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For young mothers, especially first-time moms with limited experience in selecting baby essentials, distinguishing between baby pads and diapers can be confusing. This article will help you differentiate and properly use these two items!
1. What are baby pads?
1.1. Structure of baby pads
Mothers often purchase baby pads for their infants from birth up to one month old. Baby pads have a structure and shape similar to wingless sanitary pads that women usually use, but they are longer to cover the baby's buttocks entirely. The primary function of baby pads is to absorb the baby's waste, primarily used when the baby is predominantly lying down. Using baby pads is straightforward; mothers can stick them onto cloth diapers or directly onto diaper pants. With this product, mothers will save time and effort in diaper changing and washing.
1.2. Pros and Cons of Baby Pads
- Advantages of Baby Pads
When comparing diapers and baby pads, baby pads are much more cost-effective than diapers and other products. Since babies under one month old mostly lie down and produce less waste, using baby pads is very reasonable and cost-saving. Furthermore, baby pads have a simple structure and do not snugly fit against the baby's body, so they do not cause marks, skin redness, abrasions, or diaper rash like other products.
- Disadvantages of Baby Pads
Baby pads have lower absorption capacity compared to diaper products. Additionally, waste is more prone to leakage when the baby moves around.
2. What are newborn diapers?
2.1. Structure of Disposable Diapers
To determine whether to use baby pads or disposable diapers, let's continue exploring the structure and functions of disposable diapers nowadays. Disposable diapers have a structure similar to small underwear for children. The diaper surface has leak-proof barriers, the bottom of the diaper has excellent absorbency, and the back of the diaper hugs the baby's buttocks snugly to prevent leakage. To secure the diaper on the baby, there are adhesive tapes on both sides. Mothers only need to adjust the diaper to fit the baby properly and then fasten the adhesive tapes together. When it's time for a change, simply remove the adhesive tapes without the need to pull down the baby's legs like with regular pants.
2.2. Pros and Cons of Disposable Diapers
- Advantages of Disposable Diapers
Disposable diapers are noticeably more absorbent than baby pads. A single disposable diaper can hold up to five times a baby's urination. Moreover, the cleverly designed surface of disposable diapers, with breathable bottoms, facilitates quick waste absorption, ensuring that the baby stays dry and clean.
Some types of disposable diapers on the market contain additional ingredients such as rash inhibitors, odor neutralizers, and care for the baby's sensitive skin, such as green tea extract, aloe vera, and vitamin E. Disposable diapers are also secure, snugly fitting the baby's body to prevent waste leakage even during the baby's movements. This is the fundamental difference between baby pads and disposable diapers.
Due to the excellent absorbency of disposable diapers, mothers do not need to change diapers frequently, which does not disturb the baby's sleep. On the other hand, if using baby pads, mothers typically need to change them every two hours on average. For babies who have difficulty sleeping or easily wake up, this can significantly affect their sleep. Therefore, opting for disposable diapers from reputable brands such as Huggies super absorbent, breathable, rash-resistant diapers, or Bobby and Pampers diapers...
- Disadvantages of Disposable Diapers
However, disposable diapers still have certain drawbacks such as being bulky, hotter than baby pads. Additionally, the cost of disposable diapers is higher. When the baby grows older, using disposable diapers no longer meets the needs for firmness during the baby's movements and playtime.
3. Should you use baby pads or disposable diapers?
3.1. Age of Use
According to recommendations, baby pads should be used for newborns up to one month old. During this period, babies have fewer bathroom visits, mainly lying down, eating, and sleeping, so there's no need to use products with better absorbency like diapers.
As for disposable diapers, they should be used when the baby is three months or older. During this stage, babies are more active, have more bathroom visits, and produce a larger amount of waste, so disposable diapers can meet the requirement for good absorption and keep the baby dry and comfortable.
3.2. Absorbency Level
The absorbency of disposable diapers is significantly superior to that of baby pads. A single disposable diaper can be used for three to four hours, and premium disposable diapers can even last from six to eight hours. In contrast, baby pads with lower absorbency require changing every two hours. Disposable diapers also have good rash resistance and odor control, which baby pads lack.
3.3. Price Range
Baby pads have a lower price than disposable diapers. However, mothers typically need to change about 10 baby pads a day to meet cleanliness requirements for the baby. On the other hand, if using disposable diapers, the number of diaper changes may be only half as many. Mothers should also consider consulting detailed instructions on how to change diapers for newborns to help the baby sleep better and cry less, aiming to provide the best for their child.
3.2. Usage Method
Baby pads must be used in conjunction with diaper pants or swaddle diapers, otherwise the pads will not adhere properly to the baby's body. On the other hand, disposable diapers have a structure and shape similar to small underwear, allowing mothers to simply put them on the baby while still keeping the baby clean and dry. When the diaper is full, simply pull the adhesive tabs on both sides, gently lift the baby's buttocks, clean, remove the old diaper, and put on a new one.
3.3. Combining Both Products
Both baby pads and disposable diapers have their own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, mothers can conveniently use both of these products together. During the day, mothers can use baby pads, while at night when the baby needs deep sleep, mothers can use disposable diapers to limit the number of diaper changes and not disturb the baby's sleep.
Now, mothers know whether to use baby pads or disposable diapers, right? For babies under one month old, mothers should use baby pads. For babies from three months to one year old, mothers should use disposable diapers. At the same time, mothers can use a combination of both products as introduced above for the most effective and cost-saving approach. Wishing all mothers to take care of their beloved babies healthy and growing every day!
