Sales and coupons aside, there are times when we just need to pick up diapers at the store. Often, we don’t have time to do all of the coupon cutting and sale shopping that is required for getting a good deal. Or, we find ourselves with one diaper left (an emergency situation) and we would almost gladly pay any price just to have a package of them magically appear. Stocking up when we do come across sales is often difficult to do with diapers, since babies outgrown sizes unpredictably, and then there is the matter of potty training.
While I’ve spoken before on saving money on diapers, I wanted to share some thoughts on getting the best prices on them with no fuss involved. Here are the stores that I have found the absolute best “regular prices” in the order from least to most. While stores in your area may be different, you can certainly use my research as a guide or as inspiration to do some cost comparison yourself.
Least Expensive:
Dollar value stores. Stores such as Family Dollar usually carry the absolutely best diaper price. The selection of diapers varies from Luvs to Pampers, and I have found them to cost at least 40 percent less than the regular store prices. Sometimes these are last year’s models (yes new and improved diapers are always being marketed) or “clearance diapers.”
Warehouse Clubs. The warehouse clubs still get my vote for inexpensive diapers, once you are in a size 3 or 4. These sizes tend to stick around for a while, so having 116-172 diapers around is okay. If you are stuck on name brands and shop at a club anyway, this is the best way to go. Just be conservative when you shop at the warehouse store, even on diapers. We tend to think large is normal when we are surrounded by it.
Most Expensive:
Grocery stores. Generally, prices are pretty high on diapers, especially if you want name brand. If you want to save money on gas and pick them up at the same time you do your grocery shopping, it might be worth it. But you will pay a premium here.
Convenience stores. Convenience doesn’t come cheap. The stores know that you may be desperate for that package of diapers late at night. The selection is small, too, so I would avoid convenience stores in most cases (if you can walk or bike to the store eliminating the need for a car, it might make sense).
Click here for more articles by Mary Ann Romans.
The Frugal Baby: Disposable Diapers and Brands
The Frugal Baby: Disposable Diapers And Buying in Bulk
The Frugal Baby: Cloth Diapers
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