Surely, most mothers, changing diapers for their child, more than once mentally thanked their inventor. Their use saves a lot of time and effort, and helps to avoid many household inconveniences. But there are opponents who claim that this novelty is harmful to the health and development of the baby. Where is the truth?
What are diapers?
Disposable diapers are called "diapers" by Procter & Gamble with their Pampers diapers. which were the first to appear on our market. Therefore, disposable diapers from other companies of mums and dads, by analogy, are called "diapers".
Modern diapers are a high-tech construction consisting of three layers:
The inner layer is made of baby-friendly (and non-chafing) non-woven material. It completely lets moisture into the inside of the diaper, so the baby's bottom remains dry all the time. There are diapers in which this layer is additionally impregnated with baby cream (it does not impair absorption).
The next layer distributes moisture over the entire surface and absorbs it. It can be composed of cellulose or a material that forms a gel when wet.
The outer layer is waterproof, it does not allow moisture to come out and stain baby's clothes and bedding. It is made from different materials: from polyethylene or a film with microscopic pores. The pores allow the baby's bottom to "breathe".
Types of diapers
There are day and night diapers. At night, the absorbency is higher.
Also diapers can be for girls and boys. In diapers for girls, the absorbent layer is in the middle, and in diapers for boys, in the front. There are unisex diapers - the absorbent layer is located over the entire area of the diaper.
Advantages and disadvantages of diapers
Today, for many families, buying diapers is a serious waste of their budget. Of course, you can collect all the old sheets, duvet covers and cut gauze diapers out of them. But let's calculate whether it will be possible to save money in the end. An infant under the age of six months urinates up to 30 times a day, after six months - up to 15 times. At the same time, the baby's urine will saturate not only all the layers of the clothes he is wearing, but also the sheet in the crib. This means that you need to stock up on at least 15 sets of sliders, shirts, diapers, sheets. Then all this must be washed, which means that a lot of powder, water must be spent, then ironed. Iron and washing machine consume a lot of electricity. Adherents of diapers clearly benefit.
It is known that babies do not like to change clothes often, and it is not easy for a mother to change a child's clothes several times a day. Another plus in favor of diapers.
When visiting a clinic, when walking in frosty weather, visiting, long trips, diapers are irreplaceable! Otherwise, you will have to carry spare baby things with you, look for a warm place where you can change your child's clothes without the risk of catching a cold. Well, again, everything needs to be washed and dried somewhere.
Many mothers are afraid of the appearance of diaper dermatitis. This phenomenon can occur when using any diapers with a rare change and infrequent washing of the baby. How to prevent the appearance of diaper dermatitis? It's simple: change your diaper every 3 hours, and ideally after every bladder and bowel movement. Before putting on a new diaper, wash your baby and let the skin breathe for about 15 minutes without a diaper. In the heat, it is better not to use diapers at all!
If you have allergic dermatitis, buy hypoallergenic diapers.
Some parents believe that diapers have a negative effect on the development of the child's reproductive system. The effect of diapers on fertility has not been studied. But there is some truth in this. Therefore, do not use diapers in hot weather!
There are several more facts that have not been experimentally confirmed (provided as information for thought):
- the baby can catch a cold in the cold, while in a wet diaper;
- for girls, prolonged exposure to a diaper contaminated with urine and feces can lead to inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system.
In fact, parents can choose what they like: using diapers or gauze diapers, because with the right care, the baby feels equally comfortable.
