1. Option One: Disposable Diapers
Disposable diapers are the ones you buy at the grocery store or discount chains, such as Wal-Mart. As their name implies, you can throw them away after your baby uses them. Many parents enjoy the ease and the leak protection from disposable diapers. Some disposable diapers are also good for swimming. However, disposable diapers are more expensive than cloth diapers and may cause diaper rash. In addition, many parents of toddlers have found potty training is more difficult when their children wear disposable diapers and the diaper material isn't as good for the earth as cloth.
2. Option Two: Cloth Diapers
With cloth diapers, thick cotton catches your baby's mess. Most cloth diapers use a waterproof cover with Velcro that keeps the cover and the diaper in place, although some cloth diapers are all inclusive. You can wash cloth diapers at home in your washing machine or hire a diaper service. A diaper service picks up the dirty diapers and brings clean diapers to your home. Cloth diapers are cheaper, less likely to cause diaper rash and more environmentally friendly. In addition, toddlers may potty train faster with cloth diapers.
3. Changing a Diaper
When changing a diaper, keep one hand on your baby at all times. Pull the diaper down and use wipes or clean cotton balls soaked in water to clean your baby, making sure to get into all the folds and crevices. If you're wiping a girl, wipe front to back. Many pediatricians now tell parents to stay away from chemical filled wipes for the first 3 months due to diaper rash concerns. When you pull the diaper up, fold the top of the diaper under the umbilical cord until the stump falls off. Point a boy's penis down when pulling the diaper up and keep it covered during the changing process.
4. Potty Training and Choice of Diapers
When it's time for your baby to go through potty training, consider purchasing special diapers. Many disposable diapers allow your child to feel the wetness when they've urinated. Some diapers will also change color if they become wet so that children can learn what to do when they need to urinate.
5. Diapers and Diaper Rash
Diapers and diaper rash tend to go hand in hand. Babies get diaper rash because the wet material in the diaper rubs up against their skin. Diaper rash presents as reddened patches on your baby's skin. You can prevent it by changing diapers frequently and allowing your child's skin to dry completely between diaper changes. If your baby gets a diaper rash, use an ointment containing zinc oxide to deal with it. If that doesn't work, talk to your pediatrician. Your baby may have a yeast infection and need other treatment.
