XP: Info for diaper stockpilers

soontobemrsdavis · January 2011

With all the amazing deals around for diapers right now, I have been searching for ideal amounts of diapers to have. Some people will say not to stockpile, but I was able to find a site/thread that seems to have some pretty good averages/breakdowns. Here I thought having 400 diapers was "stockpiling" boy was I wrong.

ETA: PSA Never pay full price for diapers or wipes..ever! Even if you don't stockpile there is always a coupon or sale somewhere, for those quick runs.

Anyway I spent the past hour or so going through this thread, https://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/family-way/17857-diaper-stockpile.html. There is a poster Mrspinecone that seems to really know her stuff, she breaks it down by packs, but finally I was able to find someone that converted her numbers to actual amount of diaper averages that she has on hand. Her final recommendation was post 378, page 38. There are other posters that offer there suggestions too, but she seems to be the guru.

For those that don't feel like reading through it, here is her breakdown and then what someone else broke down to avg numbers.

Mrs.P's recs(in the thread she explains each one) ETA: I would probably stop at size 3/4 for now. The higher sizes are based purely on her own child, who isn't quite potty trained at 3 1/2..

Newborn
Final Recommendation: For the average person, I would purchase no more than 2 packs of NB diapers.

Size 1
Final Recommendation: I am going to stick with my original amount of 10 packs of Size 1s for the average stockpiler.

Size 2:
Final Recommendation: 15 packs for the average stockpiler.

Size 3:
Final recommendation: 35 packs for the average stockpiler.

Size 4:
Final recommendation: 35 packs for the average stockpiler.

Size 5:
Have: purchased well over 50 packs, and are on a buy-as-you-go system
Goal: as needed

The smaller pack counts mean that more packs are needed!

Size 6:
Have: 9
Goal: ?

3T/4T Training Pants:
Have: 4
Goal: as needed

4T/5T Training Pants:
Have: 2
Goal: as needed

Here is what someone broke down based on Mrs. Ps numbers

N - 36-38 diapers

1's - 400-500

2's - 540-630

3's - 1085-1260

4's - 945-1085

5's - 1150-1350

tokenhoser · January 2011

This officially makes the money I've spent on cloth diapers thus far look like pocket change.

jarobinson21 · January 2011

tokenhoser:
This officially makes the money I've spent on cloth diapers thus far look like pocket change.

Agreed! One size fits all, fuzzibunz is gonna save me alot. Just placed the order this morning.

LittleD8081 · January 2011

Interesting. I got TONS of diapers at my shower for DS#1 and I don't think I had to buy diapers until he was almost 6 months old. I did have to buy preemie diapers though in the beginning.

I agree though...cloth diapers cost a lot less in the long run, if you can use them. We've had some rash issues with cloth (I think my son is sensitive to suedecloth and microfiber) so we keep going back to disposables which makes me a little sad. Maybe I should sell my cloth dipes to get some money to buy disposables?

KatieRL1979 · January 2011

Websites like this can be a good guideline to start with but for your own sake don't buy quite so many. First of all - storage space! Secondly, There are constantly deals going on for diapers at various stores with coupons, gift card offers, etc. BRU will take their own coupon and a manufacturer's one in the same transaction. Often when you buy two boxes you get a giftcard. And all those purchases add up with points that earn you more $$ off coupons. Plus with them your 10th large box of diapers is free.

I never "stocked up" with DD more than two large boxes at a time and almost NEVER paid full retail price. Most of the time with all the sales and coupons half of what I bought was free or close to it. Good rule of thumb, one large box is roughly 1 month's worth of diapers.

I'd hate to see you buying a ton of diapers you won't end up using b/c your child didn't stay in a size as long as you planned, or the brand you bought didn't work out fit wise for your baby and then they are ALL WASTED.

soontobemrsdavis · January 2011

LOL!! Yea. luckily I am taking full advantage of this amazon diaper deal and getting them for less than 10 cents a diaper but it's still crazy. Before TTC the cost of diapers horrified me, but I just don't feel comfortable doing cloth until we are in a house and not using a community laundromat.

soontobemrsdavis · January 2011

KatieWill2006:
Websites like this can be a good guideline to start with but for your own sake don't buy quite so many. First of all - storage space! Secondly, There are constantly deals going on for diapers at various stores with coupons, gift card offers, etc. BRU will take their own coupon and a manufacturer's one in the same transaction. Often when you buy two boxes you get a giftcard. And all those purchases add up with points that earn you more $$ off coupons. Plus with them your 10th large box of diapers is free.

I never "stocked up" with DD more than two large boxes at a time and almost NEVER paid full retail price. Most of the time with all the sales and coupons half of what I bought was free or close to it. Good rule of thumb, one large box is roughly 1 month's worth of diapers.

I'd hate to see you buying a ton of diapers you won't end up using b/c your child didn't stay in a size as long as you planned, or the brand you bought didn't work out fit wise for your baby and then they are ALL WASTED.

Yea i am definitely going to stay on the lower/below average side for diapers. I do a lot of ebaying so I am not too worried of wasting at this point. But it is definitely a great FYI for those that may read this and may just run out there and go crazy.

croberts22 · January 2011

tokenhoser:
This officially makes the money I've spent on cloth diapers thus far look like pocket change.

Thats what I'm thinking. Even if we only CD part time due to daycare restrictions.

jteneback · January 2011

tokenhoser:
This officially makes the money I've spent on cloth diapers thus far look like pocket change.

Indeed.

curlychic · January 2011

Please don't go out and stockpile diapers like this. Depending on when your child goes through growth spurts, you could wind up with a ton of diapers you don't use. We don't buy any more than one extra pack at a time... and very rarely do that. Where in the world are you going to store all of those diapers? There are plenty of other baby things that you will need to worry about without going and buying 1,000 diapers just because you got a good deal.

soontobemrsdavis · January 2011

mommy2BinMD:
Please don't go out and stockpile diapers like this. Depending on when your child goes through growth spurts, you could wind up with a ton of diapers you don't use. We don't buy any more than one extra pack at a time... and very rarely do that. Where in the world are you going to store all of those diapers? There are plenty of other baby things that you will need to worry about without going and buying 1,000 diapers just because you got a good deal.

Thanks for the advice. I am not too* worried though. I am also only going to focus on sizes1-3 for now and stay on the lower end. Being able to buy 200+ diapers for $8 won't really add up to me spending that much. Also I ebay and I have a lot of babies around, so they won't go to waste.

I posted this more for the people that actually want to or looking to stockpile and needed resources.

emily0829 · January 2011

mommy2BinMD:
Please don't go out and stockpile diapers like this. Depending on when your child goes through growth spurts, you could wind up with a ton of diapers you don't use. We don't buy any more than one extra pack at a time... and very rarely do that. Where in the world are you going to store all of those diapers? There are plenty of other baby things that you will need to worry about without going and buying 1,000 diapers just because you got a good deal.

Sorry, but this exactly.

It's true about the coupons and sales--- much places will always have something, especially if you're on the Huggies and other brand name diapers mailing list. I still get a lot of coupons for Huggies. The most stockpiling I do is getting a pack of 200+ diapers from Sam's Club that lasts about a month and a half. When that pack is out, I assess whether DS needs to go up a size, or stay the same. (He's been in 3s for a while, and will be in 3s for a while.)

I'm sure you're a planner because I am too and wanted to do the same thing But, I ended up with a LOT of extra newborn/size 1 diapers due to a sudden, unexpected growth spurt.

Also, if you're looking to save money, utilize TB! Baby boards post coupons they have and they don't use for practically anything.

soontobemrsdavis · January 2011

mullenem:
Funny comment from Hubs when we ordered the one box of diapers..."Awesome so yea, that will be like a month's worth of diapers, right?!" Uh, no, sorry honey. Try maybe 8 days. It was pretty hilarious to see the look on his face.

When I say it, I still can't believe it!

BetchySprout · January 2011

tokenhoser:
This officially makes the money I've spent on cloth diapers thus far look like pocket change.

Yup.

And it would suck big time to stockpile diapers that don't work for my kid or give them a rash. Luvs work great for my kid when we are out on vacation. He has skinny chicken legs. In Pampers he leaks like a mofo. Plus I won't use Drymax because chemical burns are no fun.

Clotho! · January 2011

I agree don't stockpile too much. Also for the person who OP this my first son never made it to size 6 before he pt and we never used pull ups. So having any of those on hand early will most likely turn out to be a waste.

I also noticed ds#2 had growth spurts at different times so he wore different diapers than ds#1 did. For example he's been in size fives for a long time now and is probably ready to go to a size six soon. I will buy a few packs of the smaller sizes but not many.

soontobemrsdavis · January 2011

Clotho!:
I agree don't stockpile too much. Also for the person who OP this my first son never made it to size 6 before he pt and we never used pull ups. So having any of those on hand early will most likely turn out to be a waste.
I also noticed ds#2 had growth spurts at different times so he wore different diapers than ds#1 did. For example he's been in size fives for a long time now and is probably ready to go to a size six soon. I will buy a few packs of the smaller sizes but not many.

Yea I am def not going past size 3. The way Syn makes it sounds he is going to start potty training this baby when it starts talking...lol

sarahice · January 2011

Thank you so much for posting this! For someone like me (this is my 1st pregnancy and I have zero baby experience) this is really useful to get an idea.

Thanks again!

shanatait2be · January 2011

I agree that this is a pretty good resource. Thanks for posting

I also agree with a couple of PPs about not buying too many, but it does seem like a good guideline to me. I will add that my DS never wore NB diapers. He went straight to 1s .He was 8 lbs 13 oz at birth and 21.5 inchels long, so they were just a little too small for him. I got SOO many from showers that I ended up either exchanging, if I could, or giving as shower gifts. (Which is really pretty convenient to have ahead of time, so NBD in my opinion) Also, like a PP said, my DS could never wear Huggies. THey leaked every single time! He had skinny little birdy legs for a while, so it seemed that all diapers except Pampers leaked for some reason. Skin sensitivity is also another issue that can arise with different brands. DS has only ever been a Pampers wearer. No other brands worked for us.

On a side note, for those who receiveor buy lots of baby bath, etc., we have only recently at the age of 2.5, been able to use any Johnson's products. We have only ever been able to use Aveeno. DS had severe eczema when he was born and still has it, just not as severe. We still have to use special shampoo but can now use Johnson's baby wash, bubble bath, etc. So, that's also something to keep in mind while shopping for things. Certain brands may not work for certain babies.

soontobemrsdavis · January 2011

sarahice:
Thank you so much for posting this! For someone like me (this is my 1st pregnancy and I have zero baby experience) this is really useful to get an idea.

Thanks again!

You are very welcome. This is my first as well, and it is great to at least have an idea.

ManiacMcGee · January 2011

mrsfriend:
Interesting. I got TONS of diapers at my shower for DS#1 and I don't think I had to buy diapers until he was almost 6 months old. I did have to buy preemie diapers though in the beginning.
I agree though...cloth diapers cost a lot less in the long run, if you can use them. We've had some rash issues with cloth (I think my son is sensitive to suedecloth and microfiber) so we keep going back to disposables which makes me a little sad. Maybe I should sell my cloth dipes to get some money to buy disposables?

I'm planning on only using 100% cotton cloth diapers, hemp inserts, and wool covers. I don't think I've even seen suedecloth and microfiber CL diapers....I mean, I'm sure they exist, but don't count out the whole market based on unnatural fabrics.

Hulahoop1234 · January 2011

Pattypoundcake:
tokenhoser:
This officially makes the money I've spent on cloth diapers thus far look like pocket change.
Yup.
And it would suck big time to stockpile diapers that don't work for my kid or give them a rash. Luvs work great for my kid when we are out on vacation. He has skinny chicken legs. In Pampers he leaks like a mofo. Plus I won't use Drymax because chemical burns are no fun.

THIS EXACTLY.

Anyone that stockpiles diapers is nuts. Every mama that I know has a story about how they started with X brand and had to switch because of rash/leaks/fit. Not to mention the stories about how X brand was the only one that worked for LO #1, but now brand Z is the only one that works for LO #2. You also will have no way of knowing what YOU like and dislike about different diapers until you have actually used them. They are all very different. IMO a stockpiler will end up spending at least as much if not more than the average person for various reasons.

Also, if you are truly looking to save money, cloth is the way to go. We have started CDing 100% of the time and have seen no change in our utility bills. Regarding the PP, it is very rare that a child will have a reaction to the fabric itself. They most likely needed to change detergent. That is usually the source of that type of problem.

momtoRaegan041008 · January 2011

I have to disagree with this lady. She must of had a big baby because we started with Preemie diapers andn probably bought those for the first 2 weeks, then switched to newborn diapers. The preemies I think came 20 in a pack and I would go through about 10 diapers a day (BF baby). Target was the only store that carried them and only in the small packs. Then we switched to NB, which she was in for quite some time. Eveyone's baby is different and you don't know how big/small your baby is going to be when they are born. If you plan to stockpile, I would suggest taping your receipt to the box so you can always return them if you buy too many. My daughter was potty trained at 21 months, so we never needed bigger diapers. Also, don't go by the weight on the box, you will find you have to move up to the next size before your child reaches the weight suggestions on the boxes. Also, you need a lot more diapers early on then you will need towards the end of diapering.

BetchySprout · January 2011

ManiacMcGee:
mrsfriend:
Interesting. I got TONS of diapers at my shower for DS#1 and I don't think I had to buy diapers until he was almost 6 months old. I did have to buy preemie diapers though in the beginning.
I agree though...cloth diapers cost a lot less in the long run, if you can use them. We've had some rash issues with cloth (I think my son is sensitive to suedecloth and microfiber) so we keep going back to disposables which makes me a little sad. Maybe I should sell my cloth dipes to get some money to buy disposables?
I'm planning on only using 100% cotton cloth diapers, hemp inserts, and wool covers. I don't think I've even seen suedecloth and microfiber CL diapers....I mean, I'm sure they exist, but don't count out the whole market based on unnatural fabrics.

Bum Genius is more than likely what she is talking about. SIL went in planning to use what you plan on MM, but couldn't because obviously they have a wet feel, and her kid just couldn't deal with it. He was unbearable until they switched to something with a stay-dry liner. Lay-in liners didn't work for him because they get bunched up a whole lot in PF's. Same with my kid, and hers was HUGE and mine was tiny, they just bunch up big time.

Hulahoop1234 · January 2011

Pattypoundcake:
ManiacMcGee:
mrsfriend:
Interesting. I got TONS of diapers at my shower for DS#1 and I don't think I had to buy diapers until he was almost 6 months old. I did have to buy preemie diapers though in the beginning.
I agree though...cloth diapers cost a lot less in the long run, if you can use them. We've had some rash issues with cloth (I think my son is sensitive to suedecloth and microfiber) so we keep going back to disposables which makes me a little sad. Maybe I should sell my cloth dipes to get some money to buy disposables?
I'm planning on only using 100% cotton cloth diapers, hemp inserts, and wool covers. I don't think I've even seen suedecloth and microfiber CL diapers....I mean, I'm sure they exist, but don't count out the whole market based on unnatural fabrics.
Bum Genius is more than likely what she is talking about. SIL went in planning to use what you plan on MM, but couldn't because obviously they have a wet feel, and her kid just couldn't deal with it. He was unbearable until they switched to something with a stay-dry liner. Lay-in liners didn't work for him because they get bunched up a whole lot in PF's. Same with my kid, and hers was HUGE and mine was tiny, they just bunch up big time.

You don't have to use PF's to use natural fibers. There are tons of amazing WAHM fitteds. You can also use a natural fiber stay dry soaker inside like the ones from GMD. They have the fleece stay dry layer, but they do not bunch up like liners at all because it is stitched to the soaker layers, and the soaker is thick enough to stay where you put it.

BetchySprout · January 2011

Hulahoop1234:
Pattypoundcake:
ManiacMcGee:
mrsfriend:
Interesting. I got TONS of diapers at my shower for DS#1 and I don't think I had to buy diapers until he was almost 6 months old. I did have to buy preemie diapers though in the beginning.
I agree though...cloth diapers cost a lot less in the long run, if you can use them. We've had some rash issues with cloth (I think my son is sensitive to suedecloth and microfiber) so we keep going back to disposables which makes me a little sad. Maybe I should sell my cloth dipes to get some money to buy disposables?
I'm planning on only using 100% cotton cloth diapers, hemp inserts, and wool covers. I don't think I've even seen suedecloth and microfiber CL diapers....I mean, I'm sure they exist, but don't count out the whole market based on unnatural fabrics.
Bum Genius is more than likely what she is talking about. SIL went in planning to use what you plan on MM, but couldn't because obviously they have a wet feel, and her kid just couldn't deal with it. He was unbearable until they switched to something with a stay-dry liner. Lay-in liners didn't work for him because they get bunched up a whole lot in PF's. Same with my kid, and hers was HUGE and mine was tiny, they just bunch up big time.

You don't have to use PF's to use natural fibers. There are tons of amazing WAHM fitteds. You can also use a natural fiber stay dry soaker inside like the ones from GMD. They have the fleece stay dry layer, but they do not bunch up like liners at all because it is stitched to the soaker layers, and the soaker is thick enough to stay where you put it.

Yes I am aware of these options (we use B4's for night time) but the my point is that PF's/hemp inserts/wool covers might not be an option that works for everyone. We were able to use PF's just fine. Every baby is different.

jennkelley08 · January 2011

jarobinson21:
tokenhoser:
This officially makes the money I've spent on cloth diapers thus far look like pocket change.
Agreed! One size fits all, fuzzibunz is gonna save me alot. Just placed the order this morning.

Me too!!!! I ordered my first few a week ago and they came in the mail yesterday...I love them already!!

Mrs.Christie · January 2011

I stokpiled through size 4 for DD and it worked out fine. I ended up having a box of NB left over (found them later) and two boxes of size 1. The leftovers are no big deal because #2 will use them for sure. I bought huggies b/c I liked them and some various generic to try them out. I didn't bother with pampers as I think they have a funny smell.

This time around I'n not stockpiling as I'm not into couponing anymore. Now I just order from Amazon S&S or from Costco. If you have the space to store the diapers and the desire to hunt down deals you might as well, there's no harm in it. Just be prepared for some leftovers for subsequent children or possibly to donate.

ASmallWonder · January 2011

I didn't read through all the responses so I'm sure some 2nd time moms have beat me to it but - for the sake of your wallet, DO NOT buy anywhere near this number of diapers up front! Every baby is different and there is no way to know how many you'll need. We used NB diapers for quite a while, size 1s we probably did use around the number you have there. Size twos I bought two huge boxes and didn't use them all. Size threes I''ll have used about two boxes of 200 and then move on to 4s because the 3s don't fit quite right. Over a 1000 would leave me with a major feeling of buyers remorse haha

soontobemrsdavis · January 2011

Mrs.Christie:
I stokpiled through size 4 for DD and it worked out fine. I ended up having a box of NB left over (found them later) and two boxes of size 2. The leftovers are no big deal because #2 will use them for sure. I bought huggies b/c I liked them and some various generic to try them out. I didn't bother with pampers as I think they have a funny smell.

This time around I'n not stockpiling as I'm not into couponing anymore. Now I just order from Amazon S&S or from Costco.

Great to know there are success stories on the bump. I just figured all the people it actual worked for were non bumpers.

I seriously can not let coupons go to waste. With this parents and fit pregnancy mag deal + amazon, I was just able to get diapers for 5 cents each(444 for 25.51). I can't NOT stockpile..lol

kellyloveszach · January 2011

I think this is a good idea in theory. I had a bunch of diapers that we stocked the changing table with before DS #1 was born. It turned out he was allergic to all brands except pampers sensitive and market basket brand. Since I had opened all the packages I couldn't return them. I donated them to my Dr's office who said they would give them to a new mom that needed them. I couldn't donate them to any pantries because the packages were open. So if you stock pile save receipts and don't open packages. It was an expensive lesson.

awollenweber · January 2011

Thanks for the info... great for a 1st time Mom. Even stockpiling in a much smaller qty would be worth it when you are getting such great deals.

Is there a separate board/site that you find out about the best coupons and offers? I'm sure I'm not getting the best possible deal.

Thanks! Amy

soontobemrsdavis · January 2011

awollenweber:
Thanks for the info... great for a 1st time Mom. Even stockpiling in a much smaller qty would be worth it when you are getting such great deals.

Is there a separate board/site that you find out about the best coupons and offers? I'm sure I'm not getting the best possible deal.

Thanks! Amy

I get a lot of info from babycheapstake.com The main deal going on right now is through Parents, American baby and Fit pregnancy magazine.

If you sign up for Amazon Mom and use subscribe and save you save 30% off (you can cancel the subscribe and save as soon as you order)

Then you can stack codes found in Parents & American for another 20% (if you are able to find a T code and a Y code you can stack 2 20% off coupons)

Finally Fit preg has a $10 off Amazon baby store coupon in it (it's a 50/50 chance of getting it though, some just have the 20% off coupon)

I got 216 pampers size 1 reg price 41 for 7.74.

Baby cheapstake also shows store deals and stuff too.

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XP: Info for diaper stockpilers

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