How to cut the cost of nappies in Australia
Budget nappies cost $0.15 to $0.30 each. See how to find the cheapest per-nappy price and track real specials with Pinch.
Nappies are one of those non-negotiable costs for families with young children. A newborn can go through 60 to 84 nappies a week, which adds up fast. The good news: you do not have to choose between cost and quality. Budget own-brand nappies from supermarkets like Aldi and Woolworths work well for most babies and cost a fraction of premium brands. By tracking prices and knowing where to look, you can cut your nappy spend to around $10 to $25 a week, depending on your baby's age and which brand you choose.
What do nappies actually cost?
Nappy prices in Australia vary widely by brand and pack size. The cheapest per-nappy cost comes from budget and supermarket own-brand ranges. Mid-range brands cost more but still stay affordable. Premium or eco-friendly brands sit at the top end. Unit price is what matters: buying a larger pack nearly always brings the cost per nappy down, even if the pack price looks higher.
| Nappy type | Cost per nappy | Weekly spend (for a newborn) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget or own-brand (Aldi Mamia, Woolworths Little One's) | $0.15 to $0.30 | $10 to $25 |
| Mid-range brands | $0.30 to $0.45 | $18 to $38 |
| Premium or eco brands | $0.45 to $0.70+ | $27 to $59+ |
These figures are based on typical usage. Newborns use about 8 to 12 nappies a day. As your baby grows, usage drops: 3 to 6 month olds need about 6 to 8 a day; 6 to 12 month olds about 5 to 7 a day; toddlers around 4 to 6 a day. Smaller usage means smaller weekly spend, even if the per-nappy price stays the same.
How do you find the cheapest nappies?
Comparing nappies comes down to one number: the cost per nappy. Not the pack price. Not the brand name. Just divide the pack price by the number of nappies in the pack. Larger packs always win on per-nappy cost. Woolworths, Coles, ALDI, and Harris Farm Markets all stock own-brand nappies that work well and cost significantly less than premium brands.
Look for genuine specials. Supermarkets run promotions regularly, but a "special" only saves money if the price per nappy is genuinely lower than usual. If you are unsure whether a pack is on sale or at its regular price, Pinch can help. Pinch tracks nappies across major Australian supermarkets and shows you the price history for the past year. That way you can see whether this week's price is actually a good deal or just the normal price.
What else cuts the cost?
Simple ways to pay less per nappy
- Always compare the cost per nappy, not the pack price.
- Buy the largest pack your baby will use before they size up. Smaller and larger sizes both exist; do not buy size 3 if your baby is close to moving to size 4.
- Stock up only on genuine specials, not just any promotion. Check the price history to be sure.
- Try a budget brand for daytime use first. If your baby gets nappy rash, you can switch brands. But many babies do fine with own-brand nappies, which means you save money without sacrificing comfort.
- Reusable or cloth nappies cost more upfront (usually several hundred dollars for a full set), but they can work out cheaper over time if you use them for multiple children or sell them later. If you are thinking about reusables, do the maths on your expected usage first.
Do supermarket own-brand nappies really work?
Yes. Aldi's Mamia range and Woolworths' Little One's nappies are made to similar standards as mid-range brands. Every baby is different: some babies get rash with certain nappies, others do fine with any brand. But for most families, own-brand nappies are a safe and affordable choice. If your baby does get rash, you can try a different brand without having wasted much money.
The bottom line
Budget nappies cost between $0.15 and $0.30 per nappy. For a newborn, that is roughly $10 to $25 a week. Compare the cost per nappy, not the pack price. Buy the largest pack your baby will use before they size up. Look for genuine specials by checking the price history. Try own-brand nappies first: they work well and cost far less than premium brands.
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Sources
- Australian nappy price guides, 2026
- Pinch product database: tracks 74,000+ products across Woolworths, Coles, ALDI, and Harris Farm Markets, updated weekly with up to 52 weeks of price history.