And then you get real.......

When my babies were newborns, there might as well have been no other diapers in existence except for Pampers Swaddlers........... only the BEST for my kiddos was the thinking of this first time mommy. But, when the shower gift stash and Wally World gift cards began to run low.....I decided to weigh my options -------expensive diapers + nothing vs. cheaper diapers + some extra cash for a underpaid mommy.

After much trial and many yucky, accidental errors, I got REAL and found a winner. So, listen up all you expectant/new mommies! This is for you!

Pampers Swaddler's: Let's put it this way, if you bring your kid home from the hospital in any other brand, you are definitely a not a "dropped paci washer" or a "wash all the clothes before the baby wears them" kinda gal. You have enough sense or experience to realize that babies don't break very easily and believe that as long as your own clothes are staying pee-free it's all good. This is the kinda mama I'd be if we were ever surprised with another little Osborne. However, for new moms, Pampers Swaddler's would still be my top pick for newborn diapers.......they just make you feel like you are a "good" parent......when really you are absolutely clueless! My babies may have been hanging out in a "White Cloud" all day, but, when I took them to see their pediatrician, I they always made their appearance wearing a fresh "Pamper."

Okay newbies, you do realize that the bigger the bottom--the less diapers there are in a pack=more moola for less product. So, when you get to a size three, you either need to start praying that your kid is a potty training savant or you'd better heed my advice!

Pampers Cruisers: There are only 2 types of mothers who should buy these diapers: moms who are rich (or have gullible grandparents on hand) or moms who try to be "followers" and listen to the rich moms at their playgroup who insist that Cruisers are the only way to go. Yes, these diapers are great....your baby could drink an entire one of those crazy, huge Weight Watcher's water jugs and never soak through a Cruiser.....but you'll soon be penniless..... and whose kid drinks that much anyway? Take my advice, when the grandparents are making a diaper run for you............express that this is the ONLY brand you use. But, when it's on your dollar......save a buck and listen up!

Pampers Baby Dry: These are for the mom who still wants to look good in front of her pediatrician, in-laws and playgroup peers but decided that she needed diapers+ that new decorating magazine in the checkout line. I promise ladies, your baby will stay just as fresh crawling around in a Baby Dry as she will in a Cruiser. Trust me, when you're exhausted and getting little precious ready for bed and realize that the box of Cruisers is already empty.......you'll be sorry that you didn't pay the same price for the Baby Dry that came with 10 more!

Target Brand: Now, moving on to those store brands........Unless you are one of those OCD mommies or a grandparent, who insist on changing your baby after EVERY drop of pee.........don't go there! Maybe you like washing pee-soaked sheets and clothes......if so, these are for you! Seriously people! I have fallen victim and purchased most all of the "store brands" in hopes of pocketing a few bucks for myself. But, the worst of the worst and easiest to fall prey to is Target brand. We all know that Target is the stay-at-home mama's Bloomingdale's. Pretty much everything Target is cool, hip and fun. So, who wouldn't want to try and save a few bucks on diapers so you can spend a little more on yourself in this middle class mama wonderland! The look of the diapers will even get you........they have super trendy polka dots and are oh so appealing. Again, only if you want your kid to be the one running around pantless at Sunday lunch at Chilli's cause he peed once and soaked his pants and yours these are the ones for you. Otherwise, go with something else......don't worry, you can still get those clearance pajama bottoms if you finish reading my advice.

Huggies: Not much to say about these other than they are a big hit if your kid is obsessed with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (cause he's on them :) I've just never been a huge fan. I think they are shaped kinda weird. We've used em, but they just aren't my top pick.

Luv's: Get REAL and Get Luv's! Right before bedtime, did your husband let your child drink a whole carton of juice while he was watching ESPN? Diarrhea got your little one down? Are you planning an 8 hour road trip with no stops?........Got Luv's?.........then you've got no problem. Seriously, don't try and dispute my expert findings. These are the ticket to your dreams of a brand new lipstick or just some extra change for your emergency Ziploc coin bag. I got REAL and got Luv's and you should too! They have the leak protection of Cruisers with a store-brand price. And best of all, they support my daughter's obsession with a certain blue dog! Happy diapering!