Babies and diapers are like two inseparable lovebirds. If you see a baby, you’ll likely find diapers around them, or even diapers on their bottoms. While diapers are common, there are a few things you should know about their use.
Especially for new parents or those preparing for the arrival of a new baby, you may need to shop for diapers and gather information about diaper use. This article will help you prepare for your baby’s diaper needs and what to consider before stocking up on diapers.
Choosing baby diapers can be somewhat difficulttricky,yes,ParentsEspecially with the wide variety of diaper models and brands available on the market, we shouldn’t be tempted by advertising, but rather prioritize diapers that truly meet our baby’s needs.
For example, is it better for a baby to use disposable diapers or cloth diapers that can be washed and reused?
If you’re a seasoned parent, you probably already have a go-to diaper brand. But if you’re a new parent, you might be a little confused about which diaper brand to choose from among the many brands available on the market.
Number of Diapers Used by Babies
To answer how many diapers a baby wears, it depends on whether you choose disposable diapers or cloth diapers?
According to Healthline , babies can go through 3,000 disposable diapers in their first year. If you’re using cloth diapers, that number doesn’t apply.
When choosing a baby’s diaper, we can consider their weight. As your baby gains weight, their diaper size will vary. You can refer to the following list to determine the appropriate diaper size.
It’s important to note that babies sometimes develop at different rates. Therefore, you’ll need to estimate the most appropriate size for your baby. The list below is general.
1. Diaper size: Preemie
Weight: 2.7 kg
Age: Premature baby
Daily requirement: As needed
2. Diaper size: Newborn
Weight: Maximum 4.5 kg
Age:Newborn
Daily needs: 8-12 diapers
3. Diaper size: 1
Weight: 3.6 kg – 6.3 kg
Age: 0-4 months
Daily needs: 8-10 diapers
Advantages of Using Disposable Diapers
Compared to cloth diapers, disposable diapers have more value, including:
1. Practical and Fast
It’s no secret that disposable diapers are practical. Parents are less stressed when cleaning their baby’s genitals because they are designed to be thrown away and never need to be washed.
2. Comfortable
Parents feel more comfortable choosing disposable diapers for their babies. After the baby wets or defecates in the diaper, you simply replace it with a new one and discard the old one.
You don’t need to store dirty diapers for later washing. There’s also no need to dispose of baby feces by separating them from the diaper. This makes things much more convenient for parents.
3. Baby’s sanitation is better maintained
Using disposable diapers helps maintain baby’s hygiene. This differs from cloth diapers, which may have been previously wetted and exposed to baby feces. If cloth diapers are not washed thoroughly, bacteria may remain, potentially irritating the baby’s skin.
4. Reduces irritation
The materials used in disposable diapers work well to wick away moisture from around the baby’s skin.
The surface of the baby’s skin should not be damp, okay?Parents,because if that happens, it could potentially cause a skin rash or irritation.
In most cases, disposable diapers help keep your baby dry better than reusable diapers and reduce the development of skin rashes.
The Impact of Using Diapers for Too Long
Even though it has several advantages, using diapers for too long can also have several impacts on your little one, such as the following:
1. Causes Allergic Reactions
Babies have soft, delicate, and sensitive skin. Therefore, excessive exposure to various ‘foreign’ substances can harm their skin. The substances contained in diapers can damage your little one’s sensitive skin and cause allergies, especially if used for too long.
2. Can Cause Skin Rashes
Diaper rash is very common in babies. If a wet diaper is left on a baby for longer than usual, bacteria can grow in the wet, soiled diaper and cause a rash. Be sure to change your little one’s diaper regularly to minimize the risk of a rash.
3. More Chances of Infection
Diapers are made of materials that absorb urine. These same materials can restrict airflow inside your little one’s diaper. This allows bacteria and other germs to thrive. Prolonged diaper use can leave your baby susceptible to skin and other infections, the most common of which is a urinary tract infection. Be sure to change your baby’s diaper frequently.Parents.
Disadvantages of Disposable Diapers
1. More Expensive Costs
Just ask any experienced parent; baby diapers are like a basic necessity for their little ones. They must be constantly stocked, which means regular shopping.
It’s no surprise, then, that disposable diapers are among the most expensive items. The average baby can use as many as 2,700 diapers per year! Just multiply that by the price per diaper.Parents.
2. Adding Trash
Many parents are now aware of the environmental impact of disposable diapers. Many are trying to minimize their use. Disposable diapers contribute to waste because they cannot be recycled.
It seems some baby diaper manufacturers are also beginning to recognize this impact. They are also campaigning for the recycling of disposable diaper waste into other functional items, such as plant pots and compost.
3. Difficulty in Toilet Training
Leaving your baby in diapers most of the time can cause problems with toilet training. This is because your baby is used to urinating and defecating in diapers, and you feel comfortable with that.
But of course, you want to start toilet training your child. When you first try, they might whine and fuss because they’re used to peeing and pooping in their diapers.
Toilet training lessons that used to start early may lose their importance today, because we are too dependent on diapers.
To help your little one use the toilet, you can take the time to train him early and not always use diapers for too long.
Using Cloth Diapers on Babies
If you choose cloth diapers, you need to prepare at least 20 newborn diapers.
One of the advantages of cloth diapers is that they come in many different designs and patterns and can be adjusted as the baby grows older.
Cloth diapers are safe for babies, and it’s recommended to wash them no more than 12 to 18 times. This means that after 12-18 washes, the cloth diaper should be discarded as it has expired.
Tips for Safe Diaper Use on Babies
There are a few things to keep in mind when using disposable diapers for your baby. By following these tips, you’ll keep your baby clean, safe, and healthy while using disposable diapers.
1. Change soiled diapers immediately.
Dirty diapers can cause skin irritation and infection if worn for too long. Therefore, if you notice your baby’s diaper is soiled due to frequent bowel movements or urination, it’s best to change it immediately.
2. Keep Your Hands Clean When Changing Baby’s Diaper
It’s recommended that you wash your hands before changing your baby’s diaper. Also, avoid touching your baby’s skin anywhere else while changing their diaper. This is because your hands may come into contact with feces, which can potentially spread bacteria.
Once you have finished changing the diaper and throwing away the old diaper, wash your hands immediately.
Also, make sure the diaper changing area is clean. After putting your baby in a new diaper, clean the diaper with an antibacterial wipe and let it dry.
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Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
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