How to Choose Diapers for a Newborn

Diapering consumes a lot of your time during the first year and beyond of a baby's development. You want the best in comfort, not to mention protection, for your little one. Learning about diapering your newborn makes changing time easier for both of you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Infant scale
• Coupons (optional)
• Disposable diapers
• Cloth diapers
• Diaper covers or fasteners
• Baby friendly cleaning products

1. Weigh the pros and cons of cloth versus disposable diapers, and determine which one fits your lifestyle. Cloth are obviously more work, while disposable are definitely more convenient but costlier.

2. Decide which type you'll primarily use to diaper your newborn. Even if you have a preference for one, it's beneficial to have both kinds on hand, just in case your baby has a reaction or persistent rash and you have to switch diapering methods.

3. Know what your baby weighs. Disposable diapers are sized by the infant's weight in pounds. Pick one within your baby's weight range. Diapers too big result in leaks. Diapers too small won't stay together and can be uncomfortable. Cloth diapers often come in sizes for newborn, infant and toddler.

4. Clip coupons from newspapers, or print out online coupons, when you buy name brand diapers. You'll need the extra money since name brands are more expensive. If you're using cloth diapers, look for discounts for diapering services, which are sometimes offered to new customers.

5. Buy several small boxes of disposable brands. Shop for generic brands also, as they are cheaper and often equivalent or better than pricier ones. By trying different brands, you can decide which one works best for your baby. If you buy cloth, locate a diapering service or buy cloth diapers, diaper covers and cleaning products.

Tips & Warnings

• Always follow your pediatrician's recommendations for caring for baby's umbilical cord. Disposable diapers can be purchased with a cut out specifically for the umbilical cord, but keep in mind that the diapers can still be too big, so the pre-cut area still covers the umbilical stump. You can simply fold the diaper under before fastening to allow the area to breathe. The same technique can be used for cloth diapers.
• Diaper companies are usually happy to hand out samples of their product to potential customers. Look for special mailings or other offers that include free samples.
• When baby's weight goes up, you get fewer disposable diapers per box. Once you find a brand you like, consider buying in bulk to save money.
• Keep a gallon size baggie in your diaper bag for dirty cloth diapers until they can be laundered, or if a trash can for your disposable ones is not readily available.

Who Can Help:

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[Jenci4]

on 8/13/2008 A good thing to not is just because a certain diaper prevents leaks better does not mean it works best for your baby. Some babies are allergic to materials used in certain diapers and get rash because of it. If your baby seems to break out in rash frequently, try another brand of diapers, or cloth diapers!