When it comes to keeping your baby clean and happy, a non-leaky diaper and frequent diaper changes go hand in hand. A leaky diaper will soil clothing and bedding and make a mess on furniture and floors. Infrequent diaper changes can lead to painful diaper rashes and infections that result in a fussy baby. Keeping plenty of diapers on hand, whether cloth or disposable, is a must for every parent’s peace of mind. Diapers are a major expense if you don’t bargain shop. The three retailers offering the best deals on diapers are Google Express/Boxed, The Honest Company, and Cottonbabies.
Cloth diapers should be stored in a drawer or diaper bag. Disposable diapers should be stored where extreme heat and humidity won’t be a factor, such as a dry storage area with a temperature of less than 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
A lot! During the first few months, you may find yourself changing baby’s diaper up to 10 times in 24 hours. They should always be changed when wet or soiled, and during specific times such as before or after feeding, after every bowel movement, when you go out, when your baby wakes up, and before bedtime. You’ll need a stash of diapers on hand at all times. Google Express/Boxed offers Seventh Generation Baby Diapers Mega Pack 36-count diapers for $28.99.
Choose a properly-sized diaper size that doesn’t sag or gap, especially when they crawl and play, to prevent leaks. Most diapers are sized by weight. Don’t be tempted to buy a larger size for more absorbency, as they will leak. You should be able to fit your finger comfortably in the leg and waist area.
Disposable diapers contain an absorbent gelling material instead of padding, which can absorb almost 30 times its weight. This type of material has been used safely for over 30 years. If you notice any gel particles on your baby’s skin, gently wipe it away.
Most people choose cloth diapers for their lower cost and their lower environmental impact. Disposable diapers are the third largest amount of common consumer product in landfills today and can take up to 500 years to break down. One baby using disposable diapers contributes 1 ton of waste to your local landfill.
Disposable diapers may be convenient, but that comes at a cost. You can expect to shell out between $1,500 to $2,00 or more on disposable diapers for your child, according to a Consumer Reports study. Budget can play a large role in determining what kind of diapering option to purchase. Cottonbabies offers a complete diaper starter kit from Econobum that includes 3 covers, 12 pre-folded diapers, and a diaper bag for $49.95
Your newborn can easily go through twelve cloth diapers per day so it’s best to have 12-18 cloth diapers on hand, or more, to avoid daily washing. Older babies don’t need as many diapers, but you’ll still need enough for about 8 diaper changes per day. You will also need baby wipes, an overnight soaking solution and bucket, a waterproof diaper tote, and a pre-soak sprayer.
While they’re not completely eco-friendly, there are some companies that offer natural materials, less plastic, and chemical-free processing. The Honest Company offers hypoallergenic, super-absorbent diapers made with naturally derived and sustainable materials that feature a Bio-based core with sustainably harvested plant materials and fluff pulp for babies from 10 lbs to 35 lbs. They are made without latex, chlorine processing or fragrances. When you opt for their bundling plan, each diaper only costs 27 cents each!