Like many things related to your baby, you want to make the best decisions possible for them. There are many options when it comes to baby diapers, and choosing the right kind for your little one is one of those decisions you’ll have to make.
Two Main Types of Diapers
There are two main types of diapers to choose from. There are disposable diapers and cloth diapers which each have their pros and cons. It’s up to each family to make the best decision for their baby. Let’s dive a little deeper into each kind.
Disposable Diapers
Disposable diapers came on the market nearly 6 decades ago. They are loved by many for their convenience. The sizes grow with the baby, so you can be confident there won’t be leaks. They have improved so much over the years that most babies can comfortably sleep through the night.
The flip side of the convenience of disposable diapers, is that they end up in landfills. In 2018, the EPA estimated that 4.1 million tons of landfill waste was from disposable diapers.
It will cost approximately $1,740 to diaper your baby for the first two years of their life. They will use around 6,000 diapers during that time.
Cloth Diapers
There are two main types of cloth diapers available to families–prefold and pocket. Both are washable and reusable. You’ll want to wash them every two-three days, so you’ll need between 24-36 cloth diapers for the first few months. Because every baby wets differently, you will need to see how often you change your baby and how often you want to do laundry.
Prefold Cloth Diaper
Prefold cloth diapers are diapers with a center strip that has a few layers because this is what is considered the wet zone. They are affordable and have a quick learning curve. A wrap or waterproof diaper cover can be used to prevent leaking.
Pocket Diaper
A pocket diaper is a cloth diaper with a pocket down the middle. This is the part of the diaper you see when the baby does not have any clothes covering their bottom half. Because of this, there is no need for a separate diaper cover. Some designs are one size and adjustable while others have a few pocket sizes. There is an insert that goes in the pocket.
There are many different types of inserts that can be stuffed into the pocket. There are microfiber, microfleece, bamboo, bamboo/charcoal, hemp, cotton and organic cotton to name a few. After changing your baby, the insert can be removed from the pocket diaper, or they can be thrown into the wash together and the insert will separate during the cycle.
Diaper Sizes
This may be the easiest part on the subject of diapers. Disposable diapers are sized by your baby’s weight. Once you’ve chosen a brand, you can follow along with their size chart. A cloth diaper is not as simple, but you’ll know it’s time for a bigger size when the leg opening is too tight, baby’s bottom is not covered completely, or leaks start occurring regularly.
Hint: if your baby is close to outgrowing their size, it will be helpful to use the next size up at night. This will allow for more absorption so baby can stay comfortable and sleep longer.
Diaper Rash
Diaper rash can occur when baby’s skin is exposed to moisture for long periods of time or if your baby’s skin is very sensitive. It also can occur when a baby starts eating solid foods.
You’ll know right away if your baby has diaper rash because their skin will be bright red and irritated looking along in the diaper region. Thankfully it can be easy to treat and usually clears up within a week’s time.
Diaper Rash Treatment
There are a few things you can do to treat and prevent diaper rash.
- Change diapers often.
- Keep your baby’s skin clean and dry.
- Allow for more fresh air on the baby’s baby’s bottom–lay them on a towel without a diaper and read or play for a little while.
- Use an ointment with zinc oxide to calm your baby’s skin and seal out moisture.
Sometimes it may take longer to clear, or reoccur. If you have any questions, your pediatrician will be your best resource.
Ways to Purchase Diapers
There are also options for you to decide on the most convenient way to purchase diapers for your baby. Regardless if they are disposable or cloth, you have options on how to get them into your home.
In-Store
You can buy diapers in pharmacies, discount department stores, and warehouse-type stores. Many offer shipping and curbside pick-up options.
Shipping Service
There are shipping services through many retailers that will automatically ship diapers to your house each month. Once you set this up, you can forget about having to purchase diapers. There are many places that offer discounts when you set up your subscription. Use this list to help you decide which company is best for you and your growing family.
Delivery Service
A Diaper Delivery Service drops off clean diapers to you each week, taking the dirty diapers with them to launder. You don’t have to do any laundry but still get the benefit of cloth diapers. Each service offers slightly different choices and ways of doing things, so if this sounds like something you’re interested in, search for a service in your area.
You have many options. It won’t be too difficult to choose which one is right for you.
Hand Off Diaper Duty!
Now that you’ve been steered in the right direction to help decide what’s best for your baby’s bottom, it’s time for the fun stuff! Sittercity has made choosing a nanny for your family easier than ever.
