Disposable or Reusable
There are disposable diapers that must be thrown away after a single use and reusable ones that can be washed each time. Most mothers go with the first option for convenience's sake. Disposable diapers are made of several layers, one of which is an absorbent core that ensures that baby’s bum stays clean and dry over a long period. The downsides are that it may cause allergies or diaper rash and are not very eco-friendly.
Reusable diapers, made of fabric with an absorbent layer, are an eco-friendlier option. They are usually made of very breathable, hypoallergenic materials. However, choosing reusable diapers means being ready for a mountain of laundry (e.g., in the first 6 months of life, a newborn urinates up to 25 times a day. That means that you will have to really stock up on these diapers and be ready to change them frequently.
Universal Diapers for Boys and Girls
Having different diapers for boys and girls might seem like a marketing gimmick, but it is not. The absorbent layer of boys' diapers is denser in the front, while girls' diapers have a denser central and rear parts. In addition, these diapers fit differently. Boys' diapers are slightly looser in the front, and the Velcro is a bit higher than girl'. Universal diapers are great for both boys and girls, and the design is universal.
Regular Diapers and Step-in Diapers
Regular diapers have Velcro on the sides. Step-in diapers have an elastic band instead of Velcro that does not impede the baby's movement when it is crawling or rolling around. Therefore, step-in diapers are more suitable for children as they become more active in the second half of their first year. The other point to consider is that it is easier to get a regular diaper on a newborn, but it is a real task to fasten the Velcro on an older baby while he or she is wriggling around.
Overnight, Swimming, Potty-training Diapers
There are also diapers specially designed for various purposes. Overnight diapers have a larger absorbent core, so the baby stays dry longer, and, therefore there will not be any need to change the diaper in the middle of the night.
Diapers and underpants for potty training are far less absorbent. The idea is that the baby feels wet and uncomfortable and makes a habit of avoiding it. The outer layer protects clothing and furniture from getting wet.
The purpose of diapers for swimming is obvious. They do not absorb water from the outside while, at the same time, reliably absorb within and prevent any absorbed liquids from getting into the pool.
Which one to choose? Which one is better? When choosing diapers, focus on the conditions in which they will be used and the baby's needs. Baby's skin should not have any red spots, diaper rash, or wetness. If your baby exhibits any of these reactions, you should switch to another, more suitable kind of diaper. Do not neglect to apply the right hygiene products to the area covered by the diaper: washing gels and sprays. Assuming you have selected the right type of diaper, these hygiene products will keep the baby's skin soft and healthy.
5 Facts Every Mother Should Know About Diapers
- The colored stripe along the diaper is a moisture indicator. When the stripe changes its color, that means it is time to change the diaper.
- The sticky transparent tape with a blue square on the diaper is designed to make it convenient to roll it up after use and secure it with Velcro.
- The diaper's side seams can be torn so the diaper will fall away easily and you don't have to dirty your baby's legs while threading them out during a diaper change.
- The Velcro has to be fastened loosely enough so that a finger can pass easily between the baby's body and the diaper.
- Remember that diaper sizes are based on weight. If it looks like your baby is between sizes, choose a larger size for better absorbency.