This article will serve as a guide on how you can choose the best diaper for your baby. We have a buying guide with noteworthy comments and tips from board-certified pediatrician Dr. Cristal Ann Laquindanum-Tan. But before that, we will present our list of trustworthy newborn baby diapers for your little one!
Cristal Ann Laquindanum-Tan, MD, MBA, DPPS, is a board-certified pediatrician, particularly interested in nutrition, especially guiding first-time parents on how to start solid food for their babies. She posts health information content in her Instagram and Facebook account @millennialpedia. Most of her followers are millennial parents and first-time parents. Since almost everyone is using social media already, why not make health information accessible to parents, right? She's a practicing pediatrician in Metro Manila doing home vaccinations and teleconsultation during this pandemic.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
There are two types of diapers available -- disposable and a reusable one. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages, so it is up to you to decide which one works best for you and your baby.
Many parents prefer disposable diapers because they are more convenient to use. You can easily dispose of the diaper after your baby has used it. Disposable diapers are also more breathable and absorbent, which lessen the risk of irritation and the development of rashes on baby's skin.
However, using disposable diapers can cost more in the long run since babies use diapers for years. They are also harsh to the environment since they are non-biodegradable.
Disposable diapers are more commonly used because of their convenience. Some clinical studies show that because of the absorbent gel material in disposable diapers, there's significantly reduced skin wetness, closer to normal skin pH, and lower degrees of diaper dermatitis compared to conventional disposable or home-laundered cloth diapers.
Recently, disposable diapers' environmental impact has been really concerning. However, some companies are already taking action by improving their materials to be more eco-friendly.
Cloth diapers or reusable diapers are becoming popular among new parents these days. They are usually made from absorbent fabrics, such as cotton, bamboo, polyester, and more. They are gentler on your baby's sensitive skin. It may cost you much initially, but you will be able to save more money in the long run since you do not have to keep on buying diapers.
They are also eco-friendly, so you are helping in saving the environment at the same time. Do take note, though, that cloth diapers are less absorbent than disposable diapers, so you have to change them more often.
Cloth diapers are not novel alternatives to diapers. Locally, we already have this even when we were babies....remember lampin? Good thing is, now cloth diapers come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. No need for a sturdy safety pin to hold everything together.
Disposable diapers with absorbent gelling material have less chances of diaper rashes. However, you can still minimize the risk of diaper rashes when using cloth diapers by frequently changing once the skin is exposed to urine and/or stool.
If you have decided to go with disposable diapers, remember that they come in two types: taped diapers and pants type, with the usual sizes from newborn to XL. Others may think the pants type is not convenient because you need to pull it down when used, unlike the taped diaper. Check the pros and cons of these two types of disposable diapers.
An obvious advantage of a tape-type diaper is that you can adjust the fit based on your baby's body size. You can use the tape to adjust the fit on your baby's waist. This is ideal to use for newborn babies since they cannot stand or sit yet.
However, it can be difficult to change your baby's diaper if you use a taped diaper, especially when your baby is constantly moving. Also, the tape can break or lose its stickiness, so it may not be adhesive anymore, and you may have to get new diapers instead. Compared to the pants type, the possibility of leaks is higher, too.
A taped-type diaper variant is available for babies in their first few months of life because you can easily adjust its fit. Babies, on their first few months, grow faster compared to when they're already a toddler, so they will quickly outgrow their clothes as well as their diaper sizes.
Around 6-12 months of age, or when they're starting to sit on their own, crawl, and walk, they're more mobile, and taped diapers might be harder to stay put.
The best advantage of the pants type is that they can be put on and removed easily. Diaper changes can be quick, too, even if your baby is moving around. Pants-style diapers are also flexible and can hold any position, whether your baby is standing, crawling, or walking. This is also used as training pants for babies to try to put on and remove the diaper by themselves.
On the contrary, pants-type diapers typically cost more than taped diapers. They are also made in larger sizes, so getting one for your newborn baby can be difficult. They are also not ideal for newborn babies since the pants can cause friction to the baby's unhealed navel.
A pants-type diaper might be more suitable for babies 6 months and up. However, there are really no rigid recommendations for this because each baby is different. It will really depend on how each situation. My tipーdon't buy in bulk right away! Test a few packs of diapers to check the fit first.
Every baby's skin is different, but they are always highly sensitive. Sometimes, even a small amount of dirt or dust can cause rashes and irritation to your little one's skin. Being unable to change your baby's diaper, especially if it is already "full," can cause irritation, rashes, discomfort, or worse, a bacterial infection.
The primary responsibility of a diaper is to keep your baby dry and protect him or her from any wetness problems, so absorbency is very important. If a diaper has slow absorption, several problems may occur, such as itchy skin, irritations, chafing, and discomfort. There may also be a high chance of developing bacterial infections.
Try looking for a diaper that can absorb wetness for longer hours, so you do not have to keep on changing your baby's diaper. Keeping your baby clean and dry at all times is important. It is not just for hygienic purposes and comfort but also for health reasons. Therefore, the importance of choosing a highly absorbent baby diaper is a must.
Your baby will spend every day of his/her first few years of life wearing a diaper and along with it is being constantly exposed to urine, sweat, and stool, which is the usual cause of diaper dermatitis. Exposure to these irritants can strip the normal skin barrier.
To combat this, you need a diaper with great absorbency. However, take note that even if the diaper has good absorbance, you still need to change them as soon as you discover that it's soiled.
Because of your baby's delicate skin, you also need to note the diaper's materials. It is important to buy diapers made with good materials. Feel its outer and inner layers and check if they are rough, hard, or itchy on your skin. If you feel discomfort, most likely your baby will feel it, too, and you don't want that to happen.
Finding the right diaper with the right amount of softness is always the best choice to secure your baby's comfort and convenience. There are diapers sold in the market that have cotton soft covers to prevent diaper rash. As your baby grows, your baby's skin will also become less sensitive, so you can switch to a different diaper type suitable for your little one.
Diapers are part and parcel of your baby's wardrobe in the first few years of their life. It has to grow with them, and they have to be comfortable enough to be 24/7 on it.
Breathability is also an important point to consider when choosing a baby diaper. Since you want your baby to be always clean and dry, especially when you cannot change the diaper immediately, look for a highly breathable diaper. Otherwise, it may leave your baby in discomfort and may also cause irritation and rashes.
Choose a diaper that can let the air in and out to keep your baby dry. A breathable diaper can reduce the chances of your baby developing diaper rash and keep the skin fresh. It also allows the odor to escape, so you will know when to change your baby's diaper to avoid prolonged exposure to urine and feces.
Sometimes, it takes a bit of trial and error to know which types and brands of diapers your little one is most comfortable with. But one thing you need to ensure is it must have soft, non-irritating materials that are breathable. This way, skin irritation and rashes are prevented.
Aside from your baby's comfort and convenience, you have to choose a diaper that will be best suitable for you, too. When you choose a diaper, consider the amount of time it takes to remove and change it. It should be less of a hassle for you, too, providing you ease and less burden. Here are some points to remember.
When you choose a baby diaper that is easy to remove, the stickiness of tapes is important. The tape should be sticky enough and not fall off easily, but it should be also peeled off quickly when it is time for a diaper change. There are diaper pants as well where you can easily slip them in, removing the hassle of sticking and peeling the tapes off.
The taped diaper is more suitable for newborn babies because the umbilical cord can be protected from friction. You can adjust the tape conveniently to keep your baby comfortable. You can also have an easier time changing your baby's diaper because you just need to lift up your baby's bottom.
Choose a diaper that's not only suitable for the child but also convenient to the parents. Why? The parents and/or caregiver will be spending most of the first couple of years changing diapers. Make it convenient for you. Don't just follow trends; look how changing diapers will fit into your routine and which ones are easier for you to manage.
Aside from the frequent diaper changes, diaper leaks are another major hassle. You need to change and wash everything, from the baby's clothes, bedsheets, blankets, and sometimes, even your clothes. To avoid this scenario, a good-fitting diaper is essential.
It also must not be too tight nor too loose. You need to make sure that the diaper fits snugly around the waist and legs. Stretchability around the waist and legs is also important, so the baby can stretch freely without feeling any discomfort. Look for a diaper that is elastic around the legs. This gives the baby comfort and helps prevent leaks.
Although diapers are grouped according to sizes, a particular size that fits your baby does not always mean it fits your baby's body shape. For example, it is best to look for diapers for newborns that provide the right fit and space for the umbilical cord to dry and heal quickly. You can refer to the diaper's weight range to see if the diaper can fit your baby.
You might also want to buy a trial amount, so you can see which diaper is suitable for your baby's physique. It's also wise not to stock up too many diapers of the same size as the baby can outgrow them quickly. By doing this, you will be able to choose the right diaper for your baby and save money at the same time.
One of the most rapid growth rate periods in a human being's life is during his/her first 2 years. That's why pediatricians check your baby's weight and length for every well-baby visit, especially on the first few years. Therefore, babies might outgrow their clothes and diapers faster than you can anticipate.
This diaper can keep your baby dry and comfortable because it contains natural cotton. It also has overnight absorbency, so your baby can sleep soundly at night. The soft, stretchy ears give a snug fit to prevent leakage, and the wetness indicator helps you know when it's time to change your baby's diaper.
The breathable cover promotes air circulation to keep your baby's skin dry. It also has a Runny Poo Leakguard, a back pocket to prevent leakage from your baby's runny poo. The Poo Absorb Liner pulls and locks away runny poo to minimize contact with your baby's skin. This is a good choice to keep your baby comfortable at all times.
Keeping your baby dry is very important to prevent skin irritation. This diaper has high absorbency because of its ultra-dry absorbent material that keeps the surface dry and directs moisture away from the baby's bottom.
It can also limit and prevent leaks from the diaper back to your baby's skin. The 3D Dot Emboss technology provides gentle touch and reduces direct skin contact. The extra absorbent pad can absorb up to 6 cups of urine while keeping your baby dry.
These diapers have extra soft materials that can bring comfort to your baby and prevent irritation. Its wetness indicator can help you know when to change your baby's diaper. You also do not have to worry about leaks because it has fitting leg guards to prevent leakage.
This diaper is designed to protect your baby's delicate skin, and it is made with breathable materials to let the hot air out. It has 3 magic channels to distribute wetness evenly and keep your baby dry. It also has magic gel channels to immediately absorb wetness to minimize pee contact with skin. It also prevents the diaper from sagging.
The soft cottony cover gives comfort to your baby, and it has skin protecting lotion that serves as a barrier against skin irritants. It is very absorbent and can last up to 12 hours, so your baby can have a good night's sleep. You will also know when to change your baby's diaper because of its wetness indicator.
This product is great for newborn babies whose skin needs a lot of care because they are in the most delicate stage. You are sure to get peace of mind as it also has a pad that effectively absorbs wetness and can keep your baby's skin dry for up to 12 hours.
Using a cloth diaper is a good alternative if you want to save money in the long run. This cloth diaper is made with breathable fabric, which is hypoallergenic and soft. It has a pocket where you can put the absorbent cotton pad to keep it in place. The stretchable leg cuffs provide a better fit and prevent leakage.
You can easily adjust the diaper by snapping the buttons, so it can fit well and can be used even if your baby keeps on growing. It is also eco-friendly since you only need to wash it, and it can be used over and over. People who bought this for their baby said that the quality is good. If you are looking for something you can use instead of disposable diapers, you can try this one.
For maximum breathability and comfort, it has an Airpro backsheet that helps to quickly release humidity and moisture. It is also lightweight yet very absorbent, so it will keep your baby's skin feeling dry and comfortable for an extended period of time.
The waistband is stretchable to keep a comfortable fit, plus it uses magic velcro tape for its fastening system, which ensures that the diaper stays in place.
Rashes and skin irritation are the common problems that babies suffer from when wearing diapers. Using this diaper can be a solution to those problems. It has a bubble top sheet that reduces the area that comes in contact with your baby's skin to prevent diaper rash. The breathable cottony cover provides good airflow to keep your baby dry and comfortable.
The high absorbent core with ADL draws the urine away from your baby's skin, and the side leak guards prevent leakage. It also has wider magic tapes resistant to baby oil and powder, so you do not have to worry about them getting unfastened. This is a good choice if your baby suffers from rashes and skin irritations.
Whether you are a pro or a first-time parent, you should know how to properly use a diaper, such as changing the diaper, disposing of the diaper, and moving to a larger size. Common mistakes parents make are either putting the diaper backward and buying too small or too big diapers. Here are some things you can follow.
Have everything on hand before changing your baby's diaper, and that includes a new diaper, wipes, cotton, and warm water. Ensure you have everything you need, as babies cannot be left unattended. Once you are ready, place the baby on a flat surface or in a changing area. Unfasten the dirty diaper, then hold your baby's legs in one hand.
Then, use your other hand to pull down the front of the diaper and tuck it under the bottom, but do not remove it yet. Use wet wipes or cotton with warm water to wipe your baby's bottom. Always wipe from front to back to avoid urinary tract infection. Now, you can swap the dirty diaper with the clean one.
Lift your baby's legs and pull the dirty diaper out. Slide the clean diaper underneath them. For a taped disposable diaper, the adhesive tabs go at the back, right about belly-button level. You can then tape them and make sure the diaper is fit and snug.
Tucking the front of the dirty diaper under the bottom while cleaning the genital and anal area is a wise thing to do! "Accidents" may happen and your baby might pee while you're changing. This often happens with boys because of the size and location of the penis, the pee tends to shoot upwards, usually towards the one changing. If you still have the dirty diaper underneath, you can easily use it to shield yourself from the shooting pee.
Before throwing your baby's used diapers, especially those with poo, it is important that you dump the contents in the toilet. A dirty diaper should be folded and rolled into a smaller size to secure the remaining waste in the diaper, and you can use the tapes to secure it from any leakage and minimize odor.
Before you throw it in the garbage can, wrap the used diaper in a plastic bag or a newspaper. Make sure that you throw it in a sealed garbage bin to prevent odor from coming out. Also, avoid burning used diapers since they contain chemicals that can be harmful to you and your family.
When it comes to your little one, we're sure that you only want nothing but the best for him or herーthe best diapers included! Below are some more useful information and insights from Dr. Cristal as she answers some of the most asked questions about diapers.
Diaper should be changed frequently to reduce the risk of the skin's exposure to irritants (sweat, poop, and pee). How frequent? A healthy newborn pees at least 5x a day and poops at least 1-2x a day, so that's an average of around 6 diaper changes a day. It is best to change the diaper as soon as you detect urine and/or stool.
A cloth diaper has to be changed more frequently because it has less absorbability than disposable diapers. Some disposable diapers have wetness indicators but make it a habit to check often to ensure there's no leakage or skin irritation.
An article in Pediatrics in Review written by Dr. Helms and Dr. Burrows summarized a straightforward mnemonic to recall how to take care of diaper rashes: ABCDE.
The best time to stop using diapers is when they're already starting toilet training. This is not an abrupt stop because toilet training takes time to master for children. In general, they're physiologically ready at around 18 months of age.
However, successful toilet training does not only take into account the child's chronological age but also their developmental milestones (cognitive, motor, and verbal skills) that will help the process. Some kids may also regress or resist toilet training, and that may be a sign for parents to try again some other time.
If you are having your first child or is pregnant with your second child, preparing things that your baby will need is important. It is better to prepare before your baby is born, so you have plenty of time to buy the things your baby needs. Check these items for your baby!
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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