Disposable nappy advice

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Whether your baby has just started to crawl or is taking his first wobbly steps, he'll need a nappy that gives him freedom but doesn't leak, especially overnight when he could be wearing the same one for up to 12 hours.

You may decide to go with a different (perhaps more economical) brand in the daytime and a super-absorbent one at night. There's a huge choice of disposable nappies and different brands vary tremendously in shape. It's a good idea to try a few before you invest in the super-size economy box.

Here's what to look for:

Fit: Any gaps around the legs or tummy could mean leaks (especially at night). Red marks on the tummy or around the legs may mean the nappy is too tight.
Absorbency: Skin should be dry, not clammy, when you take it off.
Comfort: There should be plenty of padding, but some nappies appear bulky and heavy before they've been used.
Value for money: If the nappy leaks or doesn't fit well, you'll just end up changing baby more often.

What size?

Nappies come in a range of sizes based on babies' weight. Although not all manufacturers categorise larger nappies as mini, midi and so on, weight ranges are generally the same: