Is it Better To Have a Diaper Too Big or Too Small?
Buying diapers for your newborn should be an easy task. However, deciding on whether to buy newborn size or size 1 diapers is a challenge. If you try to look up the internet, you will be met with complaints where newborn diapers were too small for the baby while size 1 was too big. So, should expectant parents buy newborn size or size 1 diapers for their unborn child?
The right diaper size for newborns can either be the newborn size or size 1, depending on the baby’s birth weight and the diaper brand. Most hospitals stock newborn size diapers and encourage parents to stock the same for newborns . The newborn size diapers have an umbilical cord cut out to prevent the diaper from rubbing against the umbilical cord. While not all brands have this cut, it is a necessary feature.
Size 1 diapers are larger than newborn size and fit babies weighing 8-14 lbs. They do not have the umbilical cord dip. If your baby is born weighing more than 8lbs, this is the right diaper size. What about the umbilical cord? You might ask. To prevent the diaper from rubbing against the umbilical cord, it should be folded down at the umbilical cord area.
To be on the safe side, new parents are encouraged not to buy a lot of diapers in the newborn size or size 1. Stock up only a packet or two and wait for guidance from your baby. Also, babies grow up so fast, and you will be surprised at the rate at which they will outgrow the small size diapers.
Is it Better for Diapers to be Too Big or Too Small?
Diapers should be snug-fitting, meaning that they should not be too small or too big. Small diapers are tight, uncomfortable, and lead to significant leakages and blowouts. On the other hand, bigger diapers are more absorbed and handles more waste. However, they will leak.
Can You Use Size 1 Diapers on a Newborn?
Whether to use a size 1 diaper on a newborn depends on their birth weight. Diapers are sized depending on the baby’s weight and not age. Therefore, if a newborn weighs more than 10lbs, a size 1 diaper produced for babies weighing 8-12 lbs. is the perfect fit.
How Should A Diaper Fit
Your baby will go through thousands of diapers before they are ready for potty training. As you walk this journey, it is crucial to ensure that every diaper is comfortable, and this can only be achieved if it is the right fit. So, how should a diaper fit?
- A diaper should fit snugly, but it should not be tight. It should be tight enough to keep the diaper straight but not too tight to give a muffin top look on the thighs.
- A fitting diaper: Should not leave red marks on the baby’s waist or legs. If it leaves red marks, it is too tight.
- It should not leak. Diaper leaks can happen from time to time, but if you have to deal with a leakages all the time, it is not the right fit.
- The leg cuffs should fit nicely. With the right fit, you should be able to run your fingers around the edges without resistance.
- Should cover the baby bottoms completely. If the baby’s bottom is exposed on the sides, it is not the correct size.
- Tapeless diapers should be easy to pull up. If you are met with resistance or the sides of the diaper start tearing apart, it is not the right fit.
- For newborns, the diaper should fit under the umbilical cord. If the brand you are using does not have the dip on the cord area, fold it and be extra careful when putting on and removing the diaper until the umbilical cord is fully healed.
See also Diapers That Change color When Wet
Signs To Go Up A Diaper Size
Babies outgrow diapers very fast, and knowing when to move to the next size can be challenging. The size guidelines on the diaper packages should guide you on when to change the diaper sizes, but sometimes the guidelines are not perfect.
Below are top signs that it is time to start using the next diaper size:
Frequent leaks and blowouts
Diaper leakages are common accidents; however, if your baby is leaking all the time, the diaper is no longer fitting, and you should move a size up. A small-sized diaper does not cover the baby’s bottom completely, hence the cause of leakages and blowouts.
Some parents associate frequent leakages with the diaper brand. However, the problem will continue to haunt you until you get a bigger size.
Change in Baby Weight
Baby diapers are sized in relation to baby weight and not age. Therefore, change the diapers if the baby’s weight demands a bigger size. This will be helpful even if you have not had any leakages. Note that diaper brands overlap on the sizing; therefore, you should work with the sizing chart of the brand you are using.
Increase in Clothes Size
If your baby no longer fits in their old clothes, they might need a change in diaper size as well. For instance, if your newborn no longer fits in the newborn size clothes, they are most likely not fitting in the newborn size diapers anymore.
Red marks and rashes
The diaper is too tight if you notice red marks or rashes on the baby’s waist, hips, or groin. Also, tight diapers can result in rashes on the baby bum, which calls for an immediate change in diaper size.
Difficulty connecting the diaper tabs
If the diaper tabs are closing near the waist instead of at the center, it is time to move aside up. The same case applies if the diaper wings appear overstretched. The right diaper size should close easily and meet at the center.
Also, if the waistband is too tight after closing the tabs, it is small, and you should move a size up.
As you stock up diapers for your baby, it is essential to understand that babies outgrow diapers faster than you expect. Therefore, if you plan to make large purchases, get a size bigger than what you are using. This way, you will be safe because the baby will grow into them.
See also Differences Between Preemie diapers vs Newborn diapers
Which Diaper Brand Runs Big?
Because of frequent leakages and the need to move a size up sooner than expected, many parents are looking for diaper brands that run big. So, which diaper brand runs big?
Diaper brands come in different fittings because they are designed in varying sizes and shapes. Also, the baby’s bodies are different; therefore, diapers fit differently. You will realize that some diaper brands do not fit slim tall babies like they would chubby ones.
Therefore, if your baby is chubby, you should try diapers that run big. What’s more, the best way to determine if the sizing of the diaper is fit for your baby is by trying it on them. The sizing on the packet might be accurate, but you cannot tell if it is the perfect size for your baby unless you try it.
See also Should You Put Your Child In Diapers for Bedwetting
FAQs on Newborn Diapers too Small Size 1 Too Big
When Should a Baby Move to Size 1 Diapers?
Babies move to size 1 diapers at around four weeks. However, the timing depends on the weight of the baby. Some babies wear size 1 diapers immediately after birth because they are born heavy.
How Do I Know if My Baby’s Diaper is Too Big?
A diaper is too big for your baby if it sags too low or has excess gaps on the waist and legs. Bigger diapers can absorb more waste, but they will leak because of the excessive gaping.
