Disposable Nappies?

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There is always a ferocious debate going on about which type of nappy is better for babies. The two main types are;

1. The disposable nappy

2. The cloth nappy

In truth, neither kind is better or worse than the other and everything depends on your personal outlook. It then comes down to whether you feel comfortable with your choice after a month or two of putting it into practice.

Disposable nappies have in their favour that they are disposable (obviously). On changing the nappy, you will simply have to put it in the bin and forget about it. However, as any parent will tell you, children are very productive sources of waste matter, so keeping them in clean nappies can add up to a serious expense.

Cloth nappies are invariably cheaper (after the initial outlay), although clearly you need to have quite a few if you don’t want to be washing them almost constantly. There is also no doubt that they are also better for the environment. Disposables will be in landfill for a long time before they degrade. (Some guess at up to 500 years)

Ultimately it is entirely your decision which kind of nappy is the best for your purposes and for your purse. Either way, there is work involved and there is expense to take into account.

In my opinion, if you go with cloth, it is worth still having a few disposables around in case of emergencies or for when you are on the go.

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Nappy rash

What does nappy rash look like?

If your baby has nappy rash you will spot it immediately. Some of the skin which has been covered by the nappy, probably the genital area, the buttocks and, folds of skin where legs and buttocks meet will be red and inflamed. The area can be either dry or moist and sometimes will appear to be pimply.

If you spot these signs you should treat them immediately as, untreated it can develop into something worse such as a yeast or bacterial infection. Yeast infections are more common in babies who are taking antibiotics. The drugs will have killed the “good” bacteria which normally keep the yeast under control as well as the infection they were intended to treat. Yeast infections normally begin as small red spots, which multiply and grow into solid red blotches. Bacterial infections, which are often accompanied by a fever, can cause oozing yellow patches or pus-filled pimples.

Why has my baby got nappy rash?

The major cause of nappy rash is dampness. New-borns urinate often and will have several loose bowel movements over any 24-hour period. Diarrhoea can also lead to nappy rash. It is almost impossible for you to keep your baby dry all the time. You may notice bowel movements quite quickly but you won’t spot every time your baby urinates. Even the best nappy will leave some moisture in contact with the skin. You must make every effort to change your babies nappy regularly to minimise the risk of nappy rash. However, if your baby has particularly sensitive skin they may be prone to nappy rash even if you change the nappy regularly.

How can I treat nappy rash?

Prevention is better than cure so make every effort to keep your baby clean and dry. If your baby is not yet mobile let them have time without wearing a nappy to allow the air to dry of the infected area. This will speed up the healing process. Make sure the room is warm and dry and let the baby lay on a towel, which you can wash as required. If your baby is mobile you may not want to try this unless you have an area which can be easily cleaned.

If your baby’s rash is allergy based use clean warm water and cotton wool to clean the infected area. Try switching to a super absorbent nappy to minimise moisture on the skin.

A normal nappy rash should clear up after three or four days of treatment at home. If the rash persists, spreads, or worsens whilst you are home treating you should visit your doctor. He may prescribe a hydrocortisone or anti-bacterial cream.

How can I prevent nappy rash?

• Change your baby’s nappy as soon as possible after you notice it has become wet or soiled.
• Clean the nappy area thoroughly everytime you change a nappy. Allow the skin to dry before you put a clean nappy back onto your baby.
• Coat the nappy area with a protective cream during each nappy change.
• Don’t fasten nappies too tightly. Allow room for air to circulate around the nappy.

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