After understanding the appearance, design, and methods of wearing and removing diapers and training pants, we can further compare their advantages and disadvantages.
Diapers
- Advantages:
- Easy to put on and take off when the baby is not moving around.
- Can be changed without completely removing the outer pants.
- Disadvantages:
- May not fit snugly, making it difficult to put on if the baby is uncooperative.
- Improper wearing can lead to side leakage, and the adhesive tabs may dig into the baby's thighs.
Training Pants (Pull-Up Pants)
- Advantages:
- Can be put on whether the baby is lying down or standing up.
- Fit more closely to the skin, allowing for more comfortable movement.
- Disadvantages:
- Require removing pants and sometimes shoes to change, which is inconvenient, especially outdoors in winter.
- Generally more expensive compared to regular diapers.
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Additionally, there is no significant difference in breathability and absorbency between diapers and training pants, as these properties fundamentally depend on their materials, structure, and craftsmanship, not on the style of the pants. Training pants do not have poorer breathability due to their better fit, so parents do not need to worry about this.
Based on the advantages and disadvantages of diapers and training pants, let's see when babies can start wearing training pants:
1. When your baby is kicking vigorously, rolling over quickly, or crawling everywhere and you can barely catch them, changing diapers can be very challenging. At this point, you might wish to transform into the Monkey King and shout "Freeze!" at your child! This is when you can consider switching to training pants.
2. Your baby is big enough to fit into training pants. As mentioned earlier, the smallest size for training pants starts at M or L, so if your baby is too young or too small, they might not fit, even if you want them to.
3. If your baby is very cooperative when changing diapers, you can switch to training pants once they start crawling, as at this stage, babies are moving a lot more. Crawling, standing, and walking all require a better fit for comfortable movement. This means there's no specific age limit, but it's recommended to switch to training pants when your baby starts crawling. Of course, some babies crawl early, and some crawl late, so it really depends on your baby's individual situation.
Based on my personal experience with raising children, you don't need to completely separate the use of diapers and training pants; they can actually be used simultaneously during the same period! Training pants are more convenient for baby movements and can be quickly pulled on when your baby is wriggling, so you can use them during the day. Diapers can be put on without fully removing pants and shoes, making them ideal for nighttime or when going out in winter. This way, you can maximize the strengths and minimize the weaknesses of each, making parenting easier and more enjoyable!
Additionally, there's a new product on the market that combines the features of diapers and training pants—let's call it a hybrid diaper. It features a waist adhesive tape design in addition to the pull-up style of training pants (as shown in the animated image below), meaning it can be put on and taken off like both training pants and diapers, allowing for more versatile usage scenarios. You have to admire the ingenuity of the developers—they really know how to address the pain points of parents!
Finally, whether using diapers or training pants, parents should pay attention to the following two points:
1. Choose the Right Size:When the following situations occur, it’s a sign to switch to a larger size:
- The baby's thighs or waist have indentations after wearing.
- The diaper crotch becomes shorter, or the waistband is below the navel.
- Increased urine or stool volume, leading to more frequent leaks.
- The baby’s weight exceeds the maximum weight limit on the brand’s size chart.
2. Change Diapers Frequently to Prevent Diaper Rash: No matter how thin, breathable, or absorbent a diaper or training pant is, it is essential to regularly check for urine or stool. Ideally, clean your baby’s bottom and change the diaper immediately, applying diaper cream to protect the skin. This helps effectively prevent diaper rash, keeping your baby clean, fresh, and comfortable.