You will have to use nappies or diapers until your
baby is potty trained. Baby can take up to minimum
2 years to gain full bladder and bowel control. So,
you have to give consideration to which type of nappies
you would prefer to use: reusable or disposable. There
is a wide range available in the market today. It
all depends on your convenience and circumstances.
Disposable versus Reusable
Neither type has an edge over the other since
both have pros and cons.
• Reusable nappies are cumbersome - they need
to be washed, sterilized and dried. They are no better
at preventing nappy rash.
• Disposable nappies are expensive.
• Reusables or washables are more environment-friendly
so more ecologically sound.
• Disposables have an adverse impact on the
environment in the long run.
• Traditional reusables are bulky and can be
uncomfortable for baby when he is mobile; modern reusables
are specifically shaped and many come with Velcro
fastenings so safety pins do not become an issue.
It is a good idea to also use disposables with it
to avoid heavy soiling when baby has a BM.
• Disposables are highly absorbent; it means
that the nappy is less likely to leak and baby's skin
stays drier. You still need to change your baby often
- on the average about 10 nappies in 24 hours in the
initial days.
• For reusable nappies you would need nappy
pins or modern clips or Velcro tabs, liners and waterproof
pants and buckets for soaking and sterilizing.
Things you will need
• Changing mat or towel
• Tissues
• Nappy (diaper)
• Baby wipes or cotton wool
• A bowl of warm water
• Barrier cream (Vaseline or diaper rash cream)
Cleaning your baby GIRL
Always clean baby's vulva and anus from front to back
to avoid spreading bacteria from the anus to baby's
vagina. Rinse away the faeces gently with damp cotton
wool or wipes. Do not clean inside the labia.
Cleaning your baby BOY
When you remove the diaper, cover your baby boy's
penis with the diaper or point his penis down so that
he doesn't pee out; exposure to air causes baby boys
to pee sometimes. Clean around the penis and scrotum
with water. Always wipe the anus from front to back.
Do not attempt to pull back the foreskin as this remains
fixed until he is much older.
Changing Nappy
• Always change baby on a firm flat surface
with a mat or towel underneath. Protect your back
by either kneeling or using a table of the correct
height.
• Never leave your baby unattended even for
a few minutes; even a newborn can wriggle off a
mat.
• Accumulate all the essentials you would
need before attempting to change the nappy. Always
give your baby air-time to play bottom free so that
air gets to your baby's bottom as much as possible.
• Make sure you clean all the creases and
folds of baby's skin with cotton ball dipped in
water. Dry the area with a towel or napkin; put
a fresh nappy under the bottom. Apply a think layer
of barrier cream and close the nappy.
• Dispose off the contents but not the disposable
nappy in the toilet if possible; do not flush the
disposable nappy or liners down the toilet. Wrap
the used diaper well and dispose them in bags in
a covered bin or diaper pail.
•
Some babies have sensitive bottoms and need a cream
or ointment with each change: you can choose to
use petroleum jelly which is suitable for rashes
or dry skin. Use it after each diaper change. Or
there is the white zinc oxide meant for babies who
are more prone to rashes. It is thicker in consistency
- use on all babies having diarrhea. Avoid any cream
with steroids such as cortisone or hydrocortisone.
• Avoid using baby powder on a baby this young;
it can get into your baby's lungs, cause irritation
and even breathing problems. It can even worsen
a diaper rash.
• Baby wipes are convenient alternatives when
you are out and about. Buy unscented and alcohol
free versions; dip in water to make cleaning more
thorough and gentler on your baby's skin. Since
wipes can irritate tender skin, reserve its use
when you go out and stick to cotton wool whenever
possible.
Diaper
Rash
It is certainly preventable if you are vigilant
about changing his nappy on time and frequently,
especially if there is a BM. Bacteria in faeces
breaks down the urine to release ammonia which ulcerates
the skin. Use barrier cream as a preventive measure
mainly; in the event of sore bums leave baby's nappy
off whenever possible and apply the cream at every
change. If rash persists for more than 3 days check
with your doctor.
