Hello new parents, welcome to diaper confusion

Cloth and disposable diapers both have an environmental impact, but in different ways. Disposable diapers take up landfill space, and cloth diapers require electricity and water for laundering. Disposables are less time-consuming to use; simply toss soiled diapers in the trash and pull out a fresh one. Cloth diapers, on the other hand, must be rinsed and stored or soaked until laundering.

Hybrid diapers combine a very thin, flushable inner liner, and a reusable, washable outer shell that fastens with snaps or Velcro, but the liners are disposable, reducing the amount of necessary laundering and making on-the-go diapering more convenient (no need to store a soiled diaper; simply throw the liner in the trash or flush it). Eco-friendly disposable diapers are made from natural ingredients, such as wood pulp, corn and wheat. They're not bleached with chlorine, so they're gentler on sensitive skin.

For older children, training pants can be pulled on and off like regular underwear, but still have some of the absorbency of regular diapers. They're designed to help with the potty-training process, and they're disposable in case of accidents, with tear-away or resealable sides for easy changing.

Experts say no diaper can be absolutely leak-proof for every baby. Still, you can hedge your bets by choosing a diaper with the following features:

  • A notch for the navel area on newborn diapers
  • Elastic leg bands
  • Elastic waistbands
  • Absorbent cores
  • Breathable covers to keep baby dry
  • Diapers with adjustable tape or Velcro fasteners

Reviewers say fit is the most important consideration to avoid leaks and ensure comfort. Brands can vary with respect to size and weight parameters, so if your baby wears a size 2 in one brand, he may wear a different size in another brand. Different brands are made with different shapes and styles, and because each baby is different, one brand may work best for your baby, and another brand may work better for another.

As far as saving money, experts recommend trying a store-brand diaper first. If that works well for your child, there is little point in spending the money on more expensive diapers. In addition, consider buying in bulk. Experts say you'll likely pay less per diaper if you buy the biggest package available.

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