It’s a startling statistic but scarily true: your baby will go through 2,500 to 3,000 diapers in the first year alone. No one really stops to think about what is in that diaper that they’re putting on their baby. Well, it’s not just some wrapping and stuffing. Sure, some have cute colors, patterns, and extra absorbency, but that’s not all that there is to a diaper. Here’s some more information on what’s happening on your baby’s bum.
Disposable or Cloth?
The first thing you need to know is whether you’ll go with a disposable diaper or a cloth diaper. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Some people don’t like disposable diapers because they feel like they are creating too much waste. Also, having to buy so many diapers for your little one can quickly get expensive. But, they are often the most convenient option, and by using diaper coupons online you can save a lot of money. Additionally, new, more environmentally friendly brands are available, so the impact disposable diapers have can easily be on par with that of cloth diapers, when laundering is also taken into consideration.
Cloth diapers also have their positives and negatives. While they are definitely the cheaper option, costing half as much as disposables over the span of three years, according to Parents Magazine, they require a lot of upkeep. They need to be washed over and over again.
The Stuffing Stuff
One of the main ingredients in diapers is wood pulp. It’s interesting to know that this hasn’t changed in years. Wood pulp is known to be extremely absorbent and reduces odors. Anyone who’s owned a rabbit or other little furry friend can probably attest to the fact that that cedar chips and wood shavings make excellent bedding and litter. While the stuff that’s going on in your baby’s diaper is a little more processed, to be sure, Thumper’s favorite place to lie down isn’t too far removed.
As well as fluffy pulp, you can find natural citrus oils in today’s diapers. This and other natural citrus oils are key to reducing odor in your little one’s diaper. Since you’re going to be going through over 2,000 of them a year, you know that keeping the smells down is important.
Finding the Right Fit
The way a diaper fits your baby is also going to be very important when it comes to adequate absorbency. Every bottom is different, and every brand of diaper is different. You may need to do a trial and error test to see which diaper fits your baby the best to prevent leakage. Even the most absorbent diaper can leak if the fit isn’t right. This is where your baby’s weight, plus the materials used in the diaper will come into play. In the test performed by Baby Gear Lab, softer materials conformed to the body better, preventing leakage, while more stiff materials caused a poor fit. Look for a diaper with comfy-stretch side panels and soft, tabs that refasten to help get the perfect fit and prevent leaks and blowouts.
Keeping the Costs Manageable
Sometimes the right diaper for you will end up coming down to the cost. Having a baby is expensive for any first-time parent, and saving money can play a big role in the products you choose. The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice your baby’s health or comfort by choosing the least expensive option. You can find diaper coupons online. Major diaper manufacturers, as well as specialty diaper websites, offer diaper coupons online. This is a great and inexpensive way for you to get started finding the right diaper for your baby’s bottom. And remember, a slightly more expensive option may mean long-term savings in terms of your baby’s health, your time, and your carbon footprint.
I use cloth diapers exclusively and they aren’t hard to keep up with. I do laundry pretty much every day anyway, so it’s no big deal for me to add one more load every other day or so. I understand that for some people disposables are what they prefer, and that’s cool. Every mom has to choose what is best for her and her kids. For myself, I chose cloth because I didn’t want to pay for something I was going to throw away, and I didn’t want to use a diaper with chemicals of any kind. Cloth is markedly cheaper than disposables (even with coupons) because they are reusable, and saving money was a priority for me as well. I still bought way more diapers than I needed with my firstborn, because I didn’t know what I wanted and didn’t know anyone else who used cloth, but I bought zero for my second child. I have spent approximately $500 on diapers total, for both children, including ones I tried and just didn’t like, but even so, I still saved a ton of money considering I’ve read people can spend upwards of $2000 per child to diaper them until age 2. I realize that disposables have a place, and I don’t judge those who use them. I just think it’s worth giving cloth a chance and there are lots of rumors that fly about how it’s “gross” or “hard” and it’s neither. 🙂
I use both types of diaper to save money.