The Struggle of Choosing the Right Nappy- Things to Consider

Every parent wants to give their child the very best when it comes to selecting items for newborns. Considerations include things like the most popular product, the most reasonable item, or the item with the most aesthetic appeal.

Now that you have a kid, nappy changing may appear like one of the most critical tasks for the first few years!

How do you determine what size nappy will fit your child? It's a bit of a minefield because infants come in all different sizes and forms and develop swiftly! Here, we explain how to pick the right nappy size for your child.

Different Types of Nappies

Nappies come in a variety of designs; some are reusable, while others are disposable.

Reusable

Cloth squares are best used with a high-quality waterproof cover or Pilcher. They are folded and secured with pins or clips. They are composed of a fabric that absorbs wet and fits snugly. This fabric is often cotton (terry, flannelette), but it can also be hemp, bamboo, or a combination. A wool blend is preferable to a cloth nappy that has gone hard from detergent over time.
All-in-one clothing items feature a waterproof layer on the exterior or close to it. They are just as simple to use as disposables but far less expensive. They may be attached with velcro, clips, or press studs and don't require a lot of washing or bleaching.
All-in-twos, also known as "snap-in-ones," are cloth nappies with a leak-proof outer layer and one or more absorbent "snap-in" layers, sometimes known as "boosters," that you can separate and wash separately. Compared to all-in-ones, they dry more quickly.
Pocket nappies feature an outer, fitting layer sewed to the shell on three sides and open on the other. This layer is water-resistant. The absorbent inserts are positioned between the shell and the layer to absorb the liquid. Inserts made of various materials can be used to change the absorbency level.

Disposable

Disposables comprise three layers: a plastic exterior layer, a layer of super-absorbent chemicals, and an inside liner. They are designed for various ages and available in various packet sizes.
Biodegradable disposables utilise an organic absorption process. They eventually decompose fully in landfills after being discarded. They are produced from a range of materials, including paper pulp, bamboo, and textiles. While more expensive than conventional disposables, these nappies are better for the environment.

Picking a Nappy: Qualities to Consider

When choosing the ideal nappy for your child, there are several factors to take into account. You should consider features like absorbency, leak prevention, and comfort to make sure your baby is secure and at ease during the day.

1. Fit to Prevent Leaks

No liquid should seep through the leg openings or up around the waist of a nappy that fits properly. If you discover leaks are a persistent issue, consider a different size in your present brand or investigate a new one because sizing can vary greatly across manufacturers.

Some nappies are made to handle more moisture than others, making them suitable for nighttime usage or extended trips. Everything that is extra or ultra-dry has often been made to absorb more moisture. Watch the plus sign next to the nappy number to determine absorbency and fit. The plus sign does not represent a half size.

2. Absorbency and Moisture-locking

Super absorbent polymer beads are commonly found in disposable nappies that are woven into the fabric. Babies are able to walk around with a "wet nappy" without the moisture coming into touch with their skin because of the ability of these beads to absorb hundreds of times their weight in moisture.

While it's not impossible for a baby to acquire nappy rash from a wet nappy, the likelihood is reduced, and your kid won't suffer any harm if you unintentionally keep a wet nappy on for longer than you meant. However, doing it regularly is not a smart idea.

3. Wetness Indicators

The front of many of the finest nappies for infants has a yellow line that turns blue when the baby urinates. However, unless the infant has urinated at the same time, it doesn't always change colour for poos. This wetness indication can tell you when the baby has urinated without having to take them off because some nappies are already bulky.

Remember that newborns typically urinate every 20 minutes when planning how many nappies to use and how often to check for changes.

4. Rashes and Skin Reactions

If you're using reusables (or plastic-free nappies made of natural fabrics), you'll need to stay on top of changes in order to prevent stool from hurting the skin. The main cause of atopic dermatitis is sensitive newborn skin left in touch with a dirty nappy. If you routinely change your baby's nappies but he/she still gets rashes, think about trying a new brand and seeing if the issue disappears. Sometimes the nappy itself might trigger a slight allergic response. Avoiding scented wipes and soaps and letting the baby be out of a nappy for a bit (on a towel or other absorbent surface) might be helpful. If there are severe or frequent rashes, your health visitor might suggest a course of action.

What Nappy Size Does Your Baby Require?

It's simple to select the proper size nappy for your child. According to the baby's weight group, parents can assess the baby's size as follows:

Weight	Recommended Size
Newborn – 4kg	New Born Size/ Size 0
4 – 8 kg	Size S (Small)
7 – 12 kg	Size M (Medium)
9 – 14 kg	Size L (Large)
12 – 17 kg	Size XL (Extra Large)
15 – 25 kg	Size XXL (Extra Extra Large)

However, parents should take into account the physical characteristics of each child when selecting the best disposable nappies for the infant because nappies of similar sizes indicate overlapping recommended weights and because parents can alter the nappy size in accordance with the child's shape, size, and weight.

We advise getting a small sample size for parents who are trying to decide on new nappies, then determining whether the nappy fits. If you become sure that the size fits, you may choose to purchase a bigger quantity for future usage.

The Plus "+" Sign on Some Nappy Sizes: What Does It Mean?

It's not about size, despite the fact that, for example, Size 4+ nappies are certainly somewhat larger than a Size 4 nappy when you look at the weight tables on the packaging (slightly smaller than a Size 5).

However, the + symbol on a nappy really signifies that it has greater absorbency. These are especially useful if your infant sleeps through the night and you need a nappy that won't leak into the wee hours (in both meanings!).

What Nappies Does Your Baby Need Overnight?

You will be changing your newborn dirty nappy after every feeding for at least the first several weeks because they usually poop at the same time as they eat. The nappy isn't on for very long, so you don't need quite as much absorbency.

However, you can consider using a nappy that can stay on longer once your baby stops pooping after every feeding (and eventually overnight).

A Tots Bots size one Peenut cover is a fantastic evening option, and a Tots Bots bamboozle size one is a favourite for overnight use. Alternatively, you may just add an additional booster to your newborn nappy.

How to Make Sure the Nappy Is Leak-Free

To ensure that your baby's nappy doesn't leak, look for the following:

Around your baby's tummy, the waistline should be snug but not too tight.
The waist tapes must be secured in a balanced manner.
Leg cuffs need to be neatly stretched around the thigh.
Because it is not absorbent enough, if the nappy is too tiny, it may leak; if it is too large, it may have breaches.

Tips for Buying Nappies

It's a good idea to get a pack of newborns and the next size up while making prenatal purchases, but keep the packets sealed, and the receipt since most stores will not give you a replacement without those.
To avoid concealing the umbilical cord, premature and infant sizes frequently include a u-shaped cutout on the front.
Large packs are less expensive per nappies, but if your child is reaching the nappy's maximum age or weight, purchase smaller packs until you can upgrade to the next size.
Try multiple brands since you could discover that one brand suits your kid better than another.
While you may decide to use less expensive nappies during the day, investing in a nicer, more absorbent nappy for the evening is worthwhile.

Wrap Up

Among the crucial decisions you will make as a new parent is selecting the proper nappy among other things like choosing the best child care. Our list should help you with your nappy shopping conundrum. We are confident that your youngster will be joyful and content now that you know what to buy!