Do Diapers Ever Expire? (2024)

You will change approximately 3,000 diapers over your baby’s first year of life, but don’t run out and buy 3,000 diapers in bulk quite yet. Infants grow rapidly, and you will need to keep changing diaper sizes every few months. No matter how carefully you shop, you’re probably going to end up with extra diapers that are too small for your little one. So what do you do with them?

Many parents find themselves wondering exactly how long they can keep diapers around. Do diapers ever expire? Once your baby grows out of a diaper size, you may question whether you should toss out any excess diapers or store them to give to friends—or for your own future kids. If you have older unused diapers on hand, you might be unsure whether it’s okay to put them on a new baby.

Luckily, concerns about whether diapers could “go bad” are generally unfounded. So long as the diapers have been stored properly, they’re likely fine. We turned to experts to learn more about whether or not diapers expire, and how best to properly store them for the long haul.

So...Do Diapers Have an Expiration Date?

Unlike baby formula or car seats, disposable diapers do not have an expiration date. There is nothing in them that could become unsafe for your child if enough time passes.

That being said, for best results, most major diaper manufacturers recommend using diapers within two years after purchasing them. “Diapers don’t have an actual expiration date, but they do have a shelf life that varies greatly depending on several factors like storage conditions, materials used in the manufacturing process, and more,” says Bidisha Sarkar, MD, a pediatrician at Clinic Spots.

Factors That Impact the Shelf Life of Diapers

There are several factors that may impact how long your diapers will stay in prime condition.

The different materials used for absorbency, such as crystals and gel, can impact the shelf life of a diaper. “Some disposable diapers are made with materials that can break down over time, reducing their absorbency and effectiveness,” says Dr. Sarkar. “Additionally, cloth diapers are more susceptible to mold or mildew.”

The way in which the diapers have been stored also impacts how well they hold up over time. To ensure the longest shelf life, diapers should be stored in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight. “Excess light for an extended period may turn the paper part of a diaper yellow, though this does not affect the use of a diaper,” says Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, MD, a medical consultant at Mom Loves Best. “Dampness may affect the absorbance, and excess heat may melt the tabs and elastic parts of the diaper, making them more prone to leakage.”

Risks of Using Old Diapers

There are no health risks to using older diapers. However, once they are past the two-year shelf life, they may be less absorbent and more likely to leak. This is obviously not convenient, and it could cause discomfort for your child.

How to Properly Store Diapers

Storing diapers correctly will maximize their shelf life. If you’re planning to save your child’s too-small diapers for another baby, take extra care in how you keep them.

Excess diapers should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. Make sure this area is well-ventilated and avoid direct exposure to sunlight along with extreme temperatures. According to Pampers’s guidelines, for example, your diapers should remain in an environment that is lower than 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Keep diapers stored in their original containers. “I would recommend that you inspect diapers before each use to make sure they are still intact and free of tears or holes,” says Dr. Sarkar. “Discard any diapers that have been damaged or have a weird odor to them.”

Never reuse or store a used diaper. Whether or not it is clean, dry, wet, or dirty, a diaper that has been worn should always be thrown away afterwards.

What Should I Do With Old, Unused Diapers?

If you don’t think you’ll have another baby any time soon, and you don’t have a plethora of pregnant or soon-to-be pregnant friends, you may wonder whether it’s worth it to save excess diapers that your child grows out of. Don’t chuck those nappies in the trash yet though—we have a few ideas for what you can do.

First, planning ahead can help you minimize the possibility of ending up with a huge stash of diapers that are all too small for your little one. “It may be wise to purchase at most a month's supply,” says Dr. Poinsett. “Babies grow rapidly and may need a new diaper size sooner than you think.” Purchase as few newborn-sized diapers as possible, as some babies are born already wearing size 1.

You’ll probably end up with a few extra diapers in each size no matter how well you plan. If you have the space, you can store old diapers and save them for baby showers you might be invited to. You can also post them online in Buy Nothing groups—it is highly likely that someone will come and pick them up! You may even be able to make a little extra cash selling your extra diapers at a discounted price.

Diapers don’t expire, so you never have to be worried that a too-old diaper will be unsafe for the baby wearing it. Just remember that diapers that have been stored for longer than two years or that have not been stored properly might not hold up well enough to get the job done.