Diapers are one of those items that become part of the family's routine from the very first days — and quickly turn into one of the most-used products in the house.

Although it seems like a simple choice, there are different types, sizes, absorbency levels and shapes. And what works really well for one baby may not work as well for another.

More important than choosing “the best diaper” is finding an option that has a good fit, enough absorbency and is comfortable for the baby's skin.

Traditional disposable diaper

This is the most commonly used type day to day.

It usually has:

  • an absorbent layer;
  • side barriers against leaks;
  • adhesive tabs;
  • different sizes according to the baby's weight.

Its main advantage is convenience.

There are also models made specifically for newborns, extra-absorbent versions and options for overnight use.

Pull-up or pants-style diapers

A pull-up diaper is put on like underwear.

It tends to be especially handy when the baby starts to:

  • roll over;
  • crawl;
  • stand up;
  • resist changes more.

Instead of closing with adhesive tabs, it has an elastic waistband.

To take it off, many models let you tear the sides.

It's not necessarily “better” than a traditional diaper — it can just make the routine much easier at certain stages.

Overnight diapers

Some brands offer versions with greater absorbency for longer stretches, especially at night.

They can be useful for babies who:

  • sleep for longer stretches;
  • often leak at night;
  • pee a lot while sleeping.

Even so, an overnight diaper should not be left on if it is very full, has poop in it or is causing discomfort.

Reusable cloth diapers

Modern reusable diapers are different from the old cloth diapers that were simply folded.

Some models have:

  • a waterproof cover;
  • an inner fabric layer;
  • removable inserts;
  • adjustment snaps;
  • different absorbency levels.

They can be washed and reused many times.

Some families prefer this option because it can reduce waste and the use of disposable diapers.

On the other hand, they require more of a routine for:

  • washing;
  • drying;
  • storage;
  • getting them ready for the next use.

You don't have to choose just one system.

Some families use reusable diapers during the day and disposables at night or when going out, for example.

What about the cloth diapers in the baby essentials?

Traditional cloth diapers are still very useful, even when they're not used as the main diaper.

They can come in handy to:

  • protect your shoulder while burping the baby;
  • wipe up small spit-ups;
  • support the baby during feeds;
  • protect surfaces.

But avoid placing loose fabric inside the crib or near the baby's face during sleep.

RN, P, M, G... how do you choose the size?

Names vary between manufacturers, but in Brazil you'll usually find sizes such as:

  • RN (newborn);
  • P (small);
  • M (medium);
  • G (large);
  • XG (extra large);
  • XXG (extra extra large).

The choice should be based mainly on the weight range indicated by the manufacturer, not just on age.

A baby of a certain age may wear a completely different size from another baby the same age.

That's why you should always check the package.

Weight isn't the only thing that matters

Even within the indicated range, the shape of the child's body also affects the fit.

Two babies with the same weight may have:

  • thicker or thinner legs;
  • a different waist;
  • a different body shape.

So the best size is the one that can:

  • close comfortably;
  • not squeeze the skin;
  • properly cover the bottom;
  • form a good seal around the legs;
  • stay in place even when the baby moves.

How do you know the diaper is too small?

Some signs may indicate it's time to go up a size.

Check whether:

  • red marks often appear on the waist or legs;
  • the adhesive tabs end up far apart or are hard to close;
  • the diaper sits low on the belly;
  • it doesn't cover the bottom well;
  • there are recurring leaks;
  • the baby seems uncomfortable with the fit.

Frequent leaks can also happen simply because the diaper was put on incorrectly, so it's worth checking the fit first.

And how do you know it's too big?

A diaper that is too big can also cause problems.

Some signs are:

  • large gaps around the legs;
  • a very loose waist;
  • the diaper slipping down;
  • leaks at the sides;
  • too much material between the legs.

Sometimes switching brand or model works better than simply going up or down a size.

After positioning the baby:

1. open the diaper fully;

2. place the back part under the baby;

3. gently pull the front part up;

4. close the tabs symmetrically;

5. run your finger around the waist to check it isn't too tight;

6. adjust the leg barriers so they aren't folded inward.

These barriers help prevent leaks.

For boys, pointing the penis downward before closing the diaper can also help reduce leaks at the waist.

How many diapers should you buy before the birth?

It's tempting to stock up when there are sales.

But newborns can grow quickly.

So avoid buying very large quantities of RN and P sizes before you meet your baby.

Besides, you don't know yet:

  • what the birth weight will be;
  • which brand will fit best;
  • whether the skin will be comfortable with a certain model;
  • how long the baby will stay in that size.

A more practical strategy is to build a moderate starter stock and adjust your purchases later.

With twins, be extra careful with stock

In families with twins, diaper use naturally goes up a lot.

Even so, buying hundreds of diapers in the same size before the birth may not be the best strategy.

The babies may:

  • be born with different weights;
  • wear different sizes;
  • grow at different rates;
  • do better with different brands.

Organizing your stock by size helps you keep track of what is actually being used.

When should you change the diaper?

Diapers with poop should be changed as soon as possible.

With pee, consider the absorbency, the baby's comfort and the time since the last change.

There's no need to wait until the diaper is extremely full.

In the first months, changes tend to be quite frequent.

Over time, the family starts to recognize the baby's rhythm better.

Is it always necessary to change during the night?

Not always.

If there is only pee, the diaper is very absorbent and the baby is comfortable, some families manage to skip a change at every waking.

But do change it if there is:

  • poop;
  • a leak;
  • a very full diaper;
  • discomfort;
  • skin irritation.

This can help reduce stimulation during the night and make it easier to get back to sleep.

How should you clean the area during a change?

For most changes, water and cotton or baby wipes can be used, depending on how well the skin tolerates them.

Avoid rubbing.

Use gentle movements.

For girls, clean from front to back, which helps prevent fecal matter from being carried toward the urinary area.

For boys, gently clean the skin folds without forcing the foreskin back.

Do you need to use cream at every change?

Barrier products can be useful to protect the skin, especially when there is a tendency toward irritation.

But a very thick layer of product at every change isn't always necessary.

Ideally, use it according to the skin's needs and the guidance from the pediatrician.

When there is diaper rash, protection against moisture and prolonged contact with pee and poop becomes even more important.

Let the skin breathe when possible

After cleaning the area, letting the skin dry before putting on a new diaper can help reduce moisture.

When it's possible and safe, a few minutes without a diaper can also be comfortable.

Just choose an easy-to-clean surface — because babies have an impressive talent for peeing exactly at those moments.

Does a leak mean the diaper is bad?

Not always.

Before switching brands, check:

  • the correct size;
  • the position of the leg barriers;
  • the fit at the waist;
  • how long it's been worn;
  • the amount of pee;
  • the position the baby sleeps in.

Some models simply suit certain body shapes better.

That's why trying a few options can be useful before buying large packs.

What if the skin gets red?

Mild redness can happen due to prolonged contact with moisture, poop or friction.

Some simple measures help:

  • more frequent changes;
  • gentle cleaning;
  • drying the area well;
  • avoiding rubbing;
  • using a barrier product when recommended.

If the irritation persists or gets worse, it's worth getting it checked.

Talk to the pediatrician if you notice:

  • intense redness;
  • sores;
  • blisters;
  • discharge;
  • bleeding;
  • very painful areas;
  • worsening despite care;
  • lesions reaching into the skin folds;
  • a suspected reaction to a product.

Some types of dermatitis need specific treatment.

So avoid using medicated creams on your own.

Can a baby be allergic to diapers?

Irritation related to components of certain products can happen, but much of the redness in the diaper area is caused mainly by contact with moisture, pee and poop.

If you notice the irritation always appears with a certain brand or product, stop using it and talk to the pediatrician.

Also look at wipes, soaps, creams and other products used on the same area.

Sometimes the diaper isn't the culprit.

Never leave the baby alone on the changing table

This applies from the very first days.

Even when the baby doesn't yet seem able to roll over, unexpected movements can happen.

Before starting the change, keep everything within reach:

  • diaper;
  • cotton or wipe;
  • clothes;
  • cream, if you use it;
  • a bag or place for disposal.

If you need to get something out of reach, take the baby with you.

There is no “best diaper” for everyone

One family may love a certain model while another deals with constant leaks with it.

The best product is the one that:

  • fits the body well;
  • keeps the baby comfortable;
  • offers adequate absorbency;
  • doesn't irritate the skin;
  • fits the family's budget.

It's worth testing before building up a large stock.

Nilu tip: when you're unsure between two sizes, look mainly at the waist, the legs and how often leaks happen. The weight chart is the starting point — but your baby's body shows you when it's time to change. 💛

Reference sources

  • Brazil's Ministry of Health — child health and hygiene care.
  • Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP) — baby skin care and diaper dermatitis.
  • Caderneta da Criança (Brazil's child health record booklet) — guidance on care during childhood.

This content is for educational and informational purposes and does not replace consultations, assessments, diagnosis or individualized guidance from a pediatrician or other health professionals.