How to choose the right diapers - which diapers are better for newborns, diapers or diapers, what's the difference?

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.

Tips for selection and use

To reduce the risk of any problems, it is important to choose and use the diaper correctly, this means:

wear by the hour. Manufacturers recommend changing the diaper every 3-4 hours during the day (and not doing this at all at night), however, you should focus not on these general figures, but on the fullness. If you don’t want complications, you can purchase a product with a special indicator that will tell you when it’s time to change;
Air baths are a must! Several times a day for 20 minutes, the child must be left undressed so that the skin can breathe (in a diaper, contrary to the assurances of the manufacturers, it cannot do this);
trial and error method. Even the most expensive brand of diaper may not be suitable for a particular baby. If there are complaints about quality, you should change the manufacturer to another;
selection rules: suitable size, absence of strong odor, fragrances in the composition and bright pictures on the product;
After each diaper change, especially in hot weather, it is advisable to wash the child with warm water without soap. This reduces the risk of any inflammatory processes.

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.

Why can a child wear diapers for a long time?

Today you can hear from many people the statement that diapers are harmful to the child. How many grandmothers literally tell their mothers every day different horror stories about those who “torture and steam a child’s bottom.” But are diapers really that harmful? Global studies on this topic have not yet been carried out in the world. It is generally accepted that if diapers are used correctly, a healthy baby should not have any problems. You can use them exactly as much as is convenient for parents and the child, as long as the diapers are changed on time, the baby does not suffer from hypersensitivity, and a quality product is chosen from a trusted manufacturer.

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.

Until what age can you wear a diaper?

After 2 years, babies can go to daytime and nighttime sleep without this accessory. The understanding that you need to go to the potty appears after the child feels discomfort from wet panties. This will give him the motivation to ask to go potty.

That is why you need to start sending your child to sleep without “insurance”. Of course, at first there will be small “accidents”, but gradually the skill will be formed and consolidated. In case of mistakes, you cannot scold the baby, shout at him, and especially use any form of physical force. This can only harm the fragile child’s psyche and cause complexes, self-doubt and other problems.

It is generally accepted that a child can wear a diaper for up to one and a half years. At an older age, it is worth starting to gradually potty train him. You can continue to use diapers, but reduce the frequency of use. After eating, it is recommended to sit the child on the potty. This should be done every 1.5-2 hours until the baby begins to ask on his own. A stable skill is formed in about 3-6 months.

Different countries have different attitudes towards the question of how old a child wears a diaper. In the USA, children use them until they are 3-4 years old; in this country, this option is practically considered the norm. Diapers are stopped only when the baby himself is ready to go to the potty and understands what is required of him. The kindergarten plays an important role in this matter, where children teach each other and adopt the behavior of other children. A similar attitude exists in most European countries, where it is quite possible to see a child in a diaper at 5 years old.

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.

Frequently asked questions about Pampers diapers

How often should a diaper be changed?

There are no strict rules regarding how often diapers should be changed. However, it should be remembered that a diaper is, first of all, a means of hygiene for the child, so it should be changed as often as possible, without waiting for it to be filled. So, for newborn children, up to 10 diapers per day may be needed, for older children, as a rule, about 6 changes per day. We recommend changing your diaper every three hours during the day and using one diaper at night.

How to choose the right diaper size?

The size of the appropriate diaper is determined by the baby's weight. The child's weight range is indicated next to the size on the pack. So, for example, if a child weighs about 4 kg (2-3 weeks of life), then MINI size 2 (from 3 to 6 kg) will most likely suit him. We recommend purchasing diapers with some extra weight (“for growth”), so that the baby is as comfortable as possible in it, and the diaper does not leak.

Pampers diaper size chart:

2-5 kg - size 1 Newborn

3-6 kg - size 2 Mini (Mini)

4-9 kg - size 3 Midi (Midi)

7-18 kg - size 4 Maxi 9-20 kg - size 4 Maxi Plus

12-25 kg - size 5 Junior

16 + kg - size 6 Extra Large

How much liquid does a given diaper size absorb?

Pampers diapers are designed in such a way as to provide, first of all, unsurpassed dryness and skin protection for a baby of a particular weight, stage of development, age, taking into account his anatomical and physiological characteristics, frequency and number of bowel movements. That is why you should choose a diaper based on the size and weight of the child. It must be remembered that a diaper is not just a reservoir for absorbing moisture, but a means of hygiene for the child, so it needs to be changed at least every three hours.

At what age can you use diapers?

Pampers diapers can be used from the first days of your baby's life. Unsurpassed dryness and the best skin protection for newborns - Pampers Premium Care and Pampers New Baby.

I've heard that diapers are bad for boys, is that true?

The phenomenon of spermatogenesis itself begins in boys no earlier than 7-8 years of age and, therefore, in children before this age there can be no talk of any process of its suppression. Additional clinical studies conducted by Pampers together with leading specialists from the Russian Union of Pediatricians indicate that a slight increase in scrotal temperature by 0.5-1.0°C does not have a negative effect on testicular tissue. Modern Pampers disposable diapers are completely safe for use by both boys and girls.

Does the skin under the diaper breathe?

Pampers disposable diapers are designed for maximum skin protection and baby comfort. The breathable microporous coating of the top layer of Pampers diapers allows air to pass through, thereby allowing the baby's skin to breathe. The moisture content of the skin under a Pampers diaper is significantly lower compared to a regular diaper. It has been scientifically proven that using Pampers disposable diapers significantly reduces skin inflammation (even those prone to dermatitis) and keeps it healthy compared to using diapers.

Do I need to use powders, creams and ointments under the diaper?

Cosmetic skin care for a baby is very individual. But it should be remembered that the use of various creams and powders under diapers can clog the pores of the diaper itself, thereby impairing its absorbent and “breathable” properties. In addition, modern diapers already contain skin lotion. Thus, Pampers Premium Care & Active Baby diapers contain a unique baby lotion “like after bathing” (based on aloe), which helps protect the baby’s skin and maintain a feeling of freshness like after bathing.

Where is it recommended to buy diapers?

It is best to buy diapers in pharmacies, large retail outlets: supermarkets, hypermarkets, where there are children's departments and departments selling hygiene products, in specialized children's stores. You should not buy diapers in places where they are stored in conditions of low temperatures or high humidity (in open markets).

Can diapers with lotion cause an allergic reaction?

The high quality and safety of Pampers diapers is regularly confirmed by a large number of mandatory studies. The lotion used in Pampers diapers has passed all the necessary clinical tests confirming its safety. By covering the baby's skin with a thin layer, it additionally protects it from irritation. In 80% of cases, allergic reactions that occur in a child are associated with the diet. At the first symptoms of an allergy, you should immediately contact your treating pediatrician.

Do disposable diapers cause diaper dermatitis?

The use of disposable diapers is not a predisposing factor to the development of diaper dermatitis. Clinical studies have shown that approximately a quarter of all young children experience diaper rash in the first four weeks of life. Basically, diaper rash and diaper dermatitis occur due to defects in the child’s hygiene, namely: infrequent washing, insufficient cleansing of the child’s skin, irregular changing of diapers and nappies. To prevent diaper dermatitis, frequent diaper changes and regular washing are recommended.

Is it possible to dry (on a radiator) a diaper?

Reusing the diaper (after drying) is strictly prohibited. Dried, used diapers are hazardous to health and can cause allergic skin reactions.

When is the best time to start potty training your child?

According to the latest data in global pediatric practice, the recommended age for potty training a child is no earlier than 18 months (1.5 years old). It is by the age of one and a half years that the child becomes ready, both from a physiological point of view (the sphincter muscles are strengthened, the nervous system is developing) and from a psycho-emotional point of view. The Union of Pediatricians of Russia recommends starting to teach a child the skills of neatness no earlier than 18 months.

Do disposable diapers affect a child's potty training?

The use of disposable diapers does not in any way affect the child's toilet training. In a study performed by Japanese pediatricians, it was proven that feeling dry does not prolong learning time. Of the 27 pairs of twins who used diapers and disposable diapers in parallel, the average age at completion of training was the same.

Signs your child is ready for potty training:

the child remains dry for more than 2 hours in a row during the daytime;
“going to the toilet” becomes regular and predictable;
the child sits well, can walk and is able to sit on the potty independently;
the baby knows (understands) what the potty and/or toilet is for;
the child tries to speak in phrases;
the child understands your requests and fulfills them;
the child uses gestures or words to show you that he wants to go to the toilet;
the child knows how or tries to independently remove panties/diaper or tights when trying to use the potty;

Until what age can you use diapers?

The diapers themselves can be used up to any age (on average up to 2.5 - 3 years), that is, until the moment when the child is completely potty trained.

How is sterility maintained during production?

The production of hygiene products all over the world, including in Russia, is not sterile. Firstly, any product loses sterility when touched with your hands. Secondly, current sterilization methods are simply not suitable for hygiene products. There is no need for sterility, because... Unused diapers do not provide a breeding ground for microorganisms. The hygienic quality of Procker & Gamble's baby hygiene products is achieved through a fully automated production process, high production speed and high GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards.

How is product safety guaranteed?

Procter & Gamble has very high safety standards for all materials used and end products. More than 400 company employees work to ensure the safety of our products. Moreover, Procter & Gamble baby hygiene products often even exceed the safety requirements set by European Directives and the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration). In Russia, product safety is confirmed by a sanitary-epidemiological conclusion and a certificate of conformity.

Are there counterfeits of your products?

Since Procter & Gamble's hygiene products are quite successful, counterfeits sometimes occur. We advise you to purchase our products from reputable stores.

Where are the diapers supplied to the Russian market produced?

All Pampers products on the Russian market are represented by the production of three factories in Germany, Poland, and Russia (plant in Novomoskovsk, Tula region). The quality of diapers produced at different factories is absolutely the same. The use of several products from several factories is determined by the technical capabilities of a particular plant in a certain period of time.

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.

At what age should a child be weaned off diapers?

When can a child communicate?

Communication between you and your child is different for each home and each person. The communicative development of children of the same age may not coincide. Some children speak early, others late. But it's not a problem. Communication also includes non-verbal communication, such as conveying gaze, gesture and tone of voice, or even touch. If the child cannot yet clearly say that he needs to urinate or defecate, he can still communicate using gestures or symbols, such as pointing his fingers in the direction of the toilet or potty, or a specific symbol that is used by the child and parents.

When there is cooperation

Collaboration in this area involves all family members who must use the same method to achieve the same goal. This includes parents and other family members in the household. Everyone must agree because toilet training should be consistent and there should be no change. This requires a lot of patience, such as not using diapers during the first period. There may be many setbacks and family members must help keep the house and child clean. When a child signals that he needs to urinate or defecate, an adult must respond very quickly to get the child to the toilet on time. Therefore, teamwork is very important.

When the body and mind are ready

The hardest part of teaching a child to use the bathroom is during sleep. The child may wet the bed frequently. This happens because the child's body and mind are not ready. But being fully able to use the toilet is not such a serious problem for this age and parents should not worry and put too much pressure on the child. When the body and mind are ready, the child can do it on his own. They just need encouragement and support from everyone in the family.

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

Are diapers harmful?

Women who have spent time endlessly washing diapers and gauze panties will certainly confirm that modern disposable diapers have made life much easier for families with babies. But simple hygiene quickly became overgrown with speculation and prejudice. Therefore, mothers of infants strive to start putting their children on the potty as quickly as possible and abandon disposable “diapers.”

Important: if the child has an elevated body temperature, the diaper must be removed. It will interfere with heat transfer and may reduce the effect of antipyretics.

Myths about the dangers of diapers are greatly exaggerated. They are not hazardous to health if you ensure their replacement in a timely manner. Occasionally, parents encounter an allergic rash to products with impregnations and fragrances. Usually it is enough to change them to a new brand. Stories about the impact on future fertility in boys, genital tract infections in girls and the overall development of the baby have not yet been confirmed by research.