The price per nappy decides
Nappies are among a family's most regular expenses in the first two to three years of a child's life. Deals can noticeably reduce costs, but percentages are easily misleading. Pack sizes vary by brand and size, and a discounted jumbo pack is not automatically cheaper than a normal pack from another manufacturer. So always work out the price per nappy.
Example: a pack of 40 for CHF 16 costs 40 centimes per nappy. A promotional pack of 60 for CHF 22.80 costs 38 centimes. The difference is smaller than the advertising suggests and only pays off if you actually use up the larger quantity in the current size.
The cheapest nappy is the one that fits, does not leak and does not sit unused in the cupboard because your child has already moved up a size.
Plan stock by size and usage
Newborns often need eight or more nappies a day, older toddlers considerably fewer. At the same time, babies outgrow small sizes quickly in the first months. Large stocks therefore mainly pay off in the middle sizes, which are worn for many months.
Deals in retail often recur at regular intervals. If you know this rhythm, you do not have to buy many months ahead but can simply bridge the gap until the next promotion. Store nappies dry and in their original packaging, and note any manufacturer information on storage time, as absorbency can decline after very long storage.
- Note for one week how many nappies you actually use.
- Check the weight range on the pack: if your child is at the upper end, buy only a little more in that size.
- Signs that it is time for the next size are frequent leaks or red marks on the tummy and legs.
- Unopened packs can sometimes be exchanged in shops; ask before buying.
Which way of buying suits you
| Format | Suits | Advantage | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single pack | Changing needs, trial phase | Flexible, no stock | Usually the highest price per nappy |
| Bulk pack | Predictable use in a stable size | Fewer shopping trips | Keep an eye on size changes |
| Monthly box | Families with a regular rhythm | Good overview of needs | Adjust quantity to actual use |
| Delivery subscription | Parents who like routine | No restocking, often a discount | Check notice period, size changes and delivery costs |
Read the subscription terms
A subscription saves time but is only as good as its flexibility. Check whether you can change size, quantity and delivery rhythm at any time, pause deliveries and cancel without a long notice period.
Skin tolerance and sustainability
Nappies are in direct contact with the skin for many hours a day. For sensitive children, products without fragrance and lotions are often the better choice. Always test a new brand with a small pack first before using a deal to build up a large stock. If skin redness persists, seek medical advice.
Many manufacturers advertise sustainability. Ask what exactly is meant: pulp from certified forestry, chlorine-free bleaching, less packaging or a higher share of plant-based materials. In Switzerland, disposable nappies go into the fee-based household waste bag. Some municipalities support families with young children with bag fees; ask your municipality.
Typical mistakes with deals
- Buying large quantities of a small size shortly before your child outgrows it.
- Comparing the discount instead of the price per nappy.
- Buying a new brand straight away in a bulk pack without having tested it.
- Overlooking delivery costs and minimum order values when buying online.
- Taking out a subscription and forgetting to switch to the next size.
If unopened packs in a size that is now too small are left over anyway, friends with younger children, swap groups or social organisations are often glad to take them. That way the deal at least does not end up as a loss.