The best choices in diapers for babies

by April O'Keefe

The factors for determining best choice in diapers for your son or daughter depend on many factors. For example, if you are living a "green" lifestyle, or if your baby is too sensitive for paper diapers, cloth diapers might be the best choice for your lifestyle. If cloth diapers aren't exactly your cup of tea, perhaps a disposable brand would work best for you.

Here is a more in-depth look at different kinds of diapers to hopefully help you decide on the best diapers. We will also explore swim diapers and diaper rash.

-Disposable Diapers
Disposable diapers are probably the most widely-used diapers these days. They are easy to use and even easier to dispose of. They are generally very absorbent and most brands of disposable diapers are very reliable in preventing leaks. Over time the cost of purchasing these diapers adds up, but in this busy day and age, most parents are willing to make the financial sacrifice.

The disposable diaper brands that are most popular these days, despite cost, are Huggies, Pampers, and Luvs. However, many other brands (including store brands) have been deemed equally effective by most parents.

-Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers have long been considered more economical and more environment-friendly than disposable diapers. Many people think of cloth diapering as being the old-fashioned cloth-and-safety-pin method, but these days cloth diapering is far beyond that. There are so many options. There is the choice of cloth diaper closures (snaps, Velcro, hook and loop), cloth diaper varieties (fitted, pocket, all-in-one, one-size), and cloth diaper accessories (inserts, liners, doublers).

As with any kind of diaper, there have been very mixed reviews about cloth diaper brands, but three of the top names in cloth diapers are bumGenius!, Fuzzi Bunz, and Happy Heiny's.

-Diaper Covers
Used with cloth diapers, the main duty of diaper covers is to prevent accidents from leaks that were not absorbed by the diaper. Generally, diaper covers contain a layer of waterproof material, often nylon; however, there are wool and fleece varieties of diaper covers available.

Some of the more popular and higher-rated brands of diaper covers are Thirsties, Bummis, Proraps. Again, there are mixed reviews about diaper covers, but the general consensus is that these brands are the best.

-Swim Diapers
Swim diapers, unlike regular diapers, are not made to absorb urine. This is because the absorbency would lead to absorbing the water around your son or daughter. The main purpose of swim diapers is to catch any bowel movements before they spread out of the pool. These diapers come in reusable and disposable varieties.

Some of the better-known reusable swim diaper brands are Imse Vimse, Kushies, and IPlay. Huggies, Pampers, and Luvs are the top brands for disposable swim diapers.

-Diaper Rash
Unfortunately, a problem that all parents run into at some point is diaper rash. Diaper rash is often caused by too much moisture, friction, or, in some cases, may point to an underlying problem. If the diaper rash is frequent or seems severe, your child should probably see a doctor because it may be a yeast rash, psoriasis, or a more uncommon disease.

The recommended regimen is to apply Desitin to the rash and allow air to reach the rash. The diaper, regardless of brand or type, should be changed more often than usual while there is a rash. If the diaper rash does not improve, your son or daughter should be taken to a doctor who can accurately diagnose the rash and possibly prescribe some ointment.

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