For new mums, the nappy world is as confusing as it gets.

Every supermarket has a dedicated aisle taken up with different brands offering better fits, less leakage, child-friendly designs, different colours or nappies for boys and girls in different sizes and shapes.

Advert after rosy advert promises the earth, a bouncy, angelic baby and a happy home life if you just choose the right brand.

And for the nervous parent, terrified of putting a foot wrong - or a botty in the wrong nappy - it's a maze.

So as a learner with big L-plates on the four-month-old pram, I tackled the booming baby market to find the best on the shelves.

Comparing the two main leaders of the market, Pampers and Huggies, with Boots, Sainsbury's and Tesco's own, plus an environmental version, we've tried to cover a pretty wide spectrum. Our tests showed that the market leaders are there for a reason, despite the efforts of their competitors. Tesco Ultra Dry Unisex Midi (9-20lb)

PRICE: £5.35 for 40 (14.5p each)

VERDICT: Tabs only stick to the waistband (using a Velcro-like system), which makes it difficult to fold when used. Very plasticky and reminiscent of horrible tracing-paper loo roll. One good feature is an expandible panel at the back for a good fit, and no leakage to report. Transparent lining lets you see how much water has been passed, making it easier to tell when it needs changing.5/10 Boots High Performance Midi (up to 22lb)

PRICE: £5.79 for 34 (17p each)

VERDICT: Uncannily similar to supermarket version but more expensive, so worse value. Not as absorbent as the more expensive brands and rustles whenever baby moves. I would not trust it over a long period of time and would rather spend a few more pence for peace of mind. A surprising result. Nearly bottom of the league.

4/10 Sainsbury's Performers Nappies Midi For Boys

PRICE: 40 for £5.49 (14p each)

VERDICT: Very similar to Tesco's and Boots in look and design. Leaked badly by only 2am when not even very full, which means changing sheets and clothes - which you can live without at that time of the night. Would pay more to avoid it. Cheaper brands do not save any money in the long run because you use more. Another tester preferred this to Tesco as it held more, which doesn't say much for either.5/10 Huggies for boys

PRICE: £6.35 for 40 (16p each)

VERDICT: My favourites - having tried all the others I will stay with these. The difference lies in the waistband and tabs. In every other nappy both are plastic and hard to undo, and if retaping for a better fit, or to reapply, often rip. But Huggies have easily adjustable and wider tabs made of softer texture which saves effort and hassle. I immediately swapped from Pampers after trying these. I have known them to leak, but only if left on all night.9/10 Pampers

PRICE: £6.35 for 35 (18p each )

VERDICT: Although not my personal favourites because of the tabs, every other tester favours them because of their absorbency. And they have a waterproof coating on the outside that the others don't to help keep it in. One tester said: "You know you're safe with these. They are great if you're going out and might not find a changing place. It gives you peace of mind."8/10

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.