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As your little bundle of joy arrives in the world, one thing is sure that your days and nights will be extremely busy. All your tasks will revolve around your baby’s routine. You will do everything to make sure your baby is happy. For a few months to come, a baby’s job is to drink breastmilk and urinate and poop. And this increases your duties in turn. You will have to frequently check, whether he has wet his crib or not, if yes, then clean him and make him feel comfortable. It can be cumbersome, that is why nowadays new parents have resorted to disposable diapers to keep their babies dry and comfortable. But, how safe are these diapers for newborns? Do you know?
Are Diapers Safe for Infants?
There are mixed opinions about the usage of diapers. Elderly people are against using diapers and think that mothers use it for their convenience, avoiding the hassles of frequent cleaning and washing. Baby Diapers cause rashes and infections, and so its excessive use is not a healthy practice. However, young mothers argue that diapers are specially designed for babies with utmost care. So, they are typically safe to use.
What are Diapers Made of?
There are cloth diapers and disposable diapers. Cloth diapers are typically the ones that are soft and reusable. You can wash, dry and reuse them. However, disposable diapers are made of different materials, which are as follows:
1. Sodium Polyacrylate
It is a polymer used in diapers and is an absorbent. To ensure that it is not directly in contact with the baby’s skin, this polymer is placed in the core of the diaper and packed with layers of other materials. Acrylic acid mixed with this polymer can cause irritation in some babies.
2. Dye
Some diapers have wetness indicators. Dyes are used in these indicators. They are also used as a part of coloured patterns outside the diaper and the leg cuffs. Dyes can cause skin rashes in some babies.
3. Volatile Organic Compounds
Fragrances are sometimes used in the diapers to prevent bad odour. However, these fragrances emit volatile organic compounds that are harmful to the baby. Compounds like toluene and xylene can cause skin irritation.
4. Dioxins
When wood pulp is bleached and used to make diapers, it produces dioxins. Remnants of dioxin can be present in the diaper. It is considered to be less harmful, but it is always better to be aware about the presence of dioxins.
Now that you are aware of the components of diapers, it is advisable to choose the diapers for your baby, wisely.
Precautions to Take Before Using Diapers for Babies
Diapers are in direct contact with a baby’s skin, so it is advisable to take precautions before using diapers for babies. Following are some precautions to take:
- Check the baby’s skin to ensure that there are no rashes. Some babies are very sensitive and can develop rashes.
- Specially designed overnight disposable diapers can be used at night.
- Avoid heavier diapers during the daytime. Use gel-based diapers or diapers with skin creams or cloth diapers.
- Change diapers once in two to three hours to avoid rashes and infections. When babies pass stool, ensure that you change the diaper immediately.
- After removing the diaper, don’t make your baby wear another diaper immediately. Allow his skin to breathe, let it be free for some time.
- Clean your baby’s skin with baby wipes or cloth after removing the diaper. You can use baby lotion, coconut oil, moisturizers, and baby powder. All these accessories help in maintaining good hygiene.
The initial phase of motherhood is hectic because you strive to give the best to your baby. While diapers can make things easier, using diapers for longer periods generates heat. So, frequently changing diapers is the key to ensure that your baby is dry, comfortable, and healthy.
