Modern parents do not have a number of problems that worried most dads and moms twenty years ago. This article will focus on diapers - an absolutely indispensable item for a baby’s toilet.
Today, diapers for children are most often used only as one of the elements of a baby’s wardrobe, but, fortunately, he only goes to the toilet in diapers.
Of course, premium diapers for newborns are an excellent gift from our world for new fathers and mothers.
But what diapers are best for newborns to buy, how to change a diaper for a newborn, and of course how to put on a diaper for a newborn are questions that still remain relevant.
Panties or diapers: which is better?
Among the variety of diapers for small children, two large categories can be distinguished - disposable diapers and panties. Their purpose is the same, but their structure is slightly different. Pampers are disposable or reusable underwear, which consists of absorbent material. Due to their large size, they completely cover the baby's pelvis. Therefore, urine and feces are absorbed and do not stain clothes. But due to their large size, they often get in the way for children who have already begun to move independently. Another difference is the fixation system. Therefore, the baby is dressed in a lying position in order to reliably glue the front and back parts together.
The panties are structurally different. They resemble a piece of laundry, but with an absorbent surface. Thanks to the one-piece cut, the panties can be easily removed and put on.
Both options are available from the same manufacturer. For example, there are Merries panties designed for 12-22 kg, and Merries diapers for children weighing 12-20 kg. In the first case, they are suitable for active children who already move independently. Using panties makes potty training easier; after a year, a child can take them off himself. Diapers better protect against leakage in children who spend most of their time lying down and also at night while sleeping.
Battle of times and generations: which diaper is better?
It would seem that disposable diapers have already become firmly established in our everyday life, but disputes between grandmothers and mothers, and sometimes between “advanced” mothers, about the dangers and benefits of so-called “diapers” still persist. Of course, you can refuse to use them and wrap your baby in gauze and diapers, but you will need to prepare for a mountain of laundry and an eternally soiled baby, especially in the first month after birth.
Many pediatricians during the newborn period still advise making life easier for yourself and your child by using disposable diapers, studying their comparative characteristics and choosing the most suitable ones.
Diapers and diapers: what is the difference
Young parents often have confusion between the concepts of diapers and diapers. This is due to the peculiarities of marketing. One of the first manufacturers of baby diapers to appear in Russia was the Pampers brand. It was widely advertised, offering a large number of different models and sizes of disposable underwear, so the company name became synonymous with the type of disposable underwear.
Currently, you can find a large number of manufacturers from different countries on sale. But Pampers is still one of the top baby products. They also offer wet wipes for small children to make caring for your baby easier.
What diseases require adult diapers?
The list of indications for the use of absorbent agents is quite extensive:
- stroke;
- heart attack:
- injuries resulting in loss of mobility of the lower extremities;
- complex gynecological operations;
- surgical interventions in the abdominal cavity;
- diseases of the rectum, urinary system, etc.
How to choose diapers
The process of choosing hygiene products for a child is not as simple as it seems. Parents have to select not only the size, but also take into account the characteristics of each manufacturer. Some of them prefer natural substances, so the absorbent layer is represented only by cellulose.
Most manufacturers, such as Pampers or Huggies, have a layer of hydrophilic gel inside, which swells when wet and reliably holds liquid. In such diapers, leakage occurs only if the replacement period is not met.
Young mothers need to choose the right diaper size; small or large will not fit tightly to the body, which increases the risk of leakage. And a baby with constantly wet skin may experience diaper rash.
To determine the diaper size, you need to weigh the child. Most often this range is 3-6 kg for newborns, 4-9 kg for babies older than 2 months. The next option is products for older people; a transitional size of 7-11 kg is often used.
If you weigh between 10 and 16 kg, you can wear maxi panty diapers during the day. Some manufacturers offer separate models for girls and boys. They differ in the location of the absorbent surface; in boys it is extended forward. But for the night, they buy Pampers, which have a wide absorbent surface and tight-fitting elastic bands. They will reliably protect against leakage during sleep.
Diapers differ depending on the country of origin. It could be:
- Japanese brand Goon or Merries;
- Russian Manyunya, Huggis;
- Czech Helen Harper;
- Libero Up&Go from the Netherlands;
- Italian Bella Happy.
The Pampers brand can have different origins. Some models are made in Russia, and the premium line is made in Poland.
Top 5 best diaper manufacturers
In Russia there are dozens of types of diapers produced by local, European, American, and Asian manufacturers. However, not all meet quality and safety standards. Parents interested in which diapers are recognized as the best should give preference to products from trusted brands. These include:
1. LOVULAR. Diapers of the English brand quickly absorb moisture, distributing it evenly over the entire surface. They have a thoughtful design, fit tightly to the body, do not rub the skin, do not cause rashes or irritations.
2. Merries. The manufacturer's line includes personal hygiene products for children from 4 to 28 kg. They perfectly absorb moisture, mask unpleasant odors, do not dry out the skin, and do not cause diaper rash.
3. Pampers. The American brand is considered the most recognizable in the world. Its line includes disposable diapers for children from birth. They differ in weight category and series.
4. Libero. The manufacturer's line includes certified child care products. It is made from environmentally friendly materials and is hypoallergenic.
5. Huggies. The American brand has been known all over the world since 1978. Its products have gained widespread popularity due to their pleasant tactile properties. It has a delicate effect on the skin without irritating it or causing diaper rash.
Diapers for newborns
At birth, the average body weight of a full-term baby is from 3 to 4.5 kg. Therefore, diapers for newborns have a standard size. More demands are placed on products for small children; baby's skin is more sensitive to the effects of fragrances and can easily chafe and become inflamed. Typically, baby products do not contain fragrances that can cause allergies.
But some babies are born prematurely, so their weight is less than 3 kg. For ease of care, many manufacturers offer a small size:
- Pampers New Baby Mini – designed for weight 2-5 kg;
- Goon – for premature infants weighing from 1.8 to 3 kg;
- Libero Newborn – for weight 2-5 kg;
- Merries – for newborns with any weight up to 5 kg;
- Pampers Premium Care – for 2-5 kg.
Diapers for newborns usually have sizes 1 or 2; they are not divided into products for boys or girls. Pediatricians recommend that young parents purchase diaper cream at the same time, and if the first signs of irritation or diaper rash have already appeared, use Bepanten.
Breathability
As mentioned, a high-quality diaper should absorb moisture well in a few seconds. An equally important criterion is that it must allow air to pass through. This will allow the baby's skin to breathe. The breathability of the diapers was tested using a special device. The best proven products are Pampers, Hugis and Helen Harper. Japanese manufacturers have the worst results.
Experts say that ventilation occurs along the entire perimeter of the diaper, and not just through the moisture-proof area. In this case, a significant role is given to the structure of the inner layer, which is responsible for breathability. All Japanese manufacturers use a textured layer in their brands of diapers, which, in their opinion, is necessary for better ventilation.
Reusable nappies
Regular diapers are intended for one-time use. But they are considered non-ecological, take a long time to decompose and pollute the environment. The cost of packaging is not high, but during the first year of life, parents have to spend a lot of money on them. For many, reusable diapers are becoming an alternative.
Their design resembles disposable models, but instead of Velcro they use buttons for fastening. The outer layer is made of waterproof fabric, and the inner surface is soft and allows liquid to pass through well. Between the two layers of fabric is a replaceable microfiber liner that absorbs and retains moisture.
Mom needs to have several reusable diapers and inserts for them in order to wash and have time to dry. But it is believed that the cost is worth it and saves money. But some people forget to consider the cost of washing.
Reusable products have their advantages, but their ability to absorb is worse than that of the gel in disposable products. They can be used as night diapers, but according to reviews, the elastic bands in them do not fit tightly, so leaks occur.
Reusable diapers do not absorb feces, so before washing you will have to wash them and wash them by hand. And after 1-2 months it is necessary to change the diaper itself and the inserts; the smell of urine eats into the fabric and does not disappear completely after washing. Therefore, in the rating of diapers, the leading position so far belongs to disposable products.
Final results
You can buy diapers and diapers at the pharmacy at any time. As a result of the study, Bella Baby Happy diapers win in many respects. The well-known Pampers brand also showed good results: the diapers absorb liquid well and retain it, but they have the highest toxicity rate compared to other manufacturers (but within acceptable values). Japanese diapers are considered the most harmless, as they contain virtually no harmful or toxic substances. But their main disadvantage is the small amount of absorbed moisture. If you change them on time, there will be no problems.
According to doctors, every little child’s body is individual. One brand may be ideal for some babies, but completely unsuitable for others. A general recommendation can be given, regardless of the brand, to change the diaper as often as possible (every 2-3 hours).
Rating of baby diapers
Among the commercially available brands, several manufacturers stand out. They are preferred by young and experienced mothers. Based on reviews, price and quality, you can make a rating of diapers:
- Pampers Premium Care is a line of diapers designed for small newborns and children up to 9 kg. For small children, there is a cutout on the front of the diaper to prevent pressure on the navel. There is also a color indicator of liquid filling.
- Huggies Elite Soft - mothers praise them for their ability to absorb the baby’s urine and liquid stool well, one diaper is enough for the whole night, and the baby does not experience skin irritation. There is also a moisture indicator and a nice design with children's pictures.
- Libero - offer a large selection of models for kids of different ages. For those who move actively, you can choose suitable panties with a bright design. Libero is not inferior in quality to other manufacturers.
- Merries - the brand leads due to its absorbent properties. Diapers do not have a greenhouse effect, so diaper rash will not appear on the baby's skin. Parents can choose standard models or panties that are designed for girls and boys.
THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS, BEFORE USE YOU MUST CONSULT WITH A SPECIALIST
Important selection criteria
Parents who are wondering how to choose diapers for newborns should pay attention to the following factors:
- size. The diaper should be appropriate for the baby's age and weight to ensure maximum comfort. Different manufacturers have their own size ranges, so parents should be extremely careful. Products No. 0 are suitable for the smallest (up to 2.5 kg), infants up to 5-6 kg - No. 1, children up to 7-8 kg - No. 2;
- form. There should be a cutout in the front part that opens the navel area and promotes speedy healing;
- elastic waistband, secure fasteners;
- absorbency and moisture transfer. A good diaper does not cause a greenhouse effect and prevents the appearance of rashes, irritation, and diaper rash. Before making a purchase, you need to ask what the rate of moisture absorption is. The faster the inner layer absorbs liquid, the lower the moisture transfer;
- softness. The product should not rub or cause discomfort. It is desirable that it be made of soft material and have stretchy sides;
- moisture indicator. It is advisable that the diaper have a stripe that changes color. This allows you to understand when the diaper is incomplete and when it needs to be changed;
- no strong chemical smell.
After purchasing the diaper, you can check it: take the used product and press it with a paper napkin. If it remains dry, it means the moisture transfer is good. If wet areas appear on the napkin, next time you should buy diapers from a different manufacturer.
Terms of use
If you replace them in a timely manner and follow the rules for choosing a product and using it, diapers will not have any harmful effects:
- choose a series of diapers specifically for boys, where the absorbent layer is located taking into account the anatomical structure of men;
- check your skin condition regularly;
- change the diaper after each urination or at least every 3-4 hours;
- Select products according to the height and volume of the child. For boys, larger sizes are suitable to create space for the genitals;
- give your baby air baths, leaving him undressed for a while;
- Actively use diapers only for up to a year. After this age, try to put panties on your child more often.
If these standards are observed, the baby will always be healthy and cheerful. If hygiene rules are not followed, even the best models for newborns can cause harm to the skin.
