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Every parent figures out how to change a diaper, no matter the type or style. And after having to change so many, you could probably do it in your sleep. But have you ever wondered how often you need to change your baby’s diaper? It’s hard to tell as every baby is different. But you also don’t want to underuse the diapers or wait for an explosion to occur. If you’re a first time parent wondering how many times you need to go through the rather stinky and laborious process of changing your baby’s diapers, then this article is for you. Read on to know more!
Why Is It Important To Change Your Baby’s Diapers Regularly?
Regularly changing your baby’s diapers is essential for their hygiene and overall health. Neglecting to change a diaper on time can result in unpleasant consequences, including diaper rash, skin chafing, infections, as well as discomfort and leakage. These are situations you certainly want to prevent. It’s crucial to remember that a baby’s skin is highly sensitive, making it susceptible to irritation, so it’s vital to change their diapers frequently.
Understand The Differences That Come With Using A Disposable Diaper And A Reusable One
All diapers need to be changed in due time but if you are using reusable diapers, keep in mind that you might be changing your baby’s diaper more regularly. This is also why reusable diapers are great while trying to potty train your child. Your child will notice the wetness sooner and this will make them uncomfortable. So get ready to change a lot of diapers in the early days. Although it’s not all bad. Modern cloth diapers come in designed shapes and waterproof material that helps avoid leakage. They also have convenient fasteners to help simplify the changing process.
If you opt for using a disposable diaper, there are different kinds in today’s market. Some diapers are super absorbent and don’t need to be switched out as often as others. So make note of the kind of material used and then deliberate how often you’ll need to change your baby’s diaper.
How Often Should You Change Your Baby’s Diaper?
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Now, let’s address the question of how frequently you should change diapers after considering the various diaper types and their benefits. The frequency of diaper changes depends on your baby’s toileting habits, which can vary as they grow. It may not be as obvious as you think. For instance, newborns may require more frequent diaper changes because they feed more often and, as a result, have more frequent bowel movements. It’s advisable to change their diapers at least every 2-3 hours, and if there are feces in the diaper, change it right away. This is why scented diapers should be used with caution, as they can mask odors and make it more challenging to know when a diaper change is necessary. On average, a newborn may need around 12 diapers a day, but this number will gradually decrease as your baby grows.
Should You Change Your Baby’s Diaper At Night?
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During the first couple of months, it’s essential to change your baby’s diaper even when they’re asleep at night. Failing to do so can lead to prolonged contact between your baby’s skin and urine, potentially causing irritation and skin rashes. It’s crucial to change their diapers frequently because extended exposure to urine can alter the pH of your baby’s skin, creating an alkaline environment that’s conducive to certain bacteria and fungi. It’s also important to prevent chafing, which can be uncomfortable for your baby. If you’re following a feeding schedule of every two to three hours, you can change your baby’s diaper swiftly after a feed without waking them, reducing the risk of diaper rash. The only exception to this rule is if your baby has a significant diaper blowout, in which case you should change the diaper promptly, even if it’s in the middle of the night. This is because feces contain a high level of bacteria that can lead to infections, and your baby will be quite uncomfortable sleeping in a soiled diaper.
Taking care of a baby isn’t for the faint of heart. Sometimes even something as simple as changing diapers can turn into a dilemma. But we’re sure you’ll eventually get good at gauging when your little one’s diaper needs changing. Until then, happy parenting!
