If you have a baby in the house, you’ll be changing diapers a minimum of half a dozen times a day. On bad days it could be much more. Obviously, you need diapers that fit the baby well, absorb well, don’t cause allergies, and are free of lotions and fragrances etc. Here are some tips to turn you into a diaper pro:
Choose the right size
You need to choose a diaper size based on your baby’s weight and stage of growth. Check for telltale signs of a poor fit once your baby is wearing them. Persistent leaks, red marks on baby’s skin, or gaps, are signs of an improper fit. If your baby is nearing the top of the weight range, it may be time to consider moving up a size.
Cover it right
Make sure that there are no leaks. See to it that the diaper is not crooked or is riding up on your baby. Check that the diaper has covered the baby’s hips and backside completely. Make sure the waistband is right at the waist, not too high or too low. You need a snug yet flexible fit.
Wipe well
When the baby dirties the diaper make sure to clean your baby’s front and back with a damp baby wipe, cloth, or gauze. Don’t wipe vigorously or rub the skin. This helps keep bacteria from causing an infection. Don’t forget the creases in the thighs and buttocks. Always wash your hands well after changing your baby’s diaper to prevent the spread of germs.
Air dry
Let your baby’s skin air dry for a few moments. It’s necessary to leave the place uncovered from time to time. It’s the best way to prevent diaper rash by keeping your baby’s skin as dry and clean as possible. When you let your baby go un-diapered, lay them on top of a diapering cloth.
Deal with diaper rash
Despite the most attentive diaper-changing schedule, diaper rash can happen. Irritant diaper dermatitis is caused by the baby’s skin being in contact with urine and stool. The acidity, frequency and consistency of the stool, as well as the pH of the urine, all play a role in the development of red, often painful areas on the skin. Signs of diaper rash include soreness, red bumps and larger red areas, peeling, scaly skin and irritability. To help treat or prevent diaper rash, you may want to apply diaper cream. If the rash appears often, lasts for more than two or three days, or gets worse, call the baby’s pediatrician.
Things to keep in mind when using cloth diapers:
- If you are using diapers that need pinning, use oversize pins with plastic safety heads. Some parents prefer diaper tapes but some babies have very sensitive skin and could develop an allergy to them.
- Empty the soiled diaper in the toilet first. You could either rinse the diaper before washing it or choose to spray the diapers with water and baking soda for better odour control.
- Wash the diapers separately from other laundry, using a mild detergent recommended for infant clothing. Don’t use fabric softeners, which can cause rashes on babies’ sensitive skin. Use hot water and double rinse each wash.