Time for baby...

[atcwag]

Ok, so I've meticulously read all the threads regarding diaper stockpiling and needless to say I'm a bit overwhelmed on even how to start.

Let me start with a little background info...
I just got married about 3 weeks ago. We have been together for 9 years now, so we aren't going to wait long *if I can just get him to agree* to start a family. I am "pushing" to start trying this coming spring or summer.

So the Type-A personality that I am is saying that I should start a baby necessities stockpile when I find good deals. I know some people would say don't do this because you may find that you don't like the brand, who knows the size of the baby, etc. However, I know the diapers will get used eventually (we're planning on more than 1 child) and also I can always give them as gifts, sell them, etc. if I don't use them.

So anyway - what is the key to getting good deals? ...and what is a good deal on diapers and wipes? What is everyone's "good" and "stock up" price per diaper? I am pretty clueless since I haven't been a mommy yet.

In my area, I have:
*Giant Eagle
*Wal-Mart
*Tops
*Big Lots
*Dollar General/Dollar Tree/Family Dollar
*CVS/Rite Aid/Walgreens

So, if I do indeed start a stockpile, can I eventually exchange diapers if needed without a receipt? I don't forsee myself keeping every receipt, but maybe I should and I could just tape it to the pack(s) of diapers? How much later can you exchange with a receipt?

Any other advice you can give would be great because, again, I'm kinda clueless.

[gatosqueak]

Can you send me a PM? I have a great chart for you and can go into more depth in a PM or email than on here, LOL :)

[MelInKansas]

Yeah... it's hard to know how to explain everything. I think these deals can also vary regionally, except for the drugstores and nationwide stores like Target.

Since you have time, you're aren't pregnant yet, you can start looking at deals and coupons that come out. Definitely sign up with Huggies Enjoy the Ride and Pampers GTG because that's also how you can get on their mailing list for homemailer coupons. There are plenty of "free" codes you can use when you first sign up, I think the thread is here in this forum. Start looking around for sales, see what prices you can get, make a price book. Prepare before you start buying. It's so easy, like it is with anything else, to start buying a lot because it's a good price, well you have to watch it for at least 6 months before you know what the BEST price is.

Don't discount Amazon either. If you sign up for Amazon Mom (which I would wait to do at least until you're pregnant because it also comes with free Amazon Prime, free 2 day shipping on any order, and you can only get that free for a year maximum) you get 30% off using Subscribe and Save. This is my price to beat for diaper sales + coupons to go to the store. Newborn diapers I shoot for $0.11 a diaper or less. Bigger sizes (my 2 YO is now in size 5) I shoot for $0.18 per diaper. Wipes $0.01 per wipe. But again, the price per diaper I shoot for beating my best price on Amazon Mom on Luvs which are cheaper than Pampers and Huggies. Or I shoot for beating the generic brand price by at least 2 cents or 3 cents per diaper.

[JulieDB]

I don't know prices since my daughter is 13 now. But I almost always had coupons for diapers. She could only wear Huggies. Anything else gave her a rash. She could use any kind of wipes though so I mainly looked for unscented and if I couldn't find those for cheap I bought scented.

[gatosqueak]

Ugh preggo brain! Forgot I already posted a stockpile I did. :) This was so helpful for me! I opened my diapers and stored them by size in tubs, but even if you wanted to keep them in their packaging, you should be able to buy tubs to fit them into for storage. If you want to return them, that is. :) I'm planning on just donating/giving any I don't use with our son due in October to friends or the local shelter.

Advice needed: Diaper stockpile

[gatosqueak]

CVS has been the best so far regarding diaper stockpiles, at least since I've started doing it! Also, if you plan on having baby showers... you would get a ton there! I'm having to put in our invites "please no diapers!"

[Spanelli8706]

Check the CVS thread for the clearance diaper finds. I was able to get Pampers size 1 for $0.74/ea after coupons last week. We are probably finished having kids... but I have two pregnant cousins, so they'll go in gift baskets for showers.

The best advice I have for buying diapers is keep your eyes out for any and all coupons, and every time you go shopping, take a loop through the diaper section for clearance stuff. 2 years ago, CVS had big boxes of Huggies on clearance for $5.00/box. I was lucky I just happened to walk back to the diaper section to double check and scored TONS right after they marked them down. Target has some boxes of Pampers & Huggies on clearance right now too.

[atcwag]

Thanks for all the great advice everyone!

Just one question that hasn't been answered yet. What is everyone's "good" and "stock up" price? I obviously don't want to pay full price, but I don't even know what a good price is - especially if I can't find clearance diapers. I have started keeping the insert coupons, which I never did before. Just wondering when I should buy and when I should wait out for a better deal.

[gatosqueak]

Size Newborn-2: I tried to stay at $.10 per diaper
Size 3-4: Tried to stay at $.15-$.17

Wipes: .02 per wipe

[gatosqueak]

Probably easiest item to stock up on are the NB/Size 1s... I seem to always find those for sale at least $.10 or less. And you don't need as many. Might want to find out what the typical size of a child born in his/your family is. Although it will depend on many factors. I figured our son will be between 6-9 pounds. The average weight of a baby is currently 7 pounds. If your family/genetics play a factor in having high risk or premature kids, stocking up on more Newborn sizes might be a good idea. :) I only bought 100ish of the Newborn due to the small weight size. And have a big box of Pampers size 1-2 in case he is in between sizes for a while.