What are the criteria for choosing diapers?
1. Size - corresponds to the weight of the child.
The correct size is the key to the comfort of mother and baby.
Different manufacturers have different size ranges, so it is more convenient to focus on the designation of the corresponding parameters in kg.
The average weight of a full-term baby in the first days of life, according to the World Health Organization, is approximately 3 to 3.5 kg. But there are children both larger and smaller.
When choosing, it is more rational to focus on the upper limit of the size and features of the model pattern. If the child’s weight corresponds to the upper limit of the range and he is of average build, it is better to take the next one, because rapid growth rates in infancy.
Diapers No. 0 (weight up to 2.5 kg), as well as No. 1 (up to 5-6 kg) and No. 2 (up to 7-8 kg) are suitable for the smallest ones.
Size zero is usually used by premature babies who are significantly underweight.
A deuce is suitable for those babies who were born large and well-fed.
The main thing is that the mother does not experience any prejudices when choosing. For example, diapers for a newborn weighing more than four kilograms should be chosen in size 2. Even if the child was born just yesterday, this does not mean at all that only one will suit him.
2. Comfortable surface and softness.
The best diapers for newborns are pleasant and soft to the touch, and they always contain a cotton base. Products of this quality do not rub or provoke the development of allergic reactions, the baby’s movements are not constrained, and the skin “breathes.”
3. Absorption rate.
The quality of the diaper directly depends on the rate at which liquid is absorbed by the inner layer of the diaper. The baby's skin in the diaper must remain dry, otherwise such products should be discarded in order to prevent the development of diaper rash and irritation.
4. Moisture transfer of the diaper.
If you press a paper napkin onto a filled diaper, it should remain dry. If the areas on the napkin are wet, it means that the moisture transfer of such a diaper is unsatisfactory, it is better to replace it with a better quality diaper.
5. Reliable fasteners and elastic waistband.
6. No strong chemical odors.
7. Number of pieces and packaging volume
The younger the baby, the more diapers he uses per day. On average, it is necessary to change the diaper every 3-4 hours and after each bowel movement. Therefore, about 8-10 pieces can be used per day.
Most manufacturers complete large packages of sizes 0 and 1 (Mini or S) with 88-90 pieces each. Those. per month you will use three large packages (sometimes less, sometimes more).
8. Price for 1 piece.
You can choose the product you need in any of three price categories: economy, standard and premium. In our catalog you can sort products by price per 1 piece. — from 9 rub.
Criterias of choice
You can often see a picture of a young, puzzled dad standing confused near a shelf of diapers in a store, not knowing which ones are best to choose. There are really a lot of diapers for newborns, and in order to make a choice, you need to know what to look for.
Did you know? The world-famous diapers of the Pampers brand have become a household name and given the second name to the product.
Manufacturer
The clear majority of parents choose diapers for their child precisely according to this criterion. We see a huge amount of advertising, company sales representatives besiege young mothers, handing out trial kits. This issue needs to be approached thoroughly. The manufacturer must be reliable and proven in the market; an extensive selection of brands of the same brand is also a plus.
You should definitely pay attention to the presence of quality certificates and the country where the product is manufactured, so as not to purchase a fake.
Material
Most manufacturers use synthetic materials to make diapers. The outer side is usually made of waterproof polymer fabric, which prevents moisture from escaping, and the inner surface, which is in contact with the baby’s skin, is covered with a highly breathable layer of polyacrylic polymer, which allows moisture to pass through the thickness of the diaper while remaining dry.
Here you should pay attention to the structure of the fabric, its uniformity (fibers should not separate), and the smell. It is better to choose products without fragrance, because additional impregnation with various herbs often causes allergic reactions in children.
Important! If the diaper emits an unpleasant, pungent chemical odor, it is better to refuse to use it, since some unscrupulous manufacturers may use a polymer that releases toxic substances for production!
Filler
This is perhaps the most important element of the diaper, which speaks of its quality and provides the child with comfort. The filling of most diapers consists of cellulose and superabsorbent (Waterlock). This absorbent consists of crystals that have enormous moisture absorption capacity. Depending on the ratio of the amount of cellulose and absorbent, the properties of the product also change. Cellulose forms lumps when wet, and the absorbent forms a gel.
Did you know? Waterlock absorbent is used not only in baby diapers, but also in eliminating the consequences of man-made disasters, for example, an oil spill.
If cellulose predominates in the filler, as is often the case in very cheap diapers, then after several urinations the diaper stops absorbing and retaining moisture, the baby’s skin becomes damp, and the diaper itself becomes lumpy inside. If the filler contains more superabsorbent, then such a diaper will retain dryness and shape longer, evenly distributing moisture throughout the granules and turning it into a gel, but the cost of such a product will be higher.
Form
For mothers, this criterion is also important, because the comfort of newborns depends on the shape of the diapers. What points should you pay attention to first? It is better to choose diapers that have a sealing elastic band on the back; it will prevent leakage through the top of the diaper.
Colic may be a cause of anxiety in a baby. To alleviate the condition of a child with colic, the following are most often used: dill water, glycerin suppositories, as well as drugs such as “Espumizan”, “Bobotik”, “Baby Calm”, “Bebinos”, “Infacol”, “Plantex”, “Bifidumbacterin”, "Acipol", "Sab Simplex" and others.
In addition, it is worth paying attention to the elastic bands around the baby’s legs, which prevent side leakage; they should be soft and elastic, fit the legs well, but not press or rub. Also, many mothers are quite picky about diaper fasteners, this is logical, because a reusable Velcro fastener that adjusts the diaper width is very convenient when the baby is spinning and prevents the mother from fastening the diaper the first time.
Which brand should you choose? Review of popular manufacturers:
Products from different manufacturers may differ in quality, design and cost.
Newborns may develop an allergy to some brands of diapers in the form of diaper rash or pimples. At the same time, this may manifest itself in different children on products of different brands.
Therefore, experienced mothers advise trying different brands of diapers to find the one that is ideal for you (in terms of budget and ease of dressing) and your baby (in terms of other comfort characteristics).
Regardless of your choice, you can be sure that all products presented on the Island of Childhood website have the necessary documents and meet international quality standards.
In order not to make a mistake with your choice, we suggest studying the features of the rating of the best diapers.
Libero Newborn
"Libero" adequately represents the rating of the best diapers for newborns.
These are high-quality products, with a good absorbent layer that allows you to keep your baby's skin clean and dry. The materials used in Libero diapers are gentle and comfortable, so to date there have been no complaints from consumers that they can rub the baby’s belly or legs. Diaper models have a cutout for the navel.
Merries for newborn
Brand number 1 in Japan. The small sizes have a pocket that holds the baby's stool, a fullness indicator, which signals by changing color when it's time to change the diaper, as well as high-quality reusable Velcro fasteners with a light touch of a finger. But an important feature of Merris products is the presence of witch hazel nut extract in its tissues, which effectively protects the skin from diaper rash and irritation.
According to reviews from experienced parents, these are small sizes, since they were originally created with a focus on fitting Japanese children, who are lighter in weight and height compared to Russian babies. Be sure to take this into account when choosing your size.
Pampers Premium Care
This is perhaps the most popular brand of baby diapers in the world. In them, the child feels excellent both at a very early age and as a fidgety two-year-old, since this company produces diapers taking into account different weight categories - from 2 to 16 kg of the child’s weight.
“Pampers” do not interfere with the baby’s movements, do not rub the delicate skin and allow them to “breathe.”
These diapers do not leak, as they have a special cuff that guarantees that the baby will remain dry for a long time (within reason, of course).
"Pampers" has a special reusable fastener. One of the best diapers for newborns, Pampers Premium Care, they are impregnated with a special balm that protects delicate skin from diaper rash and irritation. Their disadvantage is their higher cost compared to other Pampers products.
Huggies Elite Soft
The assortment of this manufacturer of baby diapers is enviable. There are many models of regular diapers created specifically for newborns, and panties for older toddlers. Also, Huggis diapers differ in quality.
As for “Haggis Elite Soft”, they are able to absorb not only urine, but also liquid feces, which is important at this age. These are very soft and comfortable products at an affordable price.
There are also models for premature babies. In this case, in the navel area there is a soft insert that protects against chafing.
You may be interested in our general article “Which diapers to choose?”
Types of diapers
Parents are faced with a huge selection of different absorbent diapers - expensive, cheap, with varying degrees of absorbency. Recently, there have been large-scale discussions on the Internet about what type of diapers is best to choose for a newborn.
Disposable diapers
They are a product designed to be disposed of after full use. They are made of highly absorbent materials that are safe for baby's skin. Recycling of such diapers is impossible.
Reusable nappies
This new species appeared relatively recently, like a well-forgotten old one. Usually they are fabric panties with buttons with a layer of oilcloth, inside of which an absorbent liner made of a special material - microfiber is inserted. After use, the liner is washed, dried and can be used again for its intended purpose. Homemade gauze diapers can also be considered reusable, but their use is now quite rare.
Which ones are better
Disputes on this topic do not subside. Let's try to figure out what is better to give preference to. Reusable diapers are often presented as environmentally friendly and natural, it’s hard to argue with that; they are truly made from breathable fabrics and do not pollute the environment. Also among the advantages is their cost-effectiveness. This issue is quite controversial, since the initial set is not cheap, and if you take into account the daily water costs for washing, the savings are dubious.
It is believed that reusable diapers help quickly potty train children, since the child feels wet immediately after urinating, experiences discomfort and learns to control himself. However, this plus also has a minus; a reusable diaper is designed to be changed frequently, almost after 1-2 urinations.
Disposable ones are made of synthetic materials; therefore, they practically do not allow air to pass through, despite the assurances of the manufacturers. This may cause diaper rash if the instructions for using the product are not followed. However, a disposable diaper can remain dry for quite a long time, which is especially valuable at night and during winter walks; it needs to be changed much less frequently, and this compensates for the high price of packaging.
In addition, disposable diapers have a special layer that absorbs newborn feces, preventing unnecessary contamination.
Summarizing the above, we note that if parents have enough free time, it is not severely frosty outside, or there is a need to teach a child to go potty, then reusable diapers will be a good alternative; they are perfect for older kids.
But if you do not have the opportunity to wash and dry the inserts every day, and your baby does not have skin problems or allergies, then disposable diapers will be the best choice for a newborn.
Essentials
Car seat . You will need it to return home from the maternity hospital, so it is better to buy a car seat in advance - so that you have time to practice installing it in the car and removing it back. You need to buy a new car seat or borrow it from reliable friends who will not hide its history from you. If a child car seat has been in an accident, it may be damaged and no longer safe to use.
Sling or backpack for a child . After the birth of a child, you cannot do without this item. A sling will not only allow you to keep your baby with you while performing a variety of everyday activities, it is also much more suitable for going out with a newborn than a clumsy and clumsy stroller.
Humidifier. If a child is born in the cold season, and you have central heating in your house, you will most likely need a humidifier - newborn children are very sensitive to the low humidity that is created in apartments during the winter season, and due to excessively dry air they can even get a runny nose. In general, maintaining an optimal air humidity of 50-60% is beneficial for young children.
The best Japanese diapers
In the modern market, these diapers occupy a leading position due to the special softness of the material and high breathability. They are made of natural material, so the risk of irritation and discomfort is minimal. However, popular Japanese diapers are not available to every mother due to their relatively high cost. Therefore, it is especially important to carefully study all the characteristics of these diapers in order to decide whether they should be included in the family budget or not.
Merries
Diapers for babies that meet the highest standards. The absence of foreign odors, environmentally friendly materials, a soft base - these characteristics have made this brand the best eco-friendly diapers for newborns and older children. It should be borne in mind that their level of absorption is lower than that of their European counterparts. This means that they need to be changed more often; therefore, they run out quite quickly. These factors should be taken into account when deciding whether to use a given brand on an ongoing basis.
Advantages:
- no GMO
- breathable material
- convenient fasteners
Flaws:
- small size
- more expensive than European analogues
- The absorbency level is lower than that of competitors, which is why the diaper needs to be changed more often
Moony
The best diapers for a baby, thanks to the cutout for the umbilical wound. Thanks to him, you don’t have to worry about folding back the top of the diaper to allow air access to the wound. Like many analogues, there is a filling indicator, and this brand is recognized as the softest, according to most mothers. Like other “Japanese” products, the cost of diapers is relatively high. At the same time, Monny is the most budget-friendly choice of diaper from Japanese manufacturers.
Advantages:
- navel cutout
- soft and delicate texture
- luxury quality at an affordable price
Flaws:
- small size
- limited size range (up to size L)
Breast pump, bottles, baby food
If you are determined to breastfeed, you don't have to buy bottles and a breast pump. Many women never use either one or the other. But if you are going to go to work quite soon or you need a supply of milk just in case (what if you have to go somewhere?), you will have to buy a breast pump or borrow it from friends.
As for the bottles, if you only need them from time to time, one or two will be enough. After all, you can always buy more of them if the need arises later.
If you do not plan to breastfeed, you should have a small supply of formula on hand, as well as bottles and pacifiers. In the first weeks, the child will eat at least eight times a day - calculate the required amount based on this information.
There is no need to buy the mixture in large quantities in advance. Some types of formula can cause unpleasant symptoms, so sometimes you have to try different brands to find out which option is best for your baby. An artificial breast milk substitute is not cheap (another argument in favor of breastfeeding), so don’t rush into making a choice.
Features of use
For young and inexperienced mothers, it is important to know not only how to choose diapers, but also how to use them correctly for newborn babies.
How long to wear them
No matter how manufacturers convince us that their products can withstand 12 hours without leaking, we need to learn the basic rule - any disposable diaper should be changed every 4 hours or earlier as it is full, and always after each bowel movement. This requirement is due to the fact that after 4 hours the absorbent layer begins to work in emergency mode, all the moisture is no longer absorbed and its excess may remain on the surface, which will cause skin irritation, and feces that are not absorbed simply corrode the baby’s delicate skin and provoke diaper rash.
Did you know? There is a little trick for young and thrifty mothers. Basically, all newborns poop during or after eating, so it is better to change the diaper after eating.
It is recommended to give the child air baths lasting 10-15 minutes several times a day, leaving the baby without a diaper.
How to wear and change
The crucial moment of changing a newborn's diaper for the first time is always exciting for parents, because they do not yet know how to handle the baby.
- So, first you need to place the baby on a changing table or other comfortable horizontal surface. Unfasten the old diaper by pulling the Velcro to the sides, then, carefully taking the baby by the shins, slightly lift the butt and carefully pull out the diaper;
- After this, the child should be washed under the tap with warm water, if necessary with baby soap, or wiped with special baby wipes. It is better to use wet wipes less often, since they contain oils that, with constant use, create a film on the skin and prevent it from breathing;
- Take a new diaper, open it, lift the baby again by the shins and carefully tuck the back part of the diaper under the baby’s bottom and back, wrap the front part over the stomach and secure it with fasteners on the sides. After this, be sure to straighten the elastic bands around your legs so that they do not rub the skin.
Important! To check if you have fastened the diaper correctly, insert your index finger into the waistband; if your finger fits freely, then you have done everything correctly.
How to make gauze diapers for newborns
You need to take a piece of gauze - square or rectangular in shape with side sizes from 80 to 100 cm. Instead of gauze, you can take an old sheet that has been washed many times, has become thin, luminous, and soft. You can purchase madapolam fabric (thin white chintz) and subject it to several washes and boiling.
The cut is rolled into a narrow rectangle (20x60 cm) or a triangular scarf (with a side of about 80 cm). There is another way of folding gauze (it is called Hungarian) - as a result of folding, a triangular lining is obtained with a seal in the middle. Below are diagrams of different folding fabrics. Dimensions are approximate.
This is a diaper scarf:
These are home-grown diapers:
And this is the Hungarian way of folding gauze:
After folding, the diaper is laid out on the changing table. The baby is placed on top (if the baby has pooped, he is first washed, and only then a new diaper is put on). A gauze scarf is wrapped around the bottom and a romper is put on (or swaddled).
If the diaper has the form of a rectangular lining with dimensions of 20x60 cm, then it is folded at one edge. This creates a thickening that is placed in front (when swaddling boys) or behind (when swaddling girls). The top of the diaper is tied with a string.
Gauze or fabric does not have reliable fasteners. Therefore, it is only suitable for baby's sleep. During wakefulness, such a diaper quickly slides out of place or unwinds.
In order for the fabric to stick better to the baby’s bottom, it is not just folded, but sewn. How to sew gauze diapers for newborns?
When is it undesirable for a child to be in diapers?
There are situations when it is not recommended for a baby to use diapers, for example:
- Digestive tract disorder. Parents should be aware that liquid feces that the diaper has absorbed can cause serious irritation on the baby’s skin. Therefore, if a child has diarrhea, disposable diapers must be replaced with gauze or regular cloth diapers, changing them immediately after the next bowel movement.
- Increased body temperature. If you do not remove the diaper from the child in time, it will cover an impressive part of the newborn’s body and disrupt the full heat transfer. As a result, the body temperature will increase, and it will be quite problematic to bring it down.
- An allergic reaction to the components of a diaper from a certain manufacturer.
Which diapers are better and which ones to choose for a newborn - young parents themselves will be able to answer these questions if they try several options for these products. Initially, you don’t need to buy diapers in huge packs; children grow quickly and may soon need the next size. In addition, stale products, especially in opened packages, quickly lose their effectiveness; the internal filling of the diaper may deteriorate due to exposure to the external environment, for example, high humidity and direct sunlight.
Author: Olga Rogozhkina, doctor, especially for Moirody.ru
