Concerned about their baby’s delicate skin, parents are keen to choose a diaper that will let their baby feel comfortable.
However, it can be quite difficult for the mom and dad of a newborn baby to choose the right type of diaper from the numerous options available.
For such moms and dads in the first year of their baby’s life, here we offer tips for choosing the right type of diaper.
The most important thing is to choose a type of diaper that fits your baby’s body shape. First, choose a type of diaper for your baby’s weight, using the applicable weight range indicated on the diaper packaging and other information displays.
|
Tape type |
Weight range |
|---|---|
|
Up to 11lb |
|
|
9 - 18lb |
|
|
13 - 24lb |
|
|
20 - 31lb |
|
|
27 - 44lb |
|
|
― |
― |
For babies who have started to roll over
|
Pull-up/Pants type |
Weight range |
Waist range |
|---|---|---|
|
― |
― |
― |
|
9 - 18 lb |
13.7"-17.7" |
|
|
13 - 24 lb |
15"-19.3" |
|
|
20 - 31 lb |
15.7"-20.9" |
|
|
27 - 44 lb |
17.3"-22.4" |
|
|
28 - 55 lb |
18.9"-24.8" |
Note: From Size L of the pull-up type, diapers are divided into two categories, “For boys” and “For girls.”
Diapers come in the open type and pull-up type, but newborn diapers only come in the open type. While the weight range for most newborn diapers is “Up to 5 kg,” such diapers may be slightly too big for small babies and for thin babies.
Next, check the fit of the diaper while the baby is wearing it. The particular points to check are the fit around your baby’s legs and waist.
Check that there is no space around your baby’s legs by gently lifting up the legs. If the tape fasteners are affixed in positions where they will not come off, and if you can insert one finger between your baby’s waist and the diaper, the diaper is properly fitted. Please note that if the diaper is baggy around your baby’s legs or waist, stool and urine may leak from the diaper.
Stick the tape fasteners along the numeric guideline so that they roughly line up. After the tape is affixed, if you can put one finger between your baby’s waist and the diaper, and if the standing gathers fit around your baby’s legs, the diaper is properly fitted.
After the tape fasteners are affixed, if you can put two or more fingers between your baby’s waist and the diaper, or if there is space between your baby’s leg and the standing gathers when the legs are moved, urine and stool are highly likely to leak from the diaper. In this case, it is recommended to use a smaller-sized diaper.
If the places where you stick the tape to fasten the diaper have moved further outward, if your baby’s navel is no longer covered by the diaper, or if the standing gathers bite into your baby’s legs, the diaper is too small for your baby. Your baby will likely be feeling uncomfortable. It is time to move up to the next diaper size.
After putting the diaper on your baby, check if the standing gathers fit your baby’s legs. If the waistband leaves no red marks on your baby’s waist, the diaper is properly fitted.
A baggy diaper produces lots of space around your baby’s legs. If the diaper does not fit your baby’s bottom, urine and stool can easily leak from the diaper. It is recommended to use a smaller-sized diaper.
If the diaper is too small, your baby’s navel will not be covered by the diaper even though you try to pull it above the navel, or the gathers will leave red marks around your baby’s waist or legs. When you see these signs, it is time to move up to the next diaper size.
Diaper material is also important for your baby’s delicate skin. A soft diaper with high absorbency and breathability can absorb frequent urination by your newborn baby for a long time and prevent the urine from leaking providing extended dryness. It can also prevent damp, which is a cause of diaper rash.
Depending on the development level and the body shape of your baby, some diapers fit your baby, but some do not, even if your baby’s weight is within the applicable weight range. Please actually try out diapers to find a type of diaper that is a perfect fit for your baby.
*The diapers shown in the photos are GOO.N products sold in Japan. The design may differ for the U.S. market.
