Curious about what diapers do hospitals use?
Or if you should just bring your own?
I remember my friends who were experienced parents telling me not to buy any diapers, as the hospital will provide them.
And to make sure to use it on my baby then if it’s gentle and absorbent enough, if it was to our liking, just decide to buy it in bulk.
I was glad for that advice but if you’re still wondering what brand do ALL hospitals use, what diaper sizes they offer, do they have diapers for preemies, and what other things can they provide, then keep scrolling down below.
I hope you’ll love the products we recommend! Just a quick note: if you click on a product link below and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission.
What Diapers Do Hospitals Use?
Pampers and Huggies are the 2 brands that hospitals use.
Mostly because these brands have the resources, manpower, and connections to provide it.
It’s also a great way to market their diapers to new parents!
Huggies has partnerships with nearly 1,200 birthing hospitals in the US.
They’re also a founding sponsor of the National Diaper Bank Network, so it’s only natural for them to provide diapers to hospitals.
Meanwhile, Pampers has also been a popular choice for US hospitals for nearly 50 years.
They also provide grants to hospitals, scholarships to nurses, and other helpful resources for families in need.
Most parents mentioned that their hospital provided Pampers Swaddlers while some hospitals gave away Huggies Little Snugglers.
What Diaper Sizes Do Hospitals Use?
The diaper sizes that hospitals use can range from Preemie to Size 2 diapers.
Pampers can provide Preemie diapers size P1 to P3 up to Size 1 diaper.
Preemie P1 sizes can accommodate babies weighing less than 6 lbs.
P2 is for those weighing less than 4 lbs.
While P3 is for newborns weighing less than 1.8 lbs.
The Pampers Swaddlers Newborn (N size) can fit babies who weigh less than 10 lbs.
While their Size 1 diaper is for little ones weighing between 8 to 14 lbs.
Huggies on the other hand can also offer diaper sizes starting from Preemie up to Size 2.
They have the Huggies Little Snugglers Nano Preemie diapers for babies weighing 2 lbs or less.
Then there are the Micro Preemie diapers for infants weighing 2 to 4 lbs.
Their Preemie diapers are for those weighing 6 lbs and above, while their Newborn size diapers are for babies who weigh 7 to 10 lbs at birth.
They can also provide Size 1 (8 – 14 lbs) and Size 2 (12 – 18 lbs) diapers for their hospital partners if requested.
What Diapers Do They Use in the NICU?
The diaper brands they use in the NICU are Pampers and Huggies diapers, specifically the Pampers Swaddlers and Huggies Little Snugglers.
Other brands have smaller, slimmer diapers for small, skinny babies but Huggies and Pampers are the only 2 brands that have created diapers built for preemie babies.
What Else Does The Hospital Provide After Delivery?
Most hospitals will provide a variety of baby and postpartum items such as:
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Diaper ointment
- Hats
- Blankets
- Diaper clothes like onesies, baby kimono shirts
- Nipple cream
- Gel Pads
- Disposable underwear
- Ice Packs
- Peri bottle
- Milk formula
Some can even provide breast pumps, nursing gowns, and some bathing items.
However, not all hospitals are the same.
Some parents mentioned getting only the bare minimum so it’s highly recommended to call ahead your preferred hospital and confirm the things they can provide for free or will be covered by your insurance.
Ask them also for suggestions on what to bring with you.
You can also post in local Facebook groups or parenting forums and ask for feedback or their experience with the hospital you plan to deliver at.
Can I Bring My Own Diapers to the Hospital?
Yes, you can bring your own diapers to the hospital.
If you’ve been given some diapers or if you want to try out your own chosen set of non-toxic diapers, feel free to carry them in your hospital bag!
The hospital won’t take it against you if you don’t like to use their provided diapers. 🙂
Just take note that all provided items for your birth are not free. Most will be covered by your insurance.
So in short, just take what you can home because you’ll be charged with it anyway!
What Diapers Do Pediatricians Recommend?
According to Dr. Natalya Vernovsky, a pediatrician at Illinois who has been practicing for 20 years, Pampers seems to be the most recommended diaper brand.
FAQ on What Diapers Do Hospitals Use
Do hospitals provide diapers for newborns?
Yes, hospitals provide diapers for newborns.
They can also offer diapers for preemies and even adults with incontinence issues.
Do hospitals charge for diapers?
Most hospitals won’t charge you for diapers as they can be covered under a basic room charge.
But not all hospitals are safe so confirm this with them a few weeks before having your baby.
Why do the hospital diapers say “specifically designed for healthcare professional use only”?
Hospital diapers have that label to discourage reselling or exchanging them for cash.
What Diapers Do Hospitals Use: Takeaway
Hospitals usually have the necessary delivery information listed on their website.
Some provide in detail the things you need to bring and what they can provide for free, what will be covered by your insurance, etc.
Others can even offer a virtual tour but remember, every hospital is different.
So remember to always call ahead, weeks before, and confirm things with them.
Don’t forget to also ask what documents you should bring, if your partner is allowed in the birthing room, can your partner bring in food and such.
If you love this guide, then make sure to check Huggies Little Snugglers vs Pampers Swaddlers: Comparison Review, Best Baby Carriers for Preemies, and How To Change a Diaper and Other Awesome Diaper Tips and Hacks
