Are huggies and pampers better than the cheaper diapers?

It depends on your baby, and it can change as they're growing. Luvs are the only diapers my nephew doesn't leak out of. I used to use Kirkland Signature (Costco brand) for my youngest (9 months) for a long time, but he started leaking out of those and now he's using Huggies Lil Movers. He leaks if I try to use Huggies Snug and Dry though. My older kids are both in pull ups, and Pampers work better on my 2 year old and Huggies work better on my 3 year old. I also used the Stop and Shop brand of diapers for my 2 year old and they worked great for her. So just try a few brands and see what works the best for your baby. More expensive doesn't always mean better.