Diapers: when they are needed and how to choose?

Because they provide comfort and convenience for both parents and babies, diapers have become an indispensable component of contemporary parenting. However, for new parents, choosing the appropriate diapers and knowing when to start using them can be a little overwhelming.

Since every child develops at a different rate, it’s important to know when to change a child’s diaper. An infant’s comfort and health can be greatly impacted by the diaper they wear, and this is especially true for toddlers who are getting close to potty training and require frequent changes.

Given the wide variety of diaper styles and brands available, it’s critical to know what to look for. To keep your baby dry and comfortable, factors like fit, materials, and absorbency are essential. We’ll go over the essentials in this guide to assist you in selecting what’s best for your child’s needs.

Why are they needed

In the days of our mothers, when there were no diapers and waterproof sheets, each young mother had at least two dozen diapers. In previous years, after each pee of the baby, the swaddle had to be changed; now this is not so relevant, because, in most cases, infants wear waterproof panties that protect the material from the unpleasant feeling of dampness. Nowadays, more and more young mothers talk about the harm of swaddling. There are theories that it does not allow the baby to develop harmoniously, inhibits the development of tactile functions, limits the perception of the surrounding world and does not allow the formation of individuality. That is why many people fundamentally refuse to buy diapers, however, as practice shows, after a short time they come to it, being exhausted by long nights without sleep.

Swaddling’s history dates back thousands of years. Even in ancient Russia, babies were swaddled in diapers and attended to by a unique midwife, a 20 cm wide strip of homespun fabric embroidered with crosses that was handed down from mother to daughter and regarded as a baby amulet. A midwife covered the baby in a diaper and wrapped it from the neck down to the feet. Tight swaddling was practiced during the first ten to fifteen days of the child’s life because it was thought that this would help to lessen the stress the infant faces during childbirth.

Nowadays, a lot of proponents of "progressive" theories contend that swaddling is a ridiculous practice from the past that makes fun of newborns who are deprived of their freedom of movement from the moment they are born. We won’t get into that, but instead we’ll attempt to comprehend the benefits and drawbacks of swaddling from a physiological perspective.

In the old days, babies were wrapped in a diaper in such a way that the baby"s legs were straightened and pressed as tightly as possible to each other, while his arms were tied to the body. Such a method is called tight swaddling, and it certainly, does not bring any benefit to the baby. It has been proven that such wrapping significantly slows down the normal development of the child"s basic motor characteristics, while infants begin to get used to their own limbs only by 6-7 months, and in addition, such children up to a year can wake themselves up with twitches during night sleep. Tight wrapping often causes dysplasia (i.e. dislocation) of the hip joint, and also disrupts the baby"s blood circulation and noticeably compresses the lungs. As a result, the organs do not receive oxygen in the proper volume, which has the most detrimental effect on the development of the baby"s organs and systems.

Tight swaddling contributes to overheating, and this, in turn, weakens the immune system. Thus, tight wrapping of the baby disrupts his physiology, worsens the well-being, sleep and nutrition of the baby. Well, if we talk about psychology, then it is worth listening to the experts who claim that, with such an impact, a submissive personality is formed from the child, ready for complete submission; often such measures lead to the fact that the child grows up passive, prone to being a victim. But all this applies only to tight swaddling. Most modern mothers use loose wrapping, in which the legs are wrapped freely and do not restrict movement, the arms are pressed to the body very slightly, and, after a couple of weeks, are completely located above the diaper. Such wrapping creates conditions that resemble intrauterine ones. As is known, before birth, the child is located in the uterus, the walls of which tightly embrace its body, provide support for the limbs, such "hugs" become close to the child and any imitation of them helps to create a feeling of comfort and warmth in the child.

It’s no secret that the newborn experiences extreme shock and terror. He moves through the birth canal in a familiar, warm, and dark environment, which causes stress during contractions and pain in the lungs from the first breath. Subsequently, he finds himself in a spacious area brimming with light and a variety of strange sounds. The infant becomes terrified as their arms and legs start to move without any support. The child’s mental development is severely hampered by this fear, which also retards the child’s ability to learn.

Thus, loose swaddling allows you to limit the space surrounding the baby, provides a point of support, creates warmth and allows you to take a familiar physiological position, in which he can pull his legs to his tummy and suck his fist a little – this way the child quickly learns to calm himself down on his own. In addition, swaddling significantly improves the soundness of the baby"s sleep, which means that his mother also has the opportunity to get enough sleep. It is known that human sleep consists of deep and slow phases, and at the moment of transition from the first to the second, the excitability of the nerve endings changes and the person can flinch. Newborns do not have inhibitory mechanisms of the nervous system, so the flinching is quite pronounced, the arms and legs rise high and the child wakes up. As he develops, by about a month, the flinching becomes weaker and the fright goes away.

The baby can sleep soundly and prevents vomit in his limbs when he is swaddled.

• the newborn does not interfere with himself with his arms and legs, cannot be frightened by his own body parts and scratch himself in his sleep;
• being in a "cocoon", the baby feels maximally protected and adapts more easily to its new living conditions;
• it is noted that immediately after birth, the baby sleeps much more peacefully if swaddled;.
• diapers are indicated for some orthopedic pathologies.

Because of this, you should not question the wisdom of swaddling, as it will greatly benefit your child. But you should consider these few straightforward suggestions:

• The optimal time for using diapers is the first 1.5-2 months of a newborn"s life.
• The baby"s stay in light diapers should not exceed 6-8 hours a day.
• Tight swaddling, as was popular with our mothers and grandmothers, is strictly prohibited.

Types

There are numerous ways to present diapers that are diaphanous.

The most popular style is a straightforward cloth with overcast edges, but more contemporary European diapers, or cocoons, have gained a lot of popularity recently:

Although this model was developed many years ago in the USA, Russian mothers had to wait until recently to realize how convenient it was. The benefits are clear: the infant sleeps much better, feels warm and safe, and has secured arm support without having their legs pinched by the cocoon. With the sturdy Velcro and zippers on these diapers, you can quickly change the baby without waking him up in just a few minutes.

Lightweight natural textiles used to make cocoons allow the body to breathe. By the way, this model works best for first-time mothers because, typically, they are not experienced with the proper swaddling technique. By using the European model, you can save valuable time, which is something that every new mother values greatly.

One of the most widely used types of cocoons is a diaper with a zipper, which is unique in that it allows for the easiest possible swaddling; to accomplish this, place the infant inside the cocoon on his back and gently close the zipper. Certain models feature two side zippers, which comes in quite handy when you need to change a diaper quickly.

These cocoons are typically made of light, soft fabric, come with hats, and put the baby in the most comfortable position.

Another cocoon model is constructed using Velcro. They are sewn from fleece, knitwear, and flannel. It’s very easy to change a diaper like this: the infant is placed on his back, his legs are inserted into a special "pocket," and the left end is moved to the right and secured with sturdy Velcro. It only takes a minute to complete the swaddling process, so even a dad can do it.

Mothers find cocoons very handy, especially when feeding in public, but they are not cheap. A single product costs between 500 and 700 rubles. That is why a lot of moms purchase one or two cocoons for walks, and they use less complicated options when they are at home.

Popular waterproof diapers have cotton threads on one side and moisture-resistant oilcloth on the other, which prevents liquid from getting inside. Although these items aren’t meant for swaddling, parents frequently wrap them around their infants when taking them on walks or to the doctor’s office.

Diapers can be used again or thrown away.

These days, disposable ones are ubiquitous; they are indispensable for placing a baby on a changing table, an examination table in the clinic, or a knitted cloth when swaddling them. When performing personal hygiene routines or performing medical procedures (such as massage, electrophoresis, etc.), a disposable product can be used and spread out on the sofa.

If the baby is born in the late spring or early summer, a disposable diaper is frequently used as a lining. This allows the baby to sleep through hot nights feeling dry and comfortable. Even though these products are incredibly useful, cotton cannot be totally replaced by them. First, it is not profitable from an economic standpoint, and second, in terms of hygienic standards, they fall well short of chintz and knitted flannel.

Reusable fabric is more cost-effective. They feature a thin oilcloth on one side and a rather nice, soft to the touch surface made of a unique natural fiber on the other. Using these products while driving or strolling is incredibly convenient. Because they typically have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, they provide dependable defense against bacteria and other microbes.

But unlike disposable diapers, these aren’t meant to be used for constant swaddling; rather, they’re more like "diaper" products.

Materials

Diapers made of sterile materials such as flannel, chintz, satin, jersey made of 100% cotton, and bamboo are the best for a baby’s skin. These days, the market is flooded with offers from dishonest producers who create mixed-fabric items for babies. These items include artificial synthetics in their composition, which is completely inappropriate for clothing to be worn by infants in their first few weeks of life. Babies’ thin diapers are entirely moisture-absorbing while being composed entirely of natural materials that don’t trigger allergies.

Most of the time, calico products satisfy these needs because they are easy to wash, quick to dry, and pleasant for the baby’s skin.

Calico is made entirely of natural cotton; mothers and babies find it to be quite pleasant to the touch, light, and soft. If the child’s room is adequately heated, these products can be used throughout the sweltering summer months as well as any other time of year. Useful diapers are made of calico. Even after several washings, the diapers hold together and retain their appearance. Additionally, they can be repeatedly boiled when it’s necessary to eliminate contamination and eliminate harmful microorganisms without the need for chemicals; this is often the case when a baby reacts strongly to powders.

Because chintzes are so inexpensive, any mother can afford to buy diapers made of them.

Muslin diapers are soft, light, and incredibly airy, making them incredibly comfortable for the baby. However, because muslin is classified as an elite fabric, products made of it are rather expensive; a set of three items typically costs between $2 and $2,500.

Flannel or a similar material is used to make thicker diapers for chilly weather in the fall, winter, and early spring. These fabrics have a unique softness, good water absorption, and—most importantly—good heat retention because of their thick pile, even when wet. These products are frequently used for high-quality wiping of the child right after bathing, in addition to swaddling.

Knit diapers are the most widely used kind. They are constructed of 100% cotton fabric, just like all other baby products, but what sets them apart is their capacity to stretch, which makes them more physiologically and comfortably fit the baby’s body and enable unhindered movement of his arms and legs without squeezing it.

Knitwear dries quickly from the machine and is very easy to iron. Please take note that a lot of knitwear with artificial additives has been produced recently; therefore, when making a purchase, pay close attention to the label that details the fabric’s composition.

Standard sizes

When our mothers were alive, there was only one standard for baby diapers, which was documented in tables, GOSTs, and laws. Our manufacturers create these products within parameters that work for them, which is why many parents are confused and don’t know what the ideal diaper size is.

The width and length of this characteristic actually don’t matter that much; however, if the fabric is too small—60 by 90, for example—the baby will be able to exit it peacefully and naturally, and mothers won’t find it as convenient to use larger, more voluminous fabrics.

There are two types of nappies: triangle and square. According to reviews from young parents, square nappies are far more profitable and convenient than angular ones.

Diapers measuring 90 by 120 centimeters are regarded as the traditional choice. Diapers measuring 80 by 95 centimeters will fit a baby comfortably for the first 5-7 weeks of his life. Once the baby clearly outgrows them, you can use them for wiping after baths. It is best to purchase a cloth measuring 95×100 or 100×100 cm for children 8 to 12 weeks old, as this is the time when their arms and legs start to move more freely, allowing them to outgrow their tiny diapers.

The most widely used diaper is a 110×110 cm cloth that works well for kids between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks. It can be used as a sheet or a mat in a children’s corner or stroller, by the way.

The largest films ever produced measure 120 by 120 centimeters, cost more than other products, and are meant for children older than four months.

Proper diaper selection can significantly impact a baby’s comfort and dryness, but they are still necessary. From infancy to potty training, this article will discuss when diapers are necessary and offer simple advice on how to choose the right ones for your baby’s requirements, taking absorbency, fit, and material into account.

How to choose?

The composition of the material is the first thing you should consider when buying diapers; only natural cotton materials are acceptable.

Purchasing items with excessively vibrant colors is not advised because paint is composed of chemicals and frequently turns into a harmful allergen. Bright colors also cause irritation to the baby’s eyes and damage to their developing visual organs.

The following are the primary requirements for a quality diaper:

• The diaper should absorb liquid as well as possible, but at the same time, it should not create a "greenhouse effect" when rashes and diaper rash appear on the baby"s skin.
• The diaper should be made of soft fabric so as not to rub the baby"s body.
• The material should maintain the natural body temperature, preventing either excessive hypothermia or overheating.
• The fabric should be very durable and high-quality, otherwise, under the influence of numerous washes, it will quickly tear and crumble.
• The edges of the sheet should be well processed, and the fabric itself should not have any internal seams, ruffles and other decorations – they simply rub the baby"s skin and lead to painful sensations.
• The swaddling cloth should maintain the baby"s body temperature, without overheating or overcooling.
• It is best to use diapers made of cotton or linen, but the use of wool will not benefit the baby – many infants are allergic to this component, which manifests itself in rashes or difficulty breathing.

Diapers are not necessary in large quantities for modern kids; the following number is thought to be the absolute maximum:

• Knitted – 5 pcs. If you have decided on the advisability of swaddling, then you should stop at this material, since there is nothing more comfortable than knitwear. However, if you do not plan to swaddle, then this purchase does not make any sense.
• Flannel – 5 pcs. It will come in handy in the cool season, and it can be additionally used as a bedding for the baby in case you forgot or did not have time to buy a disposable sheet.
• Chintz – 5 pieces. It will come in handy in the summer, you can put it under your head, use it as a blanket, wipe the baby if he burps, etc. p.

There are roughly 15 pieces altogether, but this number is subject to change because it mostly depends on whether and how frequently you intend to use diapers. Purchase a few more diapers if you find that wearing them for an extended period of time bothers you; otherwise, don’t stock your closet too full.

Furthermore, the season affects how often diapers are needed. For instance, during the summer, you won’t need a lot of diapers because the products dry quickly after washing; however, during the winter, this process takes much longer, so you’ll need a substantial supply of these items.

When diapers are needed	How to choose diapers
Newborns and infants who cannot control their bladder or bowel movements	Choose based on the baby"s weight and skin sensitivity
During long trips or outings where quick changes are difficult	Pick diapers with good absorbency to prevent leaks
At night to ensure uninterrupted sleep	Look for breathable materials to reduce irritation
For toddlers in potty training but still having accidents	Select pull-up style diapers for easier removal

During their early years, diapers are crucial for keeping babies dry and comfortable. For newborns and infants who are unable to control their bowel or bladder movements, they are extremely helpful. Even though they are convenient for parents, everyone’s life can be made easier by knowing when and how to use them properly.

The age, skin sensitivity, and activity level of the baby all play a role in selecting the appropriate diaper. It’s critical to choose diapers that are soft on the skin, offer good absorption, and fit snugly. To lessen the possibility of irritation, take into account hypoallergenic options if your baby has sensitive skin.

The number of diaper changes your child requires may decrease as they get older, and you may eventually start potty training them. During this time, it will be easier to keep your baby content and comfortable if you are aware of their needs and choose diapers accordingly.

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