Diapers are a basic part of newborns’ needs. While it may seem simple to pick a diaper and cover your child with it, various elements need to be considered. Your child would need to be in diapers till they are fully trained to function without them. This means that your child can potentially be wearing diapers till they are at least two years old. From the time the child is born until the time they can take care of themselves, the diaper will be an essential part of their body. Hence, care must be taken when choosing the diaper for your child.

A child’s needs are continuously changing as they grow older and develop. Likewise, as a parent, your preferences will change too according to the technological developments in the market. What is preferred for one child might not be preferred for another. There are many varieties of diaper brands on the market currently available, making it harder for parents to choose a brand fitting for their child. This article will provide all parents a guideline in selecting the diapers well suited to their child’s needs. Let’s first look into the different types of diapers available to choose from.

What are the Different Types of Diapers?

Essentially there are two different types of diapers; disposable and reusable diapers. However, both of these categories have further different types available. This section will explore the various types of diapers in turn.

What Varieties of Disposable Diapers Are Available in the Market?

Plastic disposable diapers

These are the most common and readily available diapers on the market. They are made from packing in layers of synthetic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene. These materials are typically used in the making of plastic bags or clingfilm rolls. An absorbent material called sodium polyacrylate is added in between the layers, which absorbs liquid. All these materials are safe to use for the newborn baby.

Environment-friendly disposable diapers

These types of diapers have been recently introduced in the market. At the moment many brands are producing green diapers, which are fragrance-free, latex-free, chlorine-free, and do not contain any petroleum-based liquids. These are made up of materials that can be recycled and are biodegradable. Some brands even donate part of their profits to charities supporting environmental causes.

What Varieties of Cloth and Reusable Diapers Are Available in the Market?

These are some of the oldest types of diapers available. They are made from pure cotton material and give the most comfort to the baby due to their breathability aspect. Cloth diapers are comparatively cheaper as we can reuse them and have more tightness and better absorption.

1. Flat or folded diapers

These diapers are shaped in rectangular forms to be used on the child. They are typically made from cotton, flannel, or bamboo material. Using this material requires practice as it must be fastened properly to prevent any leaks. Safety and diaper pins are needed in addition to the diaper.

These diapers are the most affordable option, but there is still a need to buy diaper accessories such as pins and diaper covers made of water-resistant polyester or organic wool, which will prevent any leaks from the diaper.  

2. Curved cloth diaper

These diapers are contoured to fit the shape of the baby’s bottom. They too, have to be tied together using pins and covered with leakproof coverings. The benefit of using these diapers is that it does not have to be folded as they are slim. You will save time as they dry up quickly. However, there is still a chance of them leaking and will have to be replaced as the child grows bigger so you can move into a better fitting diaper according to the baby’s body.  

3. Sized cloth diapers

These diapers are fitted beforehand, meaning they are similar to disposable diapers. They come attached with snaps, hooks, or velcro strips. As they have an elastic waistband, it will fit the baby better and result in fewer leaks. But since they are made of cloth, a separate covering be required and will still need to be replaced as your child grows up.

4. A ‘complete’ cloth diaper

We know these diapers as all-in-one diapers because they contain all the attachments needed for diapers. They are water-resistant and are sold with the covering. They come along with an absorbent pad which can be removed and disposed of. They too, have elastic waistbands and velcro strips.

All-in-one diapers are convenient but are expensive and will consume time while drying up due to the number of layers added inside the diaper.

5. Compact diapers

These are more commonly known as pocket diapers because of the way they are structured. They are water-resistant and come with two linings. One lining is inside the diaper, and another one is inserted between the inner lining. They come with disposable diaper inserts, which can be added on according to the baby’s needs. They are quick to dry and prevent leaks.

Overall, cloth diapers are cheaper as compared to disposable diapers because they can be reused rather than using a new one every time. They are also friendlier to the environment, and due to growing climatic concerns, they are preferred as compared to disposable diapers containing plastic liners. However, they cannot be easily cleaned, and there is a risk of skin allergies and reactions occurring if they are not properly disinfected.

What to Consider When Buying Diapers?

Now that you are aware of the different types of diapers available in the market, you need to know about some of the considerations to take before deciding to purchase a diaper. Consider the following aspects while looking at different brands of diapers:

Absorption

The diaper’s main purpose is to absorb all the liquid and keep the baby dry. A good diaper will protect the baby’s skin from any irritation, rashes, and infections. Disposable diapers are known to be the most absorbent out of the two types and provide the most protection. Cloth diapers can be made resistant by using liners.

Comfort

The baby has to wear the diaper for 24 hours every day, thus, comfort is key. Elastic around the waist and the contour of the legs provide the most comfort as the baby can move around freely without the fear of leaks.

Ease

Many first-time parents do not have experience in fastening diapers. Some diapers will lose their strength and durability after a couple of uses. Therefore, it is important to choose the diaper with the most durability and ease.

Budget

Buying diapers can be a hefty cost on the budget. Cloth or reusable diapers can help save costs even after accounting for all the additional accessories. They can be used for any siblings later.

Convenience

It can be time-consuming to dispose of diapers or wash them. Disposable diapers save time as they can be easily stored and disposed of without having to disinfect them first.

Environment

If the environment is a concern for you, then reusable diapers are the best option. Eco-friendly disposable can also be used, which does not contribute negatively to the environment.

Laundry

Cloth diapers have to be washed properly in the washing machine. Thus, it is important to consider the number of times you can do laundry in the week.

Other aspects

If the baby is going to be under the care of a babysitter or caregiver, then their convenience needs to be kept in mind. Many daycare services prefer disposable diapers as opposed to cloth diapers. If many young children in the house are wearing diapers, it might be easier to opt for disposable diapers.

For newborns, diapers are very important. Diapers can contribute directly to the health of the baby as they can prevent serious infections like neonatal sepsis and rashes. Newborns have very delicate skins, and they often urinate during the day. Thus, it is vital to choose the right diaper.

Conclusion

Newborns are extremely fragile, and even the quality of diapers can affect their health conditions. It can be challenging to choose a brand that will fulfill all the baby’s needs and fulfill the parents’ standards. However, the most important factor to consider is the absorption and the level of comfort it provides to your newborn. If a diaper is causing unease to your newborn, then it is better to explore other options before their condition gets any worse. We should also keep time in mind; with a newborn, it may not be easy to wash and disinfect the diapers continuously.

 It can be overwhelming to keep all the elements in mind while purchasing products as simple as diapers, but it is important to choose your newborn’s best option as their needs should be your top priority. Hopefully, the guide presented above has cleared out any lingering confusion about diapers and the different types available in the market.