NAPPIES are fast becoming a luxury item according to former Prime Minister Gordon Brown – but which brand is best?
The ex-Labour leader made the comments as living costs leave many families struggling to make ends meet.
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Many supermarkets are trying to give parents affordable solutions with their own brand offerings.
The question is – are they as good as big brands like Pampers?
A pack of Pampers Baby Dry will often set you back over a tenner so can you save money by switching?
We asked mum-of-three Lynsey Hope, 41, from West Malling, Kent, to try out some own brand nappies with daughter Ivy, two, and see how they fared.
Lynsey said: “Ivy is two now and big for her age so I was interested to test out the own brand nappies.
“In the past, many have leaked and I’ve always gone back to Pampers, but like many of us now I need to save some money on my weekly shop so would love to find a cheaper alternative.”
Here’s what happened:
Lidl Lupilu Premium Nappies (35)
- £3.29
- 9.4p per nappy
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Lynsey says: “Excellent value nappies and while the cheap price might tempt you, these weren’t the best for keeping Ivy dry.
“I didn’t think the absorption was great and we experienced quite a few leaks.
“They did feel soft and appeared comfortable.
“They were a good fit and easy to put on and off and had a cute animal design on them.
“Amazing price from Lidl though, the cheapest we tested, so if it’s a bargain you’re after, it’s worth giving them a try.”
- ABSORBENCY: 6/10
- FIT: 9/10
- VALUE: 8/10
- OVERALL RATING: 7/10
Asda Little Angels Comfort and Protect Nappy Pants (34)
- £4.25
- 12.5p per nappy
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Lynsey says: “These were a real surprise.
“I’ve tried Asda nappies in the past and wasn’t too impressed but they must have been reformulated.
“They felt super soft, were easy to put on and off and had a cute animal design on them.
“I had no leaks at all – not even at night – and they could hold a good amount of pee.
“The wetness absorbed into the core quickly, keeping Ivy’s skin dry and they were very breathable.
“For a budget nappy, I was impressed. Better than Pampers. My winner.”
- ABSORBENCY: 10/10
- FIT: 10/10
- VALUE: 10/10
- OVERALL RATING: 10/10
Morrisons Nutmeg Baby Ultra Dry Nappies (26)
- £3.25
- 12.5p per nappy
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Lynsey says: “These have a special core and so-called ‘double dry’ technology to help keep your little one dry as well as anti-leak leg cuffs.
“They absorbed pee reasonably well even when the nappy was full and while I had the odd l leak, for the price I still thought these were a good choice.
“I liked the slim fit and flexible side tapes, which made them fit well.
“They’re not the most breathable but they felt soft and didn’t irritate Ivy’s skin.
“They only go up to size six and there are no options for bigger babies.
“Overall I was happy with the comfort and value for money offered.”
- ABSORBENCY: 6/10
- FIT: 6/10
- VALUE: 7/10
- OVERALL RATING: 6/10
Aldi Mamia Ultra Dry Nappies (22)
- £2.99
- 13.5p per nappy
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Lynsey says: “Aldi’s award-winning range has proved hugely popular and as such, the price has gone up.
“Still though, they are much more affordable than Pampers.
“Even when filled with a very big pee, these held in wetness well and very little fluid seeped out of the core.
“Absorption was fairly speedy too so the wet wasn’t against Ivy’s skin for too long.
“Ivy seemed very comfortable wearing them and even though their popularity has put the price up, they are still very affordable at just over 13p per nappy – four times cheaper than the big brand.”
- ABSORBENCY: 10/10
- FIT: 9/10
- VALUE: 9/10
- OVERALL RATING: 9/10
Pampers Baby Dry (27)
- £11
- 40.7p per nappy
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Lynsey says: “These cost significantly more than others, but I did find them reliable.
“They passed my nappy test with flying colours and I suffered no leaks while using them.
“They did a great job of locking in moisture and Ivy seemed comfortable wearing them.
“They didn’t irritate her delicate skin and I rated them highly for comfort, fit and ease of use.
“They do the job they are designed for extremely well, which some may feel justifies the extra outlay.
“Personally, I’d prefer a more affordable option.”
- ABSORBENCY: 10/10
- FIT: 10/10
- VALUE: 5/10
- OVERALL RATING: 7/10
Sainsbury’s Little Ones Dry Fit (30)
- £3.33, sainsburys.co.uk
- 11p per nappy
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Lynsey says: “These sit slightly higher at the back which is helpful if you often get poo going up the baby’s back.
“They also had flaps at the side to help prevent leaks.
“They weren’t as soft as Asda or Aldi and felt a bit flimsy.
“No use at all overnight, they just couldn’t hold much pee before it started seeping out and a full change of clothes was needed.
“Good price but Sainsbury’s needs to rethink these.”
- ABSORBENCY: 4/10
- FIT: 4/10
- VALUE: 5/10
- OVERALL RATING: 4/10
Tesco Health Junior Plus Nappies (20)
- £4.70
- 23.5p per nappy
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Lynsey says: “Quite bulky for during the day but if you have a larger child who needs a nappy during the night, these are great.
“They rarely leaked overnight.
“I didn’t really like putting them on Ivy during the day just as they were so clumpy and looked a bit uncomfortable – you could really notice them under her clothes – but a good option for night-times.
“Quite pricey but again, it’s worth it if it gives you a better night’s sleep.”
- ABSORBENCY: 10/10
- FIT: 7/10
- VALUE: 8/10
- OVERALL RATING: 8/10
