Buyer's Guide - Babies & Infants

Diapering

In addition to baby clothing, you will need to decide if you’d like to use cloth or disposable diapers.  Both have their own advantages, so you might like to try each kind – maybe even use a combination of the two.  Following is some information on both types to get you on track:

• Cloth Baby Diapers:  Many parents prefer these for everyday use since they’re more economical in the long run.  They come in cotton, flannel or terry-cloth and can be purchased pre-folded or unfolded.  You can fasten them with safety pins, Velcro, or diaper covers.  Important to note that they must be changed immediately when soiled to avoid irritation.  Additionally, they will have to be rinsed and then machine-washed in hot water to clean.  Environmentally, cloth diapers cut down on landfill waste.
• Disposable Baby Diapers:  In the long run, more expensive than cloth diapers, however, they are certainly much more convenient.  These diapers can be thrown away when soiled and help prevent diaper rash by drawing the moistness into the gel layers away from the skin.  They fasten with tape or Velcro strips.  Also available are swim diapers that can be used to prevent leaks while your child plays in the pool – these generally are less absorbent than regular diapers, but serve the purpose of protecting the pool!

Once you have clothes and diapers, you will need a place and items to change your baby easily and hygienically.  Following are some of the products that will help you make the diaper changing experience a more convenient one:

• Diaper Bags:  Today they come in all shapes and sizes, from top-of-the-line, high-quality designers to the more economical.  Inside many diaper bags you may find travel cases for baby wipes, changing pads, and bottle holders.  Check out all the compartments and determine what will be the most useful for you – think about the weight and color of the bag to be sure it will be the most useful for you.  Also keep in mind that dad may have to carry the bag at times too – maybe invest in a second bag or backpack that he may be more comfortable with.
• Changing Pads:  At home or away you will want a clean place to change your baby’s diaper.  Pads come in multiple varieties – from cloth to vinyl.  Also, some are disposable and others may have harnesses to keep your baby from rolling off while being changed.
• Baby Wipes:  Certainly a must for baby diapering, but can also be used for cleaning up baby food, drool and other little (or big) messes that your child makes.
• Diaper Disposal:  Unique pails, hampers and disposal systems provide you with a way to decrease the soiled diaper odor in your baby’s nursery and ultimately, your home.  Keep in mind that you will need to continually purchase the waste bagging system – so be sure you know the total costs associated with the particular system.
• Diaper Storage:  Keeping things neat is always a challenge with a newborn.  Diaper stackers provide a way for diapers to be neatly stored and accessible when needed.
• Wiper Warmer:  Something your child can live without, however, a luxury that will keep a sensitive child smiling through a diaper change.  These warmers generally come with removable sponges to moisten in order to keep the wipes moist and fresh.
• Skin Care:  Don’t run out of baby ointment that can prevent irritation.  At the first sign of diaper rash, be sure to use the ointment to soothe your child’s behind.