How to choose diapers: varieties and review of popular brands

What are the models?

Previously, diapers were called ordinary gauze diapers, which were used when swaddling children and required regular washing. Disposable models, which are actively used now, appeared in Russia in the 90s and gained popularity among young mothers due to their convenience. Today there are many options on the market in different shapes and sizes, designed for different ages and uses.

By time of use

• Daytime diapers. They are designed for daylight hours, when the baby is not sleeping, and are designed in such a way as not to restrict the baby’s movements too much, but at the same time reliably hold the discharge
• Night diapers. They have a denser absorbent layer and are used for sleeping. Their peculiarity is the ability to retain moisture longer than daytime ones: this way the child does not have to be woken up in the middle of the night. Such models are usually larger in size, they may have a higher fit and a wider distance between the legs: for these diapers it is more important not to maintain natural movement, but to retain moisture all night

To size

Diaper sizes are designed for different age categories: usually the manufacturer indicates what age the panties are intended for on the packaging. On sale you can easily find models for newborns and children under 2 years old, weighing up to 15 kilograms.

By method of use

In addition to disposable ones, there are also reusable diapers on sale, which are still unusual for most mothers. They can be called a modern replacement for the gauze diapers that were used before. Such models are panties, into which a special liner that absorbs moisture is inserted using buttons or pockets.

By appearance

Depending on their own preferences, young parents can find on sale models with patterns or aromatic fragrances, or simple white panties without unnecessary decorations; the cost partly depends on this.

Benefits of disposable diapers

This is the most popular type of product, which is thrown away after a single use. They are made in the form of panties with elastic or Velcro. Consist of:

• The top layer in contact with the baby's skin. Therefore, it must allow moisture to pass through well
• The distribution layer is designed to properly and evenly distribute moisture throughout the diaper
• Absorbent, absorbent layer - necessary to retain liquid and turn it into a gel that will not spread throughout the product, penetrating back to the baby’s body
• The outer layer of a disposable diaper prevents liquid from leaking out and getting your baby's clothes wet.

Some manufacturers provide diapers with special pockets on the back and elastic on the leg for even better protection against leakage. Sometimes manufacturers add various flavorings to their products. It is better to choose diapers without fragrances, because their smell can irritate the baby, and the aromatic substances themselves can cause an allergic reaction.

Most often, manufacturers decorate the outer layer of the diaper with a variety of designs. Basically, they have no practical use, but they make use more pleasant.

When it comes to choosing the right diapers, the main thing is high-quality air transmission. You can’t risk your baby’s health for the sake of convenience. Therefore, even if the absorbency of the product is high, attention must first be paid to breathability. If the diaper does not allow air to pass through properly, diaper rash and dermatitis will appear on the baby’s bottom. Sometimes, especially in extreme heat, the baby may overheat due to poor breathability of the diaper.

Pros of disposable diapers:

• Easy to use and no maintenance required
• Don't get wet
• Securely fixed on the baby's body. If the diaper is fastened correctly, it will not “run away”
• Possibility of long-term wearing, sometimes for 12 hours at once. But this is still not a recommended maximum, which can only be practiced at night. It is better to change the diaper 4 times a day
• Small volume of the filled product - the diaper is not very visible in clothes

The disadvantages of disposable products include the likelihood of diaper rash, harm to the environment and the inability to monitor the quality of the child’s urination. Also, long-term use of disposable diapers can lead to problems with accustoming a child to peas. Another disadvantage is the high cost of the products and the need to constantly replenish supplies so that the child does not find himself “without pants” at the most inopportune moment.

Pros of using diapers

• You don't have to constantly wash diapers. In the days when diapers did not exist, washing took up much more time for young mothers than it does now, and when the child is small or growing up, it is already difficult to do everything
• The sizes of diapers for children allow you to choose a model for any age of the baby, and a huge assortment allows you to choose panties that will meet all the preferences of parents
• Walking with a baby wearing a diaper is much easier than using the same gauze diaper. There is no need to change wet pants or worry about your baby getting cold or dirty: waterproof panties allow you to walk for hours

First of all, the advantages of diapers relate to the convenience of parents. Young mothers and fathers themselves, as well as doctors, talk about this. Dr. Komarovsky, well-known in parenting circles, writes in his book: “It’s not the child who needs diapers! The child’s parents need diapers!”, noting that the baby himself, with proper care, will be equally comfortable in a disposable or reusable diaper, or in a gauze diaper. What to choose, only parents decide.

How to choose the right size?

When choosing a diaper for a child, it is important to first of all pay attention to the age of the baby and his current weight. This is necessary first of all in order to choose the right size.

Size 0 is intended for babies whose weight is no more than two kilograms. It is most often used for premature babies.

Size 1 is suitable for newborns whose standard weight is up to five kilograms. Such diapers can be used for up to six months.

Size 2 is used if the child is less than eight months old and weighs no more than six kilograms. Size 3 is chosen for children weighing from four to nine kilograms.

There are other sizes that are suitable for older, larger children.

You should not buy hygiene products in large quantities, since children grow up and gain weight quite quickly. It's better to just have a couple of packs in reserve.

Don't worry if you accidentally missed the selected size and have a few unused packs left.

Don’t throw them away, but ask your friends if any of them need this size. Most likely, there will be people who want to accept diapers as a gift from you or exchange sizes with you.

Flaws

Most of the disadvantages of diapers are in one way or another related to the wrong choice of a model, which is either not suitable for the child in size, or is made of materials to which the baby may develop an allergy. A properly chosen and correctly used diaper will not harm the baby, regardless of whether it is disposable or reusable.

Risk of overheating the child.

It occurs if the room is too warm and the baby is wearing a diaper, which additionally retains heat. An examination of his skin will help you understand whether the baby is hot: if it is pinker under the diaper than in other places, it means that the baby is overheating.

Diaper dermatitis.

This is an inflammation of the skin under the diaper, which occurs due to constant contact with secretions (urine and feces). Research shows that using diapers that absorb liquids effectively reduces the risk of developing the disease, but only if panties are fitted correctly. The slightest friction caused by the wrong selection of diapers leads to the risk of increasing symptoms - you need to remember this and choose a model so that it fits tightly on the child and does not rub.

Allergic reactions.

They can also appear on diapers: fragrance or absorbent gel components. Cases of individual intolerance are rare, but nevertheless they do occur: a particular brand or model or diapers in general may not be suitable for a child. Also, an allergy to diapers should not be confused with manifestations that are in no way related to their use. This is easy to track: if the rash appears only on areas of the skin that come into contact with the diaper, the cause really lies there; if the whole body is covered with spots, the source should be looked for elsewhere.

Risk of urinary tract infections in children.

The warm, moist diaper environment can encourage bacteria to grow. It is recommended to change the diaper, regardless of the degree of soiling, once every 3-4 hours and always after defecation. Give your baby air baths without a diaper more often.

Harm to the environment.

Unfortunately, this is true: the synthetic components that are used to create them take a long time to decompose and contribute to the pollution of the planet. Partly for this reason, the use of reusable diapers is gaining popularity. They are trying to solve the problem in many countries around the world, including the UK, Scotland, Mexico, America, Japan and others.

Choosing diapers for a baby

Parents buy diapers to provide their child with a comfortable sleep, protect his sensitive skin from irritation and prevent possible contamination of clothes.
However, due to the wide variety of hygiene products, it is quite difficult to find ideally suitable diapers the first time. Some models may chafe and cause redness. Others do not absorb moisture well.

Which diapers are better to buy for a newborn: the well-known Pampers or products from other brands? Everything is individual, you need to focus on the needs of the baby.

In order not to spend money on a pack right away, you can, for example, buy several different disposable absorbent panties individually at a pharmacy. During use, it is easier to choose the best option. The main thing is to choose the right size.

You should also pay attention to materials, content and other characteristics.

#1. Baby diaper size

There is no generally accepted standard for sizes, so each diaper manufacturer has its own sizing chart. Most often, the markings indicate numbers from 0-6. But there is also a letter designation - NB-XXL.

Manufacturers always put their size range on the pack. When buying diapers, you should first of all focus on the child’s weight and his characteristics: leg girth and other criteria

From the first days of life, they usually buy size NB or 0-1, depending on body weight. If the diaper is too small, it can rub and put too much pressure on the baby's legs and belly. A large diaper will leak and slide down.

Usually the weight limits are indicated on the pack, and you should select the size based on them. The choice should also take into account the parameters of the newborn. After all, a plump and thin child can weigh the same, but the same size of diapers will fit differently on them.

#2. Material of manufacture

A newborn has very sensitive skin. You must not allow rough influence on her. Therefore, you should choose diapers from soft, natural and breathable materials.

It’s great if the diapers are made of natural cotton. This material is pleasant to the touch and allows air to pass through well. Cellulose is also a safe raw material.

Models that contain polyethylene should be avoided. It is not able to provide normal air exchange. The child's skin will constantly swell, and even allergic reactions are possible.

Some companies have the inner surface of diapers impregnated with plant extracts and oils. They give a pleasant smell and care for the skin of a newborn. However, such hygiene products should be purchased with caution, especially if you are prone to allergies.

#3. Absorbent material

Be sure to pay attention to the composition of the fillers. The absorbent can be made from fibrous materials or granular dry gel.

Safe filler options:

• cellulose fibers;
• cotton;
• hydrogel.

The last option is a synthetic polymer. It quickly absorbs moisture and is also considered harmless.

It is important that the absorbent not only quickly absorbs, but also does not let moisture back through. You can check the absorbency of the diaper at home - pour a glass of water into it and blot it with a napkin. This way you will know for sure whether your baby's skin will remain dry after urination.

#4. Ease of landing

The comfort of a child's stay in a diaper directly depends on the softness of the diapers and their thickness. Fixing elements also play an important role.

It is advisable to purchase models with stretchy sides and reusable Velcro. They will not chafe, and if necessary, a dry diaper can be removed and put on again

It is better to buy diapers with a high back so that during bowel movements the moisture has time to be absorbed and does not immediately flow out. The back should also be elastic. It is convenient when there is a filling indicator - a strip that changes color if the diaper is full.

Cuffs around the legs protect against leaks. Preference should be given to options with soft elastic bands, otherwise they may squeeze the legs.

The navel cutout also provides safety and comfort. Many models from Bella Baby happy and other manufacturers have such a cutout. Lovular Hot Wind additionally treats their products with hot steam to ensure sterility while the umbilical wound is healing.

#5. Gender of the child

The lion's share of companies produce universal diapers, suitable for both girls and boys. The absorbent layer in them is distributed evenly over the surface.

In special hygiene products, the adsorbent is located differently: for boys, the denser layer is located in the front part, for girls - in the back and bottom.

Immediately after the birth of the child, you can safely use the “unisex” options. You won't feel much difference.

Truth or Myth

Myth No. 1.

There is a popular misconception that diapers are harmful for boys because they overheat the testicles, thereby affecting future reproductive function. Modern research shows that there is no connection between wearing diapers in childhood and the likelihood of developing infertility in adulthood. Even in adult men, overheating only leads to a temporary decrease in sperm function, and in a child sperm is not yet produced at all. In addition, according to the already mentioned Dr. Komarovsky, wearing a diaper can heat the testicles to a maximum of 36 degrees, while temperatures above 45 degrees cause harm.

Myth No. 2.

Some still believe that wearing a diaper makes the child less likely to potty train. Studies have not revealed any connection between the age of training and the use of a diaper - it all depends only on the individual characteristics of the baby and the diligence of the parents.

Myth No. 3.

The opinion that the quality of diapers on the Russian market leaves much to be desired was not confirmed by the results of the Roskachestvo study. According to their findings, “diapers are absolutely safe, regardless of price or country of origin. They are non-toxic, free of heavy metals (zinc bleaching is a myth; we haven’t found it in diapers) and carcinogens.”

Choosing diapers according to the child’s age

Here the products are divided into three types:

• For newborns
• Universal
• For older active children

Diapers for newborns are made of soft, hypoallergenic materials. They have a special indicator strip that will help you understand that the child has relieved himself.

How to choose diapers for newborns? Give preference to models that have a special notch in the tummy area. Such a product will not unnecessarily injure a not fully healed navel.

Diapers for older children are made in the form of panties. They are worn like regular panties: there is no need to connect the sides of the product with Velcro. They fit better on the bottom and are easy to put on an active child. Manufacturers assure that such diapers hold on to little fidgets much better. Such products cost about a quarter more than conventional models. But from a practical point of view, buying them is not so advisable. Regular diapers also fit well on the baby's tummy. Therefore, the main advantage of diaper panties is that they are easy and quick to put on and take off.

Reusable models: features

• An important advantage of reusable diapers is the use of natural materials for the panties and fillings themselves. Thanks to this feature, they can be used by allergic children who react poorly to synthetic fillers
• Using reusable diapers is no more difficult than disposable ones: just change and wash the inserts (this is much easier to do than constantly washing gauze)
• Such products do not pollute the environment, since nothing has to be thrown away when using them.
• Which reusable diapers are suitable depends only on the mother and child, but the modern range can offer many options even for demanding parents

(4 ratings; article rating 3.8)

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Diapers by purpose

• For swimming - made in the form of panties. They will prevent infections from entering the water when the child urinates. They will also help avoid awkward situations if the child urinates during bathing.
• For potty training. The outer part of such a product retains moisture well and saves the baby’s clothes. Internally, unlike regular diapers, it does not have such strong absorbing properties. As a result, the child will experience discomfort from a wet bottom and, on a subconscious level, will subsequently try to avoid uncomfortable sensations

Signs that a diaper is not suitable for your baby

1. Rubber bands leave marks on the baby's legs. This is a reason to change the diaper size.
2. Leaks happen regularly.
3. The diaper slips off the baby or the Velcro comes undone.
4. Miliaria appeared on the baby’s bottom and groin.
5. An allergic rash or severe skin irritation occurs in areas of contact with the diaper.

Choosing a diaper is a fascinating and difficult process. But if you are a little more persistent and attentive to your baby's signals, you will find the very diapers that are perfect for your baby.

Rating

Based on the experience of millions of mothers, the best brands of diapers were selected based on price-quality ratio. Japanese diapers from Merries are recognized as leaders in the 2021 ratings.

The TOP 5 leading brands of diapers for newborns for 2021 looks like this:

Merries

Merries diapers for newborns are named the leader. Many parents, having tried these diapers, remain their adherents forever. They always leave your butt dry, even when worn for a long time. They are thin and invisible under clothing, even when full. Price Merries 0-5 kg ​​1600 rubles per pack of 90 pcs.

The advantages of this brand include the following qualities:

• Very gentle and soft, suitable for sensitive skin;
• Does not cause diaper rash even in hot weather;
• Fixes comfortably and does not slip;
• They have no odors;
• Good absorbency;
• They have a filling indicator.

The disadvantages of Merris diapers are most often indicated:

• High price of goods;
• Size smaller than specified (run small);
• The outer surface appears slightly damp.

Huggies Elite Soft

Next in the rating are Huggies elite soft premium diapers. These diapers are almost as good as the Japanese ones. Their price is slightly lower.

In addition to the fact that they are thin and absorb moisture well, you can note the presence of a special pocket on the back. Thanks to it, it is easy to avoid any leaks. Price Huggies elite soft 1 per pack of 27 pcs. – 750 rubles.

Their advantages are considered:

• They do not have a pungent odor;
• Absorbs a lot of liquid;
• Have a moisture indicator;
• Do not cause redness or rash;
• Soft inner layer;
• Convenient fixation.

Flaws:

• Significantly enlarged by moisture;
• The elastic at the back is imprinted on the back;
• Not suitable for everyone (leakage happens).

Libero Newborn

Libero Newborn took third place. These are the most affordable quality diapers. They, like other brands, have a filling indicator, a soft surface, and do not cause irritation. Price Libero Baby Soft 1 Newborn 2-5 kg ​​(30 pcs.) – 400 rubles. Advantages of these diapers :

• Affordable price;
• Fullness indicator;
• They have a hole for the navel, which is important for newborns;
• They have good elastic bands around the legs and an elastic belt on the back, due to which they fit well and do not leak.

The disadvantages of this brand are:

• Have a slight chemical smell;
• Bad Velcro;
• They fill quickly and harden at the same time.
• Swells greatly when filled

Goon

Goon - Goo.N (1.8-3 kg) is another popular Japanese brand. Designed for children with low weight. The diapers of this company have a natural composition. They are thin and soft.

Provide good absorbency. Small size can be attributed to both advantages and disadvantages. If you need diapers for premature babies weighing up to 3 kg, then they are ideal. Price per package 36 pcs. Goo.N (1.8-3 kg) – 800 rubles.

Their advantages:

• Elastic soft waistband;
• Safe and environmentally friendly;
• Neutralizes odor;
• Natural materials.

Flaws:

• They are expensive;
• Uninformative indicator;
• Rarely found in stores.

Pampers Premium Care

Pampers premium care are the best diapers from this company. The price for PPC No. 1 is about 900 rubles per pack of 88 pieces. Thin, light, with a soft surface. Excellent absorption. There is a size 0 (1-2.5 kg), which is rarely found in other lines and is suitable for premature babies. Advantages:

• The inner layer of soft mesh absorbs feces;
• The sides have good stretch, high-quality Velcro;
• >Impregnation with aloe extract;
• High absorbency;
• They have a filling indicator;
• They don't leak.

Flaws:

• The elastic bands around the legs rub;
• Have an unpleasant odor;
• Increases greatly with swelling.