Diapers
Many families automatically decide to use disposable diapers for their
newborns. These diapers come in a variety of sizes and absorbencies.
Diaper companies advertise that disposable diapers keep moisture away
from the baby’s skin and, therefore, help decrease diaper rash. Cloth
diapers also have a number of advantages. They are generally less
expensive to use and eliminate the concern about environmental
contamination from plastic waste. A diaper service will deliver clean,
fresh diapers and pick up soiled diapers each week, and eliminate the
need for daily soaking, washing, and drying. Babies need 6 to 8 dozen
diapers per week for the first several weeks.
At changing time, never put an open safety pin near the baby. Always
close the pin immediately after you remove it from the baby’s diaper.
The baby may pick up the pin and swallow it. Closed safety pins may pass
easily through the baby’s bowels. An open safety pin is more likely to
get stuck.
Each time you change your baby’s diaper, wash the diaper area, using
cotton balls
dipped in lukewarm water, or premoistened wipes. (Do not use alcohol
unless your doctor advises it. Alcohol may irritate the skin.) This
cleansing of the diaper area is particularly important after each bowel
movement. Generally, do not use rubber or plastic pants until the baby
is a few weeks old. The pants retain moisture and heat, which may cause
diaper rash. If your baby seems to wet a great deal, use two diapers,
especially at night.
