Diaper Drama: A Sleep-Deprived Tag-Team Tussle Through Butt-Covering Options

We Didn’t Know Where to Start

Like most first-time parents building out a baby registry, we tossed a handful of diaper brands onto our Amazon baby registry, crossed our fingers, and hoped for the best. Fragrance-free? Hypoallergenic? Plant-based? Maybe. Honestly, we were just trying to keep our baby dry and our house from smelling like a landfill.

We Used Whatever We Had (At First)

In those early days, we tag-teamed diaper duty with a mix of samples, registry gifts, and whatever the hospital sent us home with. Most worked fine. Until they didn’t. Some scratched, some leaked, and some had a weird spa-like fragrance that made us question everything. We commented and overanalyzed every brand like we were on a diaper version of Top Chef.

Then Came the Leaks and Rashes

At some point, everything started leaking through. And our baby’s butt? Red and rashy, almost constantly.

Cue the panic-Googling at 3 a.m.

We debated if it was a reaction to a specific diaper we had added to our baby registry. Or maybe the wipes. Or maybe it was the detergent. Or maybe one of us put it on wrong. In true tired-parent fashion, we blamed the diapers, each other, the baby, and then just decided to buy something better.

Coterie: Expensive, But We Get the Hype

After a streak of blowouts and diaper rashes, we panicked and made the upgrade to Coterie. These diapers felt like luxury: dryer, softer, and noticeably more absorbent. We convinced ourselves they helped him sleep longer (and maybe they did). Either way, we were hooked... for a while.

But they came with a subscription model that was easy to forget about until boxes showed up or we were stuck between sizes. You can sometimes find them on Amazon or at Whole Foods, but they’re pricey and not widely stocked. As much as we loved the quality, it didn’t work for our bank account long term.

Millie Moon: Great Middle Ground

Millie Moon became our next favorite. Softer than most big brands, organic, fragrance-free, and a much better price point than Coterie. We could grab them at Target, and they held up well during naps and travel. If you remember to stock up ahead of time, they’re a solid go-to.

Downside? Sizing can be hit or miss on the shelves. Target doesn’t always have what you need, especially if you’re in the middle of a growth spurt or traveling and need a pack on the fly.

Honest Diapers: Easy to Find, Just OK

Honest Diapers were the next stop. Cute prints. Fragrance-free. Available pretty much everywhere. They kept everything contained but felt a little thin, and didn’t have that great stretchy fit we got used to with Millie Moon.

We kept second-guessing if we were really saving that much money by paying 40 cents instead of 43 cents per diaper. The packs were smaller too, so the “deal” didn’t feel like one. Still, when we’re on the road or in a random store, Honest is usually the best available option above basic brands.

Costco Kirkland: Our Everyday Diaper

Once our baby hit size 3, we went to Costco, and we’ve basically never left. Yes, you need a membership to shop there, but for us, it’s been worth it. Kirkland diapers aren’t fancy. The material isn’t buttery soft, and they’re clearly built for bulk and function over form.

But they work. They fit. They’re cheap. And they come in massive boxes that actually last more than two days.

We don’t have to think about it, and for two tired parents, that’s kind of the dream.

Also Worth Mentioning: Pampers and Huggies

We’ve used Pampers and Huggies here and there — especially when we’re traveling abroad or find ourselves somewhere like Mexico or the Southeast U.S. They’re easy to find. They get the job done. Not our favorites for long-term use, but great backup options when your preferred brands are nowhere to be found.

What About Diaper Creams?

After trying every trending balm, paste, and miracle product from our registry, we eventually simplified our routine. Coconut oil and Vaseline became our go-to combo.

They worked just as well, sometimes better, were more affordable, and didn’t come with added fragrance or overly complicated packaging. We kept a tub at the changing station and a tube in the diaper bag.

That said, if you’re loving a fancy cream or already stocked up, great. But if you’re still figuring things out, these basics are definitely worth a try. Less stress, fewer rashes.

So What Should You Add to Your Baby Registry?

Add a little bit of everything. Seriously. That’s what baby registries are for. You can test brands, sizes, and styles without committing to a 200-pack of diapers you may hate. Try:

• Coterie

• Millie Moon

• Honest Company

• Costco Kirkland

• Huggies

• Pampers

If you haven’t built yours yet, start with an Amazon Baby Registry. You’ll get a welcome box, discounts, and easy reordering. Or check out my full registry here.

TL;DR

We started fancy, felt bougie, then landed at Costco. We use what works, and that changes over time. Build your registry with room to experiment, try the basics before you commit to the hype, and remember — your baby won’t know the difference between 40 cent and 43 cent diapers.

But your sleep-deprived brain might.