Diapers, or nappies as they are sometimes known, are a type of underwear used by babies and toddlers. Disposable diapers are now used worldwide, ranging from expensive brands to cheap store varieties.
Marion Donovon is credited with inventing the first plastic-covered disposable diaper in 1946.
There are two main types of diapers, cloth diapers, and disposable diapers. Cloth diapers are made from natural materials like cotton, wool, and hemp. They are also reusable and are less costly.
Disposable diapers use synthetic polymers and have a core of wood pulp fluff for optimum absorption. Unfortunately, they can be used only once and are a bit pricey.
When Should You Start Buying Diapers?
Most expecting parents prefer to buy diapers and other baby items once the gender of the baby is known. This is usually between 18 and 21 weeks. But the ideal time to buy diapers would be in the 20-week to 32-week range period.
You can first limit yourself to getting a case on newborn diapers, which is a size 1. this would also be a good time to choose what diaper type you intend to use, cloth or disposable diapers.
Should You Stock Up On Diapers While Pregnant?
There is no harm in stocking up on diapers while pregnant. Of course, this has pros and cons, but ultimately it is a personal decision. The best answer would be to go with what feels right and comfortable for you.
The advantages of stocking up on diapers are :
- It saves money and time
- Allows you to be well prepared
- You can stock up on different types of diapers, so you have a choice
The disadvantages of stocking up are :
- The cost is a higher upfront
- You need space to store the diapers
- Returning unused diapers can be an issue
Many would recommend at least buying a few packets of diapers in the first trimester. This will help you get acquainted with the various available brands and decide what you want to choose.
How Many Diapers Should I Stock Up On Before The Baby Is Born?
Usually, newborns would go through roughly around 70 diapers a week. Depending on how many diapers are in a packet, you should aim to have at least 100 diapers in hand for the first week.
Using a diaper calculator, you can get an approximate number of diapers you would need in a year. Then, you input the estimated weight of the baby and the number of children you hope to have.
Based on this information, you get a diaper table that shows the week, estimated weight, diaper size, and the total number of diapers expected in a week for the first year.
However, if you are using cloth diapers, the number of diapers needed would vary depending on the washes frequency. A rough estimate would be around 30 to 40 diapers initially.
When Is The Best Time To Get A Deal On Diapers?
September and February are the months for baby sales. During these two months, most department stores and baby shops offer excellent discounts on baby products. In addition, you can stock up on diapers and other baby miscellaneous items.
As diapers do not have an expiry date, it is safe to buy diapers whenever there are sales or use discount coupons. You can also check online sites like Amazon. They usually have great deals on diapers spread throughout the year.
When Is The Worst Time To Buy Diapers?
Waiting until the last minute to buy diapers may not be ideal. There are a lot of facts to be considered when buying diapers. For instance, various brands will have different sizes in the weight range of babies and will also differ in price.
You would also need to decide if you will be using cloth diapers or disposable diapers. It is best, therefore, to familiarize yourself with the diaper market and buy at least a few different types to keep in hand.
How To Best Store Diapers That You Buy In Advance?
Diapers do not have an expiry date, and they do not lose their absorbency capability over time. If stored correctly, they can last for at least 2 to 3 years in pristine condition.
Diapers need to be kept in a cool, dry place. Do not store them in the basement, in the garage, or in the attic.
The humidity in the basement can cause moisture to be absorbed in the diaper. It can also be susceptible to mold in such an environment. In addition, the extreme heat in the attic can affect the elastic components of the diapers.
Diapers need to be stored in a temperature-controlled room. Store them on shelves or in the baby’s closet until needed. Disposable diapers should be kept unopened, while new cloth diapers can safely be stored in breathable cotton bags.
Final Thoughts When To Buy Diapers In Advance
At the end of the day, it is up to you to decide how to prepare for the new arrival. Besides diapers, there are a whole lot more things that are needed for the baby.
First, dealing with the diapers and deciding when and what to get can save you a lot of stress. It will give you the time to really enjoy the day when that little someone arrives.