Preparing a dowry for a newborn is a pleasant experience. Parents are happy to visit children's departments and purchase a crib, stroller, diapers, pacifiers, bottles and other pleasant little things for their future baby. Not the last place in this list is given to diapers. To use them for as long as possible without causing discomfort to your baby, you need to choose the right size products.
Read below about what kinds of diapers there are for a baby, and which one is best to choose.
Standard sizes of baby diapers
Parents have different opinions regarding whether it is worth swaddling their baby.
But no matter what group the mother of a newborn belongs to, she will still need diapers. Therefore, your little one’s wardrobe will definitely be replenished with several of these products.
It is immediately worth noting that all baby diapers offered on the shelves of children's stores may have different dimensions and be made of different materials. Information about at what age and which diapers are best to use can be found in the table below.
Choosing diapers according to age
Baby's age | Diaper sizes |
First month after birth | 80 x 95 cm |
2 - 3 months | 95 x 100 cm or 100 x 100 cm |
3 - 4 months | 110 x 110 cm |
from 4 months and older | 120 x 120 cm |
Diapers measuring 80 x 95 cm are not the most convenient option. They are ideal for use in the first days after birth, but subsequently will not be able to perform their functions due to their minimal dimensions. Subsequently, when the baby grows up, such products can be used instead of bedding or towels.
Products with dimensions of 95 x 100 cm or 100 x 100 cm are more convenient than the previous option. The difference between the listed products is only 5 cm, so such products are classified as one group.
These diapers can be used at 2-3 months. Due to their dimensional features, they will be comfortable for babies at this age. Diapers 110 x 110 cm are the most popular option among parents.
They are suitable for babies up to 4 months of age. However, there is one “but”. This product option is inconvenient if there is an intention to use them instead of bedding. However, here everything again depends on the size of the crib and changing table.
Diapers 120 x 120 cm can be used instead of bedding, towels and directly for their intended purpose. Such products are suitable even for those mothers who swaddle their babies for a long time during sleep. The disadvantage of such diapers is their high cost.
For convenience and to fully satisfy all needs, it is advisable to have several diapers of different sizes.
According to the material
In addition to size, an equally important selection criterion is also the material from which the product is made. Modern stores offer products made from flannel, flannel, chintz, knitwear, cotton and many other materials.
All of these fabrics are hypoallergenic, retain heat well, do not interfere with the flow of fresh air to the skin, and also provide the child’s body with a pleasant, soft touch.
The material should be selected taking into account the time of year and the conditions in which the baby is daily:
- chintz _ Calico products are perfect for hot summer days, as well as for use in a well-heated house or apartment;
- flannel or flannel. Dense fabrics have a soft surface, thanks to which the child’s body heat is well retained. Therefore, such diapers are perfect for winter and autumn;
- knitwear _ This type of diaper stretches well and has a universal character. It can be equipped with a zipper to secure the diaper.
To provide the baby with maximum comfort, it is recommended that each mother purchase several different diapers. In addition to standard fabric options, today you can also buy waterproof, reusable products and disposable diapers at the pharmacy.
Which diapers to choose for a newborn
Since quality is of great importance, choosing the right model should be taken seriously.
Product requirements
Newborn diapers meet certain criteria.
Size
The standard is 80-150 cm. The baby can quickly get out of small products; large ones are not very convenient to use. In the first 2 months of a child’s life, options measuring 80x95 cm are suitable. The size of the product is often selected depending on the method of swaddling the baby.
Swaddling methods
- Closed. In addition to eco-friendly diapers, a vest, cap, and cap are also used. Suitable for sleeping, feeding, walking.
- Open. The baby's arms remain free. The technique is similar to the first, but this option is used for older children. The baby needs to be swaddled at tummy level and put on a blouse (T-shirt) depending on the temperature.
- With your head. Used immediately after birth to help the baby feel comfortable outside the womb. The technology is similar to closed swaddling.
- Tight. The method immobilizes the baby. Previously, it was believed that the tight method promoted the alignment of the legs, but today it is rarely used, as it can negatively affect the child’s development in the future.
- Wide wrapping method. Allows the child to feel free. Recommended for older children. It is also prescribed by doctors to prevent hip dysplasia.
- An envelope. The method includes a special changing bag. Designed for use in the cold season. To prevent the baby from unwinding, you can tie the envelope decorated with a bow with a ribbon or elastic band.
Materials for production
Most mothers claim that a diaper is a comfortable garment for a newborn. Then the question arises of how to choose a product so as not to make a mistake with the material, since it determines its properties.
Products must meet the following requirements:
- create a favorable atmosphere and comfort for the baby;
- soothe - when swaddling the baby immediately falls asleep;
- absorb moisture - the greenhouse effect is very dangerous, so that diaper rash does not appear;
- do not rub the child’s skin; to prevent this, a special stitch is used along the edges;
- ensure normal skin temperature, prevent overmoistening, hypothermia and overheating;
If you look at it in the long term, after ironing and numerous washes they should not lose their original appearance.
To eliminate all kinds of risks, you should buy from trusted manufacturers who make children's products from natural cotton fabrics.
Common materials that are suitable include:
- Flannel is an insulated soft fabric, the first fabric in every person's life. It is easy to wash, does not wrinkle, is dense, retains heat due to its fleecy structure. The material is also extremely wear-resistant and can retain its properties for a long time, becoming softer with each wash. Designed for cold weather. Products made from flannel come in sizes 120x80, 90x120, 90x150 cm. Wider ones are suitable for daily swaddling.
- Lightweight chintz with a smooth surface. It's inexpensive. Provides free air movement, preventing skin rash. They are available in the classic version 120x80 and large 95x120 cm. With such products, the baby will feel comfortable even in the summer heat. For the winter period, a warm flannel covered with a short fleece is more suitable.
- Knitwear. Thanks to their elasticity, the products accurately follow the contours of the body without restricting movement. The knitted fabric is soft and has good stretch. Suitable for the summer season. It is important to pay attention to the composition - the fabric should not contain elastane or polyester. There are knitwear in various sizes - 120x80, 100x120 cm or square 100x100, 110x110 cm. Other sizes are also available.
- Kulirka is a knitted cotton fabric. It stretches poorly in length, stretches well in width, and does not wrinkle. The softness of diapers from the cooler allows babies to explore the world without being distracted by inconvenience. The cooler does not hold its shape perfectly and shrinks after washing, so it is better to buy a size larger.
- Footer is a delicate cotton material. Used in light industry. Soft, warming, easy to care for. The performance characteristics of the material are most valued in the production of baby diapers and clothing for newborns. Products made from footer retain heat and help keep you warm, that is, they are suitable for the cold season.
The above fabrics do not contain impurities and are durable.
Attention. It is not recommended to use synthetic products; this can lead to negative consequences for the child’s health.
When purchasing baby diapers, you should choose large manufacturers who use hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly materials to protect against hypothermia and overheating.
Types of baby diapers
Today, children's stores offer a large selection of models - standard products of classic sizes, Velcro films, zippers, envelopes, disposable, reusable, etc.
- Velcro products. According to customer reviews, it is a very convenient option. A modern model that allows you to swaddle without pulling. They are divided into single-layer for warm weather and demi-season double-layer.
- Disposable diapers. They are used for hygiene procedures, massages, in processes of treating the skin with disinfectant solutions, as well as during air baths. Great for protecting strollers, cribs, and car seats from getting wet. Such products are becoming increasingly popular today. Produced from natural raw materials that do not cause allergic reactions. They prevent contact with non-sterile surfaces, are safer than textile counterparts and do not need to be ironed. Such diapers can be called universal. They will keep your baby's bed dry and his sleep restful.
- Reusable - an inexpensive alternative to a waterproof mattress pad. An irreplaceable thing for a family with a child. It will be comfortable for your baby to lie on a soft diaper, for example, with a bright pattern, and you will protect furniture and other surfaces from leaking.
Color
Online stores sell products for every taste and color. When choosing a color and pattern, most parents focus on the gender of the child or choose neutral, universal colors. The best diapers for newborns are distinguished by calm tones, pleasant pictures, and the absence of too bright, acidic details or patterns that can fade.
Tips for choosing
- The best choice would be a simple product made from natural material without decoration or unnecessary seams. Mixed options should not be considered.
- It is advisable to purchase products before the baby is born. After all, diapers are used not only for swaddling, they can also be placed under the baby or covered.
- To make your baby feel at ease and comfortable, you need to constantly monitor the cleanliness of the diapers.
Next, we will tell you which products for newborns are best to give preference to based on characteristics and customer reviews.
What swaddling material is the most comfortable for your baby?
There is no specific answer to this question. Each type of fabric is intended for use in certain conditions. In addition, in this case, such concepts as personal preferences of parents and living conditions are important.
If the house is warm, or the baby was born in the hot season, you can focus on calico or cotton diapers, diluting the purchased products with a couple of large flannel or flannel counterparts for the cold season.
If the child was born on the cold days of autumn or winter, diapers should be chosen in a 50/50 ratio. Some products are useful for outdoor walks, others for staying at home.
Step-by-step instructions on how to sew it yourself
Sewing diapers with your own hands is quite simple. To do this, you just need to choose the right fabric and properly process the edge. The material for sewing such products can be purchased at the store or found at home. Chintz, flannel, flannel and some other types of natural fabrics are suitable for sewing.
Cocoon diaper pattern
The width of the chintz fabric is 80 or 90 cm - this is exactly what is needed for sewing diapers for a newborn. The length can be chosen at your own discretion (the ideal option would be 110 cm or 120 cm). If the width of the fabric is initially 110 cm, you can sew products measuring 110 x 110 cm.
You shouldn't sew too many diapers. They will only be needed for the first months of life. About 10 - 12 pieces will be enough. Subsequently, the products will only be used as a bedding or towel.
To create a product, you must do the following:
- Marks are made on the fabric with a pencil or soap, having determined the length of the products in advance;
- the fabric is cut with scissors according to the marks and then torn or cut in accordance with the previously made marks;
- It is better not to make a seam with a hem on diapers, as it will be too rough for the newborn’s skin and may simply rub it. Instead, you can use an overlocker, zigzag, or overcast the edges of the products by hand.
After the diapers are ready, they must be washed using baby care powder and ironed thoroughly, setting the iron to maximum temperature.
How to care for diapers?
A baby's skin is exposed to various harmful organisms. Diapers can serve as an excellent protective barrier that prevents germs from entering the skin. However, this is only possible if the products are clean.
Wash diapers only with baby soap or special powder. Such compositions can be found in children's departments.
Before you buy a detergent for washing children's clothes, make sure that the seller has a quality certificate for the product offered to parents. After the products have dried, they should be ironed.
Many parents doubt the effectiveness of ironing, so they prefer not to burden themselves with additional hassle and do not iron diapers. In fact, such a decision is erroneous and brings nothing but harm to the child.
Ironing diapers allows you to:
- eliminate bacteria from the surface of the fabric that got on it during the drying process;
- make the fabric softer;
- extend the life of the diaper;
- will improve the aesthetic performance of the item.
Accordingly, you should not neglect the use of the iron.
Flannel diapers for a small child
Flannel diapers are very pleasant to the touch; they are made from 100% cotton fiber , with a special “fluffy” feel. Flannel diapers absorb moisture well and do not create a “greenhouse effect” on the baby’s skin or unpleasant cold, even when wet. Flannel diapers retain baby's body heat and prevent him from overheating and hypothermia. This type of diaper can be used as a sheet for a child’s crib, as a towel after washing and bathing the baby, as a bedspread for sleeping in a very warm room or in the summer.
Video on the topic
What size should newborn diapers be? The answer to this and many other questions in the video:
Diapers are an important part of any newborn's wardrobe. Even if the mother decides not to swaddle her newborn, she will not be able to do without this type of product.
Regardless of whether the baby is wrapped in a diaper or used as a bedding, the item must be provided with careful care and regular ironing. Only in this case will the product bring maximum benefits to the child’s health.
How to choose the right disposable diapers?
When choosing disposable diapers for newborns, you should pay attention to:
- size and design - standard bedding 60x60 cm, but larger or smaller ones can also be purchased;
- absorbent capacity and fixing layer of substrates - the material must have adequate absorbency and water resistance, and also effectively destroy odors;
- softness of the surface - the sensitive skin of a child requires special care, so you should make sure that the product is made of a suitable delicate material.
When changing clothes for a small child, it is necessary to create complete comfort and protection for both the baby and the surfaces on which this happens. The baby will be comfortable on disposable diapers, and the mother will not have to worry about additional dirt. The best disposable diapers will help you change your diaper anywhere with maximum comfort.