Life

You’re In The Diaper Aisle, Shopping For A Newborn — Here’s What You Need To Know

“Fit check” means something new to you now.

Written by Katie Cloyd

You’re in the diaper aisle. Shopping. For a newborn. An actual newborn human baby who needs literally everything.

Everybody who’s ever shopped for a newborn, whether theirs or a loved one’s, understands the overwhelm of this moment. It’s practically a right of passage to gaze helplessly at all the diaper boxes decked out with pictures of impossibly adorable chubby babies in fluffy diapers and debate whether you can leave this decision up to a rousing game of “rock, paper, scissors” or, better yet, skip it entirely.

But you’re here for a reason. You have to pick a diaper. Well, I’ve had three babies and I’m here to help. There are a few features you should look for in a newborn diaper. Let’s break them down and make this easy:

First things first: If you weren’t already a good parent (or amazing friend), you wouldn’t be stressing about this.

Don’t worry. You can’t accidentally choose a diaper that somehow indicates you don’t love this baby as much as you’re supposed to. But there are some really great diapers on the market that can make a parent’s life just a little easier. You don’t want to miss out on them because you don’t know what to look for. Keep this in mind: For the smallest people, sometimes less is more. Look for a hypoallergenic, unscented diaper. You want soft, absorbent, and comfortable.

“Fit check” means something new to you now.

The foundation of every baby’s OOTD is their diaper, and a good fit is crucial. Every baby is shaped just a little differently, and a good fit helps prevent what’s in a diaper from making its way out. When I was choosing a newborn diaper for my three babies, I went with Huggies Little Snugglers Diapers because Huggies are made with a curved shape so they can fit all the different shapes and sizes of baby butts. My babies were vastly different lengths and weights, and Little Snugglers fit all three of mine like a glove.

The must-have diaper accessory of the season? The cutout waistband.

Babies come home with an umbilical stump where their little belly button will eventually be. It sounds scary, but I promise it only comes with a few simple instructions for care, and before you know it, the little stump falls off. In the meantime, it’s important to keep baby’s belly button clean and dry, and Huggies has a notched waistband.

Moisture-wicking lining is your diaper bestie.

First of all, the absorbent material draws away wetness to help keep moisture from Baby’s delicate skin. But it also keeps the baby feeling dry, which could mean fewer wakeups and more sleep for parents. I love the way Huggies GentleAbsorb® Diaper Liner keeps my babies happy. It just feels like something I want on the most delicate parts of the people I love most. Plus, Huggies are free of fragrances, parabens, elemental chlorine, and lotions, which is important to me.

Focus on the feel.

Don’t be sucked in by novel prints and colors. Yes, brightly patterned baby stuff is adorable, but a good newborn diaper needs to be comfortable and functional, not just decorative. Look for a breathable, cloth-like outside, soft leg bands, and a comfy waistband. Imagine how it would feel to wear it — not how it will look in a basket on the changing table.

Don’t ignore those extra features.

Take a close look at exactly why each brand is claiming to be special. Do they have a wetness indicator? Extra soft lining? Not every extra feature is a gimmick! For example, Huggies Little Snugglers Diapers have a soft pocket in the back of the waistband to help prevent diaper blowouts. Really think about the mechanics of that for a minute, then ask yourself if you want to skip that little bonus pocket. Comparing these extra features is a great way to break a tie if you’re torn between two choices.

Raising a baby is hard work. Choosing a diaper doesn’t have to be. When you’ve got all the information, your choice becomes simpler. Save the games of “rock, paper, scissors” for the really important stuff — like deciding who’s going to change the next one.