Kirkland Diaper Review

Selecting the right diaper brand for your newborn is an overwhelming task, given the overload of options and information in the diaper aisle. It’s a hassle new parents are all too familiar with.

I know because I’ve been there. I’ve seen and read over a billion reviews on different brands, desperately trying to find the one suited for my babies.

To help other parents from spiraling into a full-blown meltdown like I did, I’ve put for you this helpful Kirkland diaper review. No longer do you need to be concerned about the toxicity of certain ingredients or how you’ll be able to afford diapers for the next few years – I got you!

Why Kirkland Diapers?

I stumbled upon Kirkland diapers early on in my motherhood journey, and have rarely strayed from the brand in the last 4 years. As a mother of two young children, I’ve also tried what feels like every diaper brand under the sun. 

Cost, absorbency, and quality are my focus points when shopping for diapers. I also appreciate an affordable option as much as the next person. However, when it comes to diapers, budget-friendly can often equate to low-quality. 

In my own experience though, Costco is one of the few exceptions to this rule. We’re talking about the home of the infamous $1.50 hot dog meal, after all! 

Costco’s business model, and its private-label Kirkland products, prove that affordability and quality can be used in the same sentence. Their diapers line up nicely with this adage.

So, rest assured, this is my honest take on Costco’s brand of diapers – one parent to another.

Kirkland Diapers: A Brief Overview

Kirkland Signature Diapers are a popular choice for parents looking to save a few bucks on one of their family’s biggest expenses, without sacrificing quality either. 

Kirkland diapers are also hypoallergenic. They’re free of fragrances and lotions, while still being very soft and gentle on your baby’s tush.

Additionally, these diapers have set the bar rather high when it comes to absorbency and reducing the risk of diaper rash. 

Bulk shopping is the name of the game with Kirkland diapers, too. Most of these diapers come in quantities of 150 or more, depending on size. This line of diapers also offers sizing for babies beginning at 8 pounds up to 35+ pounds. 

Kirkland Diapers: 5 Key Features

Let’s start with the key features of Kirkland diapers. These are star elements that made me a loyal customer to the brand.

1. The Material and Feel

Kirkland makes some of the cushion-est diapers money can buy. The stretchy polyurethane elastic on the legs, inner liner, and waistband are all soft to the touch. 

Even the diaper itself is buttery smooth! The adhesive tabs have gentle, curved edges that won’t irritate your baby’s skin should they come into contact with them. 

Better yet, the materials in these diapers, namely natural rubber latex and elemental chlorine, won’t trigger any type of rash or harm a newborn’s sensitive skin.

2. The Fit 

Diapers should fit your baby like a hug; not too tight and not too loose. The waist should be snug, and the top of the diaper should sit right under your baby’s belly button – these are golden rules, you know? And Kirkland hits all of them on the head! 

For reference, my son is 18 months old, 32 inches tall, and weighs 24 pounds. By national averages, he falls in the 50th percentile for height and weight. 

I found that Kirkland’s Size 4 diapers rest below his belly button and fit his waist nicely, with enough wiggle room in case he hits a growth spurt. I can comfortably fit two fingers underneath the waistband. 

Not only that, but these diapers are higher in the back, which helps trap any potential leaks or blowouts. 

Also read: Best Diapers for Baby Diaper Blowouts.

3. Absorbency

I repeat: absorbency is the feature that sold me on Kirkland diapers. It’s primarily why I’ve remained loyal to this brand after 4 years!

Here’s the thing: while absorbency is important for daytime wear, it’s just as important for overnight usage. 

And let me tell you, Kirkland diapers hold up fine even after 12 hours of urine! They won’t sag too much or shift on the baby’s body either. I say that’s a worthy contender for families.

Don’t believe it? Check the picture below.

That’s my son’s diaper after sleeping 12 hours. You’ll notice the waist has sagged some, but the diaper itself is full and pretty heavy. His bottom was also totally dry when I changed him. 

4. Waistband

Think of your favorite pair of sweatpants; the one you can both fall asleep in and wear all day. The waistband of your baby’s diaper should fit them the same way those sweatpants fit you.

Luckily, Kirkland’s waistband is textured and cozy. Plus, it has the right amount of taut elastic to keep it in place, regardless of how physical your baby may be. 

Additionally, the waistband is stretchy enough to fit babies at the lower end of the weight recommendation, while also comfortably supporting a baby that weighs 10+ pounds or more. 

5. Diaper Tabs

Let’s face it: babies are natural explorers. The whole world is new to them! And they’d appreciate a diaper tab that’s sturdy enough to take on those adventurers!

The adhesive on Kirkland diaper tabs delivers just that.

When I notice my son’s diaper has shifted after he’s been playing with his sister or running around outside, it’s easy to readjust the tabs, tighten the waistband, and send him back out there. 

Note: the tabs are made of a different material than the rest of the diaper. That said, they’re not rough or scratchy. Kirkland also added a red ink on the diaper tab area to let you know when it’s time to size up. 

While the latter is a minor feature, it’s really helpful in case you’re unsure if the diapers are getting too tight on your baby. This way, you avoid buying a bigger size if they aren’t quite ready.

As a rule of thumb: when the diaper fits properly, the area where the tabs attach to the diaper is white. Alternatively, when the waistband is too small and it’s time to size up, the tabs won’t be able to stretch to the white area, and will instead stick to the red. 

Kirkland Diapers Pros: Why They’re Worth It

We’ve covered the key features; now it’s time to cover the nitty-gritty details. What makes Kirkland diapers stand out from the many, many other brands? See for yourself:

1. Absorbency

Let me tell you a little story on how Kirkland’s absorbent diapers changed my life:

Early on in my daughter’s life, I noticed that she seemed to have much wetter diapers in the evening and overnight. She had normal wet diapers during the day, with changes happening every 2 hours or so. Overnight, though, was another story. 

And the older she got, the leakier the diapers became. I got pretty tired of cleaning and changing sheets between 2 and 4 AM, so my quest for the best absorbent diapers began. 

When I discovered Kirkland diapers, the night leaks and sheet-changing became nonexistent. Even as she continued to grow, eat more, and sleep longer, Kirkland held everything in. 

I’ve had the same experience with my young son. I stocked up on Kirkland diapers before he was born with the expectation that his overnight diapers would be heavier too. 

Even now, with an 18-month-old who sleeps between 12 to 14 hours most nights, these diapers never leak. I’ve probably changed 2 soiled sheets in his lifetime. Both were because he woke up and pooped into an already-full diaper, and I didn’t get him up fast enough. 

You might like: My 11 Tips to Prevent Diaper Blowout.

2. Less Risk of Diaper Rash

While absorbency is arguably the most important feature of a diaper, it’s just as vital that liquid be kept off your baby’s skin until it’s time for a diaper change.

Fortunately, Kirkland’s diapers contain a moisture-wicking gel that draws the liquid away from your baby’s bottom. This gel prevents their sensitive skin from becoming irritated; the drier the skin is, the less chance of irritation or rash. 

Even overnight, Kirkland diapers manage to keep my children’s skin dry and fresh – with no signs of irritation.

3. Wetness Indicator 

Wetness indicators on diapers are fairly common these days. It’s the most effective way to know if your baby’s diaper is wet or dry. 

You’ll find a yellow stripe that runs down the center of the diaper that indicates it is dry. When the diaper is wet, the stripe turns blue. Convenient, right?

The feature is especially helpful in the early months when your baby’s diapers may not be consistently wet every time you go to change them. It saves you the effort of prepping for a diaper change—particularly if you’re out running errands or in the car. 

For older babies and toddlers, it’s safe to assume that the diaper will be fairly wet every 2-3 hours. You may not rely on the wetness indicator quite as much at this point, but it’s still nice to have. 

4. Diaper Material 

Need I remind you of how soft Kirkland diapers are again? Well allow me to anyway:

These diapers don’t feel scratchy or stiff. Their stretch makes diaper changes quick and drama-free. 

They also contain an extra soft breathable outer layer that’s gentle on your baby’s skin and won’t irritate upon contact. The cushiony liner helps prevent leakage without rubbing as well. 

5. Durability and Fit

Whoever designed these diapers must’ve had a wild and rambunctious baby at home! 

Parents of busy babies know how it is – after a burst of energy, your baby’s diaper starts to sag, the tabs have loosened, and you have to hike it back up into place or risk leaking. 

Unlike many others, Kirkland diapers actually stay in place as my son sprints through the house, climbing things he shouldn’t, rolling around, crawling, and jumping. 

I appreciate the fact that he can wrestle, play outside, or roll around in his crib and the diaper stays put. 

6. Quantity per Box 

Just like most products at Costco and other wholesale retailers, these diapers do come in bulk. Depending on the size you purchase, you’ll get anywhere from 132 (Size 6) to 192 (Size 1) diapers per box. 

For my family, buying diapers in bulk is more convenient, more affordable, and means fewer trips to the store. I can plan my trips to Costco around the diaper supply I have on hand (over a month’s worth), making my monthly budgeting much easier.

My life hack won’t apply if you don’t have a ton of room for diaper storage in your home, though.

Also read: What’s the Average Cost of Disposable Diapers per Year?

Kirkland Diapers Cons: Why Not Consider the Costco Brand

Don’t get me wrong: Kirkland diapers are undoubtedly my favorite brand of diapers for my kids – but they are still flawed (like any other brand). Here are the cons to be aware of:

1. Ingredients List

The ingredients list on Kirkland diapers may not be the most attractive selling feature for some parents. While we know for sure they’re hypoallergenic, lotion-free, and fragrance-free, there isn’t much more to go off of. 

Additionally, Kirkland hasn’t seemed to prioritize establishing transparency and trust with their customers as opposed to other baby product companies that are – which I consider a shame. 

Kirkland says their diapers are made from 20% plant-based materials. Those include ingredients like polyethylene, derived from sugarcane. This ingredient is found in the protective outer layer, which means it comes into direct contact with the baby’s skin.

Based on that, I’ve come across many reviewers of Kirkland diapers saying sugarcane caused their babies to break out in a rash on their bottoms or bellies. Keep in mind that it could be some other ingredient, too. Either way, it forced the parents to discontinue use of this brand. 

Bottom line:

If you’re more concerned with the ingredients in the diapers you’re using and the effect they have on your baby’s skin and the environment, there are cleaner brands out there that may be more worthy of your money. 

Need help? Read our post on how diapers are made.

Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

2. Limited Availability

Kirkland diapers can be purchased at two locations: Costco Wholesale and Amazon—and that’s it. Because of that, it can be hard to find a pack of their diapers when you’re in a pinch. It’s why I’m into buying-in-bulk to avoid such desperate scenarios.

Here’s how it goes down:

On the one hand, Costco requires a membership to shop at their warehouses.

The cheapest membership option will cost you $60 a year. In my opinion, the membership isn’t worth the price for diapers alone. However, if you see the value in bulk shopping for your family (or you want the hot dog deal of the century), the membership price is totally worth it. 

On the other hand, all Amazon requires is an account to shop on their virtual marketplace. 

Further, Prime members get the perks of free shipping, cost savings, and more. An Amazon Prime membership will cost you $119 a year. 

Here are Amazon links for Size 1, Size 2, Size 3, Size 4,Size 5, and Size 6.

3. Wetness Indicator Flaw 

I already mentioned the convenience of the wetness indicator for younger babies, but there’s a simple flaw that I’ve encountered with the color-changing stripe. 

I’ve noticed on several occasions that if my son has a dry yet poopy diaper, the indicator remains yellow (meaning a dry diaper). For non-blowout poops, I can only assume this is because the poop doesn’t penetrate the gel layer that changes the color stripe on the diaper. 

In most instances, you can smell a poopy diaper before you go to change it, so this may not be a deal-breaker – at least it isn’t for me. Still though, there’s nothing quite like thinking a diaper is dry and opening it to find something else entirely. 

If you ask me, parenting is like the modern-day Wild West!

Kirkland Diapers: Sizes & Measurements

Kirkland Diaper Size	Baby Weight (lbs)	Baby Weight (kgs)
Size 1	8-14 pounds	4-6 kg
Size 2	12-18 pounds	5-8 kg
Size 3	16-28 pounds	7-13 kg
Size 4	22-37 pounds	10-17 kg
Size 5	27+ pounds	12+ kg
Size 6	35+ pounds	16+ kg

Note: There’s a 2-5 pound variation in each diaper size. This accounts for babies who are in the higher percentile for either height or weight, and need a little extra length or width, but not both.

For example, say your baby weighs 25 pounds and is tall and slim. He can comfortably fit into a size 3 diaper, even though the size 4 weight recommendation begins at 22 pounds. 

This way, Kirkland sizing leaves wiggle room for babies who are tall and slim, short and chunky, and average in both height and weight. 

And here’s another note: Costco doesn’t offer newborn-size diapers. Despite that, larger babies could use Size 1 Kirkland diapers right away after birth. 

Alternatively, you can try a different brand and switch to Kirkland diapers once your child is big enough for Size 1.

Kirkland Diaper Review: The Verdict 

So, with everything I’ve covered, we arrive at our verdict: Are Kirkland diapers the brand for your baby? Yes or no?

For a budget-focused family that needs a diaper with absorbency superpowers, Kirkland diapers are a fantastic option! They may not be the cleanest or the most environmentally-friendly option, but the softness of the material and moisture-wicking gel will protect your baby’s bottom from irritation, diaper rashes, and chronic wetness. 

Plus, if your baby is a non-stop mover, climber, and explorer, Kirkland diapers hold their own when it comes to durability and fit as well. They’re slim-fitted, they hug the thighs and waist, and hold up overnight. 

Quick heads-up: I haven’t used Kirkland diapers past size 4. My daughter was ready for pull-ups around the time she grew out of that size. So, I can’t personally say how these diapers hold up for toddlers and babies that weigh over 30 pounds.

That said, reviewers with children in this age/weight range say that leaks are more common, particularly for more active toddlers. The adhesive tabs aren’t quite as strong as they are for a younger baby either. 

Related post: The Best Diapers for Boys

For a more in-depth review of both brands, check my post here.

Kirkland Diaper Review: Wrap Up

And that’s a wrap on my detailed Kirkland diaper review! I hope I covered every piece of information you needed to know to decide if this brand is right for your family.

While every baby is different, I believe Kirkland diapers work well for all types of kids – while still being reasonably priced. So at least consider them for your newborn!

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