What to choose between size 1 or 2 diapers when baby is born?

There's a lot to think about when you're expecting a baby, especially when it's your first! Among the many supplies are the famous diapers and panty liners. How many packs of diapers do you need? Should you stock up in advance? How do you choose a green product, an ecolabel, a clean material certification? However, the main question before the baby is born is what size diaper to choose!

What are the differences between size 1 and 2 diapers?

Don't worry: when your baby is born, the maternity hospital will provide you with diapers. This will give you an idea of which size to buy. However, for a small child, two sizes of diapers are adapted to the birth of your baby: size 1 and size 2.

Size 1 diapers

Size 1 diapers: Suitable for newborns weighing from 2 to 5 kg, ideal for the first few weeks. An ultra-soft veil ensures your baby's comfort and protects sensitive skin.

Size 2 Diapers

La Size 2 Diaper: Designed for babies weighing between 3 and 6 kg, usable up to 3 to 4 months. These diapers offer optimal absorption for long-lasting protection. Depending on the baby's weight and size at birth, size 2 diapers can be used from birth or shortly afterwards.

Note that there are no size 1 or 2 diapers.

What size diaper should I choose when my baby is born?

The two sizes overlap in terms of weight. This makes it difficult for parents to choose the right diaper for their baby.

Reusable size 1 diapers can cut differently. It's better to buy reusable protection individually rather than in a pack. Read the label carefully.

Determining my baby's weight before buying a pack of sizes

Wait for the last ultrasound check-up before buying your baby's first pack of diapers. You'll then know your baby's expected weight. This estimate will help you determine whether size 1 (2 to 5 kg) or size 2 (3 to 6 kg) is the most appropriate.

The second factor to consider when choosing a diaper size is your child's morphology. Brands such as Pampers and Biolane have different characteristics.

In any case, you'll need a pack of size 1 diapers containing several pieces for your stay in the maternity ward. On average, you'll be in the maternity ward for 3 to 5 days. So you'll only need one or two packs of size 1 diapers. If your baby weighs 4 kg or more, a single pack of size 1 will suffice. When you' re back home, you can go straight to size 2 and start your batch subscription. For reusable diapers, buy one in size 1 and one in size 2 before buying several. Avoid buying a batch of the same size before leaving the maternity ward.

How does baby's birth weight evolve?

In the first few days of life, your baby will lose weight (around 10% of his birth weight). This is perfectly normal, as he loses water as he eliminates his meconium (the first stools). The amount of milk he drinks is very small, but you may still experience some impressive leaks.

Your baby will regain his birth weight after 1 to 2 weeks. That's why size 1 diapers are essential for all babies, even if you only need one pack.

For smaller babies or premature babies, there is a size 0, but very few brands offer it. This size corresponds to babies weighing between 1 and 2.5 kg. As your baby grows, you can start with size 1. For reusable diapers, look closely at the product label and the size gradation. Information will be available on the size of the cover that is not reusable.

When to change baby's diaper size?

Size 1 diapers are generally only needed for the first few days of baby's life. When you return to the maternity hospital, depending on your child's weight and morphology, you can switch to the next size up: size 2. There's no need to stock up on size 1 diapers, especially if you want to use a reusable diaper.

Here are a few signs that it's time to move up to the next size:

• When you notice recurrent leaks and the diaper is overflowing;
• If you notice red marks on the skin around the waistband of the diaper, or on your child's thighs. This means that the diaper is too tight and therefore too small;
• If you have trouble closing the diaper's elastics, or if they tend to come loose. A premium diaper goes a little beyond what's expected on the label.

In terms of protection, you need to change baby after every feed or bottle. As soon as he has had a bowel movement. In fact, it's important to change your baby regularly to avoid any kind of irritation, diaper rash or redness. Some diapers are better suited to sensitive skin: petit culottés, pampers harmonie.

How to choose the right diapers for your baby?

The right diaper size

Sizes are generally numbered from 1 to 6. They correspond to specific weight ranges.

Choosing the right size diaper is the first step in ensuring your baby's well-being. As he'll be wearing them for a long time before he's potty-trained, the diaper must meet several criteria for his health and that of his environment. Whether disposable or reusable.

To find the ideal size for your little baby, nothing could be simpler: consult the batch label. Each time you receive a new pack, make sure you have the right size before opening it. Renew your subscription as many times as necessary. This will also enable you to benefit from the best offer on your subscription and on your lot. Each unit will be less expensive.

A diaper with a clean, chemical-free composition

Your baby's skin is particularly sensitive and permeable. Pay particular attention to the diaper's composition. Choose diapers free of potentially harmful chemicals such as perfumes, lotions or dyes. Choose natural, certified materials such as organic cotton. FSC certification, which protects forests and ultimately the body, is an interesting ecolabel.

A few years ago, 60 millions de consommateurs revealed the presence of toxic substances in many baby diapers. This is not the case for washable and reusable nappies.

The French health agency Agence Nationale de la Sécurité Sanitaire has also looked into the composition of disposable diapers, and has concluded that many diapers and diapers contain chemical substances that are hazardous to the health of newborns. They even exceed authorized health thresholds.

To ensure that the ecological and organic diaper you choose for your baby is safe, you can refer to the various product characteristics. Check the materials used and the top layer of the diaper on the package label. You can also refer to certifications, labels and ecolabels.

• The manufacturing process: most manufacturers bleach their cellulose with chlorine dioxide using the ECF method. 5% of diapers (ecological diapers) are bleached using the TCF method, which is the most human-friendly method, as it uses no chlorine or chlorine dioxide compared with the ECF method. For a high-quality, baby-friendly diaper, choose the TCF method;
• A transparent brand is preferable, a brand of ecological and healthy diapers. Transparent about its composition and manufacturing methods. Generally speaking, chemical analysis reports are available for premium diapers from committed brands.
• What's more, the diaper should be FSC or FSC 100% certified. This certification proves that the diaper's cellulose comes from controlled resources harvested in a responsible manner, while preserving the forests.
• Organic diapers must not contain toxic residues, harmful or undesirable substances or carcinogens such as glyphosate, volatile organic compounds, dioxins, furans, perfumes, pesticides, allergens or latex (in the elastics);
• For a healthy, respectful diaper, endocrine disruptors should be banned. They're bad for your body and the forests.
• A good ecological diaper also favors natural raw materials that are softer and more comfortable for your baby's bottom.
• Where the diaper is made. Two factories in France offer made-in-France and organic products. A good way to support the reindustrialization of our country and the made in France.

Don't forget to look at the composition of your diaper, as well as the percentage of natural fibers. In fact, you'll find a wide range of products on the market with ecolabels (FSC) and clear information on materials.

Absorption capacity

A good diaper must absorb your baby's urine and stools without drying out the skin. The choice of diaper size will also have an impact on absorption. If the product is too small for baby, you won't have enough surface area for absorption.

More and more eco-friendly diapers are just as absorbent as chemical diapers. Some brands that claim to be green or organic generally add natural cellulose to the absorbent layer, as they reduce the amount of SAP absorbent beads still present (sodium polyacrylate, an absorbent synthetic material with no more natural alternative). Ecological diapers often incorporate natural cellulose in their absorbent core to improve this capacity. Always check thelabel on any product you buy.

Choosing a good diaper for your baby means choosing one that fits, is healthy and respectful of your baby's skin, absorbent and comfortable. You can also try out individual diapers. Some brands offer packages with few units.

A diaper that respects the environment

For parents concerned about ecological impact, modern cloth diapers are an interesting alternative to disposable diapers. Although they require regular maintenance, reusables significantly reduce waste. You can buy them individually. Check the source of manufacture - choose made in France rather than made in China. The purchase price will be a little higher, but the product will have verifiable certifications and eco-labels. Some top brands offer more attractive pack prices than single units.

Cost and availability of diapers: save money

The budget allocated to diapers can vary considerably, depending on whether you're looking for a first-price or premium diaper. Some brands offer subscriptions with home delivery, offering both convenience and potential savings.

By taking these features into account, you can select the diapers best suited to your baby's specific needs, while respecting your health, comfort and environmental priorities. Finally, if you've bought a pack too many and have a few pieces left over when you go up a size, you can donate them to people in need. You can also resell them or return the unused pack to the brand. This way, you save on your subscription and on the delivery of your products. Pampers, petit culottés, biolane, joone offer interesting subscriptions.

Birth diaper FAQ size 1 or 2

When should I change from size 1 to size 2 diapers?

How do I know if my baby's diapers are too small?

How do I choose the right diaper for my baby?

What are the prices of size 1 subscription diapers?