These days, the practice of swaddling babies is outdated, and more and more parents prefer to let their baby feel free. However, newborn diapers are still popular, sometimes using them is an absolute must.
Baby in a diaper
Why does a newborn need diapers
The main purpose of diapers is to swaddle newborns. It is believed that this is how babies calm down and fall asleep faster. Even if the mother is not going to soothe the baby in this way, there are many useful uses for diapers:
- Cover of a changing table or any surface intended for performing various procedures with an infant;
- Laying baby diapers for newborns in the crib will help protect the sheet from possible contamination when the baby regurgitates, diaper leaks, etc.;
Important! If the mother does not plan to use diapers, but wants to put ordinary cloth diapers on the baby, then it is necessary to stock up on a solid amount of diapers.
- When walking with a newborn, you will need to put a diaper in a stroller, and sometimes cover the baby with it;
- There is nothing more comfortable than a diaper for wrapping a baby after bathing.
Purpose of different types of diapers
The types of clothes for changing newborns include not only ordinary diapers, but also their specialized varieties.
Waterproof disposable and reusable
These are essential accessories when the baby is without a diaper. They include several layers:
- polymer layer to prevent soaking;
- a layer of soft cellulose in contact with the baby's skin;
- an interlayer of absorbent filler.
Reusable waterproof diapers are made on a fabric basis and consist of three layers (the middle one is a water-repellent membrane) or two (the lower one is polymer). The main advantage is the ability to wash multiple times.
Waterproof reusable diaper
Important! Waterproof items are not suitable for changing. They are used exclusively for lining.
With zipper
It is made of hypoallergenic fabric and has the shape of a cocoon with a zipper in front. There can also be zippers on the sides to change diapers. This product is used to facilitate baby swaddling. In such a sleeping bag, the child feels comfortable, less constrained than with the usual swaddling, as his legs are free.
Zipper diaper
Diaper-cocoon with Velcro
It is similar to the previous version, but many mothers prefer it because of the comfortable cut and location of the fasteners. For the production of cocoons, fleece, flannel or knitted fabric is used.
Velcro cocoon
Optimal diaper size
The sizes of industrially manufactured diapers are standardized by GOST and are:
- for light fabrics - 90x130 cm;
- for warm fabrics - (75-90) x100 cm, (80-90) x110 cm, (75-90) x120 cm.
What kind of diapers a newborn will need is chosen based on his age, height and weight. For babies who have just been discharged from the hospital, products with dimensions of 90x100 cm are recommended. Older babies - 90 (100) x120 cm.
Material selection
You should opt for diapers for babies made of natural fabric, excluding the purchase of products containing synthetics, which can provoke allergic reactions. Different natural fabrics have different characteristics. Which diapers are best for a newborn is determined taking into account the properties of the material and the season of their use.
Knitted
Important! Knitted fabrics often come with synthetic additives, so you need to pay attention to the composition of the material, where there should be 100% cotton.
This fabric has elastic properties (stretching-shrinking), and the baby is not as limited in movement as in chintz or flannel diapers.
Knitted diapers
From footer
This cotton jersey has a smooth surface and is brushed on the back. The material is dense, soft and warm. Great for winter, cold autumn or spring applications.
Footer diaper
Warm fur
Real outer winter clothes for a newborn are made from 100% virgin wool. Some manufacturers produce fur products that transform into an envelope. It is convenient to use them as a blanket or rug for a baby.
From the cooler
Very lightweight and thin knitted fabric that stretches in width, but almost impossible to stretch in length. Has a natural composition of cotton, good air permeability. This is the best choice for newborns in hot summer.
Diaper from the cooler
Flannel
Flannel nappies have a long tradition of use. Flannel is one of the softest natural fabrics, often in beautiful colors. Ideal for use after bathing. It absorbs more moisture than coarse calico and chintz combined, but it also dries longer. Differs in increased resistance to wear, withstands a large number of washings.
Calico
Chintz is also a traditional cotton diaper material. Calico products dry quickly, this is a great advantage. They are inexpensive and can additionally serve as a bed sheet or cover for a baby in hot weather.
Calico diapers
Batiste
The fabric is delicate and lightweight, good for use in heat, but has a significant drawback - it is low resistance to wear. These products will not last long.
Bike
Many people think that flannel and flannel are the same thing. In fact, the flannel is fuzzy on one side, and the bike is on both. Therefore, the latter is a little denser to the touch and heavier, otherwise it has all the properties of flannel, which mothers prefer because of its greater softness and comfort. Flannel products are more expensive.
Best disposable diapers
Disposable diapers make it easier to care for a baby, but they are quite expensive for constant use, and cannot be compared with natural fabrics in their hygiene characteristics.
Important! It is not recommended to use single-use products containing fragrances.
Disposable baby diapers
The absorbent layer can be made of a synthetic liquid-to-gel or natural fluff pulp. The first option is more economical. The second is more expensive and involves frequent diaper changes due to slightly poorer moisture retention.
Making diapers with your own hands
Sometimes mothers want to sew their own diapers. Moreover, it is very simple to do this and will not be a problem even for novice craftswomen.
Manufacturing steps:
- Choose a suitable natural material and buy it;
- Take the standard diaper sizes as a guide, for example, 90x120 cm and cut the fabric;
- Overcast the edges using a needle and thread;
- Make a double overcast with a sewing machine;
- Wash finished products.
Important! The diaper should be a piece of one-piece fabric with no seams.
Required number of diapers
Previously, when diapers were not available, the need for diapers was much higher. Modern parents don't need that many. Required minimum:
- Disposable for the first time - no more than 10 pieces;
- Calico - 5 pcs.;
- Flannel - 5 pcs.;
- Knitwear - 5 pcs.;
- Velcro - 2 pcs. (one fleece and one flannel);
Important! If diapers will not be used, then the diapers are needed much more: at least 20 pcs. thin and just as warm.
You won't need a lot of small products (90x100 cm): only 2-3 pieces of thin and warm ones, as the baby grows very quickly and they become uncomfortable.
Care of the product
Simple care rules:
- Washing as it gets dirty using special baby powder or laundry soap;
- The rinse must be thorough;
- Ironing is done on both sides.
Every mother knows that there are never too many diapers. They can always be used for any purpose. With the advent of new varieties of this clothing for newborns, additional opportunities have appeared to ensure maximum comfort for mom and baby.
