Parenting
Guides
June 7, 2024
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Three years ago, Joe and Uli read an article about diaper need in America. Some parents were forced to leave their children in dirty diapers while others had to choose between food or diapers. Their stories struck a chord. These dads had no experience in the diaper business, but you don't need experience to make or do something good for others… you just need the drive to do it. Now they are diaper pros!
Aim for every 2 to 3 hours. But use your senses…you will need to change that diaper if:
The diaper needs to fit snug - so not too tight and not too loose. You should be able to comfortably fit two fingers between the diaper and your baby’s skin.
Cloth diapers are reusable and disposable diapers are one and done. There are usually tradeoffs between the convenience and environmental impact.
But when you break it down, we found that the number of diapers you need depends on how fast your baby grows (so size factors) and how frequently they go (they pee and poop less often as they grow).
Newborns go the most. Get ready for 8-12 diaper changes per day. The number goes down as your baby grows. Expect to change about 6-9 diapers per day for the first 6 months or so, then it drops to 5-7 diapers per day.
Key factors include:
Most disposable diapers are made from a combination of:
Did you have trouble pronouncing some of these things? At Believe Baby our diapers are made out of bamboo and we leave out harmful chemicals and additives! So they are extra soft, super absorbent, hypoallergenic and eco friendly.
Every diaper brand fits a bit differently. Most are sized based on a baby’s weight.
You’ll just know. Look at the fit, diapers should never be tight and should not leave red marks on your baby’s waist or thighs. If it’s hard to fasten, it’s too small. Another clue: blowouts. This usually means it’s time.
It seems like forever. Most kids start potty training around 2.5 to 3 years old, but many still wear pull ups at night.
You’ve got to watch out for the umbilical cord stump. While this is healing, you don’t want it to get in any of the messes inside the diaper, so fold the diaper down to keep it uncovered to prevent an infected umbilical cord. Some baby diapers like ours even have a belly button cutout to make things easier for you.
Diaper rash happens. To prevent it, frequently change baby’s diaper (especially when it’s hot out). Make sure baby’s bum is dry before you put the diaper back on. And last, take a look at your diapers. It’s not just about what is in the diaper, but what is left out. At Believe Baby we purposely left out fragrances and chemicals that can irritate your baby’s skin.
Poor baby! It happens. Tackle them early with a solid diaper rash cream. Go for something without fragrance if you can, to keep irritants to a minimum. Just plain Aquaphor can work wonders! It also doubles as a skin protectant when your little one needs it.
Another one that is important so you don’t get sprayed: Place a wet wipe against your baby’s belly before you take the diaper off to make sure she goes while the diaper is on and not all over you.
Diapers are a recurring expense. If you are looking for deals, you can save when you buy in bulk, or get a diaper subscription. Some store brands are very good options, too.
We at Believe Baby have a subscription that gives you the best deal (and we throw in some wipes - on us!)
One in two U.S. families struggle to afford diapers. And there are currently no national governmental assistance programs to help cover the cost of diapers. Diaper need has a ripple effect on families that can impact health, employment, education, and even social relationships. Having enough diapers gives parents and children alike the security they need to thrive and prosper.
Diaper changes are more than just routine; they're special moments to bond and connect with your baby. As you tackle this task, remember every day is a gift. Enjoy it!
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