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One question that bothers most expecting mothers or moms of a newborn – “Is diaper safe or not?”. People’s opinion on this varies drastically. You will see the elderly people often putting the diaper in the unsafe category. They believe that a current lot of mothers use these nappies for their own convenience. They fear that wearing one can widen the tiny tot’s legs or render him/her infertile. However, these are all misconceptions and myths, and none of it is true.
These days, mommies believe diaper to be the best choice for their babies. It is convenient, especially if the mother is working and has to leave her baby with a nanny or maid for hours. The mommies find the diaper more reliable than entrusting a maid with handling their little one’s delicate parts.
And, there is nothing to fear either. Diapers nowadays are designed in such a way that it has the required breathable space. Diapers are safe and do no harm to the baby if used in a proper fashion. Diapers fall into two categories- disposable and cloth diapers- each having its own pros and cons.
Cloth Diapers
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One of the biggest pros of a cloth diaper is that it costs less than a disposable diaper. Mommies do not have to buy these in bulk but can wash properly and reuse the same. It is also said that the infant’s potty training becomes easier with the cloth diapers.
One disadvantage is that it takes up a lot of the parent’s time. The minute the baby spoils it, the diaper needs to be replaced with another one. The soiled diaper also needs to be washed. And if it isn’t washed properly, it can also become a tad unhygienic. Hence, it is considered more time-consuming and hygiene hazard.
Disposable Diapers
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Here, the biggest advantage is that it does not take up time at all. Take off the used diapers, roll it up, and take that shot at the dustbin. It is even more convenient while taking the baby outside. There is no need to constantly worry about him/her peeing or pooping.
The disposable diaper’s biggest con is that it is harmful to the environment. It is non-biodegradable and is likely to cause pollution.
Pointers To Remember While Changing A Diaper
Keep checking on the baby’s skin while putting on his/her diaper. Babies have sensitive skin so it is advisable to look out for rashes. It is essential to keep changing the infant’s nappy every three hours or so. If not changed immediately, he/she might catch a cold.
If the baby has pooped, change the diaper immediately. Also, remember to keep extra ones handy while stepping out.
How To Put On Your Baby’s Diaper
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Take a fresh diaper, open and slide it under your toddler. Be careful while lifting his/her feet and legs. The back portion of the diaper should be at the same level as the baby’s bellybutton. Bring the front part of the diaper from in between the infant’s legs up to the belly. The tape should be stuck at both ends carefully, ensuring that it is neither too tight nor too loose.
It is important to choose the right diaper size for the baby. The sizes change as the baby grows and his/her weight increases with time. Always try to buy a size bigger so as to avoid rashes. For a newborn, the two sizes that you can buy are small and extra-small depending on his/her weight.
Remember, despite the misconceptions, the nappy will not cause that much-feared rash if you change it regularly and clean up properly. You can follow a few tips to avoid the rash like applying coconut oil prior to changing the diaper or slathering a generous amount of zinc-oxide-based diaper rash cream.
We hope this has helped get you some clarity if you should be using a diaper for your toddler or not. So, keep your worries at bay and continue with the great job that you are doing. Good luck!
