Diaper dilemmas: which diaper for your baby?

Diaper dilemmas: which diaper for your baby?

How often will you change your baby? Probably you would rather not know. That's why it's important to choose good quality diapers. Again, there are many types of diapers. Washable diapers, different sizes, diapers with different absorbency. And so, we can go on and on. Chances are you can't see the forest for the trees anymore and picking the right diapers for your baby is just one more challenge on your list. Especially since each type of diaper also has some pros and cons, just like almost everything else in life. No idea which diaper is fine for your baby? We'll help you with your diaper dilemmas and list the different diapers and their pros and cons!

Types of diapers

  1. Disposable diapers

To start with the most popular diaper: the disposable diaper. You only have to walk into a supermarket and you'll understand why these diapers are so popular: they are often on sale. Large quantities of diapers at competitive prices. In addition, the convenience of these diapers certainly contributes to their popularity. And we humans are convenience animals. As soon as your baby wets or defecates, just throw the disposable diaper away and that's it. Done. You grab a new one, put it on your baby, and the job is done. No more hassle washing diapers. Add to this the fact that your baby enjoys optimal comfort with these diapers.

Disadvantages of disposable diapers

You probably felt the "but" coming, because disposable diapers also have some drawbacks. For example, they have a high absorbency, which seems positive at first, but actually isn't at all. This slows down the potty training process, because your baby won't realize that he or she has peed or defecated as quickly. And of course, you don't want that. Moreover, these diapers are neither environmentally friendly nor bank account friendly. Think about how many disposable diapers your baby will need in a year, and how much waste (and rolling money) that will create. 

Disposable nappy size

It's also important to think about diaper size before you enthusiastically buy a huge number of disposable diapers only to find later that you've bought the wrong size. That's a shame. The smallest size of disposable diapers is premature, and the largest size is extra-large. In general, you can use the following guidelines:

  • Premature: 1 - 2.5 kilo
  • Newborn: 2 - 5 kilo
  • Mini: 3 - 6 kilo
  • Midi: 5 - 9 kilo
  • Maxi: 8 - 16 kilo
  • Maxi+: 9 - 18 kilo
  • Extra-large: 15 - 15 kilo
  • Extra-large+: 16+ kilo
  1. Washable diapers

They are not as popular as disposable diapers, but they are much better for the environment and in the long run also for your wallet. As the name suggests, washable diapers can be washed and therefore dried. And that is exactly the reason why disposable diapers are more popular: washable diapers require more of your time because they have to be washed and dried. And nowadays everything has to be done quickly. Let's look on the bright side: good planning will get you there.

Advantages of cloth diapers

A big advantage of washable diapers is that it helps babies to become potty trained faster because the absorbency is less compared to disposable diapers. When they wear a washable diaper, they will notice that they have peed or pooped more quickly, which is of course uncomfortable. As a result, your child will be more likely to be potty trained. In addition, washable diapers may seem more expensive at first glance, but in the long run, they are cheaper. You need fewer diapers because you can wash them. And that makes the environment happy too.

Sizes of cloth diapers

There are washable diapers that your baby can wear for his or her entire diaper period. These diapers are therefore also called one-size washable diapers. Usually, these diapers have snaps so that you can adjust the diaper to the size of your baby. There are also washable diapers in different sizes, called sized washable diapers. This means that for the duration of your baby's diaper period you will have to buy washable diapers in different sizes, which is of course a lot more expensive. One advantage, however, is that you will have fewer leakage problems with your baby, since the diaper fits perfectly.

  1. Diaper Panties

Yes, these days there is such a thing as diaper panties. Why? Because when the time comes, your child will be able to stand up and will spend most of his or her time standing up. Changing them while they are lying down will be a lot more complicated. Diaper covers solve this problem because you put them on your baby the same way you would put underpants on a diaper: you put both feet in the diaper and then pull it up. This makes standing up and changing possible.

Potty training

Most parents choose to start using diaper pants for their little ones during potty training. When little ones go to the potty or the bathroom, they can easily pull these diapers down and back up again. Another step towards independence!

Disadvantages of diaper panties

Diaper pants can be prone to leaks. This is because most diaper covers do not have snaps that allow for adjustment, making the diaper less secure. And yes, that can cause leakage problems. In addition, these diaper covers are also on the expensive side, especially compared to disposable diapers.

  1. Nighttime diapers

Looking for comfortable diapers your baby can wear when it's time to go to dreamland? Then nighttime diapers are an excellent option. These diapers offer your mini-me maximum comfort while sleeping, so your baby will not be bothered by an uncomfortable diaper while sleeping. The absorbency of night diapers is high, which is nice while sleeping. This will improve your baby's sleep quality. And it also means you can say goodbye to changing your baby in the middle of the night. Hello, sleep!

  1. Swim diapers

The name says it all: your baby can wear a swim diaper while swimming. Some swimming pools even require your baby to wear a swim diaper in the pool. That's not bad at all, since swim diapers prevent babies' pee or poop from getting into the pool water. And that is of course very hygienic. Since these diapers are suitable for wearing in the water, they will not swell in the water.


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