When I was pregnant, I was busy making lists for my lists trying to prepare for motherhood. Magazine articles said my baby needed organic sheets, a giraffe called Sophie, and that I needed something called nipple cream. I heeded their advice and was sure these items made it to my catalog of “must-haves.” What didn’t make it were diapers.
Diapers weren’t on my list to research because I figured there was nothing to it. Why would one brand be that different than any other? (They are.) I was sure overnights were the same as daytime diapers (They’re not.) and that diaper leakage couldn’t be that bad. (It’s bad.) Peeing and pooping (my son's, not mine) became a huge focus of our daily life.
Here are seven discoveries my newbie mom brain uncovered about diapers — the good, the bad, and the poopy.
1. Diapers leak, especially at night
When you're home with your newborn, sleep becomes more coveted than gold or that vinyl-caped Jawa action figure your partner has in its original Star Wars packaging. Still, no matter how many times you carefully fasten those tabs before bedtime, that diaper leaks up the back and out the front. This wakes up your baby who shrieks to alert you to the predicament while your partner sleeps peacefully, dreaming of Jawas.
2. Babies are wiggly
Fun Fact: Babies don't lie still on the changing table. Infants are constantly exploring the world around them, and this movement doesn’t stop while you’re trying to change their diapers. Babies and toddlers are experts at grabbing used wipes and clutching clumps of their own poop. Taking off the old diaper and putting on the new is a real struggle that isn’t always won. (Which leads to item #3.)
3. Diapers explode
This is when pee, but mostly poop, ends up all over your baby, their cute new outfit, their car seat, and you. (Especially when you can’t fasten them right—see number two).
4. Each brand is totally different
Is this only a marketing ploy to lure sleep-deprived parents into buying too many diapers? Will finally finding the right brand support your child in getting into the kindergarten of your choice? While there’s been no specific testing regarding kindergarten entry, all brands have slightly different features — some are thicker, some are taller, and some are even made of cloth. All of these factors give them different advantages depending on your baby’s bathroom needs.
5. Cloth vs. disposable
While researching this topic, you may discover people feel as strongly about this as they do the hanging of their toilet paper. (Clearly, the correct toilet paper placement is over the top.) Try not to feel too overwhelmed, because choosing a diaper type for your baby, whether it's disposable or cloth, is a personal preference, so just do what works best for your family.
6. Not all babies like them
As your baby grows in dexterity, they might also enjoy pulling their diaper off — a lot. Tiny baby fingers seem to easily manage yanking at the exact point of diaper-tab release in order to go "commando." The good news is, you can always track them down by following the trail your kid has left for you.
7. Diaper rash looks scary
The redness. The scaly bumps. This rash looks like something out of an alien horror movie. While your baby may or may not notice it, you definitely will each and every diaper change. Luckily, there are creams and ointments to help you in your quest to cure this for your little one — and in a pinch, it doubles as an under-eye cream.
Welcome to the Wonderful World Of Diapers!
In your newborn’s first year you’ll change over 1,500 of them so they’re a definite must-have when researching all the stuff your baby will need. It’s also always the first thing you’ll forget when adding items to your diaper bag, but don’t worry, your baby has probably already decided it’s a good day to go “commando” anyway.
*Disclaimer: The advice on Mom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
