Costco v. Sam's Club v. BJ's for Baby Related Items

megan2545

Hi ladies, I'm hoping someone can give me some insight or advice into whether or not it's worth it to get a Club membership for baby items like diapers, formula, wipes etc.  We previously had a Costco membership but the price of actually driving there for what little bulk stuff we bought ended up cancelling out the savings and its been cheaper to just stock up on food items when they are on sale at various grocery stores.  I'm just wondering if it's worth it or if you can get equally or comparatively priced stuff from Walmart and Target etc.

 Some sidenotes:  we live within 10-15 miles to BJ's, Costco and Sam's Club so our gas usage would be the same to get to and from each, we just have a gas guzzling SUV and try not to drive it too much, and I am thinking about trying to persuade my SIL (who is also preg) to split the cost of membership with me. 

 

Thanks!!!

KaylaC0514

Looking forward to hearing the responses.  DH and I have been talking about getting a membership at one.  I figure it will really pay off when purchasing maxi pads for the weeks following birth.

 ETA:  What items do you ladies find you save the most on when buying bulk?

Andreabks

Kirkland brand diapers are actually one of the premium brands (Huggies i think) and cheaper in bulk, but i wouldn't buy newborn untill you know what size the kid will be.  i've also been told their wipes are really good too.

not sure aobut quality of diapers at Sam's, but their wipes are just fine (we take them camping etc right now) and their formula prices are good.

We have a membership to Costco and Sams as we find some items are a better price at one store over the other, depending on the week.

Grins04

We like Costco for baby purchases and non-baby purchases.  And we get a check back every year for our purchases there since we have their Gold? membership.

 I like their Kirkland diapers (they also carry Huggies - SAMs carries Pampers), wipes, formula (they only have one - it compares to Similac Advance/Enfamil Lipil)...it was only $20 for two large cans, and Carter's clothes.  I'm sure I'm missing something.  The membership has paid for itself just with the formula savings.  Hopefully I'll be able to breast feed this time, and even so I'd get the membership.

Once my son got a bit older though we found Pampers work best for us and so we order them through Anazon's subscribe and save.  We've found it to be the cheapest/easiest. 

Bemyselfandi

We had a Sam's membership when DS was a baby and in the end we realized we really didn't save any money with the membership cost. We only bought formula and frozen chicken breast. Getting formula from Target or Walmart will be what we're doing this time around. No club membership to pay for, and we'll be getting the store brand formula.

Legally (according to the FDA), every formula has to be the same. It may "taste" a little different to the baby but they will LIKELY not refuse it.  But if it is labeled, for example, the "gentle" formula just like the similac or enfamil, it has to be legally the same as those.

I know some people will argue this point, but...it's what our doctor (pediatrician) told us, and it's what I've read in research as well.  We trust his knowledge.

morgs8384

We have a Sams membership. They have the biggest tubs of Similac Formula that I have found and are under 30 bucks for each one. They also do free shipping on it.

For diapers and wipes I do Amazon. Between the subscribe and save, and the amazon mom membership I get what I think are good deals. Plus, again, free shipping.

babypaloozyvan

Grins04:

We like Costco for baby purchases and non-baby purchases.  And we get a check back every year for our purchases there since we have their Gold? membership.

 I like their Kirkland diapers (they also carry Huggies - SAMs carries Pampers), wipes, formula (they only have one - it compares to Similac Advance/Enfamil Lipil)...it was only $20 for two large cans, and Carter's clothes.  I'm sure I'm missing something.  The membership has paid for itself just with the formula savings.  Hopefully I'll be able to breast feed this time, and even so I'd get the membership.

Once my son got a bit older though we found Pampers work best for us and so we order them through Anazon's subscribe and save.  We've found it to be the cheapest/easiest. 

THIS!  We love and use Costco now and have heard good things about their diapers and wipes.  Can't wait to see how they are in those areas.  We LOVE our membership we have because we get a check at the end of the year that pays for the next!

lady_tytah

Hubs works for BJ's. He bought diapers for my daughter and it definitely helped. She didnt have allot of weight fluctuations after the 2 months mark.  (From what I remember). It is definitely easier on the budget. We grocery shop their as well and I definitely love it

megan2545

Thanks ladies.  This is the first I've heard of Amazon Mom, I'll have to check it out.