Because they must respect baby’s skin and the environment at the same time without having too much of an impact on the wallet, making a choice in the diaper section can be a real headache. Tracks to see more clearly.

First of all, it is essential to take into account not the baby’s age but his body size. Moreover, it is according to the number of kilos and not the number of months that the different sizes of diapers are classified. Most current models are designed to minimize irritation and leaks. However, from one brand to another, the composition and cut of the layers varies enormously. If you have a leak or have a diaper rash, changing the brand may help solve the problem.

Size 1 and 2

Recommended from 2 to 5 kilos, size 1 is generally suitable from birth to about 2-3 months. The size 2 diaper is suitable for 3 to 6 kilos, from birth to about 3-4 months.

Size 3 and 4

Designed to facilitate the movements of babies who begin to move more, size 3 is suitable for children weighing between 4 and 9 kg and size 4 for children weighing between 7 and 18 kg.

Size 4+, 5, 6

Thinner so as not to interfere with babies who begin to crawl or stand up, size 4+ is designed for children weighing between 9 and 20 kg, size 5 for children weighing between 11 and 25 kg and the size 6 for children over 16 kilos.

Diapers

Available in sizes 4, 5 or 6, these diapers slip on like panties and can be quickly removed, either by pulling them down or tearing them at the sides. They are generally appreciated by parents (and young children) because they allow them to gain autonomy and facilitate toilet training.

Note: Many brands now offer models specifically designed for premature babies.

Imagined in 1956 by an employee of the Procter Et Gamble company, the first disposable diapers were marketed in the United States in 1961 by Pampers. It is a revolution for mothers, who until then had to hand wash their baby’s cloth diapers. Since then, the models offered have made enormous progress: adhesive tapes have replaced safety pins, absorption systems are always more effective, the compounds used seek to respect the particularly sensitive epidermis of toddlers more. Only here, flip side, disposable diapers are very harmful to the environment: their manufacture is very energy-intensive and until it is clean, a child generates about 1 ton of dirty diapers! Manufacturers are therefore now striving to produce more environmentally friendly models.

More economical and more ecological, washable diapers are making a comeback. It must be said that they no longer have much to do with the models used by our great-grandmothers. Two variations are possible, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The “all-in-1s” made up of a protective panty with a washable diaper are easy to use, they are the closest to disposable models, but they take a long time to dry. Another option: the combined models with pockets / inserts made up of two parts: the layer (waterproof) and the insert (absorbent). As Pascale d’Erm, the author of “Becoming an eco-mom (or an eco-dad!)” (Glénat), points out, the most difficult thing is to choose the brand that is most suited to the baby’s morphology. To achieve this, she recommends consulting discussion forums on the subject or organic stores.

Until they get clean, that is, up to about 3 years old, it is estimated that a child wears about 4000 disposable diapers. This represents a budget for his parents of around 40 € per month. The costs vary according to the sizes, the degree of technicality of the model but also the packaging: the larger the packs of diapers, the more the unit price drops. Finally, training diapers are more expensive than conventional diapers. Regarding the budget for cloth diapers, it is on average three times lower.