Diaper Cost UK: What You Need to Know

If you’re a new parent or planning to be one, the first thing you’ll wonder about is how much you’ll spend on diapers. Diapers can be a big line item in a baby budget, but the price isn’t the same for every brand or store. Below we break down the average costs, explain why prices differ, and give you simple ways to keep the bill low.

Average Prices by Brand and Pack Size

On most UK supermarket shelves you’ll find three price tiers. Economy brands like Tesco Little Ones or Asda’s Own Brand typically cost between £4 and £6 for a pack of 50–60 small‑size diapers. Mid‑range options such as Huggies Little Snugglers or Pampers New Born sit around £7–£9 for a similar pack size. Premium lines like Bambo Nature or Cloud + Cuddle can be £10–£13 for 50‑packs.

When you calculate cost per diaper, the numbers get clearer. An economy pack at £5 for 56 diapers works out to roughly £0.09 each. A mid‑range pack at £8 for 56 is about £0.14 per diaper, while a premium pack at £12 for 50 comes to £0.24 each. If you’re buying in bulk (e.g., a 150‑pack), the per‑diaper price drops further – often to £0.07‑£0.10 for economy and £0.12‑£0.15 for premium.

Cloth diapers follow a different model. A starter set of four reusable diapers costs around £30‑£45, and each can be washed and reused 200‑300 times. If you spread the cost over 250 uses, the effective cost per diaper drops to under £0.05, plus a small amount for detergent and electricity.

Tips to Save on Diapers

1. Buy in bulk. Online retailers like Amazon, Ocado, or wholesale clubs often sell 300‑pack bundles at a price that beats in‑store small packs. Look for subscription options that lock in a lower rate.

2. Use coupons and loyalty cards. Supermarket loyalty programmes (e.g., Tesco Clubcard, Sainsbury’s Nectar) regularly offer instant discounts or points that convert to money on future purchases.

3. Switch brands. Many parents find that a mid‑range brand works just as well as a premium one. Try a few different packs to see if you can downgrade without compromising on performance.

4. Consider a diaper‑subscription service. Companies like My Nappy Club deliver a set number of diapers each month at a reduced price, and you can adjust sizes as your baby grows.

5. Try cloth for the night. Using reusable diapers for overnight sleep can cut your disposable use by 30‑40%, especially when your baby sleeps for long stretches.

6. Watch sales calendars. Major sales events – Black Friday, post‑Christmas, and back‑to‑school – often feature deep discounts on baby supplies.

Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best value. Consider factors like fit, absorbency, and skin‑friendliness. A diaper that leaks or causes rashes can end up costing more in laundry or doctor visits.

Overall, a typical baby uses about 6‑8 diapers a day, which adds up to roughly 200‑250 diapers a month. At an average cost of £0.12 per diaper, you’re looking at £24‑£30 a month for disposables. Switching to a mix of cloth and discounted disposables can bring that number down to £15‑£20.

Keeping an eye on your diaper spend doesn’t have to be stressful. By comparing per‑diaper prices, buying in larger quantities, and using loyalty offers, you can manage the cost without sacrificing comfort for your little one.