What diapers are needed for a newborn and how many?

Not long ago, generally accepted rules for caring for newborns began to change. In connection with this, the question began to arise in every family: “To swaddle or not?” Modern parents face an even more difficult task when it comes to choosing diapers. Today, manufacturers produce them in a variety of shapes, sizes, purposes and functionality.

Products with colorful designs

Why do newborns need diapers?

Children, being in their mother's belly for 9 months, get used to cramped conditions. After birth, they are no longer constrained by anything. During sleep, the muscles of the arms and legs can twitch, which is why the child, starting in his sleep, wakes himself up. This is the main reason why mothers agree with the benefits of swaddling. In the first month of life, children really sleep more comfortably this way.

The advantage of swaddling is its low cost. Rompers and baby vests are much more expensive, and besides, there should be several sets of such clothes in the house so that there is something to dress the newborn in while the soiled items are washed and dried.

Important! The opinion of the older generation that tight swaddling can be used to straighten a baby’s legs has been refuted by medicine. Just like the fact that tight swaddling negatively affects the development of the child’s personality and self-sufficiency.

To swaddle or not to swaddle, the mother herself decides, relying on her own skills, preferences and financial capabilities. Even in a family where children are not swaddled, there is still a sufficient number of diapers that are actively used when caring for a newborn:

• they are placed under the baby when they are placed somewhere other than his crib (on a sofa, in a cradle, on a hammock for swimming);
• they cover the child during a walk in the summer, when he is wearing nothing but a diaper;
• absorbent models are placed under the baby when he takes air baths without a diaper;
• insulated models provide shelter in cool weather;
• absorbent diapers are used to wet the baby's skin after bathing;
• During games on a developmental mat or floor with toys, a diaper is also placed under the baby.

The complete absence of diapers in the house will not be a tragedy, but it will significantly increase the volume of daily laundry, because in this case the baby will dirty the sheets and duvet covers.

We calculate the exact number of diapers for the baby

Now stores provide a large selection of diapers for babies. In order not to get confused, you need to think about each use of diapers and decide on the quantity, because the baby will need a lot of them.

Diapers are needed for:

• swaddling the baby (if you plan to swaddle) - 10-15 pieces per day (10 thin and 5 of thick material) will be quite enough. But keep in mind that you will need to wash them daily and they should be dry by morning. If you don’t plan to swaddle, but will actively use diapers, then you don’t need diapers for swaddling, but you do need them for the needs listed below;
• diaper in the crib. Since the baby is still small, he sometimes spits up. And in some cases, the diaper leaks, and in order to protect yourself and the baby from unnecessary dirt on the sheets, you need to lay an oilcloth over the sheets, and put a regular diaper on it. For this you need 2 pieces;
• to lay out a changing table for air baths, baby massage, educational games, changing. You need to purchase 2 pieces;
• After hygienic bathing or washing procedures, you can use a diaper instead of a towel to wipe the baby. You will need 2-3 pieces;
• diaper for use in the clinic during visits to the doctor;
• During walks, you can also cover the mattress in the stroller with a diaper to prevent the diaper from leaking. In good and warm weather, you can walk with your baby in the cradle, and to prevent him from freezing, you can cover him with a diaper; a flannel one is perfect for this. Thus, you will need 1 plain, 1 flannel.

If the mother decides that the baby is better off without diapers, then 15 to 25 pieces will be needed for one day, but if the baby is in a diaper, 5-10 pieces per day will be enough.

Types of diapers and their variety

Music for newborns

Modern diapers can be found in a variety of types, materials and purposes. If you learn how to use at least some of them, caring for your child will be much easier.

Warm diapers

Insulated cotton-based fabric allows you to use such diapers as a lightweight blanket that retains heat. Some models are double-sided, with one side made of flannelette and the other made of fleece.

Thin diapers

Standard size cotton thin diapers for newborns are suitable for swaddling up to two months. They are often used to cover the surface on which the baby will be laid.

Modern absorbent models

This type is loved by mothers for its undeniable functionality. On the bottom side they are waterproof, on a polyethylene base. The top layer consists of a thin synthetic fiber mixed with cotton, under which the absorbent layer is evenly distributed; in the most inexpensive options it resembles cotton wool. Such diapers allow you to leave your baby without diapers without worrying about the cleanliness of the bed. Although these models are more convenient for girls than for boys, they are still actively used by mothers of children of both sexes.

Disposable absorbent models

Interesting. The advantage of using absorbent diapers for girls lies in the difference in the structure of the genital organs: boys, due to their physiology, lying on their backs without a diaper, are able to wet everything around them, but not the diaper under them.

Hooded diaper after bathing

Typically, such products are mistaken for insulated items, but the height and stiffness of the pile make it clear that the main function of such a model is moisture absorption. Unlike modern multi-layer diapers with an absorbent layer, these are reusable, like other cloth ones.

Velcro cocoon diaper

Velcro diapers are a real godsend for those who find it difficult to learn how to swaddle, but the process itself is actively practiced. There is no need to think about how to correctly place the corner of the fabric under the handle and behind the back of the newborn. Thanks to the special pattern, it is enough to place the baby in the center of the product, and then secure the free edges with Velcro on the chest. Most of these diapers are made of knitwear, so they fit snugly to the body, but do not hinder movement.

Flannel

Practical housewives choose them because this fabric is especially wear-resistant. Its second useful property is the ability to absorb liquid and retain heat. Many mothers use flannel diapers along with thin cotton ones as an additional layer of insulation.

Calico

Newborn diapers, the size of which reaches one and a half meters in length, are usually sewn from chintz. This type of product is used both as a bedding for a stroller or a carrycot, and as a canopy that provides protection from the sun's rays in hot weather. An undeniable advantage of this material is its ability to dry quickly.

Kinds

Modern diapers are much more convenient than traditional ones, but you won’t be able to completely abandon the usual linen with sewn edges. You already know how many diapers a newborn will need. Leave half of the standard products and replace half with Euro diapers. A comfortable new product is suitable for sleeping and waking, and for bathing, use regular cotton or flannel fabric as a sheet under the head.

Cocoon

Mothers quickly appreciated the benefits of the cocoon diaper for newborns, which has long been popular in Europe and the USA. Maximum comfort for the baby and mommy is the reason for buying more expensive but useful things.

Advantages:

• the baby sleeps better in a cozy “cocoon”, feels warmth and protection;
• the bottom does not press on the legs, the tiny arms are well fixed;
• Velcro and zippers allow you to completely or partially unswaddle your baby in a couple of minutes. Some models allow you to change a newborn's clothes without even waking him up;
• there are euro-diapers made of light and dense fabrics;
• a rich assortment for any time of year;
• Zipped diapers from well-known manufacturers often come with a comfortable cap;
• in summer, a beautiful cocoon diaper is suitable for discharging the baby and mother from the maternity hospital;
• Using Euro-diapers saves time, gives mom an extra minute of rest, and allows you to bother the baby less.

If you know how to swaddle a newborn, but you haven’t succeeded yet, buy a few Euro swaddles. Even dad can wear a comfortable cocoon. The modern method of swaddling gives comfort to the baby and makes caring for the baby easier.

Velcro

Peculiarities:

• two sizes: from birth to three months, from 3 to 6 months;
• material – flannel, knitwear, fleece;
• nice colors, high quality;
• Even dad can swaddle the baby;
• the legs are hidden in a “pocket”, then the left “wing” is wound to the right and secured with reliable Velcro. The right side is also folded up and secured with special ears;
• swaddling takes no more than a minute or two;
• the average price is 500–600 rubles.

With a zipper

Features of the zippered diaper for newborns:

• maximum simplicity of the swaddling process: just place the baby on his back inside the “cocoon”, carefully fasten the zipper;
• the presence of two zippers on the sides (from the bottom) makes it easy to change the diaper without removing the entire product;
• Euro-diaper “cocoon” with a zipper often comes complete with a soft hat;
• The diaper is made of biscuit-type knitwear. The use of high-quality material ensures a comfortable position for the tiny body. The baby is swaddled, but can move his legs and arms whenever he wants;
• good Euro diapers in this category at an affordable price are produced by Woombie and Summer. The price of a diaper with zippers is about 500 rubles per unit.

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Optimal size for a newborn

Child's clothing size

Standards for the size of a baby diaper for newborns no longer depend on the weight and height of the child, but on what fabric the product is made of. According to GOST, finished diapers can have 4 sizes for each type of fabric.

Standard

The standards allow the following sizes of diapers for newborns; the table includes indicators for flannelette and cotton products.

Sizes of finished diapers

If you do not want to swaddle your baby, you can opt for the largest size, as it is convenient for them to cover the changing table, scales and other surfaces.

How to sew it yourself

You already know what size diapers are needed for a baby. Before purchasing a piece of fabric, be sure to do the following:

• measure the height and weight of the baby. Have you decided to make a useful wardrobe item before the baby is born? Focus on the average weight and height of newborns, sew diapers measuring 120x120 cm: at the birth of a large child (4 kg, height 54–56 cm), diapers 85x90 ​​cm will be small;
• think about how many light and warm diapers you will need. You shouldn’t take extra fabric, but buying a cut “butt” is also undesirable;
• choose a material with a pleasant, not very large pattern. Tones - soft, pastel, bright prints are unacceptable;
• Check the price per meter, take the required amount with you. Calculate how many diapers you will get with a fabric width of 120 or 80–90 cm;
• Be sure to buy a spool of thread for sewing edges.

Step by step:

• even a novice seamstress can easily sew fabric for a baby;
• buy fabric or pick up unnecessary sheets, which will also make soft diapers;
• Be sure to wash the new cut at 60 degrees. Without this operation, the diapers will “shrink” after the first wash of the finished product;
• dry and iron the material. Lay the fabric out on a flat surface and mark with a centimeter. You can draw lines with a simple pencil or soap;
• cut the fabric along the marked lines, finish the edges with a zigzag stitch or overlock;
• did you get the cut from the store? Decorate only the bottom and top: the sides are processed at the factory, the threads will not come off. If the diapers are made from old sheets, decorate all four sides;
• If you don’t have a sewing machine, finish the edges with a regular overlock stitch. The operation takes some time. This method is suitable for the expectant mother: after the baby is born, there will not be a free minute for this type of diaper design;
• never fold the edges of the fabric: any folds, too dense areas interfere with the newborn, rubbing the delicate body. With the sides turned up, the diaper will turn out to be rough, especially if it is made of flannel or flannel;
• Wash the finished products again. Use quality baby powder;
• Iron dry items on both sides, fold them into a pile, and put them away for storage. Immediately sort by size, if you sewed several varieties, quality of material (warm and thin).

Please note: making diapers does not require special skills, but takes two to three days (or a week) depending on your skills and availability of free time. It is difficult (and not very useful) for an expectant mother to sit at an overlocker or sewing machine for several hours in a row. Set aside a few days for sewing (while the baby is not yet born) or entrust the design of the diapers to your mother, sister or grandmother.

More useful information about diapers for newborns in the following video:

What size should diapers be?

For ease of swaddling, manufacturers make products according to a single size chart, according to which you can choose the right option from birth to one year.

Size chart by age

How to teach a child to drink from a mug independently

Sizes according to age

Interesting . Hyperactive babies are swaddled even at the threshold of one year of age. This allows you to increase the duration of sleep.

Swaddling babies up to one year old

What sizes and types of diapers are there?

Manufacturers now produce diapers in different sizes, but there are 4 common sizes:

1. 80x95 cm. This option is most suitable for swaddling the smallest babies (up to 3 months). After they become small, you can find a use for them and use them as towels and diapers.
2. 95x100 (100x100) cm. This type of diaper is excellent for swaddling babies 2-4 months old, as well as for drying a child, for use while taking air baths.
3. 110x110 cm. The most ideal option for swaddling both for a newborn and for children no older than 4 months. In the first months, diapers are used: for wiping, bedding, swaddling, instead of clothes, but after the baby becomes active and there is no point in wrapping.
4. 120x120 cm. If you have a large baby or he is quickly gaining weight, then these diapers are perfect for swaddling. Large diapers are very convenient to use as a sheet or towel.

In general, the issue of swaddling is quite complex; now they are moving away from tightly swaddling babies and using loose swaddling: only the baby’s bottom and legs are loosely wrapped in a swaddle. Tight swaddling is only permissible for sleep in the first month of a child’s life.

The question of what size and how many diapers are needed for a newborn is easily resolved if the mother decides for herself whether she will use them instead of a diaper or not.

Required number of diapers

Preparing for the arrival of a newborn, every parent couple thinks about what exactly needs to be bought for the baby and in what quantity.

To the maternity hospital

Today, state maternity hospitals provide a woman who has given birth with the required number of diapers completely free of charge, taking away soiled ones for washing every day, and in return providing clean, ironed ones.

For home

It is worth purchasing the required minimum of 5 pieces of flannel and 5 pieces of calico for home. During operation, it will become clear how much and what material still needs to be purchased, or whether the available quantity is quite enough.

Rules for caring for diapers

It is recommended to have a separate basket for children's things. Wash diapers only with special baby products. Ironing on both sides will be an additional heat treatment that disinfects the fabric after contamination with biological waste products of the baby.

Velcro cocoon

Each mother decides for herself what and how to dress her baby. Don't be nervous about not being able to turn your baby into a beautiful cocoon. If you want to swaddle your baby, you can always use Velcro models, otherwise it would not be a mistake to give preference to baby undershirts and forget about the problem of swaddling.