Different types of diapers you will need for your baby

A first-time parent’s first introduction to diapers will be bringing a newborn home from the hospital (the hospital might even send you home with some!). You’ll want to have some newborn diapers on hand, which are specifically made for those first few weeks and months. Most newborn diapers have a weight suggestion on the diaper of 9lbs or less, but each baby is different—your baby might even have been born at 9lbs or more, which means you might need to jump to size 1. (Check out the size and weight chart to help guide you.)

There are many features that newborn-specific diapers can boast, such as a cut-out for a newborn’s umbilical cord, a pocket in the waistband to help prevent blowouts, and gentle liners. Diapers like Huggies® Little Snugglers® and Huggies® Special Delivery™ are great options for newborns for just those reasons. They even go up to size 6/7 if you end up loving them and want to keep using them.

Once your baby starts crawling, it’s time to switch to a diaper made for more active babies. Active diapers should have an extra-snug fit at the leg and waist to help prevent leaks, no matter if they are zooming through the house on their hands and knees or hopping from room to room. As your baby starts exploring solid food, it will also be important that an active diaper is prepared with a fast-absorbing liner and a good fastening system, like Huggies® Little Movers® has.

Upon bringing your baby home, you might realize that your little one has sensitive skin. Some babies may easily develop a skin rash from direct contact with certain ingredients or products, and you’ll need to take special consideration when caring for a baby with sensitive skin.

Consider selecting diapering products that are hypoallergenic and made from materials that have been specifically selected to be gentle on your baby’s skin. While all Huggies® diapers are fragrance-free and made for sensitive skin, the softest of the bunch is Huggies® Special Delivery.™ Huggies® Natural Care® Sensitive Wipes are made of 99% water and have been recognized by the National Eczema Association for use on sensitive skin as well.

Diapers have leak protection throughout the day, but there are diapers specifically made for overnight sleep. Your baby needs to be kept extra dry and comfortable all night long, so overnight diapers are extra absorbent. Look for overnight diapers with double grip strips, like Huggies® Overnites, to help keep everything in place for even the most active sleeper. Most overnight diapers don’t start sizing until size 3, when your child is most likely sleeping through the night.

Your baby is growing up, and that means that his or her needs have changed. Older babies are extremely active and on their way to being independent and potty trained. That’s where potty training pants come in. These are diapers that are specifically made to transition your baby from diapers to underwear.

Potty training pants start in toddler sizing, such as 2T. You’ll want to go by the weight suggestions, as well as your child’s signs he or she is ready to start potty training. The pants come in a variety of styles, and feel more like underwear, but with protection like a diaper. They usually have two ways of operating. Children can pull the pants down like underwear, or, if there’s an accident, a parent can unfasten the sides like a diaper for a quick change. Consider trying Pull-Ups®, which come in a variety of styles, including ones specifically for overnight.

You’ll want to have swim pants (baby swimwear that look like diapers but are made for swimming) around during the warmer months so you can take your baby to the pool or the beach. Many pools require babies to wear swim pants in order to enter. These products specifically made for swimming won’t retain much liquid, so they won’t swell in water, keeping your baby comfortable, with no soggy bottom. Swim pants are designed to contain solid messes, and some are disposable, making changing a breeze. They also often come in pull-on styles, which are helpful when doing a quick change, and for making sure that the pant doesn’t come off in the water. Swim pants (which look like diapers but are made for swimming), like Huggies® Little Swimmers®, start in size 3, which is around the same time your baby will be able to sit on their own.

Keep in mind that a well-fitting diaper is just as important as what kind of diaper you are using. Now that you know the different types of diapers for different situations, your baby can stay dry and happy all day and night long.