✓ Baby diapers: how to choose them

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What life would it be like for a new parent struggling with a newborn ... without diapers?

I diapers they are indispensable during the early stages of children's development and growth, up to the moment of spannolino and the transition to the potty. For some time they will be a part of your life and it is best to know in advance that they will be a monthly expense in the family budget.

But how to choose the correct nappy and how, perhaps, to save money? Classic diaper? Washable? What are the right measures? Here are some tips for buying the best nappies and some tips for taking the right sizes.

Watch the video with the midwife on how to change the baby's diaper.

Diapers, how to choose them

The nappy is an object that stays in contact with it for many hours skin of our baby. For this reason it is important to keep well in mind the criteria by which you need to choose them. Here's what they are:

Absorption. It is essential that diapers are able to absorb well.
Any irritation. If you notice that there is irritation on the bottom, you need to immediately vary the brand of diapers, until you find the right one. If they are all causing irritation, ask the pharmacy for very delicate cloths, which usually sit between the skin and the diaper.
Size and grip. Diapers must not be too loose, as otherwise they will not fulfill their function. When changing the baby, you can check if the diaper is snug by running a finger between the baby's skin and the closure of the diaper.

READ MORE: How to choose the baby's diapers

Diaper sizes, what are they

A size is indicated on each pack of diapers. It is therefore necessary to buy those that are best suited to the physicality of our child. To do this, here are the various measures and which months of the newborn they correspond to.

MEASURE 0: for premature babies. Usually suitable for babies born under 2 kg in weight.
MEASURE 1: these are mini sizes for babies. From 2 to 5 kg. Size 1 nappies are made from delicate materials and have special liquid poo filters and very soft elastic bands. Avoid buying a lot of them because the baby will soon move on to the next size.
MEASURE 2: good for babies weighing 3 to 6 kilos. Optimal size for the baby's first weeks.
MEASURE 3: perfect for little ones weighing 4 to 10 kilos. It is a little bigger than the previous one.
MEASURE 4: ideal for children from 14 to 17 kilos. The size 4 nappies are very suitable for the baby and absorb well.
MEASURE 5: for children from 11 to 20-25 kilos. These nappies are generally more comfortable and are perfect for walking babies.
MEASURE 6: for children up to 30 kilos. This is the ideal size for little ones who are already making the transition to potty training.

How do you change your nappy the right way?

Especially the first changes are a bit more complicated and awkward. Then, we get carried away. But how to make the change in the right way?

first of all you put everything you need within reach (oils, towels, a spare diaper and, if necessary, creams.
one hand will always be busy holding the baby, so that it does not escape. You can distract him by giving him a rattle.
after removing the nappy, ALWAYS clean from front to back to avoid infection.
Wash the residues under lukewarm running water.
Pat dry gently.
Slide the clean diaper under the baby's bottom and position the front lacing.
Test the fit with your fingers: it should be comfortable and not too tight.

For further information: changing the diaper and how to change the diaper without making everything dirty.

Changing the diaper outside the home: how to get organized?

Around for a walk and ... surprise! The little one needs to be changed. But with a little practice and organization, you can do it all. That's how.

choose the suitable bag. There are also on the market with travel changing mat. (See also the changing bags)
bring spare nappies, wet wipes, socks, a cotton towel, bags for dirty laundry
a game to entertain the child
search online for a suitable space with a changing table, for an even more comfortable change.

The best diapers, practical tips to save

According to a Federconsumatori study, new parents spend from 729 euros to a maximum of 1.101 euros per year to buy diapers. Here are some tips to help mom and dad not run out of money:

Better to avoid waste. One way to save is to reduce unnecessary expenses. For example, is it really necessary to buy the thermometer to measure the water temperature? No. To avoid unnecessary shopping, ask the most experienced mothers what is really essential. (READ MORE: 20 things NOT to buy when a baby arrives)
Do-it-yourself cuts expenses. It cannot be done for everything, but, for example, do-it-yourself can be applied to baby food, games, clothing. For example, with regard to baby food, it is possible to make most of the foods at home and have little impact on the family budget.
Online shopping. There are many e-commerce sites offering new products at lower prices than those seen in stores. For example i German sites they are really affordable and there are great deals on Amazon too.
Stores, outlets. In these shops it is possible to find products from previous seasons or with some defects, which are sold at half the initial price.
Solidarity buying groups. If you are already registered in a GAS (Solidarity Purchase Group), you can propose that baby products be purchased, from diapers to shampoos. Otherwise, you can start one yourself.
Items already used. For strollers, high chairs, etc. the second-hand market has truly varied and economical solutions. The products can be found both in physical stores and in those on the Internet. Do not forget the passage from hand to hand between friends or brothers.
Washable nappies. A kit of 20 washable nappies, usable up to the transition to the potty, costs 300-350 euros. Surely buying them is a saving, even if you take into account the costs of washing. In addition, in some municipalities in the country there are bonuses for the purchase of washable diaper kits.
Do not postpone the spreading if a baby is ready. This is another way to spend less. If it's ready, start around 18-24 months.
Quality, regardless of the brand. The quality of a product is not necessarily linked to the label. Altroconsumo often produces quality rankings of products used in infancy: consult the site to find out which are the best.

READ ALSO: How to save in the first year of a child's life, 8 practical tips

Washable diapers, what they are and how to use them

Washable nappies, also called eco nappies, are made of cotton or fleece and have a hook and loop closure. The shape is the same as for disposable diapers.

They are lined with a microfiber panty, which is breathable and waterproof. A thick protective veil is often inserted between the skin and the diaper, which is useful for removing feces and which can then be thrown into the toilet. But how is it used? Here are some tips:

Put in a wet bag when it's dirty. Once used, the washable can be placed in a bin or in one "wet bag", inside which it can be stored dry: in this way the diapers can be kept for up to three days. Later, you can wash them with the rest of the laundry.
Use organic detergents. If you can, use organic detergents, without chemicals, which are not aggressive and do not harm the baby's skin.
Finally, do not rest the outer part directly on the radiator and do not use the dryer, because otherwise they will be damaged. However, there are models that hold up heat.

READ ALSO: Washable nappies, how to use them and washable nappies, which ones to choose

Diaper rash

The bottom and genital area become inflamed: a classic condition that almost all babies experience at least once in their life in the first 12 months. AND' diaper rash (or erythema). The first thing to do when you notice redness is to try to keep the area as dry and clean as possible. For this reason, change the diaper even more frequently (you can also keep it a little wider or use one of a larger size), wash the baby at each change only with water or a neutral detergent in the case, dab without rubbing. A soothing and protective cream can also be used.
Find out more in our in-depth study: what is diaper rash

Diaper cake: the tutorial with photos to make it in 15 steps

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How to make a diaper cake? It is very simple. All you need are diapers, a roll of cardboard, lots of rubber bands, a colored ribbon, a circular base for cakes and lots of gifts to ...

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