Preemie Diapers Vs Newborn: What Are the Differences?
Choosing the right diaper sizes for a new baby is challenging for many parents. The process is even harder for parents of premature babies. If you are confused whether to buy preemie or newborn diapers, you clicked on the right article. This post will discuss preemie and newborn diapers in detail to help you make the right purchase decision.
Preemie diapers are small-sized for preterm babies weighing 6 pounds and below. A premature baby cannot fit in regular diapers because they are small in size and very delicate. On the other hand, newborn diapers are designed for full-term babies weighing 10 pounds and below.
Read below their differences and similarities.
Comparison Between Preemie vs Newborn Diapers
Differences of Preemie Diapers vs. Newborn
| Preemie Diapers | Newborn Size Diaper | |
| Baby weight | Up to 6 pounds | Up to 10 pounds |
| Daily usage | As required | 9-12 diapers |
| Duration | As required | 3 weeks to 1 month |
| Brands | Sold by some brands, like Huggies and Pampers | Sold by almost all diaper brands on the market |
| Pricing | More expensive than newborn diapers | Price depends on the Brand |
Similarities Between Preemie and Newborn Diapers
- They are both available as disposable diapers and cloth diapers
- Both sizes come with a wetness indicator
- Most brands manufacture them with a tab closure and adjustable waistband to accommodate different baby sizes.
- Most diapers feature the umbilical cord cut out
Review of Preemie diapers
A baby is categorized as premature if born before 37 weeks. Premature babies are different from full-term babies in size, weight, and appearance. Also, they come with special needs, such as needing a special type of diapers. Because of their delicate skin and small size, they cannot fit in regular diapers, which created the need for a special kind of diaper known as preemie diapers.
Unlike some years ago when Pampers and Huggies were the only companies producing preemie diapers, today, there are several diaper brands manufacturing preemie diapers. The variety gives you a choice, but choosing the best Brand from the many can be a daunting task.
If you need guidance on the best preemie diapers to purchase, here are top brands to choose from:
Preemie diapers from pampers
Pampers is reputable, and it was among the first brands to manufacture preemie diapers. Below are various preemie diapers from pampers:
Pampers Swaddlers Diapers, Preemie
Pampers Swaddlers preemie diapers are two times softer than regular diapers, offering maximum comfort and protection. Also, they have air channels that allow for air circulation to keep the baby dry.
What’s more, they come with a wetness indicator that changes color to signal you when it is time to change the baby. Its super stretchy sides allow your baby to move freely.
Getting Pampers Swaddlers preemie diapers can be challenging because many physical stores do not stock them. However, you can always purchase them online from Amazon.
Pampers Pure Disposable Baby Diapers – Preemie
Pampers Pure Disposable preemie Diapers are not only baby-friendly but also environmentally friendly because they are manufactured from pure cotton. They do not have chlorine bleach, latex, fragrance, or parabens, making them safe for sensitive preemie skin.
For further protection, the diapers are hypoallergenic and gentle. This means that they cannot react with the baby’s skin ruling out the possibilities of skin rashes or allergic reactions.
What’s more, they have adorable prints, offer 12 hours of leak protection, and have a wetness indicator so that you never miss a diaper change.
Pampers Micro New Baby
Pampers Micro New Baby are size 0 diapers designed for babies weighing 3-6 pounds. They are super soft to protect sensitive skin and have a breathable backside to keep the baby dry at all times.
What’s more, the materials used to make the diapers are thoughtfully selected. They do not contain chlorine bleach, latex, and they are fragrance-free.
See also Diapers That Change Color When Wet
Preemie diapers from Huggies
Huggies and Pampers are diaper brand rivals, but each has maintained its reputation over the years. Below are some preemie diapers from Huggies:
HUGGIES Little Snugglers – Size Preemie
HUGGIES Little Snugglers preemie is designed for babies weighing up to 6 pounds. They have a GentleAbsorb Liner that is super soft, ensuring maximum absorption and protection for the baby’s fragile skin.
The diapers come with a leak lock system that prevents leakages for up to 12 hours. In addition, they come with a wetness indicator to alert you when the baby needs a change. What’s more, they have the umbilical cord cut out so that they do not rub against the belly button.
Huggies Gentle Care Preemies Diapers
This is another high-quality preemie diaper free from materials like chlorine, fragrance, lotions, latex, and paraben, which can react with the baby’s skin.
They are designed with an umbilical cord cut out, a wetness indicator, gentle absorb liners and stretchy sides for maximum protection and comfort.
Bambo preemie diapers
Bambo preemie diapers are premium diapers for babies weighing two to six pounds. They are manufactured using high-quality materials that are baby and environment-friendly. They are made of a pure cotton and a breathable exterior for maximum breathability and comfort.
See also What To Do If Newborn diaper Too Small Size 1 Too Big
Review of Newborn Diapers
Newborn babies are as sensitive as preemies and therefore need diapers that offer the same care and protection. Unlike preemie diapers produced by limited companies, multiple companies manufacture newborn-size diapers, and choosing the best one for you can be very challenging.
If you are still not sure of the best newborn size diaper brand to go with, check the review below:Pampers Swaddlers, Size Newborn
Pampers Swaddlers newborn size is very popular and is suitable for babies below 10 pounds. The diapers are soft, comfortable, and flexible, just as required for newborns. Also, they are very absorbed, reducing the chances of leakages or blowouts.
What’s more, they have a wetness indicator that changes color to indicate that the diaper is wet. Also, they have a cut-out on the umbilical cord area to prevent irritation and allow for faster healing.
Parents’ choice diapers, size Newborn
Diapers are costly, and sometimes buying a cheaper brand compromises the quality. However, Parents Choice diapers came to demystify that myth because they are very affordable compared to other brands without compromising quality. They are super absorbed, have a wetness indicator, and dip on the umbilical cord area for maximum comfort.
Bambo nature eco-friendly diapers, size Newborn
Diapers make parenting easy, but they are not suitable for the environment. Check with Bambo diapers if you are looking for a diaper brand that keeps your baby dry and comfortable but mindful of the environment.
They are manufactured using natural ingredients without added chemicals or dyes. This way, they are tender on the baby’s skin and breaks down quickly on disposal.
Huggies Special Delivery Hypoallergenic Diapers, size Newborn
Huggies Special Delivery Hypoallergenic Diapers made from plant materials is the softest newborn diaper on the market. It offers maximum absorption to keep your baby dry all the time.
The diapers are hypoallergenic and approved by doctors for babies with very sensitive skin. They do not contain chlorine, dyes, parabens, or any other toxic materials. This is in addition to a 12-hour leak lock system, wetness indicator, and flexible fit.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Preemie vs Newborn Diapers
Buying the right diapers for your new baby keeps them comfortable and gives you peace of mind. Below are some factors to consider before purchasing the diapers:
Size
The size of diapers plays a significant role in their function. The best diaper should be snug-fitting. If the diaper is too tight, the baby will be uncomfortable, and you will have to deal with frequent leakages and blowouts. On the other hand, large diapers absorb a lot of waste, but they will leak because of the excessive spacing on the legs and waist.
Material
Preemies and newborns have delicate skin. Therefore, you need a diaper manufactured with natural materials. Cotton diapers offer maximum absorption while preventing the baby from toxicity. Stay away from diapers with latex, chlorine, lotions, and fragrance materials.
Do not overstock
Your baby might be weighing three pounds now, but they grow very fast. Therefore, do not overstock the tiny size diapers. A pack or two will do for a start as you monitor their growth rate to move a size up.
Cost
The cost of diapers varies with the Brand. However, while cost is an important consideration, do not compromise on quality. The last thing you want is to deal with skin rashes or allergies because you purchased a cheaper brand. Stick to affordable brands which do not compromise on quality.
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FAQ on Preemie Diapers vs. Newborn
Can Newborns Wear Preemie Diapers?
Preemie diapers are made for premature babies weighing less than 6 pounds. In many cases, full-term newborns weigh more than 6 pounds, and therefore they cannot fit in preemie diapers.
How Long Do Babies Wear Preemie Diapers?
Babies wear preemie diapers for as long as it takes them to gain weight and transition to newborn size diapers. Some babies will be on preemie diapers for a week, while others for months, depending on their growth and development.
See also Is It Okay To Put Children on Diapers on Vacation
What Size Do Preemie Diapers Fit?
Preemie diapers are made for tiny babies weighing as little as 1 pound. Some diaper brands have preemie diapers in sizes -1, -2, and -3 allowing you to choose the right size depending on the size of your baby.
