Disposable diapers: Selection guide

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with resident Doctor Ho Thi Hong Tho - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital.
Factors to consider when buying diapers are usually the right fit to keep your baby comfortable, good absorbency to prevent spills, and breathability to avoid diaper rash. The following is an overview guide on how to choose a diaper for your baby based on age, weight and unique needs that mothers can refer to.

1. Guide to choosing baby diapers

How to choose diapers for babies by age:
Newborns: In the first 3 days, babies will pass black meconium in a small amount. In the following days, the child urinated and pooped more often. Mothers can wear diapers, or use meconium pads and wear with diapers for babies. Children 1-2 months: Baby will go to the toilet a lot, 8-10 times a day. Because the baby is suckling more, the stool is also loose, not as tight as the original. During the day, mothers can use diapers, at night, change diapers to prevent urine and feces from spilling, making the baby more comfortable. From 3 months and up: Baby walks less, only about 2-3 times per day, but the amount of each time will be more. Mothers can make their babies diapers completely without using diapers, or use cloth diapers to both save money and avoid diaper rash. How to choose diapers for babies by weight:
Newborn diapers: Newborn babies under 1 month old and lighter than 5 kg Size S: Depending on each diaper brand, it can be divided between 0 - 8 kg Size M: About 5 - 12 kg, depending on the brand Size L: About 8-14 kg, depending on the brand Size XL: About 11-17 kg or over 13 kg, depending on the brand each firm

Note, it is recommended to change the diaper size to a larger size when you see the following signs:
The diaper is tight around the baby's waist and thighs, leaving marks on the skin Must use the edge of the tape to keep the diaper in place. diapers are short, diaper back is low below navel Frequent diaper spills Baby's weight is more than indicated How to choose baby diapers by gender:
Baby girls: Absorbent in the middle and back, or pants diapers ruffled for extra lining inside of cloth diapers Boys: Diapers have extra lining in front, diaphragms on both sides ensure no urine spillage. The shape of diapers in stages:
Newborns: Usually use two-sided stickers. Children who can crawl: The two straps are tighter and more secure. Toddlers: Use diapers to prevent slipping and shifting during movement.

2. How to choose eco-friendly baby diapers

The convenience of disposable diapers is undeniably convenient, but it also raises concerns about the amount of waste that ends up in the environment. So some companies started to produce disposable diapers with more eco-friendly materials than before.
Biodegradable diapers Some brands advertise the use of biodegradable materials in their new diaper designs. But in reality, even biodegradable materials take a long time to completely disappear in landfills.
Toilet-dissolvable diapers Diapers labeled “Flushable” - flushable, will have more promise. Specifically, they will biodegrade themselves when treated with other human wastes.
Organic Biodegradable Diapers This is a disposable diaper that completely decomposes into “compost” compost. Turning a dirty diaper into a nutrient-rich fertilizer for plants sounds great. Although the technology does work, the process is far from simple and widely used. Diapers can only decompose into organic fertilizer when actively composted. If you throw them in the trash, these diapers will still go straight to the landfill and won't biodegrade.
Even if you live there is a special waste collection service for composting, diapers are rarely accepted. Some experts also advise against trying to compost at home. A diaper still takes about a year to biodegrade, so you need to make sure you're dealing with fecal, germ, and space issues. Newborns will also shed a lot of diapers during that time.
However, in some advanced countries with growing environmental concerns, service companies will professionally collect and compost diapers. Diaper decomposition takes about 6 months.

Gel and chlorine-free diapers Some parents are unhappy about the super absorbent gel commonly used in disposable diapers to absorb moisture and keep their baby dry. With non-gel diapers, cotton pads are used instead to perform the absorbent feature. Besides, chlorine-free diapers are another option for parents who want to minimize chemical use.
In general, diaper manufacturers now offer many different models to the market, serving many different needs. Consumer research in the country shows that dryness and non-irritating skin are the top concerns when choosing diapers for babies. Next is the ability to effectively prevent spills, and environmental factors are less noticeable. A good diaper should not only help with toileting, but also reduce the problem of redness on the baby's skin caused by diaper rash.
When a child has health abnormalities, parents can take the child to Vinmec Health System for timely examination and treatment. The advantages of visiting Vinmec Pediatrics include:
Gathering a team of leading pediatricians: including leading experts, with high professional qualifications (professors, associate professors, doctors). , masters), rich experience, worked in big hospitals such as Bach Mai, 108.. The doctors are well-trained, professional, have a heart - reach, understand young psychology. In addition to domestic pediatric specialists, the Department of Pediatrics also has the participation of foreign experts (Japan, Singapore, Australia, USA) who are always pioneers in applying the latest and most effective treatment regimens. . Comprehensive services: In the field of Pediatrics, Vinmec provides a series of continuous medical examination and treatment services from Newborn to Pediatric and Vaccine,... according to international standards to help parents take care of their baby's health from birth to childhood. Advanced techniques: Vinmec has successfully deployed many specialized techniques to make the treatment of difficult diseases in pediatrics more effective: neurosurgery - skull, stem cell transplant blood in cancer treatment. Professional care: In addition to understanding children's psychology, Vinmec also pays special attention to the children's play space, helping them to play comfortably and get used to the hospital's environment, cooperate in treatment, improve the efficiency of medical treatment.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.