Latest news with #babycare
Forbes
9 hours ago
- Health
- Forbes
We Tested 23 Diapers With Over A Dozen Babies—Here Are The Best Diapers
Choosing the right diaper for your baby can keep them comfortable, and it can save parents time (and frustration) from constantly cleaning up after leaks and blowouts due to a flimsy or poor fitting diaper. To find the best diapers, we enlisted a panel of parents who tried these diapers with over a dozen kids and babies, ranging in age from 2 weeks to 4 years old. The best options fit well to prevent leaks and blowouts and are soft and gentle on kids' skin. After extensive testing for over two years, our top pick for the best diaper is Huggies Little Snugglers (and Huggies Little Movers ). These diapers consistently fit better on more kids in our testing and were the best at preventing blowouts and leaks. We tested 23 diapers and landed on Huggies Little Snugglers and Huggies Little Movers as our top ... More pick. ALICIA BETZ FOR FORBES See all of our favorite diapers after an additional round of testing with more tots. Our Top Recommendations After testing, these brands and styles were our favorites and the biggest crowd-pleasers. That said, new parents might want to sample a few of these picks to see which works best for their child at their current age and stage. 'When parents ask me about choosing the right diaper, I always say: start with your values. Some families lean toward holistic, all-natural approaches,' says pediatrician Scott Svitek. If you're looking for a more eco-friendly option, Coterie The Diaper and the Honest Company Clean Conscious Diapers both performed well in our tests and were well-liked by parents. Babies can go through almost 3,000 diapers just in their first year, so finding the best option for your family can make those first few years easier. Amazon Huggies Little Snugglers Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Typical price: $0.28 per diaper (varies by size, type and retailer) | Materials: Wood pulp, sodium polyacrylate, polypropylene, polyethylene* | Fit: True to size | Absorbency: High Pros: Really good fit for all sizes Very few leaks or blowouts More affordable than some No fragrance Cons: Not the most environmentally friendly option * Main active materials No matter how many diaper brands I've tried with my three kids, I always come back to Huggies, and they were a favorite among our testing panel as well, including another editor who relied on Huggies through three kids. The diapers fit really well, aren't prone to leaks and don't leave behind small particles like many other diapers do. We like the Little Snugglers for younger babies and Little Movers for older babies and toddlers. Both are fragrance free, too, reducing the risk of potential irritation on baby skin. In our tests, Huggies consistently performed well across all age groups, from newborns to toddlers. The diapers have a flexible waistband with thinner straps, which is likely part of what helps them fit little ones of all shapes and sizes. In our tests, they worked well for kids in the 90th percentile for weight and height as well as those in lower percentiles. Huggies diapers consistently fit all shapes and sizes well and rarely leak. ALICIA BETZ FOR FORBES Among all of our testing for over two years, we've only had the occasional blowout with Huggies, and they very rarely leak. In our at-home tests, Huggies held two cups of water before they started to leak. The brand uses ingredients like wood pulp and sodium polyacrylate to absorb liquid. In our real-world tests, some parents noticed that the diapers started to feel damp and that their kid's skin felt a bit moist but the diaper didn't actively leak. This could be an issue if you use the diapers overnight, but we didn't find this to be a problem when regularly changing diapers throughout the day. Like many baby diapers, there is a wetness indicator so you can tell if your child peed or not. No Fragrance, Parabens or Phthalates Parents appreciate that the diapers are fragrance-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, lotion-free and have no elemental chlorine bleach. Only one of my kids occasionally got a diaper rash while wearing Huggies, though this likely has more to do with the fact that he has sensitive skin and is prone to rashes than any other factor. Our other testers didn't have any issues with diaper rashes in Huggies. Healthybaby Healthybaby Diapers Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Typical price: $0.43 per diaper (varies by size and bundle option) | Materials: Polyethylene, polypropylene, sodium polyacrylate, wood pulp, cotton fiber* | Fit: True to size | Absorbency: Medium Pros: Full transparency on ingredient list Free from many common irritants, including fragrance Plenty of third-party certifications Monthly subscription option Cons: No wetness indicator Our testers experienced some leaks and blowouts * Main active materials One of my kids has sensitive skin and is prone to rashes, so I know how important (and difficult) it is to find the right diaper. Healthybaby Diapers offers full ingredient transparency to parents, so they can avoid problematic additions in their child's diaper and also leaves out the biggest known offenders like fragrance. The diapers are also free from parabens, phthalates, fragrances, optical brighteners, chlorine, latex and lotions. The company publishes its full ingredient list, which most other diaper brands do not. If your child is sensitive to a specific material or ingredient, this makes it easy to determine whether this diaper will work for them. The Healthybaby diapers also carry a number of third-party certifications, some that are more relevant to the brand's focus on gentle ingredients like its Allergy Certified, Oeko-Tex and EWG Verified, and others that support its environmental-friendly ethos like its B-Corp status, Certified Plastic Neutral and the use of FSC-certified wood pulp in its diapers. Features That Make Life With Kids Easier Healthybaby diapers are available via a monthly subscription, which is helpful for busy families. Not needing to remember to order more diapers helps take something off your plate. The diapers are also super thin, which makes it easier to pack a good amount of them when you're out all day or going on a trip. Mixed Results With Leaks And Blowouts In our at-home lab tests, these diapers were a top performer when it came to absorbency, and they were middle-of-the-road for leaks. In our real-world testing, we experienced a few leaks, and they left skin feeling rather damp overnight. Our testers also experienced a few blowouts while their little one was riding in a car seat (not ideal but also rather common when the poop has nowhere else to go). None of our testers had a rash with these diapers. The diapers don't have a wetness indicator, which some families prefer. Without this indicator, make sure you're regularly checking for wet diapers, so you don't leave your child sitting too long in a wet diaper. Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Typical price: $0.53 per diaper (varies by size and plan) | Materials: Sodium polyacrylate, chlorine-free wood pulp, polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene* | Fit: True to size | Absorbency: High Pros: High absorbency Cleaner ingredients than many other brands Umbilical cord notch for newborns Subscription option Cons: Not as good at containing mess in older babies and toddlers * Main active materials Soft Gentle For Delicate Newborn Skin Newborns tend to poop and pee quite a bit, so you really want a diaper that's up to the task. Add on the fact that newborns have very delicate skin, and finding the right option can be tough. We like The Diaper from Coterie specifically for newborns because they're really soft, and they're free from many common irritants like fragrance, chlorine bleaching, parabens, phthalates, lotion and VOCs. They're also made from 25% plant-based materials. 'These are the gold standard for comfort and absorbency. Clean ingredients, super soft and hold up incredibly well overnight,' says Haley DeSousa, the head of curriculum and instruction at Haven, a childcare, workspace and fitness club. Our testing panel also found that they have great absorbency, and in our lab test, they were the top performer at preventing leaks. Extra Features Make Newborn Life Easier If you've never opened the closet to realize you're completely out of diapers, then you have your life a bit more together than I do. Your brain can get foggy when you're sleep deprived, which is why I like that you can select auto-renew when you buy Coterie diapers. This not only takes something off your plate but also saves you 10% on each order. Coterie's diaper has a wetness indicator, and the newborn size has an umbilical cord notch, making this particular diaper particularly useful to parents of newborns. Some diapers that have cleaner ingredients go without the wetness indicator, but when you have a newborn who is peeing a lot and not verbal yet, it's nice to have that visual cue that it's time to change your baby's diaper. This can also be really useful in the very early days if you're watching to make sure your baby is peeing often enough, too. Not As Great For Older Babies And Toddlers Our testers found these diapers to be incredibly absorbent and didn't struggle with leaks when using them with newborns. This was not the case with our older baby and toddler testers. Parents with mobile babies in particular found this diaper more prone to leaking. Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Typical price: $0.19 per diaper (varies by size) | Materials: Sodium polyacrylate, plant-based-SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) certified fluff, polypropylene* | Fit: True to size | Absorbency: Medium-high Pros: Stretchy waistband provides a good fit Good absorbency Extremely affordable Cons: Costco membership needed to take full advantage of value price Not as soft as other brands * Main active materials Extra Stretchy Waistband For Comfy Fit Parents and caregivers looking for a quality diaper that's especially affordable can find a solid option in the Kirkland Signature Diapers. Our testers found that they fit really well on testers of all sizes, and some parents even noted that the waistband felt stretchier than Huggies. This allowed them to get a tighter, more secure fit. They also have strong tabs, which helps the diapers stay on, especially when they get a bit saggy. During testing, none of our testers experienced diaper rashes while using the Kirkland Signature Diapers. The absorbent fluff material comes from responsibly managed forestlands. The diapers are designed to be hypo-allergenic and are made without fragrance, parabens, phthalates, lotions, elemental chlorine, natural rubber latex and BPA. Good Containment The diapers contain poop and pee really well even the redesigned diaper. In our absorbency test, the Kirkland diapers stopped absorbing after about five minutes, and in our leak test, they leaked a bit sooner than the Huggies. Our testers found them to be absorbent and experienced very few leaks while testing. However, they did tend to get a bit more saggy and damp than our top pick, especially when using them overnight. You might find that you need to change these diapers a bit more often than you would with other brands. Mild Drawbacks To Consider We also noticed that while the diapers didn't cause any irritation, they're not quite as soft against the skin as our other top picks. While there isn't anything inherently bad about these diapers, most of our testers found them to be a good middle-of-the-road option that does the job. The diapers were previously made by Kimberly-Clark, the same company that makes Huggies diapers. In 2025, the manufacturer changed, which could explain why some parents don't find them to be as soft and absorbent as they used to be. We tested the new version and found it remains a solid value pick as Kirkland diapers remain extremely affordable and contain the mess. They're just not quite as soft as they once were. Amazon The Honest Company Clean Conscious Diapers Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Typical price: $0.38 per diaper (varies by size and retailer) | Materials: Wood pulp, sodium polyacrylate, polyethylene, polypropylene* | Fit: Small | Absorbency: Medium Pros: Made with cleaner ingredients than many other brands Adorable prints make them a great gifting option New redesign is more absorbent Cons: Some testers experienced leaks and blowouts * Main active materials So Many Fun Prints Whether it's because you want to get a cute picture of your baby in a diaper or your toddler is particularly picky about patterns and designs, the Honest Company Clean Conscious diapers are the cutest out there. Current prints include Big Trucks, Catching Rainbows, Donut Grow up and over 20 more options. Being able to customize your baby's look with an adorable diaper can make the chore of incessantly changing them a little more fun. Of course, we wouldn't have picked them if they weren't also good at containing leakes. Because parents like the adorable prints available in these diapers, they're a great option for gifting as well; we particularly like the pre-made diaper cake for a baby shower gift. Earth-Friendly Initiatives Even though disposable diapers aren't the most eco-friendly product, you can find options that are mildly eco-friendlier than others. The Honest Company Clean Conscious Diapers rely on FSC-certified wood pulp in their absorbing layer, meaning pulp sourced from responsibly managed forests. It also carries the PETA Animal-Test free label, so no animals were used in testing during the making of these diapers. Finally, the Honest Co. diapers are certified to be free of hundreds of specific chemicals by Oeko-Tex Standard 100. The diapers are also fragrance, latex, chlorine and paraben free. Simply put: It's a diaper you can feel good about buying if you're trying to avoid certain practices or ingredients. Softer And Fewer Leaks Than Older Version These particular diapers recently got a refresh, and we've been happy with the new design. Our tester found an improvement in terms of softness on the outside of the diaper, which was a chief complaint of the old version. While some of our testers found that these diapers fit true to size, others feel that the fit is a bit small. You might find yourself moving up to the next size sooner in these diapers than in other brands. The diapers fared well in our home lab tests, but our testers experienced a mix of leaks, blowouts and good performance with the older version of this diaper. Part of the leak issue may be because these diapers tend to fit smaller. If you're experiencing leaks, try sizing up. So far, the new version has tested well, and we haven't had any leaks or blowouts. Other Diapers We Tested We tested 23 different diapers, all of which went through our at-home lab tests for absorbency and leaks. Diapers that fared well in our initial tests went on to be tested in the trenches with babies and toddlers of varying genders, ages and sizes. Babyganics Triple Dry Diapers : These diapers did not pass our absorbency test. In fact, they were the least absorbent of any we tested. They also look like they run small, though these did not advance to our real-world testing. Bambo Nature Dream Diapers : Though the Bambo Nature Dream Diapers fared well in our lab tests, they did not hold their weight in the real world. Almost every tester—but especially boy parents—noted that they leaked a lot, and they failed to contain both poop and pee. Dyper Skin Happy Diapers : The Dyper diapers weren't terrible, but they failed pretty quickly in our absorbency test. They also consistently left kids damp even after a short period of time. Earth And Eden Sensitive Diapers : In our leak test, these diapers only held a very small amount of water before they started leaking, so they didn't advance to real-world testing. Eco By Naty Eco-Friendly Diapers : These diapers fit strangely; the bottom was wide and the tabs were narrow, which meant that it was difficult to put on and the tabs cut into our testers' sides. It also produced quite a few leaks. Hello Bello Premium Diapers : We like the cute designs on this diaper, but it didn't do great in our real-world testing nor our lab testing. Compared to our top picks, it didn't feel as soft, and it didn't contain leaks as well. Mama Bear Gentle Touch Diapers : This diaper failed our absorbency and leak tests, only holding eight tablespoons of water before it leaked. It did not advance to our real-world testing. Pampers Swaddlers and Pampers Cruisers : The Pampers diapers performed well overall but fell behind in some key areas. Our testers experienced quite a few leaks in Pampers, and the diapers also tended to leave a lot of fluff and particles behind. Pampers Pure : When it comes to a diaper that is 'clean,' Pampers Pure simply wasn't as free from as many irritating ingredients as our top pick. The diapers include lotion, which can be irritating, and they don't disclose their ingredients the way some of the other diaper brands do. Parasol Clear And Dry Natural Disposable Diapers : These diapers were difficult for our testers to get a good fit on their kids because the adhesive tabs are small. They also tend to leave behind fluff on babies' bottoms. Parent's Choice Dry And Gentle Diapers : In our real-world testing, these diapers produced a lot of leaks and blowouts, leading to a lot of frustration and outfit changes. Pura Diapers : Pura Diapers were mediocre when it came to our home lab tests. Ultimately, they did not perform well enough to advance to real-world testing. Rascals Premium Diapers : Our tester found it difficult to get a good fit with these diapers. They also didn't fare very well in our leak and absorbency tests, failing to absorb water well and leaking after only one cup of water. Terra Diapers : Our testers had trouble with fit and leaks with Terra Diapers. Even though the wetness indicator had shown no sign of peeing, the diaper leaked out the sides. Up & Up Diapers : We didn't find these affordable Target brand diapers to be very sturdy, and the material started to break down during our at home lab tests. One of our testers also found that the tabs didn't secure very well and her child was able to get out of the diaper. We also tested Seventh Generation Baby Diapers, which have since been discontinued. How We Tested The Best Diapers In addition to putting the diapers through real-world testing with our panel of testers and their little ones, we also conducted our own at-home lab tests to more accurately compare the diapers to each other. We tested a variety of diaper sizes to get an accurate picture of how each diaper performs across various ages. We first began testing diapers in 2023 with a panel of testers and have since added more diapers and more testers. Many of the diapers we recommend have gone through multiple rounds of testing with multiple families. To date, we've tested 23 diapers. Security And Fit We evaluated how securely each diaper fit, looking for gaps around the legs and back. We also paid attention to how well the tabs secured to the diaper, noting if they came off while our kids were wearing them. Absorbency To test absorbency, we immersed each diaper in water for 10 minutes, weighing the diaper before and after this test. This helped us determine how much liquid each diaper can hold. We also noted if the diaper started to break down or show any signs of deterioration during this test. We put all of the diapers through at-home leak and absorbency tests to determine how much liquid ... More they can hold before leaking. ALICIA BETZ FOR FORBES Leak Test To determine how long a diaper can hold out before it leaks, we laid each diaper out and poured one teaspoon of water on it at a time. We ranked the diapers in the order that they began to leak. Real-World Performance The ultimate test is how well each diaper held up on real babies and toddlers. We tested the diapers on children of varying ages, from newborns to preschoolers. Our kids wore the diapers at home, on outings, overnight and wherever they went. We watched for leaks, blowouts, rashes and other notable events. We also considered how comfortable each child felt in the diapers. What To Consider When Buying Diapers Ultimately, you want a diaper that works best for you and your family. 'Try a few brands, see what works for your baby, and don't feel like you need to commit to one solution forever,' says DeSousa. 'What works at 3 months might not at 13 months, and that's normal.' Fit And Comfort Fit is important because it helps prevent leaks and keep your baby or toddler comfortable. 'If it leaves marks around the waist or thighs, it's too tight. If you see gaps, it's too loose. It should sit low, below the belly button, snug but not constricting,' says Svitek. For newborns, a cutout for the umbilical cord can be helpful, too. Absorbency 'A good diaper keeps moisture away from the skin, reducing the chances of diaper rash,' says Svitek. Look for a diaper that has high absorbency, especially if you'll be using it overnight. Material 'Materials matter too; babies are in diapers 24/7 for a long time, so you want something breathable and free from things like fragrance or unnecessary chemicals,' says DeSousa. Most diapers use similar materials for absorbency, elasticity, leak protection and wetness detection. However, if your baby has sensitive skin or any allergies, choose a diaper that clearly labels every ingredient or that is certified to be free from irritating ingredients. Accessibility Some diaper brands are only available via a subscription service or are only available at select retailers. While this can be nice if you set up a reoccurring shipment, it can also be limiting if you run out and need new diapers now. Consider what you would prefer before making your diaper choice. Think about accessibility in terms of price, too. Because babies and toddlers go through so many diapers, the cost can add up. It can be helpful to do some budgeting and research to determine how much you are able to spend on diapers. Why Trust Forbes Vetted At Forbes Vetted, the baby and kids gear team puts copious amounts of time into researching and testing products. We know how important it is for parents to choose the right products for their babies, and we've tested everything from the best crib mattresses to the best toys for 6-month-olds. The author of this article, Alicia Betz , is an experienced product tester and parenting journalist. She's also a mom to three who has tested and used a wide variety of diapers, from Huggies, our top pick, to cloth diapers . , is an experienced product tester and parenting journalist. She's also a mom to three who has tested and used a wide variety of diapers, from Huggies, our top pick, to . The editor of this article, Rose Gordon Sala , has over 20 years of journalism experience and a dozen years of parenting experience. She was part of the panel test for this article, testing and providing insight on a variety of diapers. , has over 20 years of journalism experience and a dozen years of parenting experience. She was part of the panel test for this article, testing and providing insight on a variety of diapers. We interviewed three experts to learn more about how to find the right diaper for your child and how to tell if you're using the right diaper. These experts included Haley DeSousa, the head of curriculum and instruction at Haven , a childcare, workspace and fitness club; Dr. Scott Svitek , a pediatrician and board member of the Allied Foundation, Long Island's only diaper bank; and Heather Edwards , the executive director of the Allied Foundation. Which Brand Diapers Are Best For Babies? In our tests and our real-world experience, the best diapers for babies are Huggies. We've found that these diapers are the ideal mix between affordability and practicality. They fit babies and toddlers of all shapes and sizes really well, they are great at preventing leaks and blowouts and they're gentle on skin. Our top picks are Huggies Little Snugglers and Huggies Little Movers .
Globe and Mail
15-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
The Honest Company Launches New and Improved Clean Conscious Diapers®: Built for Performance at Every Stage
LOS ANGELES, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Honest Company, a personal care company dedicated to creating cleanly-formulated and sustainably-designed products, is proud to announce the next generation of diapering: the new and improved Clean Conscious Diapers®. A trusted brand for baby's delicate skin, Honest listened to parents' feedback and redesigned their beloved diapers, now offering better leak protection and enhanced features for each age and stage. The Honest Company understands that small changes are a big deal, and these latest product enhancements will improve the performance of the Clean Conscious Diapers people love today. Honest is committed to making careful, thoughtful decisions about every ingredient and material update. With the new and improved Clean Conscious Diapers, The Honest Company is introducing enhanced leak protection and comfort. Meticulously redesigned from the bottom up, these diapers deliver up to 100% Leak Protection with Comfort Dry Technology. They are designed to protect delicate skin with a plant-based inner liner for gentle skin contact where it matters most. A breathable outer layer helps promote healthy-looking skin and helps reduce irritation from wetness, while a softer backsheet is designed for baby's comfort. With rigorous third-party testing for over 350 harmful chemicals (OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Certified), Honest gives parents peace of mind with every change. Honest is dedicated to creating safe, effective, and high-quality products guided by the strict Honest Standard—a set of principles that shape every step of product innovation and development to help ensure all products meet the Company's high standards for safety and quality. 'This is more than a diaper upgrade—it's a testament to Honest's commitment to creating a diaper you can trust,' said Erin Thoensen, Vice President, Baby at The Honest Company. 'Maintaining the clean, safe standards parents rely on is non-negotiable for us. But we're always listening, and what we heard was the need for better leak protection and comfort. So, we redesigned our diapers to meet those needs and deliver our best diaper yet.' This top-of-the-line diaper offers: Up to 100% Leak Protection with Comfort Dry Technology Plant-based inner liner & softer backsheet Tested for 350+ harmful chemicals (OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Certified), dermatologist-tested, and made with FSC®-certified fluff pulp and other controlled material Hypoallergenic & Fragrance Free Made without elemental chlorine, parabens, and natural rubber latex This 'every stage' diaper is built for performance and designed to grow with your baby. Thoughtful, stage-specific features include a belly button cutout in Newborn and Size 1, double poo pockets for Sizes 1-2, and super stretchy and soft sides for active toddlers in Sizes 3–7. Movement and comfort are further supported with flexible stretch wings and snug-fit leg cuffs. The new diapers will be available nationwide on July 15, 2025 starting at $12.99 to $49.99, online at and at leading retailers across the U.S. About The Honest Company The Honest Company (NASDAQ: HNST) is a personal care company dedicated to creating cleanly-formulated and sustainably-designed products spanning categories across diapers, wipes, baby personal care, beauty, apparel, household care and wellness. Launched in 2012, the Company is on a mission to challenge ingredients, ideals, and industries through the power of the Honest brand, the Honest team, and the Honest Standard. For more information about the Honest Standard and the Company, please visit
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kristen Doute's Firm Rules for Visiting Her Newborn Are a Good Lesson for All New Parents
When a baby is born, parents should be able to focus on bonding together as a new family, but that's rarely the case. Instead, the new parents are often forced to navigate all sorts of outside conflict—from baby name drama to expectations around who can visit the baby and when. Oftentimes those conversations can be tense, especially when it comes to balancing pressure from family to be welcoming while also adjusting to life as an exhausted new parent. But Vanderpump Rules star Kristen Doute avoided all that uncertainty by laying out exactly what the rules are for visiting her new baby—and she didn't hold back. In June 2025, Doute and her fiancé welcomed baby girl Kaia Lily. Earlier this week, a post on her Instagram Threads account revealed what she tells family and friends before they are allowed to meet her baby. First of all, there is no kissing or touching of her face allowed. That seems perfectly reasonable given that babies are vulnerable to germs and us adults are carrying loads of them around with us, whether we know it or not. The next item on the list might prove just a touch more controversial. She writes, 'If you were out of town, at a party, have even a tickle in your throat—don't come over.' Family members who like to socialize or travel or who are less worried about illness might consider this stance paranoid or overly cautious, and even accuse the new parents of trying to intentionally keep the baby away from family. Yes, we know it doesn't sound like a reasonable response, but given some of the things we've read on Reddit, people aren't reasonable when it comes to new babies. Then she lets people know another rule: 'If I'm cool with you holding her, I'll let you know so please don't ask and make it weird.' This one might cause the most people to bristle, but frankly I agree with her stance. Way too many people are comfortable taking a baby out of a new parent's arms without their permission, as though they are entitled to hold the baby, rather than volunteering to help the family with dishes or fold laundry, or simply asking how the new parents are holding up. She adds a reassuring postscript to her note that other moms and new parents might be grateful for: 'Moms–you're not crazy. Babies are small and germs are big.' There are too many new parents out there who report feeling pressured to give in to family members' demands when it comes to the excitement of meeting a new baby. But if you don't feel comfortable letting just anyone interact with your child, that's your call—and it should be respected no matter what. Setting out a clear list of rules from the beginning just like Doute did to create expectations and boundaries might ruffle some feathers, but it can also dispel confusion and prevent miscommunication. You might get some push back, but as all new parents know, your number one priority is to protect your child and minimize your stress. If your friends and family aren't willing to help you on the path, then you might need to revisit letting them visit your baby anyway. Read the original article on Parents
Health Line
08-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Why Is Your Baby Arching Their Back?
Babies arch their backs for many reasons. Back or spine arching, like a bow or doing the cat pose in yoga, is common in babies. Babies arch their backs. Sometimes, this indicates pain, and other times, it's just a way for them to move. In some cases, an arched back, along with other symptoms, can signal a health condition. If your baby arches their back without any other symptoms, chances are they're just a natural at yoga. Let your baby's pediatrician know about the back arching, just to be on the safe side. Here's what to look for and what your baby might be trying to tell you. What may cause a baby to arch their back? There are many things that can cause a baby to arch their back, including discomfort, pain, or upset. Here are a few more common causes: Gassiness Gas can be a painful and common occurrence for babies. Your baby might arch their back when they have gas or an upset stomach. This could be because arching the back stretches the stomach a bit and might make them feel a little better. You might notice that your baby arches their back after feeding, when trying to poop, and even while lying down. Colic Some babies experience bouts of fussiness that last for several days or weeks. This is sometimes labeled generically as colic. Colic can start when your baby is only 4 to 6 weeks old and cause crying for hours at a time. Your baby may arch their back and cry out. Babies usually outgrow colic by the time they're 4 months old. Baby reflux Reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux, is common in babies right from birth to around 12 months to 18 months old. Reflux happens in babies because the round muscles that pinch both ends of the stomach closed don't yet work properly in these new little humans. If your baby is premature, they might have more reflux. A healthy baby can have reflux several times a day. But sometimes, if your baby is spitting up and seems to have other symptoms, they may also arch their back. Similar to when babies have colic, they might arch their backs because it helps reduce the pain of reflux. You might notice this during and after feeding, while your baby is lying down, and even while they're fast asleep. Body language Sometimes your baby might arch their back because they don't want to be held or fed. This kind of body stiffening could be a sign to put them down or change their position. Some babies have strong back muscles, and this may be the easiest way — other than crying — for their body to tell you what they want. Your little independent one may use the 'back arch method' to get out of unwanted cuddles up to the age of 2 years. Startle reflex Most babies have a startle reflex (also called the Moro reflex) when they hear a sudden or loud noise. It might also happen if they feel like they're falling or if they're moved suddenly. Startling may cause a baby to suddenly straighten its legs forward and throw back its arms. The baby's head may also jerk backward, causing its back to arch. The startle reflex usually goes away by the time the baby is 2 to 4 months old. Rollover attempts As your little one gets used to tummy time, they're also building stronger back and neck muscles. They've learned to lift their head and realize that the more they can move, the more they can look around. Your baby may arch their back during tummy time or while they're lying down on their side or back to get into a better position to explore. Some babies arch their backs when they're trying to roll over or move forward. Temper tantrums Some babies arch their backs and throw their heads back when they're upset or frustrated. This can happen while they're lying down, sitting down, standing, or even cradled in your arms. A baby in the heat of a tantrum may also cry, whine, and thrash about. Many things might set off a tantrum. They may be hungry, finished feeding, want to go play, or frustrated because they can't express their needs to you. If your little one gets into the habit of this, look for warning signs like crying or being upset first, so you might be able to stop a tantrum in the early stages. Seizure-like movements Although it sounds serious, your baby may have seizure-like movements and behaviors that might be mistaken for seizures beginning in the first week of life. At this time, your baby's nervous system is still developing, so they may have uncoordinated or jerky movements. It can happen at any time, usually when your baby is awake or just drifting off to sleep. Nerve injury during delivery Though it's rare, a baby's delicate neck and back can get sprained or strained during a difficult delivery. Sometimes, the nerves between the neck and shoulders can be injured, which is called a brachial plexus injury. This may cause back arching in your baby because they can move their back muscles and other strong muscles better than their neck muscles – especially if they are recovering from a birth injury. Cerebral palsy Cerebral palsy is a group of muscle control conditions. It usually happens when there is brain damage while your baby is still in the womb. About 1 in 345 children worldwide have a type of cerebral palsy. Signs of this condition might show up while your little one is a baby or toddler. Signs include muscle floppiness, strong reflexes, and stiffening (like arching the back). Babies with cerebral palsy may also have trouble swallowing and moving their eyes. Some babies with this condition may also be more likely to have seizures. Sandifer syndrome Sandifer syndrome is a rare movement condition almost always associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It starts in babies or small children. Once the baby is treated for GERD (or it goes away on its own), this condition goes away. Sandifer syndrome causes serious back arching in babies that can last for up to 3 minutes. It causes a frozen kind of back arching that can sometimes be mistaken for a baby seizure. Back arching from this syndrome can happen about 10 times a day, usually after your baby has eaten. During back arching, your baby will also stretch their legs out backward and be very stiff. Other symptoms of Sandifer syndrome include: tilting the head to one side nodding head movements poor feeding vomiting difficulties with eye movements Is there a link between back arching and autism? Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) typically show several signs. This sometimes includes repetitive motions like back arching, but remember that back arching is much more often due to other causes. Autistic children may show symptoms around the time they are a year old (or earlier), but most kids aren't diagnosed until they're 3 to 4 years old. A newborn or a baby that is only a few weeks to a few months old will likely not show signs of this condition. If your child is on the autism spectrum, they'll likely have several other signs along with back arching. By the end of the first year, an autistic baby may show characteristic traits that are more common, like: not smiling spontaneously at parents or caregivers not using eye contact to communicate not gesturing (waving or pointing) on their own Later on, your child may show other repetitive motions, such as: stiffening their arms flapping their hands walking on their toes Solutions and treatments for back arching in babies In most cases, your baby's back arching will go away on its own as they learn to roll over and control their body better, outgrow the startle reflex, and get more comfortable with people around them. If there's a health problem that's making your little one arch their back, treating the underlying condition will solve the back arching. For example, treating common baby problems like gas and acid reflux will take care of the back arching. For typical gasiness and baby reflux, you can try simple, low risk home remedies like: holding or propping your baby upright after feeding avoiding overfeeding giving smaller feeds more often using a smaller bottle and nipple size to stop air-gulping if this seems to be an issue thickening breast milk or formula with a tiny bit of infant cereal (check with your pediatrician first, as this can have risks) If your baby is throwing their head backward and arching their back in a toddler temper tantrum, gentle behavior training may help stop this. Teaching your child how to express themselves in a less dramatic way might help. Ask your pediatrician for recommendations. When to call a doctor Sometimes gassiness and fussiness can start to be accompanied by other symptoms that won't go away, and acid reflux might be a sign of a more serious health condition. Call your child's pediatrician urgently if your baby: is crying for 3 hours or longer is arching their back and showing other signs of pain throws up every time you feed them is irritable during feeding refuses to feed isn't gaining weight or has lost weight isn't wetting their diaper Look for symptoms of brain or nerve problems along with back arching. Contact your child's doctor or go to urgent or emergency care right away if your baby experiences: sudden difficulty latching or feeding weak sucking difficulty swallowing high-pitched cry seizures bulging or swollen soft spots on the head stiffness floppiness strange head or neck posture jerking movements muscle spasms »FIND CARE: Find a pediatrician in your area today. The takeaway If your baby's got back (arching), you probably don't have to worry. Babies arch their backs for many reasons — or for no reason at all. In a happy, comfortable, healthy baby, back arching likely has no cause and is just one of those things they do. This common baby movement can also be a sign of other underlying health problems — sometimes serious. If you notice your baby arching their back, look for other symptoms. Let your pediatrician know what you notice. Make sure you take your new bundle of joy to all their regular check-ups.
Independent Singapore
08-07-2025
- General
- Independent Singapore
Helper's employer says, ‘Maids should not complain if they are required to take care of a family's newborn at night, even after doing their chores during the day'
SINGAPORE: A Singaporean employer lit up a domestic helper Facebook group with a bold declaration to basically say: 'Maids should not complain if they are required to take care of a family's newborn at night, even after doing their chores during the day.' The post, made in the popular group Direct Hire Transfer Singapore Maid / Domestic Helper , was intended to call out what the employer saw as hypocrisy among helpers. Her grievance? Helpers who apply for baby care jobs often protest when asked to work night duty and can even go on to say that mothers who hire helpers to care for their newborns 'shouldn't have kids.' Photo: FB/Direct Hire Transfer Singapore Maid / Domestic helper The employer wrote: 'If you don't like the job, don't have a heart for babies, don't take it and don't talk so much,' she wrote. 'You think any mother wants to leave her child to strangers? And these people wonder why their employers say they are rude.' A few other employers jumped in, nodding in weary agreement. A second one shared her own experience: 'Yes, same problem with my helper now. Interviewed her and told her that we will have a newborn plus a toddler. She said, 'Yes, yes, able to manage.' (And then), just yesterday, she requested to be sent back home.' The employer continued, expressing frustration that her helper refused feedback and couldn't understand the financial strain employers faced. 'They think all Singaporeans are rich and can afford the agency? Some employers are barely earning enough, but they really need to hire a helper… FYI, before all those helpers comment, we are the ones taking care of the kids at night. We make sure she has enough rest, but the helper doesn't see all that.' Another employer admitted she had to extend her confinement nanny's contract just to train her helper properly: 'My helper didn't dare to bathe my newborn… she's also a mother, but her own family took care of her baby during her confinement. She said yes during the interview, but in reality, she was not confident.' 'Helpers are not robots' — The maids speak up While some employers rallied behind the original post, it didn't take long for helpers to clap back. One maid shot back with raw honesty: 'You expect your helper to take care of your kids day and night, which you yourself can't even do? Helpers are not robots. Be in helpers' shoes and be fair, please.' Another maid made a sharp comparison: 'My past expat employers never let me do night duties. They also work full-time but take over childcare after work. Why can't some local employers do that?' The debate spilled over with tales of exhaustion and impossible expectations. 'Imagine getting up at 4:30 a.m. to feed toddlers after sleeping at 2:30 a.m., because you've been minding the kids till midnight,' one helper lamented. 'Then wash dishes, handwash laundry, and clean all the shoes. Every day. Can I sleep during the day? Will you be okay with that?' One helper even shared a rare story of a balanced arrangement: 'My previous employer was a divorcee with two kids. I worked night shifts, but she allowed me to rest during the day and plan my own schedule. That's fair.' Ministry of Manpower: What does the law say? So, can you actually ask your helper to be on call 24/7 without a break? According to Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM), foreign domestic workers (FDWs) are entitled to adequate rest, and as an employer, you are responsible for the health and well-being of your FDW. It is recommended to discuss duties clearly before hiring and to be specific about expectations, particularly regarding infant care, household chores, and working hours. Crucially, night duties must be compensated with daytime rest, and helpers cannot be expected to function without sleep. So where's the middle ground? The online spat may seem like just another Facebook flame war, but it reveals deeper fault lines between expectations and reality — and between exhaustion and empathy. There are, undeniably, helpers who overpromise during interviews, often out of desperation for a job due to a lack of clarity or cultural pressure, but many also find themselves in environments where they are overworked, under-rested, and afraid to speak up. On the flip side, many employers are genuinely overwhelmed. With both parents working full-time and no extended family to lean on, they turn to helpers as lifelines — and expect a kind of superhuman endurance that even they can't match. However, as one helper wisely said: 'Everything should be give and take… It's okay to take care of the kids at night, but are you okay if the house is a little messy and not really clean? And if your helper naps during the day? If yes, then good. If not, maybe rethink your expectations.' Tired mums and tired maids are one shared struggle The truth is that both employers and helpers are tired. Both want what's best for the baby. Both are navigating motherhood — one as a parent, the other as support staff, and sometimes as fellow mum. However, helpers are not substitutes for parental bonding, and employers are not heartless overlords — most just want the house to stay upright while they hustle to provide for their family. The solution? Communication, transparency, and — as radical as it sounds — compassion. Maybe it's time to stop thinking in terms of 'boss vs. maid' and start thinking in terms of teammates. After all, the baby isn't going to sleep any faster if both of you are fighting over who's more tired. In other news, also quite recently, a concerned mother detailed her mounting frustration: 'My helper keeps asking me for a loan every few days… sometimes S$20–S$30, sometimes more than S$100. If I refuse, she gets angry and says that I am supposed to help her, not the other way around.' If that wasn't stressful enough, the employer revealed she had already lent the helper a hefty S$2,000, which had only just been repaid. Now, less than a week after receiving her July salary, the helper is once again asking for more. 'I don't want to keep giving money as it's a bad habit,' the employer wrote. 'But I don't want her to hurt my child either.' Read the rest of the story here: 'My helper keeps asking me for S$20-S$30, sometimes over S$100 loan every few days, and she even gets angry if I refuse'
