With the advent of the baby in the family, parents face a difficult choice: which diapers are better for crumbs? Indeed, in supermarkets, and even more so in specialized children's stores, a wide selection of this product is presented, which differs in the country of manufacture, in quality, composition and other important parameters. To make it a little easier for parents, we’ll try to deal with this issue. Analyzing the results of surveys in different cities, one may come across the fact that the question "What are the best diapers for newborns?" Parents' opinions differ significantly, because there are a lot of criteria and manufacturers.
What diapers can be found in supermarkets
Today, in most large stores, where there are departments of personal hygiene and baby products, you can easily find any diapers. For example, the Magnit family of hypermarkets has its own line of baby cosmetics called Casper, and their own brand, 365 days, can also be found in the Lenta supermarket chain.
Today it is not uncommon that many large chain stores produce branded products. Most often, it is an economical option, which means its quality does not meet high requirements. In the neighborhood with simple goods you can find such popular companies as Pampers, Libero, Huggies and others.
What are the diapers
Before determining which diapers are best for newborns, let's look at their varieties. They are:
- Disposable. They can be used from the first days of a baby's life. They are fixed on a flypaper, are thrown out after filling. The size of the diapers is selected according to the weight of the child. About six months later, the baby can wear diapers in the form of panties that fit better and do not hamper the child's movement.
- Reusable. Today, these diapers have become very popular. They look like panties made of waterproof fabric, inside of which there is an insert. After filling, it must be washed and then reused.
It is important to remember that since the question arose of which diapers are better, you need to look at the manufacturer, ease of fixation, and most importantly - the material from which it is made. After all, it depends on the material how comfortable, safe and not harmful to the baby will be for the baby.
Today you can find the following types of diapers:
- for boys;
- for girls;
- universal.
Definition criteria: which diapers are the best
In the store, parents do not have the opportunity to open a pack of diapers and test them, so it is important to know on the basis of what criteria parents choose their choice in one direction or another.
To facilitate the task, specialists conduct special tests in laboratories, demonstrating the difference and the result. But, of course, parents prefer to make their own choices, because each baby is individual, and what most people consider the best may not suit him.
The most important criteria when choosing diapers are:
- right size;
- material;
- absorbent;
- fixing elements;
- special properties of diapers.
The size
Disposable diapers have a range of sizes. Moreover, it is important to know that it may vary depending on the country of manufacture and the company. Most often you can find the following sizes:
- 2-5 kg (XXS);
- 3-6 kg (NB, Newborn);
- 5-8 kg (S);
- 6-11 kg (M);
- 10-14 kg (L);
- from 13 kg (XL).
Some companies have diapers up to 2 kg (Micro) designed for premature babies of very tiny sizes.
In addition, each brand has its own "pattern". Some may have a narrow model, others a wider one, and there may be those that may be "small in size." For sizing, it is best to buy several different brands in small bundles or individually in a pharmacy.
Material
This is the most important component when deciding which diapers are best.
Of course, preference should be given to natural materials, since they have a breathing surface, are soft to the touch and do not cause allergic reactions, like synthetic materials. Cotton is considered the best material for diapers for newborns, respectively, the price of such a product is high.
Cellulose is considered a hypoallergenic and safe material, and the price of diapers from it is much lower than for cotton. At the same time, cellulose diapers have a “cardboard” look. If the diapers contain synthetic materials, such as polyethylene, it is important to remember that it significantly reduces air exchange compared to natural raw materials.
Absorbent
This is the material that is responsible for absorbing and retaining moisture in diapers. It can be either a fibrous filler (a cheaper option) or a dry gel in granules, which is more effective but expensive. The absorbent should be responsible not only for high-quality and fast absorption, but also for the even distribution of moisture over the entire inner surface, including the upper part of the diaper.
It is important to look at how the gel is located inside the diaper: if it appears outside or gathers in lumps, then this is a poor quality product, which should be discarded. Accordingly, diapers in which there is a uniform distribution of moisture inside, are considered a high quality product. You need to pay attention to the amount of moisture on the part that comes in contact with the skin of the newborn,
Locking elements
What diapers are better defined and such seemingly not very important details. In fact, the fixing elements can cause discomfort to the baby, especially if they are made of hard material that will prick the newborn, or if the sticky surface sticks to the baby’s skin with a slight displacement, causing irritation. Be sure to pay attention to how Velcro is fixed on the diaper when the baby is moving, whether they can shift. This is especially important when the question arises of which diapers are best to use at night, because in a dream the baby reflexively moves its legs and arms.
An equally important element is the cuffs around the legs of the newborn, which should be soft and not restrain movements. An elastic belt or elastic at the waist is not found on all diaper models, but it is important to know that with them it absorbs moisture more reliably and holds better.
Special features of diapers
These include a number of supplements that can be found in different manufacturers of diapers:
- The filling indicator bar is very convenient, especially for new parents who have a poor understanding of when the diaper is already full and when it is dry.
- The mesh and embossing on the inside of the diaper is designed to better absorb moisture and protect the baby's skin.
- Cutout for the navel - in newborns, the navel heals for some time, many parents worry that closing it with a diaper can cause irritation or worsen the healing process. That is why such models were created.
- Natural impregnation with antibacterial properties - designed to protect the baby's skin from possible irritation.
- Additional cuffs - warn against leaks.
What manufacturers of baby diapers offer
Which diapers are better? Parents' opinions differ. Firstly, a lot of criteria: price, quality, materials, manufacturer. Secondly, today you can meet many young parents who are wondering about which diapers are best for boys and which for girls, because manufacturing companies have created models that are appropriate for the sex of the child.
So, admittedly by moms, the leading place in the market is occupied by Japanese diapers (Moony, Merries, Goo'n). A lot of tests were carried out both in laboratories and at home, which gave a definite answer - they are considered the most convenient, reliable, safe, comfortable and effective. True, they have a high price. In stores you can find export lots, which are much worse in quality than the original ones.
European brands Huggies, Pampers, Libero are leading in popularity and accessibility. The quality of these manufacturers quite suits many Russian mothers.
In addition, there are a number of premium brands and series (Huggies Elit Soft, Pampers Premium Care, Fixies), which in their properties and price are identical to Japanese diapers. Young parents especially note diapers "Pampers". Which are better? Many mothers are inclined to think that this is a premium series of Premium Care.
Of course, the highest quality are considered eco-diapers - Greenty, Naty, Lovular. But despite the excellent quality and high price in the Russian market, it is not so easy to find them. In the free sale of most stores they are not.
Rating of the best diapers for newborns
There are a number of ratings in which sales leaders stand out. Here is a list of the products of the three best manufacturers:
- Moony for babies 0-5 kg. Among the Japanese diaper line, they are of optimal quality and price. Pros: thin, soft, have an indicator of moisture content, a cutout for the navel, an elastic band on the back, an absorbent belt. Do not have a foreign smell. Cons: small size, sometimes a little leaking, often not on sale, due to the high degree of absorption can become wet outside.
- Merries 0-5 kg. The most popular Japanese diapers among Russian mothers. Pluses: mesh inner surface, moisture indicator, excellent ventilation, quick absorption, reusable clasp with rounded edges. Cons: there are no small packages, they absorb moisture even from the air, due to which there is an effect of humidity outside, minor complaints about leakage.
- Huggies EliteSoft 1 (up to 5 kg). They are distinguished by good quality and price. Pros: special embossed surface, affordable price, elastic on the back, reusable Velcro, filling indicator, the ability to absorb loose stools. Cons: not everyone fits, a rough gum between the legs, a faint odor of perfume.
Dear parents, approach the choice of diapers with care and understanding. Now you know what are the main differences between the most popular brands and by what criteria it is important to choose diapers. Remember: each child is individual, and special care is required for him.