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Diapers Buying Guide

The average newborn goes through 8-12 diapers  a day.  Picking the right diaper is a important decision, but the options can be overwhelming. Parents have more than enough choices when shopping for diapers. Washable  or disposable?  Huggies  or Pampers?  Swaddlers  or Cruisers?  The options available are enough to stress out even the most put-together parents. But don't worry... we'll help you break it down so you can find the best diaper to suit your little one.

Washable vs. Disposable Diapers
Disposable Diapers  For those of us who can't be bothered with adding another item to the laundry list, disposable diapers are key. Sure you care about the environment, but that doesn't mean you should have to endure the job of cleaning a dirty diaper. Easy, fast, expensive. Some (like Seventh Generation ) are available with recycled materials. Contributes huge amounts of non-biodegrable waste and harmful chemicals. Less work for exhausted parents. Several chemicals from processing can cause itching, rashes,etc.	Washable Diapers Ok, so maybe you'll have to plug your nose or hold your breath as you succomb to the task of cleaning these stinky diapers, but if it means keeping the world a bit cleaner, it's definitely worth it, right? That's right, nod, even if you don't mean it. Better for the environment, cuts down on waste. Cheaper in the long run. Messier and possibly more difficult to use, but much easier than ten years ago. No chemicals in them from processing. Earth friendly. Babies who are cloth diapered toilet train earlier and easier than those who use disposables Cloth diapers cause less diaper rashes and allergic reactions

Washable Diapers

The days of diaper pins and intricate folds are history!  Today's washable diapers are easy to use. There are basically three ways to go in cloth diapers, with variations on each of these.

• The most economical kind is the flat diaper. Flat diapers are the diapers that you mom or grandmother might have used and are basically multiple layers of cotton that wrap around your baby. Flat diapers are a two pronged system. You need to buy covers with your flat diapers to prevent leaks and keep clothing dry. You will have to buy bigger sizes of covers as your baby gets larger and around the one year mark you will probably have to either add an extra flannel liner for absorbency or buy a larger thicker flat diaper.

• The second cloth diaper system is the fitted diaper with a cover. There are many brands available on the market of these shaped diapers. Make sure to check just how adjustable a diaper is -- will you need to buy more than one set of diapers as your baby gets larger? This can add to the expense. Try to find an adjustable diaper that snaps or Velcros to accommodate your growing baby. You will still need to buy larger covers as your baby grows.

• The third option is the all-in-one diaper system. This is the absorbent diaper part with the cover attached. These all in one diapers come in sizes according to weight and you will need to buy larger as your baby grows. Follow washing instructions carefully -- if you wash incorrectly you could end up destroying the water repellant cover on the outer part of the diaper. All-in-ones offer the convenience of a disposable and the environmental friendliness of a cloth diaper.

A few other things to keep in mind:

• Cloth diapers can serve many functions: you can use them as burp rags, as liners for the car seat or mattress or as a drool catcher in the crib.
• Kushies Baby  brand is known to be extremely soft and durable.
• You can buy disposable liners for a compromise.
• The Dollar Stretcher and Hot Lib have good articles on why washable diapers are the way to go.
• It is best to start off with at least THREE dozen cloth diapers to start with of each size ( if you are using a sized system) and if you are using the 2 part system with the additional cover you will need 4 to 6 diaper covers. If you have less diapers you will be doing more laundry than is necessary. The key to successfully cloth diapering is having enough diapers so it does not seem like you are doing laundry all the time.
• Diaper covers do not need to be washed after every use if they are just a bit wet - you can rinse them and air dry or use again if they have not gotten wet at all.

In addition to the basic cloth diaper you may need:

• Washable liners : Provide extra padding and absorbancy--key for bed time.
• Diaper covers : Placed over the cloth diaper to protect clothing and bedding from leaks. Available in fun colors and fabrics.
• Diaper Pail : Make sure its large enough and has a spot for a deoderizing disk. Its a good idea to use a liner in the pail then you can just take out the bag of messy diapers.

Top Disposable Diaper Manufacturers

Pampers Diapers 

• Has all sorts of different sizes to accomidate any baby. There are special diapers for your newborn,  preemie  or for overnight  protection as well as the basic diapers.
• For newborn babies up to size 2 Swaddlers  have stretchy sides with adjustable tabs that will "grow" with your baby during the fast-growing period, so you don't have to constantly buy bigger sizes.
• Cruisers  are for babies sizes 3-6. The trim fit between your baby's legs will give him or her the freedom to move around. Rest assured, these are contoured to follow the baby's every twist and turn.
• For all stages of Baby's development, try Baby Dry.  The ultra-absorbent core is convenient for any size or any time of day.
• If you aren't sure what size Pampers your baby should wear, and for more general information, check out Pampers.com. It will match your baby's weight with the appropriate size.

Huggies Diapers 

• Has all sorts of different sizes for your baby. There are special diapers for your newborn,  preemie  or for overnight  protection.
• Huggies "Supreme"  has soft-knit elastics that claim to be five times stretchier than Pampers.
• For the baby that won't keep still, there are Convertibles.  These are the only diapers that go on like a diaper OR like pants.
• There's also the new Gigglastic Waistband  for the flexiest all-around fit.
• Huggies.com has their own sizing chart and more information about each of these types.

Chlorine Free Diapers 

• Still have chemicals from manufacturing.
• Do not contribute as much to dioxin pollution.
• Use some natural ingredients like wood pulp
• Brands to consider: Tender Care,  Nature Boy  and Seventh Generation. 

Related Products
Diaper Rash Ointment You won't find any unhappy babies here! Babies already cry more than most can stand, so why add more fuel to the fire with diaper rash. Protect your baby's delicate skin by changing his diaper regularly and dressing him in loose clothing. But for those times when diaper rash does occur, trust your baby's skin to oitments, like Desitin,  which soothe the skin while also keeping it dry.	Baby Toilet Seats It's potty time!! No better way to make your little ones excited for toliet training than by giving them their very own throne or throne cover. Not only do these toliet seats come in a varity of colors and prints, but they are easy to use. Simply place them over the toliet and you're ready to go!	Diaper Bags Although a major necessity, diapers will not be the only thing you carry around in your diaper bag. When selecting a diaper bag keep in mind that you will be carrying this around with you wherever you go. Bags should be durable and roomy. For more tips on how to choose and for suggestions on what to carry in your bag check out our guide.	Changing Tables The process may not be fun, but these changing tables can help make it a bit less stressful. These tables provide the room and storage space you need for all your baby's diaper needs.	Diaper Pins  Ouch! People still use these! Well, i guess if you're going to go through the hassle of using these medieval devices, might as well have them come in all sorts of colors.

Additional Links

• About.com -- Top 7 disposables.
• About.com -- How to change a diaper.
• Consumer Research -- More on the ongoing debate of cloth vs. disposable.