Everything You Should Know About Preemie Diapers
If your little one arrived a bit early, you’ve got a lot to think about, but choosing the right diaper shouldn’t be one of those worries. Thankfully, there are specially designed preemie diapers that will fit your precious bundle just right. Not sure where to start? We’re here to help you navigate the ins and outs of preemie diapers, from sizing to selecting the best ones for your baby.
What Are Preemie Diapers
Preemie diapers are specially crafted, tiny diapers for babies born prematurely.
These little ones arrive before 37 weeks and generally weigh less than full-term infants. While a typical full-term baby tips the scales at around 3000 grams, preemies usually weigh in at under 2000 grams.
That means standard newborn diapers might be too roomy for your preemie. This is where diapers for preemie step in—they’re tailored for those who don’t quite fit into regular newborn sizes.
Can You Use Newborn Diapers For Preemie?
Given the size difference between preemies and full-term babies, newborn diapers are often too large for the tiniest of tots. For the tiniest newborns, standard diapers often prove too big, so preemie diapers are designed to fit snugly on these delicate infants, being significantly smaller than regular ones.
What Size Are Preemie Diapers?
Wondering about preemie diapers size? Just like regular diapers, they come in various sizes to ensure a snug fit. The smallest sizes cater to very premature babies, while the larger ones suit moderately premature infants, so you can find the right fit without hassle.
Here’s a quick guide to help you:
Extremely premature babies (born before 28 weeks) might weigh around 1000 grams or less
Very premature babies (between 28 to 32 weeks) weigh over 1000 grams
Moderate to late preemies (32 to 37 weeks) weigh about 2200 grams
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How Long Do Babies Stay In Preemie Diapers?
Your little one will wear preemie diapers as long as necessary. These diapers are crafted to accommodate their sensitive skin and petite size. For instance, Pampers Preemies feature a contoured core that adapts to your baby’s hip width for maximum comfort. As your baby grows, their diaper size will too.
Every child grows at their own pace, so adjust their diaper size according to their growth rate.
Best Preemie Diapers
Choosing the right diaper is key to your preemie’s comfort.
We suggest Pampers Swaddlers, available in various sizes with a dual leak-guard barrier to prevent leaks. They also feature a BreatheFree Liner that’s gentle on sensitive skin and wicks away moisture, keeping your baby dry and comfortable.
With stretchy sides and an umbilical cord notch, Pampers preemie diapers are designed to provide gentle care for your baby.
When asking "how many preemie diapers do I need? " consider that every baby is unique, and the number of diapers can vary based on growth and frequency of diaper changes.
The Bottom Line
Like regular diapers, preemie diapers come in different sizes to perfectly suit your baby’s weight and size. Depending on how quickly they grow, feel free to size up your little one’s diapers. For a snug fit, try Pampers Swaddlers, which have a BreathFree Liner which wicks away wetness and allows your baby's skin to breathe, a dual leak-guard barrier along the leg cuff, and an umbilical cord notch to provide a comfortable fit and avoid leaks.
How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.
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