When the newest member of the family comes home, everybody is excited to provide the little one with all his needs, from clothes, shoes, milk, and even diaper. These are the everyday things you usually receive when you have a new baby at home. But are disposable diapers safe for babies? You probably heard about diapers containing harmful chemicals. So, basic knowledge about the things your baby will use is necessary to ensure he’s safe and healthy.
What’s Inside the Disposable Diaper?
It is convenient for mothers to have things that could help them manage their kids easily. One of these things is the use of a diaper. Without these diapers, we will end up cleaning the mess your baby will make every time they need to poo or urinate. So, to keep things tidy, mothers use disposable diapers. However, some may still be in doubt. Are disposable diapers safe for babies? To answer this, you need to know the materials and their effect on babies.
- Inner layer
The inner layer is the top sheet of the diaper that directly touches the baby’s skin. This is design to transfer the fluid quickly to the core and to make it dry and soft. Some manufacturers include skin-care products to protect kid’s skin from irritation. - Absorbent Pad
This part is the innermost layer of the diaper. From the name itself, it is the one that absorbs the liquid. The distribution later is what makes the liquid stay in the absorbent pad, while keeping the surface dry. - Outer Shell
The outer shell or the back sheet of the diaper is water-resistant. It prevents the liquid from leaking onto the clothes of the baby.
How Often Should You Change Your Baby’s Diaper
Are disposable diapers safe for babies? Whether the diapers you bought have safe or harsh materials, it is still important that you change the baby’s diaper often. In this way, you are preventing possible adverse effects on the baby’s skin. A poopy diaper should be replaced right away as soon as you discovered your baby poops. And if your diaper is super absorbent, you can leave it for a little longer. But if you notice it is wet. You have to change it right away, or it could harm your baby’s skin.
Babies usually urinate approximately 20 times a day until they reach one year old. The older the baby gets, the lesser they urinate. But this does not mean you need to change the diapers 20 times daily. You can’t determine how many times your baby urinates in an hour. Most mothers find it necessary to change the diapers every two to three hours. This will allow enough urine for the diaper to absorb. So, checking it often is essential to make sure they are not soaking in a wet diaper for an extended period.
Possible Side Effect of Using Disposable Diaper
- Skin Allergies
Babies have sensitive skin, and anything harsh that touches their skin can cause an allergic reaction. Most of the time, these disposable diapers are made of synthetic fiber or dye. So, if you want disposable diapers for your baby, make sure you know the materials. Choose the ones that are made of skin-friendly and soft materials. - Skin Rashes
Are disposable diapers safe for babies? One of the negative effects of disposable diapers is the occurrence of rashes. Rashes usually occur when a wet diaper is left with the baby and stay for an extended period. Wet diapers can be the breeding spot for bacteria, which may eventually result in rashes. To avoid this, make sure to check their diaper and change it when necessary regularly. - High Chances of Infection
One of the main functions of a diaper is to absorb urine. So, when babies urinate, this will stay in the diaper. Since it is made of non-breathable materials, it will be impossible for air to circulate giving the bacteria and other germs to multiply. That is why excessive use of these products can expose your babies to infection. - Difficulty in Toilet Training
When your baby is used to wearing diapers most of the time, it may make them feel that it is okay to pee or poo anytime. Thus, making it hard to train them in using the toilet. Toilet training is best when you start it early, so try to take a break with diapers and make this an opportunity to introduce them to the toilet. - Diapers are Expensive
When you have a baby, everything should be new. And each can cause you money. If you decide to use a diaper for your baby, you have to prepare enough money to sustain the supply. In a day, you need to change your baby’s diaper six times or more, demanding a lot from your pocket.
Conclusion
The use of diapers provides convenience to both the parents and the baby. Parents don’t have to clean the baby’s mess every day, and the baby will pee or poo anytime. But are disposable diapers safe for babies? Materials used by different companies vary. Some used safe and eco-friendly materials, while others used normal but toxic substances. If you need to use diapers for your baby, make sure you are familiar with its materials and remember to change it every two to three hours. Get more tips on diapers.