Diapers

As a healthy newborn, baby should wet at least four to six diapers a day. If breastfed, she may pass motion after each feed, although by three to six weeks of age, she may only do so once a week and still remain healthy.

Disposable diapers come in handy when travelling and at night. They are designed to help keep wetness away from the skin while preventing leakage. Select those that are thinner and lighter. Used disposable diapers should be wrapped in its outer cover and discarded in the waste bin.

Cloth diapers are just as good and comfortable for babies in our hot and humid climate. Baby will need to wear a waterproof pant or overwrap to keep the wetness inside. Before putting on a clean diaper, wipe faeces off baby’s bottom with cotton wool that has been dipped in clean water. For both boys and girls, wipe from front to back to avoid transferring germs to the genitals. Dry baby’s bottom with a towel. Change diapers when wet as they promote fungal infection. Cloth diapers should be washed separately from other clothes. Rinse them first in cold water, then soak them in a mild detergent solution with bleach for 30 minutes. Wring them out and then wash in hot water with a mild detergent.

Diaper Watch

As baby grows and her diet changes (with the introduction of semi-solid and solid foods), keep an eye on baby’s elimination habits and regularly check her diapers. Notify the doctor if you notice any of the following signs:

A persistent pinkish staining (due to highly concentrated urine) on her diapers.
When baby cries or appears to experience pain when urinating.
If baby constantly passes hard and very dry stools.
Actual blood in urine, stools or spotting on her diapers.

Dealing with Diaper Rash

Baby may develop redness or small bumps on her lower abdomen, buttocks, genitals and thigh folds. Common causes include:

Prolonged contact with urine or stools.
Sensitivity to certain disposable diapers, laundry detergents or bath soaps.
Bacterial or yeast (candida) infections.

Here’s what you can do to alleviate baby’s diaper rash:

Change her diapers as soon as it gets soiled or wet.
Let baby go bare-bottomed for a little while before putting on a fresh diaper.
Try another brand of disposable diapers and change to a milder laundry detergent or bath soap.
Obtain prescription ointment from the doctor.

Step By Step Guide On Folding And Wearing Diapers

Pull bottom corners upwards to fold diaper into a rectangle.
Pull left corners to the right to make a square.
Push the bottom edge of the top layer into the middle to make a triangle.
Flip diaper over and fold square flap twice towards the centre to form a core.
Diaper is ready for use.
Lift baby’s legs by the ankles and slide the diaper underneath.
Bring the folded core up between her legs.
Fold the right and left flaps over baby’s waist and pull both ends tightly.
Slide your fingers between the diaper and baby’s tummy and using a diaper pin, pin the layers together. Be careful not to accidentally prick her.