The question that usually arises in the minds of parents is, “do diapers expire”? If yes, then which part of the diaper expires first? And if diapers expire, then parents also want to know which diaper brands last longer than the others. In this article, we will try to answer these questions.
Do Baby Diapers Expire?
Two factors play a vital role in predicting the diaper expiry date. The first one is the composition of the diaper, and the second one is the condition of the warehouse.
- Disposable diapers usually have a shelf life of 2 years. However, those diapers that contain elastic waistband generally last for less than a year. Over time, there will be signs of discoloration of the elastic.
- However, it does not necessarily mean that you can’t use them anymore, but after a specific timeframe, these diapers will not be as elastic as they were at the start.
- When the diapers are exposed to heat for a long time in the warehouse, adhesives on the diapers will fail. This prolonged heat exposure affects the elastic adhesive in the lateral gathers and leg cuffs.
Do Diapers Have Expiration Dates?
Most of the baby products have expiration dates such as baby wipes and baby formula. Baby wipes lose moisture if kept for a long time. But this question; do diapers have expiry dates have stunned lots of people. You will not get a reliable and authentic answer to this question.
After checking and asking from manufacturers of disposable diapers, we can say that no, diapers don’t have a shelf life or expiration dates. So, if you have diapers that are lying in your house since the last year, don’t worry, you can use it, and you can also gift it to someone.
Typically, diapers don’t expire, but the manufacturers still recommend using the diapers within two years of purchase for a few reasons.
The Effects of Time on Diapers
If your diapers are a couple of years old, then keep an eye on elasticity, absorption, and color. These signs will signal you that your diapers are expired now, and it’s time to buy new ones. However, there is no danger in using less absorbent, looser, and discolored diapers. But if any of the conditions appear, it’s time to throw your diaper.
If your diaper is old, it will no longer maintain its bright white color. Over time it will appear to be slightly yellowish. Discoloration happens with most of the paper products because of exposure to light and air. It doesn’t mean that you can’t use these diapers; these diapers will still be effective like the new ones. It is recommended not to gift such diapers to anyone.
Another most important factor to consider is the absorption power. Old diapers may lose absorption power over time. When the absorption material breaks, it causes the diaper to become less absorbent and will result in leaks. So, if you are using older diapers and witnessing leaks and wet surfaces, then it’s time to buy a new pack. In this way, your baby will remain dry, and the chances of diaper rash are eliminated.
If the diapers are old, then there is a great chance that it will start to lose elasticity over time. Diapers will become loose around the legs. Adhesive tape that is used to keep the diapers in place also starts to breaks after a couple of years. When diapers are loose around the legs, then the result is leakage. Diapers become less adhesive and slip over, so the purpose of using the diaper is compromised. So, the best thing to do in such a situation is to buy a new pack of diapers.
How to store diapers effectively?
Since the idea is to keep the diapers in good condition so that they don’t lose effectiveness and result in a mess like diaper leaks. It is essential for all the parents to know how to keep the diapers in good condition.
- It is recommended to keep the diapers in those areas where there are less humidity and protection from extreme heat. It will be ideal if the diapers are stored in the area where the temperature is 30 degrees Celsius or less than that.
- Extreme or too much heat can be damaging for adhesive. It will melt adhesive tape, and the result will be less stickiness.
- If you have excess diapers and you don’t need them in the coming days, and then packed them in a plastic box.
- Packing diapers will prevent them from direct exposure to light and air, and diapers will not develop a yellowish color. Also, protection from heat will not cause the adhesive tape to melt.
Conclusion
Diapers are expensive. So the good news is, diapers don’t have expiry dates. If you are expecting a new baby and you have a bunch of diapers lying around, and you are worried about the expiration date, and then calm down. Although diapers don’t expire, they still can lose effectiveness over time. So, while using diapers, always have an eye on diapers to see how they are performing. If you witness any leaks or less stickiness, then it’s time to buy new ones because the older diapers are not effective anymore.
So, if by mistake or intentionally you have purchased diapers in bulk, there is no need to worry about it. You can store your diapers in a space bag and vacuum-sealed environment. Just make sure that the area is protected from extreme heat and humidity. However, to be more secure, it is an ideal way to use the diapers within two years of purchase. It will not only protect your baby from leaks, but it will also save your investment. Cloth diapers are eco-friendly, and the good news is that cloth diapers also don’t expire. So, either you are using disposable diapers or cloth diapers, no need to worry because diapers don’t have expiry dates. However, keep an eye on the color, elasticity, and absorption.