^

What are the best diapers to use?

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Which diapers are better to use - gauze or Pampers type?

There is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on many factors: the thickness of your wallet, the degree of your employment, and finally, your desire to sleep at night.

Of course, absorbent diapers, especially those that "breathe" (paper), help save time and effort. Thanks to them, unwashed mountains of laundry and "sails" of diapers and nappies drying in the kitchen have almost disappeared into oblivion. And most importantly, children can sleep continuously from feeding to feeding.

But "breathing" diapers also have their downsides. Firstly, the child, not feeling dampness and not experiencing discomfort, has no need to be potty trained. It is clear that this habit should not be instilled earlier than from the age of one and a half to two years, but the psychophysiological prerequisites for this should be laid somewhat earlier. For example, abroad, where incomes are much higher than ours, diapers are used more widely and parents are concerned with the problem of potty training much later (they start from the age of one and a half to four years), although a meaningful need to use a potty in children arises from the age of one and a half to two years.

Secondly, these diapers, although they breathe, still significantly increase the temperature in the perineum. And although there is no exact data on this problem, it is necessary to remember that it is not for nothing that boys have a scrotum, into which the testicles must descend on time. This is due to the fact that the testicles should not be exposed to high temperatures. The fact is that if the testicles for some reason do not descend into the scrotum on time (this pathology is called cryptorchidism), then either male infertility or testicular cancer may develop in the future. And disposable diapers, albeit slightly, increase this danger. And although many scientists, not to mention diaper manufacturers, claim that they are completely harmless, it is almost impossible to conduct a reliable study on the topic: whether the reproductive function of boys who put on such diapers decreased or not. Moreover, the diapers themselves appeared only 30 years ago (not to mention their mass use).

The following recommendations can be given: if you are at home, it is better to use gauze diapers. If the child has wet them, he will let you know by grunting and then screaming. And during the change of diapers and nappies, you will communicate with the baby once again, which will bring both you and him additional joy. But during walks or at night, you can put on diapers.

Do I need to iron diapers after washing?

Diapers and other baby things should be kept clean. Do not throw dirty diapers on the floor. They should be placed in a specially designated basin. Do not dry wet diapers and reuse them. This is a sure way to diaper rash. A diaper wet by a child once can be rinsed in hot water without using detergents and dried, but this should not be done constantly. Diapers soiled with feces are soaked in a basin or washed immediately.

The dirty laundry that has accumulated during the day is washed with powder in a washing machine or by hand. It is better to use special hypoallergenic powders for children. Previously, soap was used for washing. It is, of course, much cheaper than powder, but I think your child deserves to spend money on it. After washing, it is better to boil the diapers or at least pour boiling water over them. The washed diapers should be hung on a dryer so that strangers do not touch them. This will prevent them from getting dirty.

It is better to iron baby clothes on a specially designated mat. If the clothes are too dry, they need to be moistened either with an iron with a special spray or in some other way, but in no case should you spray water with your mouth.

Washed, dried and ironed linen should be stored separately from other linen.

The child's pillow, blanket, and mattress should be shaken out daily and aired out in the open air for several hours at least once a week.

You are reporting a typo in the following text:
Simply click the "Send typo report" button to complete the report. You can also include a comment.