to dispel the misconceptions surrounding cloth nappying.

As we reached the end of our first year, we felt an immense sense of accomplishment. Not only had we avoided purchasing disposable diapers, but we had also forged a deeper understanding of our parenting values. We emerged from that first year with more than just savings; we gained a newfound confidence in our ability to navigate the challenges of parenthood, one nappy change at a time.