5 Ways to Keep Your Baby Comfortable in Diapers

From rashes to wetness, dealing with uncomfortable diapers can be troublesome for all. Learn 5 ways to keep your baby comfortable in diapers.

Can you imagine how uncomfortable it must be for babies and toddlers to be in diapers 24/7?

They’re hardly out of a diaper except for baths and diaper changes. Diapers aren’t as thin or smooth as underwear. And they’re sometimes filled with pee and poop—not exactly the best experience.

Some babies cry the minute their diapers feel uncomfortable, with some toddlers will even let us know that they want a diaper change.

After three kids, I could clearly see the difference a comfortable diaper can make. With an uncomfortable diaper, they’d walk like they were straddling a horse or push down on the sides of their diapers. And of course, they wince with every wipe when they get a diaper rash.

How to keep your baby comfortable in diapers

That’s when I learned the importance of prioritizing a comfortable diaper for your baby. This doesn’t always mean buying the most expensive items or letting him go around bare-bottom.

And if you’re struggling with a diaper rash or see tell-tale signs of discomfort, you’ll especially want to practice a few of these tips below:

1. Change diapers regularly

We’ve all removed the heavy diaper that seems to weigh five pounds. If you find yourself doing that more often than not, change your baby’s diaper regularly.

You can change them in intervals, like every three hours. Or include diaper changes in your routine, such as before nap times. Changing diapers throughout the day ensures he isn’t in a soiled diaper for too long.

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2. Use the right size

The right diaper size can make all the difference with ensuring your baby is comfortable.

Find the right diaper size for your baby to make sure he’s comfortable. A too-tight diaper often means squeezing in too much, while a too-big diaper leads to leaks. As he grows, you’ll constantly be on the lookout for fit, especially when a diaper that once fit well can now feel small.

Don’t forget that every brand is different, so rely on the weight recommendations each one suggests. A size two in one brand may not be the same size as a size two in another.

3. Take your time putting on a diaper

Wrangling a wailing baby or a toddler in a tantrum isn’t easy, for sure—sometimes you just need to get that diaper on. But as much as possible, put your baby’s diaper on correctly. The more accurate his diaper fits his body, the fewer accidents and discomfort he’ll feel.

Make sure it’s centered with his body and that the straps aren’t too loose or tight. Keep it snug but comfortable around the hips, and check that both the front and back are aligned well.

4. Apply diaper cream

The minute you see even the slightest chance of a rash, apply diaper cream more liberally than you usually do. The cream prevents a rash from spreading and will keep your baby comfortable.

And if he already has a rash, diaper cream makes it go away much faster than without. It provides a layer between the wetness and texture of the diaper and his skin.

5. Experiment with diaper brands

Experiment with different brands and features to see which one suits your baby best. You might even look for diapers specifically for delicate skin. These are likely hypoallergenic with no perfumes or latex that can irritate his skin.

You’ll also want breathable diapers to avoid sweaty skin that can lead to rashes. Many also have lines in the front that change color when it senses wetness.

The ideal diaper will allow him to move without leaking, and will be soft throughout. For long stretches, look for those that offer 12-hour overnight protection that you can use both day and night. And of course, the best diapers are sourced responsibly with sustainable practices.

Conclusion

Babies and toddlers don’t have the luxury of wearing the comfortable underwear you and I wear. They still can’t pee or poop in the toilet just yet, relying on constant diapers.

To keep your baby comfortable, change his diapers frequently to avoid heaviness and rashes. Use the right size so the diaper isn’t too tight or loose. Take your time putting on the diaper as much as possible, and apply diaper cream to prevent rashes.

And experiment with brands and features, especially those designed for comfort and sensitivity.

He’ll still have to wear diapers 24/7 for now, but at least you’ll know he’ll feel as comfortable as possible nonetheless.

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