The Pros and Cons of Purple Velcro Straps on Diapers

The Pros and Cons of Purple Velcro on Diapers

As a parent, finding the right diaper for your baby is crucial. You want a diaper that is absorbent, gentle on their skin, and easy to use. Major diaper brands like Costco aim to provide all of that in their products. However, sometimes new features added to diapers end up causing more problems than they solve. This seems to be the case with the new purple velcro straps added to some Costco diaper designs.

The Purpose of the Purple Velcro Straps

The purple velcro straps on certain Costco diaper varieties like Kirkland Signature Diapers are meant to help get a snug fit around your baby's waist and legs. The velcro allows you to adjust the sizing as needed to prevent leaks. It replaces the adhesive tabs found on other diapers. The color purple is simply used to differentiate the new velcro straps from the standard white tabs.

For parents frustrated with constantly refastening adhesive tabs that lose their stickiness over time, the velcro straps sound like an ideal solution. In theory, the ability to readjust the sizing as your baby grows and moves could reduce leakage. The velcro is also quieter to undo than noisy adhesive tabs, preventing nighttime wakeups during diaper changes.

Complaints About the Purple Velcro Straps

Despite the potential benefits, many parents who have used the Costco diapers with purple velcro straps report major drawbacks. The main complaint is that the velcro constantly attaches to clothes, blankets, and diaper creams. Babies end up getting irritated from the velcro scraping against their delicate skin.

The purple color also fades quickly, leaving discolored velcro straps that look dirty and dingy. The hook side of the velcro can collect lint and small fibers, reducing its sticking power. And while the velcro does allow adjustments, it also tends to gradually loosen on its own as the baby moves around.

The Impact on Babies

For babies, the biggest downside is the velcro abrasiveness leading to skin irritation. Infant skin is much more sensitive than adult skin. The velcro can cause redness, irritation, scratches, and discomfort. Babies cannot verbalize their pain, so they simply cry or become cranky.

Parents observe the side effects and try to minimize direct contact between the velcro and the baby's skin. However, this is difficult to avoid entirely, especially with the straps around the legs. The irritation impacts sleep and fussiness at changing times. No parent wants diaper changes to create distress.

Solutions and Alternatives

If your baby is bothered by the purple velcro straps on Costco diapers, you have a few options. You can layer clothing over the straps or place a cloth between the velcro and skin. However, these solutions may decrease the effectiveness of the straps for securing the diaper.

Switching diaper brands is the most direct approach. Plenty of great diaper options exist without rough velcro straps. Huggies, Pampers, honestcompany, HelloBello and The Honest Company all offer quality diapers with gentler fastening systems. You may sacrifice some features, but your baby's comfort should be the priority.

You can also give feedback directly to Costco. Companies regularly tweak diaper designs based on customer input. If enough parents express concerns over velcro abrasiveness, the company may consider alternative closures. Meanwhile, simply avoid Costco diaper varieties featuring the purple velcro straps.

Weighing Velcro Benefits Against Risks

Ultimately, you need to weigh the potential conveniences of velcro straps against the negatives like skin irritation. The adjustability of velcro seems good in theory, but not at the expense of your baby's well-being. There are so many great diaper options today that you can certainly find one without velcro drawbacks.

Keep an eye on your baby's cues when trying new diapers. Notice if they become fussy or uncomfortable at changing times. Check their skin under the diaper area frequently for signs of redness or irritation. Discontinue use and switch brands if problems arise. With so many diaper choices on the market, there is no reason to stick with one that distresses your little one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are velcro diapers better than tabs?

Velcro diapers allow for more adjustability than tab fasteners, but velcro may also irritate babies' delicate skin. Consider your baby's needs and reactions when choosing fastening systems.

Why do diapers have velcro straps?

Velcro straps replace adhesive tabs for closing diapers. The intent is to create an adjustable, reusable closure that is quieter than noisy tabs.

Do all Costco diapers have velcro straps?

No, only certain Costco diaper varieties like Kirkland Signature Diapers feature the purple velcro straps. Other Costco diapers use traditional adhesive tabs.

What diapers do not have velcro?

Many major diaper brands like Huggies, Pampers, The Honest Company, and HelloBello offer varieties without velcro closures. They use alternative fasteners like adhesive tabs or snaps.

Should I avoid velcro diapers?

If your baby seems irritated by abrasive velcro, it is best to switch to a diaper without velcro fasteners. Every baby's skin sensitivity is different. Pay attention to their comfort level.

FAQs

Why are the velcro straps on Costco diapers purple?

The purple color is used to easily differentiate the new velcro fasteners from the standard white adhesive tabs previously used on Costco diapers.

Are velcro diapers better for the environment?

Potentially yes, since velcro is reusable and doesn't require discarding sticky tabs with each diaper change. However, the long-term durability of velcro has some environmental concerns.

Are velcro diapers more expensive?

There is not a major price difference between velcro and tab diapers. But specialty velcro diapers may cost more than generic tab diapers.

Can you replace velcro straps if they wear out?

Unfortunately, no. The velcro straps are sewn into place on the diapers. You would need to replace the whole diaper once the velcro loses stickiness.

Are velcro diapers safer than pins?

Yes, velcro has safety advantages over traditional metal diaper pins which can poke the baby. But velcro has its own concerns like skin irritation.