If you have a baby in the house, odds are you’ll be changing diapers up to 10 to 12 times per day! At most, this amounts to up to 84 diapers per week, 360 diapers per month, and 4,380 diapers in the first year alone!
With such a large investment, it certainly pays to become a baby diaper expert early on. Having said that, here’s all you need to know before choosing diapers for your little munchkin.
DIAPER TYPE
The question of reusable versus disposable diapers sits right at the apex of the baby diaper debate. So, before we get into that, let’s go over the basics first.
Reusable diapers are basically cloth diapers that can be used again and again after each wash, whereas disposable diapers, as the name implies, are thrown away after one use. Pretty simple, right? So, why the debate?
It’s because when it comes to reusable diapers versus disposable diapers, a case can be made for and against both, as each type of diaper has its own set of pros and cons.
Pros of Reusable Diapers
✓ Adjustable features
✓ Gentler on sensitive skin
✓ Never run out of diapers
✓ Reusable and eco-friendly
✓ Costs less in the long run
Cons of Reusable Diapers
X Less absorbent
X More diaper changes
X Require poop scooping
X Higher upfront cost
X Laundry may take up lots of energy, water, and electricity
Pros of Disposable Diapers
✓ High absorbency
✓ Fewer diaper changes
✓ A cinch to change
✓ Come in various sizes
✓ More travel-friendly (easier to throw out)
Cons of Disposable Diapers
X Tabs may rip during changes
X Absorbency gels may cause diaper rash/skin irritation
X Harsher on the environment (Note: There are eco-friendly diapers, but they cost more.)
X Costs more in the long run
X May make potty training harder
Truth be told, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to choosing the right type of diaper for your little one. After all, it is a personal decision that depends on what suits your baby, lifestyle, and budget best – all of which can be determined by weighing up the pros and cons listed above.
DIAPER SIZE
It is also very important to know about diaper sizes before you make your diaper choice. Why?
If you choose diapers that are too small, they will be too tight for your little one. If you choose a diaper that is too large, on the other hand, you will most likely be cleaning up leaks all the time. Regardless of which case, your baby is sure to be very uncomfortable.
So, yes, for your baby’s comfort, size matters. So, how do you choose right?
When choosing diapers for your baby, it is important to know that baby diapers are sized by weight and not by age. But don’t worry; choosing the right diaper size has gotten a lot easier over time. Most cloth diapers these days are adjustable, while most diaper brands have their own size charts to help new parents choose the right size.
Then again, not all babies will have their weight coincide with general size charts. So, you’ll also need to check for these telltale signs of a poor diaper fit after your baby has worn them. If you notice any of these signs, then it may be time to move up (+) or down (-) a size or two.
+ Diaper is tight around the waist area
– Diaper is loose around the waist area
+ Chafing or red marks on your baby’s skin
– Large gaps at the legs and waist area
± Persistent leaks or blowouts
DIAPER SAFETY
If you’re a parent, the first thing that comes to mind when shopping for diapers is probably your child’s safety. Why wouldn’t you, given that your baby will spend the first few years of his or her life on a diaper changing mat changing into the diapers you chose?
However, there isn’t much to think about when it comes to diaper safety these days.
If you’re leaning towards disposable diapers, you’ll be relieved to know that most of today’s disposable diapers come with adhesive tab fasteners. As for cloth diapers, rest assured, they have come a long way since their days of two-inch-long safety pin fasteners. So, there’s no need to worry about needle-prick injuries.
As for the safety of the materials used in baby diapers, most diaper brands do warrant the safety of the materials used in their diapers. So, both cloth and disposable diapers are safe as long as you change your baby’s diaper regularly and pay close attention to your baby’s skin for signs of diaper rash.
DIAPER CHANGING TIP: It is best to have a diaper bag or backpack, such as a baby bandit diaper backpack, to conveniently store all of your baby’s diaper changing necessities in one place. This is because you don’t want to leave your baby unattended while you run off to get something in the midst of changing your baby’s diaper. If you’re in need of one, look no further because we have the best diaper bag in town!
DIAPER COST
Like we said earlier, your baby will most likely go through hundreds of diapers during his or her first few months, and that will undoubtedly come with a hefty price tag. So, it’s best to figure out a diaper budget ahead of time.
While disposable diapers, as we know them, aren’t cheap, as their prices depend on a variety of factors such as brand, size, material, and environmental impact, there are numerous ways to purchase them at a lower cost.
You can do this by using coupons, looking for discounts or promotions online, or buying them in bulk rather than in packs.
Generally, when it comes to cost, some people believe (though this is often debated) that cloth diapers are the better option. Here’s a list of reasons why.
- Cloth diapers are a one-time purchase, thus costing less in the long run.
- Cloth diapers are adjustable in size, so they can still be used even if a child grows.
- Extra cloth diapering supplies can be reused for later siblings.
It’s worth noting, however, that there is a large upfront cost for cloth diapers, and you will also need to account for additional costs such as laundry and, if necessary, extra liners and sizes.
TAKEAWAY
Choosing the right diaper usually involves a lot of deliberation and trial and error. At the end of the day, it’s all about figuring out what works best for both you and your baby.
Closing Words
Yeah, that’s a lot of information to sift through and digest. On the bright side, if you’re looking for other newborn gifts in Singapore for full month or 100 days celebration, we’ve got that covered.
Swing by our homepage to pick out the treat packages you like, the gifts you need, and when that magical baby full month celebration will take place, it’s that simple!
