Why Diaper Pails are a Nursery Essential
Babies go through tons of diapers. Most diaper pails are specifically designed to seal in the not-so-pleasant odors that come with diapers. Most are similar to a regular trash can but with some added superpowers that justify the purchase. Some diaper pails use special liners (some are even scented) to lock in the smell, and ensure that every time you drop in a diaper, it’s sealed away, keeping your nursery smelling fresh. With so many options to choose from, what are the most important features to consider when making the right selection for your family’s needs?
How to Choose the Perfect Diaper Pail
When picking the right diaper pail for your nursery, consider a few things. The most basic are:
- Ease of use
- Size/load capacity (yes, we said load)
- Odor control
- Overall cos
Let’s being with Ease of Use
Not all diaper pails are designed with a hands-free operation feature. Look for a pail that has a foot pedal or a sensor-activated lid. You can never have too many free hands while changing a newborn’s diaper. With a hands-free pail, a simple tap of your foot or a wave in front of the sensor is all it takes to open the lid. No need to put your baby down or fumble around with a dirty diaper. Typically, a hands-free diaper pail is a little more expensive, but the added cost is easily justifiable.
Another feature that does make a difference is the size of the disposal opening. In an effort to keep odor trapped in the unit, many diaper pails have smaller openings. This can be a blessing and a curse. Trust us when we say you do NOT want to have to squeeze a diaper through the opening. Wider openings are much easier to use, especially as your child begins using larger diapers. The drawback could be, odor seeps out when making deposits. Just another consideration in the grand scheme of your decision.
Size does matter!
Diaper pails come in a variety of size options. It really is a matter of priorities that determines which size is right for your family. Consider this, the average newborn will use nearly 3,200 diapers in the first year. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:
- Babies in the first month: 10-12 diapers a day (around 340 in the first month)
- Babies 2 to 4 months old: Up to 10 diapers a day (or 300 a month)
- Babies 5 to 8 months old: Up to 9 diapers a day (or 270 a month)
- Babies 9 to 12 months old: Up to 7 diapers a day (or 210 a month)
Stink storage
Even though the diaper usage gets less over time, the size of the diapers gets larger, taking up more and more space. Smaller diaper pails typically can store 30-35 newborn diapers. The largest models store about double that (50-60 newborn diapers). The decision often comes down to how much space you have vs how often you want to empty the diaper pail.
Many diaper pails now come equipped with various odor-fighting features that are nothing short of impressive. Some have special seals that trap the stink inside, while others use scented bags or liners to keep the nursery smelling fresh. And then there are the high-tech options with carbon filters or even baking soda compartments – think of them as the air purifiers for your diaper pail. These mechanisms are pretty much your best defense against those inevitable, potent diaper smells. The odor control feature is what really separates a standard trash can from a diaper pail and the #1 reason parents prioritize the purchase. Expert tip: Look for a diaper pail that not only seals in odor, but prevents odors from escaping when opening and closing.
Dollars and scents.
The good news is there is likely a diaper pail on the market for almost any budget. Expect to pay on the low side $29.99 up to $300+ for enhanced features like wide openings. Beware, sometimes the less expensive units require costly refill cartridges and the lifetime cost of use is far greater than a more expensive unit that uses standard garbage bags.
Thank you for visiting our site. We hope this article and our research helps you on your journey. If you have any questions or suggestions, please connect with us.
