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 on the changing table. Disposable diapers aren’t as thin or smooth as underwear (and even a cloth diaper can be bulky). They’re often filled with pee and poop—not exactly the best experience.

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

After three kids, I could 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 can 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 dirty diaper for too long. And many diapers include a wetness indicator on the front of the diaper to let you know when there’s moisture.

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2. Use the right size

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

Find the right diaper size for your baby to make sure he’s comfortable. A too-tight diaper, especially around baby’s legs and waist, often means squeezing in too much. Meanwhile, a too-big diaper can lead to leaks. As he grows, be on the lookout for fit, like when a diaper that had 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, especially during nighttime diaper changes, isn’t easy, for sure. But as much as possible, put your baby’s diaper on correctly. The more accurately his diaper fits his body, the fewer accidents and discomfort he can 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. Apply diaper ointment as a preventative measure.

If he wriggles too much on the changing pad, give him a toy or other distractions, or talk to him about what you see and hear. And have all your supplies ready, from opening the jar of cream to having your diaper wipes pulled out of its container (or cotton balls soaked in warm water).

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 can 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 your baby’s delicate 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 sensitive skin. These are likely hypoallergenic and chlorine-free with no fragrance or latex that can cause irritation on your baby’s skin.

Get breathable diapers to avoid sweaty skin that can lead to rashes on your baby’s diaper area. Many also have lines in the front that change color when it senses wetness.

The ideal diaper allows him to move without leaking and is 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 and rely 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 he can feel as comfortable as possible nonetheless.

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