New moms and dads are often confused about the right diaper choice for their babies. Like many others, it’s an important decision they need to make in their journey into parenthood. While traditional nappies made of cloth are an eco-friendly solution, they are not as convenient because they can cause rashes and leaks and need to be washed every time your baby pees or poops.
There are all kinds of diapers to choose from. Diapers made by commercial brands are waterproof and provide better absorbency and enhanced features like being free from harmful chemicals. But if you’re wondering what’s the best diaper for your little one, here are a few things you need to bear in mind to find your perfect match.
1. Keeps Rash At Bay
Baby skin is sensitive. Since babies wear diapers regularly, they are prone to rashes that cause chafing (1). Diaper rash can leave your baby annoyed and fussy. Your baby doesn’t like the burns and itches that a wet diaper may cause. Instead, they would wish for a soft cotton ball since a burning or an itchy bum isn’t a sweet experience!
2. One That Lets Them Move
No baby wants a nappy that’s tight and sucks the life out of their body. Traditional cloth nappies can often lead to wardrobe malfunctions when your baby is engaged in activities or play. When your baby rolls in the bed, the knots or strings can cause discomfort. They need a snug fit, one that’s firm but has a gentle closure and protects from leaks. This leaves them worry-free, and you too.
3. One That Offers A Peaceful Night’s Sleep
Your baby needs a diaper that keeps their private areas dry throughout the night. You don’t want their sleep to be disturbed, or yours will get affected too. Your baby can sleep for long hours with maximum comfort with a good quality diaper.
4. One That Keeps You Happy Too!
When you get time to focus on your baby instead of washing and cleaning cloth diapers, your baby loves it. They adore the fact that they get to spend more time with you. Many diaper brands offer you an option to wash and reuse diapers without much effort.
5. One That Cheers Them Up
Your baby would love a diaper that fits them well and doesn’t need to be changed too often, even when they grow in size. Several diapers products are made to give you the perfect fit, and your baby won’t grow out of these until they are toddlers.
6. One That Keeps The Environment Clean
Your baby surely doesn’t want to cause more waste on the planet. So, you’ll need to look for a biodegradable diaper made from natural products with minimal or zero harmful effects on the environment. As they can’t make a conscious choice the right way, they will depend on you to find an eco-friendly diaper that doesn’t contribute to pollution on the planet.
7. One That’s Scented
An investment in a scented diaper could be worth it, especially if your baby is taken care of by caregivers or other family members who may not quite be tolerant of bad poop smells. Make sure your baby isn’t allergic to it. While this can mean spending extra bucks on diapers, it can help mask the bad smell and make handling them an easy task.
8. One That’s Easy On The Pocket
Not all inexpensive products are bad in quality. For parents on a tight budget, off-brand diapers are a great option. They serve the primary purpose. However, it’s a wise decision to check the material before your baby uses it. Ultimately, it should be not only functional but also safe for use.
9. One That’s Free From Chemicals
Often harmful chemicals are used to make diapers that act as drying agents, are used for dyeing, and make the diaper smell great. They could be harmful to your baby in the long run. Parents must be aware of the kind of chemicals that are harmful to the baby by reading the labels carefully. Being aware of the risks can help them make informed choices and save the baby’s life.
If you are a new parent, you’ll need to get used to buying diapers for your baby till they are old enough to be potty trained. While it can seem to be an easy decision, many new parents find it difficult. It’s overwhelming and can often leave them confused, given the gamut of options available. There are quite a few factors that go into choosing a perfect diaper for your baby. And if you are a parent who likes to do thorough research before every purchase for your little one, the above guidelines should help. Did you have difficulty buying the right diaper for your baby? Do share your experiences with us in the comments section below.