7 Facts Every Parent Needs To Know About Diapers
If you are a new parent you are probably aware of how essential a diaper is to get through the day. Diapers are saviors at night that keep your child from wetting their clothes and sheets, for you to keep washing them. They make traveling with kids easy too. There are a myriad of options for baby diapers online and in the stores nearby available for a parent to choose from.
Diapers, even though they are necessary, can come with their set of challenges if not chosen correctly. If you are a new parent trying to look at options for diapers, then this article is just for you.
7 Facts Every Parent Needs To Know About Diapers
Not So Convenient for the Environment
Disposable diapers are the most convenient form of diapers that takes a load of work from their parents. You remove, toss and throw in the garbage and you never see it again. But this is not the case with reusable cloth diapers.
You have to take the additional responsibility of washing and drying the load of diapers. This makes disposable diapers a more preferred choice. But disposable diapers are not a great choice if you are worried about the environment.
Because, every year, the landfills are filled with disposable diapers. Disposable diapers are not biodegradable, which means it is hard for them to break down and decompose. If you are confused between disposable diapers or cloth diapers this is an important fact to consider
Change the Diapers Often
A newborn urinates approximately 20 times a day and it becomes cumbersome to keep changing the diaper every single time. But it is not advisable to leave the diapers on your newborn till it gets heavy. Change the diaper every 2-3 hours.
This is to avoid irritation or rashes on your baby’s skin. You can let your baby sleep through the night with diapers to ensure that your baby gets good sleep but to avoid irritation change the diaper as soon as your baby wakes up.
Check the Ingredients
Diapers contain Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) or sodium polyacrylate, a petrochemical that is in the center of the diaper. If the diaper leaks, it can form tiny crystals on the baby’s skin.
Diapers also contain dyes to indicate the wetness of the diapers and perfumes to maintain a soft scent and color. This can sometimes be harsh on the baby’s skin and cause infection Look out for diapers that are natural or contain minimum chemicals in them. to avoid this risk. You can buy such baby diapers online as well.
Watch Out For Rashes
Diapers block out the air circulation and can become a host to the microbes’ growth leading to infection, Though many people consider disposable diapers to be an alternative measure, they can cause the same problem too. Disposable or non-disposable diapers, when an infant is left in a soiled diaper or a full diaper for long, it increases the chance of rashes and infection.
A baby’s skin is soft and is prone to rashes. The chemical element in the diaper blocks the air circulation leading to a burning sensation. To avoid drying out of skin and rashes, apply oil before using a diaper and make sure you keep your baby’s privates clean.
Invest in a good anti-rash cream to treat any rashes in your baby.
Diapers are Costly
Disposable diapers can be expensive in the longer run. Although disposable diapers are super convenient for the parents when calculated the amount of money one will spend in the span of 5 years only for diapers is shocking.
If you are money conscious and want to eliminate the hidden cost, look for more sustainable options such as cloth diapers
Can Delay Potty Training
When parents use cloth diapers, the hassle caused by it motivates them to potty train their kids at an earlier stage. Furthermore, the absence of absorbents in cloth diapers initiates the kid to avoid urinating to avoid the uncomfortable feeling.
A toddler who is wearing disposable diapers is used to the comfort and it becomes challenging to potty train them compared to the kids who grew up in cloth diapers.
Diaper Free Time is a Must
Your baby should be off diaper at least for a few hours a day. This period can be increased as they grow up. This diaper-free time is essential to avoid rashes and for the air circulation that is good for their tender skin.
Diapers are essential at the same time they come with their pro and cons. Make sure you are aware of all the options and choose wisely.
