Everyone knows that babies need diapering.  But figuring out which diaper fits your baby best can be a nightmare.   I’ll tell you this, the perfect diaper for your baby probably won’t be the first diaper you try.

Choosing the best diaper for your baby

Once you decide between cloth or disposable it gets a little easier.   Though I regret it now, we did not use cloth diapers.  I didn’t use them because I was afraid that I wouldn’t do it “right” and, at the time, I didn’t know any cloth diapering mamas.   If I had only starting blogging sooner, I am sure that I would have discovered the fabulous cloth diaper review directory that Lindsey created on her blog, So Easy Being Green.  If you’re thinking of cloth diapering, or already do, pop over and read though some of Lindsey’s reviews.

We chose the disposable route.  Our hospital sent us home with Pampers Swaddlers.  Tons of them.  Well, we took tons of them home with us because I cleaned out the little changing table just before every shift change.   The Texan liked them because they had a little line that changed from yellow to blue when baby was wet.   I liked them because they were super soft.

I disliked them because they weren’t environmentally friendly.

And so began the hunt for a more eco-conscious diaper.

We first tried the Seventh Generation brand.  And, we experienced TONS of LEAKING.   The Boy had very skinny legs, he still does.  The Seventh Generation just weren’t snug enough around the thigh.   I did like how easy they were to fasten, the tape stuck quite well.  Unlike most diapers, these diapers are brown.  The Texan was creeped out by this.  Although I explained they didn’t use bleach, and were natural, The Texan could not use them.

The next brand we tried were Earth’s Best. These fit The Boy’s slim frame perfectly!   The tape stuck as well as other brands, and we had few nighttime leaks.   That made me a happy mama, changing a soggy sheet and baby in the middle of the night is one party I hate attending.  {I should add that The Boy has a bladder that works very well, I have always been amazed at the amount of urine that comes out of his little body in one day.  We’re big on beverages here, so I know there isn’t a medical issue.  But some days, I’m shocked!}   We used Earth’s Best as our primary brand of disposables until we began potty training.

Features to look for in a diaper:

• Elastic waistband – you want a diaper that moves easily with your baby
• Elastic legbands – this is more important than the waistband.  While you need something that will allow baby to move, it must also prevent leaks.
• Breathable material – you’ll want the material the diaper is made from to be breathable, this will reduce your baby’s risk of diaper rash.  Frequent diaper changes will also significantly reduce baby’s diaper rash risk.  {The Boy never had a diaper rash, and I frequently changed his diaper.}
• Sizing – before purchasing a case {or more} of diapers, be sure to find one that fits well.   A size 2 in one brand may fit like a size 3 in another brand.
• Pricing – it is always cheaper to purchase diapers in bulk.  Consider joining Amazon Mom and purchasing your diapers through the “Subscribe and Save” option.  Your diapers will be auto-shipped to you and you’ll save 20% off the case price!

Always remember, just because your friend used one brand doesn’t mean that it will work for you.  If you used one brand for your first baby, that brand may not fit your second baby the same way.  Be flexible and once you find that one that works best feel confident that you made the best decision for your baby.

How did you decide which diaper was best for your baby?

 

This is part of series of posts titled Motherhood Mondays where I’ll be sharing my parenting experiences, tips and advice.  If there is a specific topic you would like to see in the coming weeks, please email Me with Motherhood Mondays in the subject line.