When I was pregnant, I was hesitant to sign up for diapers because I wasn’t sure what sizes we would need and what brands would work best for our new baby. The options seemed overwhelming until I discovered Costco’s Kirkland brand.

I’m not the only one who loves Kirkland diapers, which is why the news of a change in manufacturer of the favorite brand is shocking parents on social media. In fact, one in six parents use Kirkland diapers, according to a 2023 study by BabyCenter’s parent company, Everyday Health Group.

So what’s going on with Kirkland diapers and when will customers notice these changes? Here’s what you need to know so far about the new supplier and how it will affect your baby’s diaper change.

What’s Changing About Costco Kirkland Diapers?

Starting in January 2025, Kirkland Signature diapers will be manufactured by First Quality, the company behind Cuties diapers, according to a Bloomberg report. This is a departure from current manufacturer Kimberly-Clark Corporation, which also makes the Huggies brand of diapers.

The change comes as Kimberly-Clark Corporation moves away from low-margin private label deals in an effort to regain its own profit margins, according to Bloomberg. The company is “focusing more on more expensive premium items under its own brands.” First Quality is poised to increase its production capacity (the amount they can make) because of the change, also according to a Bloomberg report.

What to Expect reached out to both Costco and First Quality for comment on the switch. Costco declined our request for comment and First Quality did not respond by the time of publication. This article will be updated as more information is released about the cost of the new Kirkland diapers.

What does this mean for diaper quality?

One of the reasons we liked Kirkland diapers so much for our daughter is that they never leaked. While more information on the product’s absorbency will likely be released in the coming weeks, the diaper liner is expected to be similar to Kirkland’s current offering, explains Natalia Richer, personal hygiene products expert and director of business development at Diaper Testing International. “Both First Quality and Kimberly-Clark are equally capable of providing the necessary blend of absorbent materials to meet capacity goals, so I am not concerned that First Quality would not be able to meet the needs of the Costco absorbent core,” she adds.

The shape of Kirkland diapers is something that could change with a new manufacturer. Currently, Kirkland diapers are curved and rounded, similar to Kimbery-Clark’s Huggies diapers, Richer said in an interview with Bloomberg. This means they’re breathable and comfortable for your baby, plus they’re easy to put on.

“My concern with the switch is not First Quality’s ability to deliver a good performing core, but rather a good performing casing (or the surrounding materials around the absorbent core, such as elastic components and the overall shape of the diaper),” Richer says of What to Expect. “First Quality will likely be able to deliver the same curved chassis design that is so iconic to Huggies products.”

It’s hard to know exactly how the diapers will look and feel until they go on sale, but Richer suspects that’s the diaper feature that parents will notice the most with this new manufacturer.

Will the new Kirkland diapers cost more?

Current Kirkland diapers are high quality, but also affordable—they cost $44.99 for a box of 222 diapers (although depending on where you live, prices may vary slightly). This compares to $58 for a box of 192 Huggies diapers and about $32 for a box of 200 Cuties diapers.

Costco did not comment on the price of the diapers after the offer change went into effect. This article will be updated as more information is released.

What to do if you currently love Kirkland diapers

There’s still some time left until the manufacturer changes – the new products start rolling into Costco warehouses across the country early next year. If you’re worried that the new Kirkland diapers won’t fit the ones you’re currently using, you can get an extra box of their current size or one size up. (Just don’t make more than that, because you never know how fast it will grow). In general, the most important thing about diapers, Richer says, is how well they work for your baby. Richer suggests considering three important things that lead to good diapers: how quickly they absorb, how dry the diaper is while your baby is wearing it, and how long the diaper can handle. So whether you want to stick with Kirkland or try a new brand, if your diapers hold everything in and your baby looks comfortable, you’ve probably made the right choice. In case you need it, here’s the BabyCenter Diaper Guide so you can find the option you (and your baby!) like best.