As any parent knows, diapering a baby is an ongoing (and often expensive) challenge. Newborns can go through up to 10 diapers a day, and most children aren‘t fully potty trained until age 3 or later. According to a 2017 study by NerdWallet, the average child will use more than $900 worth of disposable diapers in their first year alone. And with all the rapid growth and changes babies go through, it‘s inevitable that you‘ll occasionally end up with diapers that are the wrong size or brand for your little one‘s needs.
That‘s why Costco‘s generous diaper return policy is such a game-changer for budget-conscious parents. Unlike most retailers that only allow returns within 30-90 days and refuse opened packages, Costco will take back diapers at any time – even if you‘ve already used some from the box.
Let‘s take a closer look at why this policy matters so much and how it can help your family save big on one of your biggest baby expenses. Plus, we‘ll share some expert tips for making the most of your Costco diaper purchases and returns.
Why Easy Diaper Returns Matter
When you‘re sleep deprived and juggling a million new responsibilities, the last thing you need is to be stuck with hundreds of diapers that don‘t work for your baby. Here are a few key reasons why Costco‘s lax return policy is a lifesaver:
1. Babies Outgrow Diapers Quickly
Diaper sizes aren‘t standardized between brands, so getting the right fit can involve some trial and error. And since young babies typically double their birth weight by 5 months old and triple it by their first birthday, they can outgrow diapers fast.
"In my experience, babies generally gain 1-2 pounds per month in their first 6 months, then 1 pound per month until their first birthday," says Dr. Krupa Playforth, a board-certified pediatrician. "I recommend that parents move up a diaper size when they notice red marks on their baby‘s skin or the diaper is fitting too snugly."
With Costco‘s policy, if you buy a box of Size 3 diapers and your baby is suddenly ready for Size 4 after a growth spurt, you can exchange them hassle-free. No more wasting money on too-small diapers or trying to squeeze your baby into an uncomfortable fit.
2. Diaper Fit and Brand Preferences Vary
Every baby is shaped a little differently, so a brand that fits one baby great may be too loose in the legs or tight in the waist for another. Some babies are also prone to rashes or allergic reactions with certain materials.
In fact, a whopping 1 in 5 parents have purchased diapers that irritated their baby‘s skin, according to a 2020 survey by Nest Learning. With Costco‘s satisfaction guarantee, you can return diapers your baby can‘t tolerate for a full refund.
"Dyes, fragrances, and chemicals in some disposable diapers can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive babies," Dr. Playforth explains. "If you notice a red, scattered rash on your baby‘s bottom after using a new brand or type of diaper, discontinue use and see your pediatrician."
3. Buying in Bulk Comes with Risks
Purchasing big boxes of diapers can save you money and cut down on constant store runs. But it‘s also a financial gamble. What if your baby suddenly starts wetting out of their current size or has a reaction to something in their usual brand?
It‘s a common problem. The 2020 Nest Learning survey found that 1 in 3 parents have mistakenly bought the wrong size diaper. And the 2017 NerdWallet analysis revealed that overbuying diapers in the wrong size costs families an average of $40 per year.
At conventional retailers, you‘d likely be stuck with those useless diapers or have to jump through hoops to return them. But at Costco, you can recoup your money and get the correct size or brand with no time limit and minimal questions asked.
How Costco‘s Diaper Selection and Prices Compare
Of course, having a flexible return policy is even better when paired with an excellent diaper selection and competitive prices. And Costco delivers big time on both fronts.
Kirkland Signature Diapers: A Budget-Friendly Favorite
Costco‘s store-brand diapers are a hit with many parents, earning high ratings for absorbency, fit, and cost-effectiveness. In a head-to-head test by Wirecutter, Kirkland Signature diapers beat out Pampers and Huggies for absorbency and leak protection at a fraction of the price.
On average, Kirkland diapers work out to around $0.16 per diaper. Compare that to $0.29 per diaper for Pampers Swaddlers at other stores – that‘s a savings of nearly 50%! And since babies can use upwards of 2,500 diapers in their first year, those savings really add up.
Name Brands and "Green" Options for Every Preference
In addition to Kirkland diapers, Costco also stocks all the major national brands like Huggies, Pampers, Honest Co., and Dyper at prices that are consistently lower than other retailers.
If eco-friendly and chemical-free diapers are a priority for your family, Costco has you covered. Their selection includes plant-based brands like Dyper as well as Kirkland‘s "Supreme" line, which is free of chlorine, latex, lotion, and fragrance.
To give you an idea of the savings, here‘s a price comparison of popular diaper brands at Costco vs. other retailers:
| Brand | Costco Price Per Diaper | Average Competitor Price Per Diaper |
|---|---|---|
| Kirkland Signature | $0.16 | N/A |
| Huggies Little Snugglers | $0.23 | $0.32 |
| Pampers Swaddlers | $0.27 | $0.36 |
| Honest Co. | $0.29 | $0.37 |
| Dyper Bamboo | $0.36 | $0.45 |
As you can see, the cost difference is significant – especially over time. And by taking advantage of Costco‘s bulk pricing and hassle-free return policy, you can save even more.
Decoding Costco‘s Other Diaper Perks
Beyond allowing open-box returns, Costco offers a few additional policies that give parents extra peace of mind and opportunities to save. Here‘s what you need to know.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
If you‘re not completely satisfied with your diaper purchase for any reason, you‘re entitled to a full refund or exchange. This guarantee even extends to Kirkland Signature diapers – so if they don‘t work out for your baby, you can return them at any time.
While most diaper brands offer some kind of warranty or guarantee, they usually come with more restrictions. For example, Pampers requires you to mail in a claim form and copy of your receipt within 45 days if you‘re not satisfied with your purchase. With Costco, you can simply bring the diapers back to the store or mail them in for a prompt refund with minimal paperwork.
Price Adjustment Policy
Let‘s say you buy a few boxes of diapers at full price, then notice them on sale at Costco a week later. Don‘t worry – you haven‘t missed out on the savings.
With Costco‘s price adjustment policy, you can get refunded the difference in price if the diapers you bought go on sale within 30 days of purchase. Simply bring in your receipt and Costco will credit you the price difference. This perk can help you save even more on top of Costco‘s already low prices.
Size Matters (In a Good Way)
Experienced Costco shoppers know that when it comes to the warehouse club‘s house-brand products, size and quantity reign supreme. The same is true for Kirkland Signature diapers – they tend to run a bit large compared to other brands.
For example, a box of Kirkland size 3 diapers might fit more like a 3+ or even a size 4 in Pampers or Huggies. But this is actually great news for diaper fit and leak protection.
"A slightly larger diaper allows more room for your baby to grow and can minimize excessive tightness and chafing," Dr. Playforth notes. "As long as the diaper isn‘t so big that it gaps or sags, sizing up can be more comfortable and last longer."
Of course, if the fit isn‘t working, you can always exchange your Kirkland diapers for a smaller size at Costco thanks to their return policy. But don‘t be surprised if you find yourself needing a "smaller" size than you‘d normally buy in other brands.
A Sample Costco Diaper Return Scenario
Still not quite sure how the diaper return process works at Costco? Let‘s walk through a common scenario to give you a clearer picture.
Say you‘re a new mom and Costco member named Sarah. You just gave birth to your second child, a beautiful baby boy named Liam. With your firstborn, you used Pampers Swaddlers in size Newborn and loved them. So when you notice Costco has a great price on a big box of size 1 Swaddlers, you eagerly add them to your cart along with several boxes of Kirkland wipes.
Fast forward a few weeks and you‘re rapidly realizing that the Swaddlers aren‘t fitting Liam as well as they did your older child. He‘s a bit longer in the torso, so the leg holes are fitting too snugly and you‘re seeing red marks on his skin. After using about 1/3 of the 198-count box, you decide to try switching to Huggies Little Snugglers instead.
Thankfully, you remember Costco‘s return policy. So the next time you‘re there picking up some groceries, you swing by the customer service desk with your Costco membership card, original receipt, and the remaining 132 diapers from the Swaddlers box.
The friendly Costco associate processes your return with no hesitation and asks if you‘d like a refund or an exchange. You decide to swap the Swaddlers for a box of size 1 Huggies and receive the $6 price difference back to your Visa. You‘re also able to grab an extra box of Huggies since you know your little guy is going through them quickly – and you have the peace of mind that you can always return the leftovers if he outgrows them before the box is empty.
By being able to return the too-small Swaddlers and confidently buy in bulk, you end up saving over $40 on diapers in Liam‘s first month compared to shopping at your local grocery store. That‘s money you can now put toward other essentials like baby formula, clothing, and gear. And as Liam grows, you know you can continue to take advantage of Costco‘s diaper savings with their flexible return policy as a backup plan.
The Bottom Line
Costco‘s lenient diaper return policy is just one of the many ways the retailer helps parents save money and reduce stress. In an expensive and often unpredictable season of life, it‘s comforting to know you can recoup your costs on diapers that don‘t end up working out.
When combined with Costco‘s affordable prices, broad selection, and other member perks, the ability to return diapers anytime (even if opened!) can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings during the diapering years. And for families on a budget, that‘s a huge win.
Of course, every baby is different, so it may take some trial and error to find the optimal diaper brand, style, and size for your little one. But by becoming a savvy Costco shopper and taking full advantage of their customer-friendly policies, you‘ll be well on your way to tackling diaper duty like a pro.
