Our pick for most familiesNewborn (size 1) to toddler (size 6)
Huggies Essentials nappies
Top CHOICE lab scores for absorbency and leaks at a mid-range price, sold almost everywhere.
Nappies & changing
Newborns can get through eight to twelve nappies a day, so cost per nappy matters more than the brand. CHOICE lab-tests disposable nappies for absorbency and leakage, and its results show supermarket and budget ranges often perform close to premium ones, while some eco-branded nappies have lagged. Fit varies by baby, so buy small packs of two or three brands before bulk-buying. Size by weight on the pack, not by age. If you want to cut waste, modern cloth nappies and part-time cloth are options. Change on the floor or a mat with a raised edge, and keep one hand on your baby at all times.
Budget pickNewborn (size 1) to toddler (size 6)
ALDI Mamia Ultra Dry nappies
The cheapest per nappy we found and Canstar's 2026 winner for parent satisfaction; ALDI stores only.
Also goodNewborn to toddler
Rascals Premium nappies
A strong CHOICE score at a low price per nappy, sold at Coles.
Things we don’t recommend, and why
- Leaving a baby unattended on a change table, even for a moment. Falls are one of the most serious bathing-and-changing risks; changing on the floor is lowest-risk. Source: IKEA Australia: Safety tips for bathing and changing your baby
- Paying more for 'eco' or 'biodegradable' disposables on the label alone. In past CHOICE tests, eco-branded infant nappies were among the lowest scorers for absorbency or leakage. Source: CHOICE: The best and worst newborn nappies, CHOICE: Disposable nappy reviews (updated June 2026)
Price bands for this category: $ < 25c a nappy · $$ 25–40c a nappy · $$$ 40–55c a nappy · $$$$ > 55c a nappy. Prices change — check the retailer.