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Kids, they bring a lot of joy and a lot of expenses. These days getting more for your dollar is essential to any family, large or small. This article is to help you decipher what is a good price on one of the most prevalent expenses you will encounter for your child’s first few years, diapers.

There are several different brands of diapers out there. We have all heard of the big three, Huggies®, Luvs® & Pampers®. Then almost every store has a generic brand. It can really get confusing as to what is actually a good deal.

One of the biggest things that can throw you off is the quantity in each of the packs. It’s tricky because when the size of the diapers increases; the quantity of the diapers decreases.

Here is a simple formula that can help you can cover your little ones buns for less!

You will take the total price of the diapers and divide it by the number of diapers in the package. For example: the size 1 diapers you are buying have 52 diapers in the pack and are priced at $9.99. You will divide 52 into $9.99 that equals .19 cents per diaper. This is not really a deal for size 1’s. When my daughter was in a size 1 diaper I wouldn’t pay more than .10 cents per diaper. Then they go up about 2 cents per each size. Size 2’s- 11-12 cents, Size 3’s- 13-15 cents, Size 4’s- 16-17 cents and Size 5’s- 18-19 cents.

Personally, for my daughter the CVS Supreme brand diapers are just fine and cheaper than name brands. Also, Fisher Price has a line of diapers that I found only at Babies R Us and on sale those are great too. Another tip about the Fisher Price diapers, if you buy a box of them there is usually a coupon in the box. If you are going to buy the box anyway open it and use the coupon.

I know that there are overnight diapers that hold more. I found that if I just put the next size up on my daughter for overnight that works just as well.

You can use this equation for anything such as baby formula &  jars of baby food.  Again, you need to compare the amount in the containers not just the price.

With baby formula, I found that the powered formula was cheaper than liquid formula. I know what you’re thinking, it’s not as convenient, no, but it is cost effective. My local wholesale club was the cheapest per ounce of formula than even Wal-Mart. Combined with my $5.00 off manufacturer coupon (sign up on their website) it was .80 cents per ounce.

If you do need the convenience of liquid formula, (I used them for our day at the zoo) I suggest the ones that are already bottled. All you need to do is shake it and screw a nipple on top. Again, wait until it goes on sale. I used to see them on sale for $5.99 and the use my $5.00 coupon. You get 6 bottles for .99 cents! You can’t beat that (unless you are breastfeeding).

Plan ahead.

Don’t let yourself run out and stock up when the item is on sale. An 8pm trip to the grocery store because you forgot you used the last diaper 2 hours ago is not going to be very cost effective. Trust me it happens to the best of us.

Don’t be a brand name snob.

A lot of the store brands are just as good as the brand names. Most of the store brands offer a money back guarantee. If it’s cheaper try it. If you don’t like it bring it back.

Use coupons.

That $9.99 price is high but combined with a coupon from the manufacturer or the store itself can make that brand name diaper cheaper than the store brands.
o Get the Sunday paper. The $2.00 you pay for the paper may be worth it if you save $50.00 a week at the store. Also, log on to manufactures web sites and sign up for coupons. Sometimes you can print them right from home. Lastly, many of the grocery stores offer to double your coupons so watch for those too.

Check your local wholesale club.

Depending on where you live you will have a Costco, BJ’s Wholesale club or a Sam’s club. You can cash in on deals here. I found this the best price for baby formula. Combined with a coupon it was less per ounce than anything else I found. Some wholesale clubs require a membership but, if you don’t think it will be cost effective for your family some offer one day passes. If you can stock up in that one trip you can save yourself a membership fee.

Jennifer is a mother of a toddler and a self proclaimed bargain shopper. Jennifer is excited to share her tips and advise so you pay bottom dollar for your essential needs.

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