Baby Diapers
By Peter sams
If you are expecting a baby soon, or you already are a new parent, you may be surprised at the amount of baby diapers your child will go through. During the first few days of your baby's life, you may feel like you are all thumbs as you try to diaper her tiny bottom. Don't worry! Soon you'll be able to diaper like a pro. Diapering can be a little tricky at first, though, and you may also be undecided on what type of diapers to buy.
Diapering Your Infants
Probably the first person to diaper your newborn won't be you or your spouse, but instead a nurse. The nurses in the hospital will diaper your baby after he has been examined and cleaned. Then, they'll bring him back to you. Even if you don't choose rooming in with your baby, however, you'll still have plenty of opportunity to diaper him before your hospital stay is over. In fact, it is a good idea to ask for help from the nursing staff if you need it.
Watch the Umbilical Cord!
Your baby's umbilical cord won't fall off for at least a week or two. Until then, you'll have to take extra care to keep the area around the cord clean and dry. You can either purchase baby diapers which have a section cut out of the front to fit around the belly button area, or you can simply fold down the top of the diaper until the cord has fallen off.
Baby Boy's Circumcision
If you have had your infant boy circumcised, you'll still need to keep a diaper on him. Your doctor may instruct you to keep petroleum-jelly covered gauze around the circumcision until it has healed. You'll want to change the gauze after each diaper change. Don't use diaper cream on the circumcised area, however. If he has NOT yet had circumcision, it is important to periodically check for (but not force) foreskin retractability. This can take a few years, but should be expected by age 3 - 5 in most boys. Easy retraction (that is, without it causing discomfort or distress of any kind) means that debris and secretions can now become trapped under the foreskin. So it needs frequent and prolonged retraction, to promote cleanliness and to allow the insides to breathe, to discourage phimosis and so the boy can grow accustomed to it.
Preemie Baby Diapers
If your baby is smaller than eight pounds, you may want to purchase a few packs of preemie baby diapers. You won't need many, though, because baby will grow fast!
How to Diaper
Before you begin diapering your baby, make sure you have all of the supplies you need, including diapers, wipes, and diaper ointment. Never leave your baby unattended on a changing table, bed, or other raised area. Make sure all of your supplies are within easy reach of your hands.
Lay baby on her back and pull her diaper under her bottom so that at least half of the diaper is covering her bottom. Pull the front part of the diaper over the front of baby, and bring the tabs from each side over to attach to the diaper. The diaper should fit snuggly but not pinch her legs or belly.
When you need to change your baby, use the inside front of the diaper to wipe off any poop, then fold the diaper under baby so that her bottom rests on the outside of the front of the diaper. You can now use as many wipes as you need before removing the soiled diaper completely and replacing it with a fresh one.
Cloth or Disposable
There will probably always be the debate between those who use cloth diapers and those who use disposable ones. There are positives and negatives for both, however, and you will need to make your own decision.
Cloth Diapers
Cloth baby diapers are reusable and recyclable. They are also typically made of cotton, which is a more breathable material. You can subscribe to a diaper service, or you can wash and dry the diapers on your own. They are also much more economical. However, they are also messier to take care of, and you will do more laundry each day.
Disposable Diapers
Disposable diapers are easy to use. There isn't much mess involved because you simply throw them away. You can buy them in bulk, and they are great to use when traveling. However, they are more expensive to use, and they are not recyclable. The choice is up to you!