4 Questions to Ask When Diaper Shopping

Becoming a parent is chock-full of choices to make—even though it can feel like there’s never enough time to decide and all the time in the world to spend second-guessing. But one decision you shouldn’t lose sleep over is which diaper to pick. So, how do you choose wisely? Keep reading for a breakdown of the top four questions to consider when choosing a diaper and our pick for a brand that checks all the boxes. (We did this dirty work for you—you’re welcome!)

First things first: Let’s make sure you’re buying the right size. Most brands provide guidelines based on baby’s weight, but comfort is the priority here. The perfect diaper fits snugly just below baby’s belly button and around their legs to ensure comfort and prevent leaks. Look for one with a contoured design, stretchy waistband and leg cuffs for a gentle yet secure fit and coverage. When they start approaching the upper limit of their diaper’s weight range, it’s a good time to think about sizing up.

Not only is fit important for baby’s comfort, it’s also key to avoid leaks and blowouts. Pro tip: Check the waist tabs—if you’re having difficulty fastening them, baby’s diaper is likely too small. Red marks around baby’s thighs where the leg cuffs meet skin are another sign that they’ve probably outgrown their diaper.

Once you figure out your baby’s diaper size, it’s time to dive into the details. You’ll want a soft, breathable material that will protect your little one’s skin and promote air flow to their bottom. Bonus points if your diaper is also hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. Hypoallergenic diapers are usually made without potential allergens or irritants, like lotions or harsh chemicals, that can irritate sensitive skin.

With a gentle hypoallergenic liner, super-absorbent core and breathable outer cover, the new and improved Berkley Jensen diapers from BJ’s Wholesale Club are a great pick for baby’s skin. The inner face of the diaper features a soft cushioning for 360-degree comfort and dryness, while the outer layer has been redesigned with a heavier material for optimal softness and leakage prevention.

As a new parent, we can’t tell you that you won’t fall victim to the (hopefully) occasional diaper blowout, but we can tell you that finding an ultra-absorbent diaper will make a world of difference. So, what should you be looking for? Next to comfort and breathability, absorbency should be at the top of your list to keep baby dry and prevent leaks. Plus, diaper rashes are caused by excess moisture—hanging out in a wet diaper will no doubt lead to redness and irritation.

When it comes to avoiding wet crib sheets (and a cranky baby), BJ’s Berkley Jensen diapers are designed to provide up to 12 hours of leakage protection, and they also have a super-absorbent core to help keep baby dry.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the average baby goes through roughly 8,000 diapers before they take their talents to the toilet. Yep, you read that right—but don’t break out your calculator app just yet. You want your little one to have the best, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Keep in mind that the price of diapers varies based on the type, brand and size you’re buying, and focus on the features of the diaper instead of the dollar signs.

Luckily, you don’t have to choose between quality and affordability when it comes to BJ’s Berkley Jensen diapers. Each pack comes in under $30—that’s over 50 percent less than what the national brand equivalent retails for. (Okay, now you can start math-ing.)

Our pick: Berkley Jensen diapers (pack of 144), $28; BJsWholesaleClub.com