Everything You Need To Know About Diaper Pails
A diaper pail is an indispensable container that makes the thought of taking out of the trash a little less horrific.
The main function of a diaper pail is to control the odors of dirty diapers in a container, preventing it from spreading and lingering around the house. This means you no longer have to worry about running back and forth to take out the trash.
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Do I Really Need A Diaper Pail?
Most new parents swear by the benefits of a diaper pail while others claim it’s no better than an ordinary trash can. Here’s what you need to know: a diaper pail eliminates the inconvenience of wrapping up each dirty diaper individually. Parents can simply toss it in the container and forget about it.
This means there is no problem about odor control in case the diaper pail is full. Diaper pails are best suited for mums and dads that live in a suburban setting, where the garbage is taken out infrequently. In such cases, the stench can get quite over-powering. Buying special liners is also an effective way to keep funny odors at bay. You can also use a regular garbage bag to line the diaper pail.
When Should I Get A Diaper Pail?
If you are still evaluating whether you really need a diaper pail, consider waiting it out until your baby starts eating solid foods. Use these few months to evaluate garbage duty motivation and to decide whether you have what it takes to take out the trash daily. If emptying out the trash can is not a problem and you live in a neighborhood where trash is frequently collected, you need not invest in a diaper pail after all.
Types Of Diaper Pails
Before we talk about what to look for in a diaper pail, it is essential you learn about the various types of diaper pails. Here are the most common types:
Dry
This type of diaper pail closely resembles a trash can. These dry diaper pails are typically lined with a plastic bag or a liner and do not contain standing water. These containers can be used for throwing out either disposable or cloth diapers. However, if you are using cloth diapers, you will need to scrape out loose waste before tossing it into the diaper pail.
Advantages
- Suitable for tossing out both disposable and cloth diapers
- Typically considered a much safer storage option compared to wet diaper pails
- These diaper pails are typically light-weight, making them much easier to lift and move
Disadvantages
- Cloth diapers are likely to leave stains, making cleaning a much dreaded process
- Parents must use a liner
- The diaper pail may need deodorizing from time to time
Wet
A wet diaper pail is exclusively used for throwing out cloth diapers which means you don’t have to worry about washing disposables. These containers are filled with water so you can conveniently soak the cloth diapers inside.
The diapers then go through a wash cycle. Most parents use natural products, such as white vinegar and baking soda, to get rid of stains (we will talk more about this later). Remember, bleach should not be added to the diaper pail since it can break down or damage the cloth diapers.
Advantages
- Works better for cloth diapers
- Produces less odors if used correctly
- Much easier to remove stains because of the pre-wash soaking method
Disadvantages
- Can tend to get messy, if the diaper pail topples over
- Requires water for treating
- Typically heavy to lift compared to dry diaper pails
Metal Diaper Pails
As the name indicates, these diapers are constructed using solid metals. Metal diaper pails look more stylish compared to their plastic counterparts are likely to complement your modern décor but they tend to be more expensive.
Advantages
- Offers premium look and complements every modern setting
- Durable and long lasting design
- Metal does not absorb odors, thus you spend less on deodorizers
Disadvantages
- Tends to be more expensive
- Not suitable for storing wet diaper pails
- Typically has less features compared to its plastic counterpart
Factors To Keep In Mind Before Investing In A Diaper Pail
The right diaper pail can minimize odors and make your life a whole lot easier. Here are a couple of factors you should keep in mind before investing in a diaper pail:
Is The Diaper Pail Childproof?
Ensure the diaper pail is situated away from the reach of toddlers since you don’t want them to topple the whole thing over. Parents must also ensure that the diaper pail is childproof. Here’s why: If you are opting for a dry diaper pail system, you will have to us plastic liner. Because plastic bags are a choking or suffocation hazard, it is essential you keep them out of reach.
On the other hand, wet diaper pails can also be dangerous for babies since it contains liquid that poses a drowning risk. Remember, for babies and little kids, even an inch of water can pose a drowning risk.
To keep your little one safe, search for a diaper pail that comes with a childproof lid. This way, you can rest at ease, knowing that your little curious George won’t get into any mischief while you have your back turned. In most cases, a step pedal will make it difficult for your little bub to access the diaper pail.
Does It Have A Foot Pedal?
This convenient function can be an absolute lifesaver. Not to mention, it minimizes the risk of accidents and also protects the carpet. Trying to open a diaper pail with on hand while holding a dirty one with another can be challenging, especially if your baby is a cheeky one.
A foot pedal makes it much easier to open up a loaded diaper pail, not to mention it is a lot more hygienic too. A foot pedal will save you tons of trouble when you are sleep-deprived and need to wake up for an early diaper change.
If you are unable to find a diaper pail with a foot pedal, your next best option is to invest in a pail that can be easily opened with one hand. This will save you the trouble of juggling a dirty diaper with one hand.
What Is The Capacity Of The Diaper Pail?
It is important to consider the capacity of the diaper pail, especially if you have twins or triplets. Investing in a diaper pail that is too small will cause you to take out the trash several times a day, whereas a larger diaper pails allows you to go days without changing.
However, this doesn’t mean that you should allow the dirty diapers to collect for several days. Frequently empty out the trash according to your convenience. Remember, the longer you allow the diapers to sit in the pail, the more difficult it will get for you to get rid of the smell.
You are better off with a large diaper pail if you have twins or triplets. It is also worth keeping in mind that the older you child gets, the bigger his diapers will be. Hence, the diaper pail will have less room as you child gets older hence, invest in a slightly larger pail to accommodate large diapers as your little one gets bigger.
Does It Suit Your Budget?
When you are a new parent, staying by the budget can get difficult since there are tons of baby gear you need to buy. This includes a crib, car seat, high chair, and the list goes on. While almost every parent would want what’s best for their child, it is essential you stick to the budget. Typically, diaper pails with more features cost more. So, the real question is, would you actually miss all these features or would you rather save a few dollars?
Tips To Minimize Odors In A Diaper Pail
Here are a couple of tips you need to keep in mind to minimize odors in a diaper pail:
Use Baking Soda
Another great way to eliminate diaper pail odor is to line the bin using baking soda. Baking soda is commonly used around the world in litter boxes since it has the ability to absorb odors, keeping it trapped. Sprinkle some baking soda on the pail or store a box at the bottom to eliminate odors. This helps the diaper pail smell a lot less nasty.
Take Out The Trash More Often
Taking out the trash more often limits the stench. Ideally, it is best you change the diaper pail daily, this will help reduce the number of dirty diapers to 4 to 5. Investing in a diaper pail does not give you the freedom to let the dirty diapers sit for days. Not only is this unhygienic but it will make it difficult for you to control odors.
Don’t Even Think About Using Air Fresheners
While most new parents think it’s a good idea to use air fresheners around the diaper pail, it is a definite no-no. In fact, air fresheners can worsen the smell, making it less tolerable. It’s the same as using deodorant after a long day, you can’t undo the damage. Most air fresheners are designed to mix with the odors, this might worsen the diaper smell for most people.
Frequently Clean/Wash The Diaper Pail
Frequently washing or cleaning the diaper pail is another effective way to get rid of the diaper pail odors. Frequently washing the diaper pail will also limit bacterial contamination, keeping your home more sanitary. Using hot soap and water is one of the most effective ways of cleaning a diaper pail.
Our Diaper Pail Recommendations
Want to invest in the best diaper pail, here are our top 3 recommendations
Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail
The Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail is among the most stylish diaper pails in the market and is available in 17 unique colors. The diaper pail has received 6 prestigious awards for maintaining high standards and for featuring an exceptional design. Some notable features of this diaper pail include:
- No need for special bags
- Powder coated steel with a rubber seal that locks odors
- Features an improved design that reduces the risks of breakage
- Childproof safety lock
- Features a covered rim that prevents the bag from ripping open. This also allows better insertion
Dekor Plus Hands-Free Diaper Pail
The DekorPlus Hands-Free Diaper Pail features a convenient design that makes the unpleasant chore of throwing out dirty diapers a less tedious task. The foot pedal allows hand-free movement, not to mention, the pail is available at a reasonable price. Here are some notable features of this diaper pail:
- The diaper pail features a hand-free sign, so simply step, drop and you’re done!
- Cost-effective diaper pail
- Features triple odor control technology that keeps odors at bay
- Constructed using closed-cell ABS plastic that absorbs odors like metal
Odorless Cloth Diaper Pail
The Odorless Cloth Diaper Pail is an excellent diaper pail that is made using recycled plastics, making it a hit among environmentally friendly mommy and daddies. Here are some notable features:
- Exclusively designed for cloth diapers
- Strong clamp closure
- Carbon filer to minimize odors
Conclusion
So, hopefully, this handy guide has provided you all the information you need regarding diaper pails. Use this handy guide to invest in the best product for your baby. Good luck!
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