Do Diapers Expire?

diaper rash 4 Min Read

Do Diapers Expire?

Baby wipes, food, and formula have a shelf-life, but do baby diapers expire?

When asking about diaper dates, you’ll find a lot of people are confused. The good news is, several major disposable diaper manufacturers say there is no expiration date or shelf life for both open and unopened diapers.

That said, diapers are a paper product, so there is an unknown period of time in which they should be used. The rule of thumb is to use diapers within two years of purchase, as they do lose effectiveness over time once they are a couple of years old.

How Does Time Affect Diapers?

To boost the life of your diapers, it’s best to store them in a place away from extreme heat and humidity. The main signs that your diapers are losing effectiveness are:

Discoloration - When diapers are old, they will start to have a yellowish hue instead of being bright white. Although yellow diapers are still safe to use, we wouldn’t recommend gifting them to a friend.

Less Absorption - As time goes on, the absorbent material may break down and begin to cause leaks. If you are using an older pack of diapers and notice more leaks and wet surfaces, it’s time to get rid of them.

Reduced Elasticity & Adhesive - Older diapers start to lose elasticity around the legs, which in turn leads to less absorption. The adhesive in the tape also begins to get weaker, and can cause the diaper to open unexpectedly. Watch out!

Remember: Skin rashes and irritation are NOT signs of an older diaper, and may indicate that your baby is having an allergic reaction to the products you are using.

What About Eco-Friendly Diapers?

If you are worried about the chemicals in conventional disposable diapers, then you might consider trying eco-friendly options like Eco Pea bamboo diapers. They are made using materials that are suitable for sensitive skin and they’re eco-friendly too!

Whatever kind of diaper you choose, keep an eye out for signs that your diapers are losing their effectiveness to avoid accidents, wasted product, and misspent moola.