Table of Contents
Introduction
On average, a child uses between 6,000 and 7,000 diapers from birth to potty training. Whether you’re a parent, a retailer, or a brand owner, choosing between retail purchasing or factory-direct sourcing can impact your total costs by hundreds to thousands of dollars.
1. How Many Diapers Do Babies Use?
According to sources like Healthline, Happiest Baby, and Pampers, here’s the average usage:
0–1 months: 10–12 diapers/day
1–5 months: 8–10 diapers/day
5–8 months: 8–9 diapers/day
9–12 months: 6–7 diapers/day
1–2 years: 5–7 diapers/day
Estimated total: 6,500 – 7,000 diapers
A visual diaper size chart can also help parents plan usage by age and weight (e.g. preemie to size 4):
2. Retail Prices (Walmart, Amazon, Target)
3. Factory Wholesale Pricing (FOB China)
Pricing data provided by TIANZHENG, a leading diaper manufacturer in China.
| MOQ | Price (USD/piece) | Package Type |
| ≥ 20,000 pcs | $0.11 | OEM white pack |
| ≥ 50,000 pcs | $0.09 | Custom packaging |
| ≥ 100,000 pcs | $0.08 | Full branding |
Average Factory Cost: $0.08 – $0.12/piece
4. Shipping & Tariff Estimation (USA)
🚢 Shipping (China to USA)
40HQ container: $3,000 – $4,000
Load: ~150,000 diapers
Unit cost: $0.02 – $0.03
🇺🇸 Latest U.S. Tariff on Chinese Diapers (May 12, 2025)
As of May 12, 2025, the U.S. has suspended an additional 34% tariff and maintains a 10% base tariff on Chinese diapers.
— Source: CCTV News
Estimated import tariff: 10% ✅
Total factory landed cost: $0.11 – $0.16/pi
5. Total Cost Comparison: Retail vs Factory
| Item | Retail Cost | Factory + Freight + 10% Tariff |
| Unit Cost | $0.25 – $0.35 | $0.11 – $0.16 |
| Total (7,000) | $1,750 – $2,450 | $770 – $1,134 |
| Savings | — | Save $600 – $1,600 ✅ |
6. Which Option Is Right for You?
| Buyer Type | Best Option | Why |
| Parents | Retail | Convenient, small quantity |
| Retailers | Factory Wholesale | Lower cost, steady supply |
| Brand Owners | OEM Factory | Full customization, branding |
Conclusion
Even after shipping and tariffs, factory-direct sourcing from China is significantly cheaper than retail. With the current U.S. tariff temporarily held at 10%, now is the best time to import.
If you’re ready to go beyond brand names and explore the actual factories behind them, don’t miss our in-depth guide:
👉 Top 10 Baby Diaper Manufacturers in China 2025 | OEM & Wholesale
👉 Which Chinese Diaper Brand Is Best for You? A Data-Driven Guide
Discover leading OEM suppliers, production capabilities, certifications, and how to find the right factory for your private label needs.
