Kirkland Diapers vs Huggies: Which is Better?

As a new parent, one essential decision you’ll make is choosing the best diaper for your little one. With so many options on the market, deciding which brand to go with can be overwhelming. Plus, you don’t want to break the bank, and you also don’t want diapers that will leak frequently!

Two of the most popular choices amongst parents are Kirkland diapers and Huggies. While both brands have pros and cons, weighing them against each other is vital to determine which is best for your baby and your budget.

In this blog post, we’ll compare Kirkland diapers vs Huggies to help you make an informed decision.

Let’s get started!

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First, who manufactures Kirkland and Huggies Diapers?

There is a lot of speculation amongst parents about whether Kirkland diapers are the same as Huggies. While Kirkland and Huggies diapers are not the same, they are made by the same manufacturer.

Both Kirkland and Huggies diapers are made by a manufacturer named Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Kimberly-Clark Corporation also manufactures many name-brand items such as Kleenex, Scott, Pull-Ups, Depend, and Kotex.

And although Kirkland diapers and Huggies are not the same, they do have many similarities that we will go over next.

Kirkland Diapers vs Huggies: Side-by-Side Comparison

To get a complete picture of Kirkland diapers vs Huggies, I will compare each diaper brand’s features side-by-side.

And since there are so many variations of Huggies, I want to clarify that this comparison is between Kirkland Signature diapers and the Huggies Plus Little Snugglers, both of which can be purchased at Costco.

The following information is my honest, unbiased opinion of both diaper brands, as I have used each brand with my two children.

Kirkland Diapers vs Huggies: Fit

One of the most important aspects of a diaper is the fit. If the fit of a diaper is off, it could lead to rashes and irritation, making it uncomfortable for your baby. And a well-fitting diaper will also prevent leaks and blowouts from happening.

Choosing the right size and adjusting the tabs for a secure fit can significantly affect your baby’s comfort and happiness. That’s why it’s crucial to compare the differences in the features of each diaper.

A Good Waistband Is Vital

Kirkland and Huggies Waistbands Comparison

If you’re familiar with the term’ blowout,’ you know the importance of a well-designed waistband. While having a pocketed waistband won’t guarantee that your baby won’t experience blowouts, it will definitely help contain the mess.

As you can see in the picture above, both Kirkland and Huggies have elastic waistbands. They both also have pocketed waistbands, but the pockets are certainly not created equal.

The fabric that creates the pocket on the Kirkland diaper is thin and more see-through, whereas the Huggies waistband is thicker and feels more sturdy. And, in my experience, Huggies can stand up more to a blowout than Kirkland.

Tabs Can Make a Difference

The tabs on a diaper are what’s going to secure the diaper onto your baby. Quality tabs are essential to ensure the diaper doesn’t fall off or get unhooked, especially as your baby ages and starts crawling.

The tabs on Kirkland diapers and Huggies are very similar to the point that they almost look identical. But the Huggies tabs are a little more sticky to the outside of the diaper material than the Kirkland diapers.

Leg Elastics Really Do Matter

Another aspect to note regarding the dreaded blowouts is the leg elastics. Leg elastics work similarly to the pocket waistband to contain any mess, including pee, from leaking out.

As you can see in the picture above, both diaper brands have double elastic that goes around your baby’s legs. And both brands’ inner elastics look very similar. But I must say that Huggies have a bit of a tighter inner elastic that seems more snug.

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Kirkland Diapers vs Huggies: Sizing

Next up, as we compare Kirkland diapers vs Huggies, is the sizing of each brand’s diapers. If you have a preemie or newborn, knowing the size guides for each brand will be crucial for you!

When looking into Kirkland diapers, it’s important to note that they only come in sizes 1-6. While many newborns can fit just fine in size 1 diapers, not all do.

For example, both of my children (one born three days late and the other born three weeks early) had to have newborn-sized diapers, so I couldn’t use Costco diapers until they were a little older.

But with Huggies, they have sizes for preemie, newborn, and sizes 1-7. It is good to note that if you want to buy Huggies in bulk at Costco, you won’t find preemies, and you can typically only get newborn diapers online. Sizes 1-6 are sold in-store, though.

Kirkland Diapers vs Huggies: Absorbency

It’s evident that you want a super absorbent diaper for your baby. If the diaper isn’t absorbent, your baby could get more diaper rashes and leaks onto their clothes!

When looking at Kirkland diapers vs Huggies, both claim to be very absorbent, and they are! I’ve never had a problem with the diapers leaking pee when using both brands.

But one difference I prefer is that the Huggies diapers have a quilted liner that “protects baby’s skin by quickly absorbing wetness and pulling the mess away.” When you look at the liner in the Kirkland diapers, it’s more smooth and doesn’t entirely absorb as fast.

Kirkland Diapers vs Huggies: Softness

As a parent, you want to provide your baby with a comfortable, cozy diaper that won’t irritate their delicate skin. Both Kirkland diapers and Huggies offer softness and comfort.

Huggies diapers are known for their exceptional softness. They have a unique material that feels gentle against your baby’s skin.

The softness of Huggies diapers is particularly noticeable around the leg elastics and waistband, which helps prevent your baby from developing any chafing or rubbing.

Huggies diapers also have a snug fit that ensures your baby stays comfortable and leak-free throughout the day.

On the other hand, Kirkland diapers are also soft and gentle on your baby’s skin. However, I have noticed that when feeling them side-by-side, they are not quite as soft as Huggies.

While they provide ample protection and absorbency, the material used in Kirkland diapers is slightly thicker and less pliable than that of Huggies.

This can make the diaper feel a little stiffer and less comfortable for some babies. And the diaper can sometimes bunch up in the middle due to the material’s stiffness.

In summary, if you are looking for the softest diaper option for your baby, Huggies is the way to go. Their diapers are exceptionally gentle and cozy, ensuring your little one stays happy and comfortable all day.

Which diaper is made of better materials?

One great thing about Kirkland diapers and Huggies is that they both are hypoallergenic. That’s great news for parents, as babies spend at least the first year and a half of their life in diapers.

The Kirkland diapers are made with plant-based materials (at least 23%+ by weight) and without fragrance, lotion, natural rubber latex, and elemental chlorine.

As for Huggies, they are made without parabens, lotions, elemental chlorine, and natural rubber latex. And in addition to being hypoallergenic, they are also dermatologist-tested and fragrance-free.

Kirkland Diapers vs Huggies: Wetness Indicator

One feature many first-time parents look for in a diaper is a wetness indicator, which helps them know when it’s time for a diaper change. Both Huggies and Kirkland diapers come with wetness indicators, which are the yellow lines you can see in the picture above.

Both diaper brands have wetness indicators that run from the front to about halfway up the back of the diaper. Essentially, the only difference between the two is that the Huggies indicator is a bit darker and easier to see.

Which diaper has an umbilical cord notch?

Many people may not know what an umbilical cord notch is regarding diapers. This particular feature is designed for newborns who have their umbilical cord stump still attached.

The umbilical cord notch is a small cut-out area at the top of the diaper, allowing the cord stump to stay dry and free from irritation. Without the notch, the diaper could rub against the stump, causing discomfort and potentially leading to infection.

Because Kirkland diapers start at size 1, they don’t have an umbilical cord notch. On the other hand, Huggies diapers in the preemie and newborn sizes do have the umbilical cord notch.

Kirkland Diapers vs Huggies: Price

Price plays a crucial role in decision-making for many parents when purchasing diapers. With the constant need for diaper changes, the cost can quickly become a significant expense.

It’s essential to balance quality and affordability to meet your baby’s needs without breaking the bank. While some may opt for cheaper diaper options, it’s necessary to consider the potential consequences of sacrificing quality for cost.

The good news is that Kirkland diapers and Huggies are excellent quality and affordable, but one is a little more expensive than the other. Here is a breakdown (as of 6/23):

Price Comparison of Kirkland Diapers and Huggies

As you can see in the picture above, Huggies are consistently more expensive than Kirkland diapers. And starting at size 3, Huggies have fewer diapers in each box.

One perk about buying Huggies at Costco is that they frequently go on sale for usually ten dollars off. This sale makes Huggies more comparable in price to Kirkland.

One last thing to consider is the availability of each brand of diaper. To buy Kirkland diapers, you’ll need a Costco membership which isn’t too expensive in the scheme of things. But you can also order diapers on Costco’s website without a membership; it will just be a little more costly.

With Huggies, you can buy them at any grocery store and online, usually in a smaller box than Costco.

Conclusion:

After thorough research and personal experience, it is clear that Huggies diapers are superior to Kirkland diapers in the Kirkland vs Huggies debate.

Huggies offers better leak protection and a more comfortable fit for babies, making them the top choice for parents who are looking for a high-quality, trustworthy diaper brand.

Additionally, Huggies diapers have an ample range of sizes to choose from, making it easier for parents to find the perfect diaper for their little one.

But this doesn’t mean that Kirkland diapers are horrible! I still buy Kirkland diapers when Huggies are not on sale, and they are also a great option.

Ultimately the diaper brand you choose will align with your budget while being comfortable for your baby.

And there you have it; Kirkland diapers vs Huggies. I hope this comprehensive comparison has helped you choose the ideal diaper brand for your baby. Having a quality diaper will keep your baby comfortable and save you from fighting blowout stains!

Before you go, check out these related articles:

After reading about Kirkland diapers vs Huggies, which did you choose? I would love to know in the comments below!

Kirkland Diapers vs Huggies: Which is Better?

First, who manufactures Kirkland and Huggies Diapers?