The right diaper: what shape, size to choose and why is it important? Many people find it difficult to find a diaper that suits their child the first time. And this creates inconvenience not only for parents, but also for the baby. Leaks, elastic marks and even skin irritation can be caused by a poorly fitting diaper.
A baby’s skin, especially in the first days of life, is thin and poorly resistant to external influences. Because of this, the respiratory functions of the skin are exacerbated - a child under two or three years old receives much more oxygen in this way. She is also prone to diaper rash. That is why it is so important to choose a diaper that will allow the skin to breathe, will not be overly filled with moisture and will not leave marks or hinder movement.
So how do you take into account all the subtleties when choosing the right diaper for your baby? Let's figure it out together with YokoSun
What to look for when choosing diapers:
· The shape of diapers, how they differ from panty diapers
· How to choose the right diaper size
· When to switch to larger diapers
Diapers: what they are like
So we have found out several main criteria for the “correct” diaper: it must be breathable, absorbent and suitable in size and shape. First, let's figure out what types of diapers there are in terms of their characteristics, as well as what to look for when choosing a diaper for your baby.
1. SafeThe first step is to make sure that the diaper is safe for the baby. It's hard to argue that children's products need more careful quality control. Therefore, it is better to give preference to those that are produced in accordance with norms and international standards. This information is usually placed on the product packaging. Thus, all YokoSun products for babies are manufactured according to the international standard ISO 9001-2015, the corresponding marking is placed on the front side of the package. This means that quality control requirements are met during production, and such a product is safe for babies.
2. HypoallergenicThe thin skin of a child is susceptible to allergic reactions, which are more pronounced than in adults. Therefore, it is important that diapers are made from hypoallergenic components: without fragrances and chlorine. For example, in the production of YokoSun diapers, only materials that are safe for babies are used, which are carefully tested in the laboratory. All YokoSun products are tested by specialists and have appropriate quality certificates.
3. Breathable and absorbentSome diapers don't do a good job of absorbing moisture. A humid environment not only provokes diaper rash, but is also literally teeming with germs. In addition, during wearing, lumps may appear in diapers, creating discomfort and irritating the baby’s skin.
The absorbent layer is responsible for absorption - the higher its content and the higher the quality, the less likely there are unpleasant consequences.
YokoSun diapers use a Japanese absorbent that retains moisture for 12 hours. However, we recommend changing the diaper when it is full. For this purpose, YokoSun diapers have a moisture indicator. When the indicator changes color, it means the time has come. But there is a general rule: the diaper should be changed at least every 3-4 hours.
Nappies shape:
· Q-shaped
Often parents prefer Q-shaped diapers (Premium Line): they completely cover the bottom and have additional rims around the baby’s legs. Usually this form is more suitable for newborns.
· T-shaped
In T-shaped diapers (all other YokoSun lines), on the contrary, there are no additional rims. Instead, they are provided with an elastic band, which does not interfere with the child’s movement.
What are panty diapers?
Pantie diapers are suitable for particularly active babies. They do not have Velcro, and such diapers are put on the child like regular panties. They do not hinder the baby’s movements, and there are special seams on the sides of the elastic for easy removal. YokoSun panty diapers are available in four lines: Comfort, Premium, Lucky and Eco.
Some parents alternate between diapers and panty diapers as the baby gets older, when he no longer wakes up every 3-4 hours. For example, panty diapers are worn by a child during the day, and regular diapers are used at night.
How to choose diaper size
Diaper size matters. This is because the wrong size can cause red spots on the skin and leaks. Moreover, leaks can be caused by either a diaper that is too large or too small.
When choosing the right one for your baby, it is best to focus on the child’s weight. All YokoSun diapers and diaper panties are available in a wide range of sizes from NB to XXL.
· NB (2-5 kg)
NB is suitable for the smallest ones. For small children, it is often difficult to find a diaper that protects against leaks. In this case, it is convenient to use NB from the first days of life, up to two months of life or until the weight reaches 5 kilograms.
· S (up to 6 kg)
A diaper that is too small may also not provide the proper protective layer. Therefore, for slightly larger babies (up to 6 kilograms), size S diapers are more suitable. Depending on their body type, they can be used up to three years.
· M (5-10 kg)
When the child’s weight has reached 5-6 kilograms, you should choose larger diapers to avoid discomfort from chafing. In this case, preference can be safely given to size M.
· L (9-13 kg)
For babies weighing over 9 kilograms, diapers in size L are suitable, intended for children from 0 to 3 years.
·XL (12-20kg), XXL (15-23kg)
Often parents face difficulties when choosing diapers for large children - among the standard line it is difficult to choose a size that is comfortable for the child. In the YokoSun Comfort line you can find XL size diapers, which are ideal for babies weighing from 12 to 20 kilograms. And YokoSun Comfort panty diapers are also available in XXL size; they will definitely be comfortable for children weighing from 15 to 23 kilograms.
When choosing the appropriate size, be guided by the characteristics of the child’s body. You should not select diapers “for growth”; in this case, it is possible that the diaper will leak. And if the child’s weight is close to the limit of the next size, it is better to use a larger option.
The smaller the size, the more diapers in the package. However, saving in this case is not the best idea. In addition to the fact that the baby will be uncomfortable, the diaper will have to be changed more often. The thing is that as the size of the diaper increases, the amount of absorbent that absorbs moisture also increases.
When to switch to a larger diaper size
Are your diapers starting to leak? So it's time to change the size. The appearance of rubber bands on the baby’s skin can also be a signal. This indicates that the child is already experiencing discomfort.
If you feel moisture after changing a diaper after 3-4 hours of use, it is better to move to the next size.
But there is a simple rule: usually children move to the next diaper size when their weight increases by 2-3 kg.