Choosing the right product can often make your life as a parent so much better and even a little less stressful. If you have the right car seat, baby formula, bottles, nursing chair, etc, it seems like parenting just gets a little bit better.
But what about diapers? Are branded diapers better than the generic store ones?
We take a look at Costco’s generic diaper called Kirkland and compare it with one of the best-known brands, Huggies. We look at the differences and compare them side by side to see if and what the differences are.
| Title | Price | Prime | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Kirkland Signature™ Supreme Diapers Size 2; Quantity: 174 | Prime | Buy Now | |
 | Huggies Little Snugglers Baby Diapers Size 2, 180 Ct | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
In this article
Main Differences Between Kirkland Diapers vs Huggies
These two brands are almost identical but there are some big differences between them.
- Huggies have a pocketed elastic waistband to prevent diaper blowouts, while Kirkland has just an elastic waistband.
- Huggies have a greater variety of patterns and designs, they also let parents know when they need to size up.
- Huggies are far more absorbent, holding around 32% more liquid than Kirkland diapers.
- Huggies diapers tend to stay flat when they are wet, while the Kirkland ones tend to curl up.
Comparison Table Kirkland vs Huggies
| Kirkland Diapers | Huggies Diapers | |
| Tab Sturdiness | Performs well and comes with ‘double grip strips’. | Performs well and comes with ‘double grip strips’. |
| Wetness Indicator | The wetness indicator is a yellow line that turns blue. | The wetness indicator is a yellow line that turns blue. |
| Outside Feel | Soft to the touch | Soft to the touch |
| Bulkiness | They do sag between the legs. | There is some sagging between the legs. |
| Leg Cuffs | Hold snugly against your baby’s legs. | Hold snugly against your baby’s legs. |
| Waistband | Elastic waistband that holds snuggly. | Elastic waistband that holds snuggly and has a pocket to catch any diaper blowouts. |
How Diapers Work
If you are like me I have never really thought about or cared about how a diaper actually does its job – just that it does it well!
But here is a quick science lesson for you – diapers work on the same concept as a sponge. They use a material that will absorb a lot of liquid without taking up too much surface area.
Diapers use synthetic polymers that absorb liquid without letting any leech out. This is then combined with a fuzzy and absorbent cotton lining which simply wicks moisture away from your baby’s delicate skin.
The liquid is then turned into a type of gel within the diaper. This gel is locked away in a super absorbent core.
The Average Cost Of Diapers
Babies go through a lot of diapers as shown in their first year of life as shown in the table below.
| Size | Age | Per Day | Per Week | Age Total |
| Newborn | Birth-6weeks | 10 | 70 | 420 |
| Size 1 | 7-16 weeks | 7-10 | 50-70 | 637 |
| Size 2 | 17-30 weeks | 5-7 | 35-50 | 595 |
| Size 3 | 31 weeks to 1 year | 5 | 35 | 805 |
The average child will use in excess of 2,700 diapers in the first year alone, which can add up to more than $550. Depending on whether you buy budget or luxury diapers this cost can soon mount up.
This is why parents want to know if generic diapers are as good as big brands. If they are then they could potentially save parents a good amount of money just in that first year.
Kirkland Signature Diapers Review
Kirkland diapers are great. They are absorbent, have a really good fit with fewer leaks and blowouts. They have no nasty chemicals and are a good price!
One of the key features of any diaper is how absorbent it is, after all, that is its purpose. And if a diaper can hold a lot of liquid then there is less chance of leaks and more chance of your baby staying comfortable and dry all night long.
Wetness Indicator
As your baby gets older it does become quite obvious when they are wet and need changing. But when they are very small, it can be difficult to determine if they are wet and this is where the wetness indicator strip comes in so handy.
There is a yellow stripe that runs from the front center of the diaper to the back center of the diaper.
When your baby has wet the diaper, the wetness indicator changes to blue. This color change can be really useful when quickly checking if your baby needs changing.
Your Baby’s Comfort Is Key
This does not just mean keeping your baby feeling dry. The diaper also has to be a good fit and they need to be slim enough that they do not hinder their movements.
Most diapers contain a type of plastic material, they are more often than not wrapped in cotton or another soft material in order to protect your baby. Kirkland diapers come with an additional soft layer to look after your baby’s delicate bottom.
The outer layer of the diaper breathes allowing air to get to your baby’s skin and contribute to keeping it dry and moisture-free.
Contains Fewer Chemicals
Many of the big brand diaper companies spend a lot of money printing cute designs on them and bleaching them to make them look a certain way.
While you may be thinking that this is not a big deal as it is on the outside of the diaper and that it doesn’t really come into contact with your baby’s skin.
But those same chemicals on the inside of the diaper can cause big problems when they mix with wetness and poo and can create the perfect conditions for rashes and infections to develop. Some companies also perfume their diapers.
Now I don’t know about you but I would prefer to not have all those chemicals close to my baby’s skin.
Kirkland diapers do not contain many of these scents, dyes, and perfumes. This means that they are far less likely to cause irritation to your baby’s delicate skin.
The Right Fit
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For parents, one of the most important factors is to avoid leaks and those diaper blowouts. This is going to come down to the fit of the diaper.
If the diaper is too big then it will not provide a snug fit around your baby’s legs and back meaning that there is plenty of space for pee and poo to escape.
If the diaper is too small then it will not cover enough area and then the pee and poo has nowhere else to go but out of the diaper. One thing to note about Kirkland diapers is that they do run on the small side.
Kirkland Diapers come with adjustable velcro tabs meaning that they are fully adjustable. The waistband has an elastic panel at the back and again this helps to get that perfect snug fit that should prevent any diaper blowouts leaks.
These diapers also come with a size-up indicator. This is a visual indicator to parents that they need to move their baby up to the next size.
Big Pack Convenience
As with most things you get a better price when you buy things in bulk. Kirkland does not offer the option of buying small packs and some parents really hate this.
It is quite understandable too if your baby is almost out of a size, you don’t want to buy 100 more diapers in that size.
But it does have its benefits as well – you get a lower price always, no waiting for sales or cutting coupons to get that price. It is also super convenient as you are not having to run to the store every week when you run out of diapers.
Pros
- Super-absorbent gel.
- The liner keeps moisture away from the skin.
- Wetness indicator strip means no guesswork.
- Made from soft and breathable materials.
- Contains fewer chemicals and no perfumes.
- Good price and come in large quantities.
Cons
- Velcro straps are a little thin.
- Sizes run slightly smaller than other brands.
- Can’t buy in smaller packages.
Huggies Little Snugglers
Huggies are a well-known brand for all parents. They provide a variety of diapers and wipes for different needs.
Comfort and Absorbtion
In order for your baby to be comfortable, the diaper that you use must keep the moisture away from their skin ensuring that they are dry. Huggies do this firstly by using a ‘gentle-absorb liner’ which absorbs wetness on contact, keeping it away from the skin.
One feature that is unique to Huggies is that their newborn diapers come with an umbilical cord cutout, this helps to protect your baby’s belly button while it heals.
The diapers are also hypoallergenic and breathable – both of which will help to take care of your baby’s delicate skin. Talking of delicate skin, the leg bands are twice as soft on these diapers to provide a comfortable fit.
Wetness Indicator
Huggies Snugglers come with a wetness indicator that allows parents to visually see when a diaper needs changing. There is a clear yellow line on the diaper and when it gets wet it turns to blue – it really is that simple.
Chemicals Used
Huggies Snugglers are hypoallergenic and do not use any perfumes and they also do not use chlorine bleaching – all of which is positive. They are also open about the chemicals used in each and every part of their diapers and is all provided on their website.
The Fit Matters
One of the most important factors is to avoid leaks and those diaper blowouts, this is the case for parents and baby.
In order to ensure this it is super important that your baby’s diaper provides a snug fit at each and every diaper change – this is where Huggies won’t let you down.
Huggies smugglers come with double grip strips for secure fastening each and every time, even after countless adjustments. They also have an elastic waistband that helps you get the perfect fit and adjustment at each diaper change.
Along with this elasticated waist, they also have a small back pocketed area in the waistband that is designed to prevent diaper blowouts and keep all that mess where it belongs – in the diaper.
Huggies also have a size-up indicator that provides parents with a visual indicator as to when they need to change diaper size – no more guessing.
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Big Pack Purchasing
The purchasing of Huggies is easy and convenient. They can be purchased in most local superstores such as Walmart and they can also be purchased in bulk from Amazon.
Buying diapers in bulk will save you money and is far more convenient than having to remember to purchase diapers every week, especially in those first few months – baby brian is a real thing remember!
Pros
- The umbilical cord cutout is both practical and safe for baby.
- The wetness indicator is a huge plus, especially for new parents.
- The elastic fit means that they stretch to fit babies much better.
- They are available in sizes preemie to size 5.
Cons
- The padding inside is thick but some might find it bunches up uncomfortable.
- Some parents have reported leaks if the diapers are left on for extended periods of time or overnight.
- Although these diapers are unscented they do leave a strange smell that some may not like.
Kirkland vs Huggies – The Winner Is…
To be completely honest both these diapers are almost identical and either of them would keep your baby clean and dry without too much issue. But Kirkland diapers are slightly cheaper and that is the reason that I would make them my winner.
However, not everyone lives close to a Costco and it can be a pain if you have to go out of your way simply to pick up diapers.
But did you know that you can now buy Kirkland diapers on Costco’s website if you are a member? They can also be purchased through Amazon, making them even easier and more convenient to get hold of.
FAQs
Are Kirkland diapers made by Huggies?
Kirkland diapers are made by Kimberly Clark, the manufacturer of Huggies diapers. The two brands are extremely similar. The general consensus amongst parents is that both of these brands are excellent, but Huggies are a little bit better, they also cost a little more than Kirklands.
Are Kirkland diapers eco-friendly?
Kirkland diapers are standard disposable diapers. They are effective, comfortable, convenient and they do boast ‘plant based materials’ of 23% by weight.
Do Huggies Little Snugglers have fragrance?
Huggies diapers are fragrance-free, lotion-free, hypoallergenic, and free from elemental chlorine bleaching. They are also tested by dermatologists, pediatricians, and safety professionals to ensure they are gentle on delicate skin.
What size do Huggies Little Snugglers go up to?
Little Snugglers are available in sizes from preemie to size 6. This means that you will be able to find the perfect fit.
The Final Thought
Either of these diapers will provide your baby with the comfort and protection that they need and deserve.
Kirkland diapers are a little more cost-effective and considering how many diapers a baby goes through in their first year, it is always a good way to save a few dollars.
