I have always bought name brand diapers, because once upon a time I worked in a daycare and really noticed a difference between diaper rashes in kids who wore the name brands and those who wore generic. For some reason, though, I always felt the need to buy the name brand wipes as well. In the last year or so, however, I’ve taken advantage of a few deals on store brands that were too good to refuse. I thought I would pass along some observations.

Overall, Huggies Supreme Wipes are my tried and true favorite. I have used these since my first daughter was born almost eleven years ago. I love them because they are thick and fragrance-free. I guess, from an environmental perspective, that they are probably a bit more wasteful than some because they are so thick, but I think I use fewer wipes per change. At $3.29 for a tub at drugstore.com, they are very affordable. Huggies also puts out lots of coupons (although fewer for wipes than diapers).

I like the Pampers Sensitive wipes fairly well also. These are fragrance-free, but they are very thin. I feel like I have to use a lot to get the job done. They are comparably priced to Huggies– $2.99 at drugstore.com. I find that many store brands are actually fairly close to Pampers in quality and texture. I have recently used the Target Up & Up unscented and like them quite a bit. They aren’t sold online, but they are about $1.50-$1.99 a tub. CVS’s Playskool Cottony Cloths (cvs.com) are pretty good, too, but I find the scent of the regular to be horrid.

Lansinoh Clean and Condition cloths are one of my favorites for newborns. They help protect the bottoms of breastfed babies, who tend to make a few more messes than their formula-fed counterparts. These are super soft and strong, but like the Pampers wipes, they are very thin. They also have a rather strong fragrance that I could do without. At $3.99 for a soft pack (drugstore.com), they are also one of the most expensive options. I have tried the Target brand of these, which I find to be a close match, but not quite as good as the original.

In times of greatest diaper-guilt, I’ve also tried Seventh Generation Unscented Wipes. These are a great more environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional wipes–although I think this is mainly due to their lack of chemicals–I don’t think they are biodegradable. At $4.65 a tub, they are fairly pricey for what they are. You can purchase them at  drugstore.com, and more stores are starting to carry them as well.

I know many who use reusable cloths as a truly eco-friendly alternative. My daughter’s old daycare used this method, and I found it fairly agreeable when I changed her diapers there. It has not been something I’ve done at home, though. You can use regular washcloths, or purchase special cloth baby wipes, such as these from Lil’ Melon, which retail for $12.95 at lilmelon.com.

We have been using Huggies Pure and Natural diapers pretty regular, largely because they have been printing a lot of high value coupons. I honestly don’t see a huge difference between these and the Huggies Supreme Diapers (and they cost more), but I definitely think they are a good option if you use disposables. right now you can get a free sample (limited to newborn or size 1 unfortunately). Just visit huggiespureandnatural.com. If you like them, check out coupon sites like coupons.com, where you can often find coupons for as much as $3 off a pack.

Enter to win a free year’s supply of diapers here! Sponsored by ViaCord and announced by WhattoExpect.com, the contest is every parent’s dream, considering the cost of diapering. Along with your entry, you’ll receive a Cord Blood Banking Information Kit, something many parent-to-be are probably curious about. Do I do it? Don’t I? The info is all there and you get to enter the contest. Smiles all around!

Evolution Free Size Diapers were created by a mom who wanted a diaper that fit any size child. Using elastic and a button, the diapers can be adjusted to fit children of any size from 5 to 40 lbs. Evolution Free Size Diapers are washable, and of course, as they are cloth diapers, good for the environment. They are US-made, and lined with COOLMAX athletic fabrics made from recycled materials which are scientifically tested to reduce skin by 20 degrees. This patent-pending diaper sells from $21.95 and up at EvolutionDiapers.com.

Here’s an idea I’m surprised no one has thought of before: a vending machine full of baby supplies. Innovative Vending Solutions has created the Baby Station, a machine that dispenses diapers, wipes, pacifiers, rattles, bottles, and more. The machines are placed in areas where you would expect to find moms/dads and babies in need of items on the go, such as shopping malls. Right now the machines are in limited distribution (mostly in the Ohio and California areas), but as the company grows, they will be found more often across the United States. The company also sells the machines as a business opportunity which may appeal to stay-at-home parents. You can view this intriguing idea at InnovativeVendingSolutions.com.

Diapers.com is currently having a site wide sale. They are offering more than 40 special promotions, along with savings on baby essentials, like 20% off all newborn diapers (though don’t stock up too much, they grow so quickly), and 15% off all gear. Other promotions include buy one get one 50% off on all Carter’s products or Halo sleep sacks and an additional $5 off diapers or formula for all new customers. Shop the sale at diapers.com.

Huggies has launched a new diaper, Pure and Natural, that is made, in part from organic cotton. We are still alternating between disposables and g-diapers, so I decided to check these out. I haven’t been a huge fan of Huggies in recent years, but I’ve recently found that the Supremes are pretty decent. These new diapers are similar to the Supremes. The inside is very soft, and the legs have a lot of elasticity for a good fit. The down sides, for me, are that they are still bleached, they still have Winnie the Pooh on them (a selling point for some, perhaps) which involves unnecessary dyes, and they are more expensive than even the Supremes (The price I paid was higher and it had fewer diapers in it). Otherwise, these are a soft, absorbent diaper. If having some organic content in your disposable diaper is important to you, these may be a good option. You can purchase a jumbo pack for $10.99 at toysrus.com.

Rump a Rooz G2 Cloth Diapers are a unique one-size-fits-all cloth diaper. With a snap adjustable rise, they can accommodate four different sizes: newborn (starting at 6 lbs)., all the way to potty training (35+ lbs). They are designed to be as easy to use as a disposable diaper without the high price to your wallet and to the environment. Inside each Rump a Rooz are two internal gussets channeling each leg. The winner of multiple Parenting awards, Rump a Rooz cost $23.50 and are available in various styles, patterns, and colors at BananaPeelsDiapers.com.

Even though my 5 year old son has been potty-trained for the last 2 years, he still needs some help at night. For some reason, he just doesn’t wake up when he has to go to the bathroom. His pediatrician said not to worry about it, that some children physically can’t hold it when they have to go because their bladders aren’t large enough. We’ve been using GoodNites at bedtime for the past 2 years with much success. I tried other nighttime diapers, but they leaked or were uncomfortable for my son. With the GoodNites, they go on like underwear, and have sports themes like underwear, so my son doesn’t feel ashamed to wear them. I don’t know how long we’ll have to keep buying GoodNites; they aren’t cheap, with a pack of 17 costing $10.96 at Wal Mart. If genetics are any indication, however, it might be a while; I wet the bed until I was 7. If anyone can find a better price for these, I’d appreciate it if you’d let me know.

While surfing the Internet today, I came across something I’d never heard of before - a Diaper Wreath. Of course, I know about diaper cakes, but a diaper wreath? This was something I had to see. I soon discovered that there are many crafters selling diaper wreaths, as baby shower items, gifts, and as a way to announce a new arrival. They vary wildly in price, from an elaborate one like the Lion Safari Double Wreath (above) by “Nancy” for $95, to some that are a bit more reasonable, like one on MyKidsCloset.com selling for $35. You get what you pay for, however, as the Lion Safari Wreath not only includes 45 Pampers Swaddlers diapers but also a Carter’s bib, socks, teethers, onesie, medicine dropper, aspirator…the list goes on and on. Basically it contains everything new parents will need when they bring that little bundle of joy home from the hospital. The smaller one that is $35 contains some of the same items, just not in the same quantity. I think this is a wonderful idea for a baby shower gift or a gift for new parents. Not only is it functional, it’s also very attractive!

I have been suffering from a major case of diaper guilt. As much as I like the idea of cloth diapers, I just can’t handle them in practice. I decided I would at least make the effort to compromise and try out gDiapers part time. So, I ordered two starter kits and having been experimenting with them for about a week now. gDiapers are made of an outer cloth diaper with a reusable snap in plastic liner. You put an absorbant diaper pad in the liner and you are good to go. When the diaper is soiled, you tear open the diaper pad, dissolve the contents in the toilet, and flush everything away. The flushing process is a little cumbersome, but actually less so than I thought it would be.

I’m still putting her in our usual diapers at night and her father is still too wary of the gDiapers to use them, but overall, I think they are going to work for us. I would definitely recommend them. You can purchase a starter kit for $26.99 at diapers.com.

Know any new moms or new-moms-to-be? A gDiaper Starter Kit by gDiapers will be an apropriate shower gift. The gDiaper system is an alternative to the old choice between cloth or disposable. We all know the plusses and minuses of both. We want to be eco-aware and eco-friendly but those darn disposals are so convenient. The gDiaper is disposable because it’s flushable. The outer material of the gDiaper is all natural fiber and is 100% compostable.

The starter kit contains 2 little g’ pants, 10 plastic-free, flushable refills, 1 swishstick, and 1 HUG (handy user’s guide). It is available in sizes Small (8-12lbs), Medium (12-28lbs), and Large (26-36lbs).Visit Amazon.com, where the starter kit sells for $26.28 and includes free shipping.

Are you looking for a casual, but upscale diaper bag?  If so, you might want to check out this fun messenger bag from Colori.  Made from denim and embroidered with colorful flowers, this bag is a throwback to the sixties on the outside, while its modern interior will keep even the busiest mom happy.

The spacious interior has pockets for everything you need and is lined to protect against spills.  The bags are embroidered in South America, and the company follows fair trade practices, so you don’t need to worry about what your purchase is supporting.  You can purchase one of these great bags for $220 at mamaom.com, where they are selling out quickly.

Do you like the idea of a diaper cake, but not the traditional style of most cakes available?  Then you may want to check out this fun Sushi Diaper Cake by Jen Kalea.  The cake includes a handmade blanket, 10-14 Pampers size 1 diapers, a Ty brand stuffed fish toy that is safe for all ages, three onesies (or alternately one outfit), two acrylic and bamboo soba noodle plates, chopsticks, and decorative “garnishes.”

This cake is definitely a departure from traditional cakes, and it would no doubt be a hit at any shower.  If this edgy sushi theme suits your style, you can purchase one for $119.95 at thesillywagon.com.  You have your choice of girl, boy, or gender neutral clothing.

Make flushing the poops away easier with Kushies Flushable Biodegradable Diaper Liners. I know I do! Instead of facing swishing cloth diapers in the loo, I just stick these handy liners in the diaper and call it a day. One roll lasts for about a month and I couldn’t be happier with the durability and usability.

Besides the occasional occurrence of poo escaping liner, they really are a heaven-sent item. For $11.97, you can buy two rolls online but they are available in stores for about $6 a roll.

I have to hand it to Kushies for some of the great items they’ve invented over the years, this one being among the Top 5. I grab mine at walmart.com.