As a parent, you are responsible for taking care of your child. There is nothing that matters more than the well-being of your little one.
You do not want to make any mistakes that may harm your baby. One of the questions most parents struggle with is whether diaper use is safe.
Generally, the use of diapers is safe for the child. However, there are certain precautions that you should consider taking to guarantee absolute safety.
One of the common mistakes in diapering is making a child wear diapers throughout the day. If you have your child in a diaper the entire day, you ought to take time to read this article.
Is It Advisable to Keep a Child in Diapers For 24 Hours?
Children pee a lot, and it may not be possible for you to clean them all the time, hence using a diaper.
However, you need to understand that subjecting your child to a diaper for 24 hours is harmful. This practice puts them at the risk of developing different skin allergies and infections.
Therefore, it is not safe to have your baby in diapers for 24 hours; instead, it is advisable to allow for 6-8 hours’ open air time daily.
When changing diapers, give 15-20 minutes’ open air time to allow the child’s skin to dry on its own.
Wearing a diaper allows for the development of moisture on the child’s skin, leading to fungus and bacteria growth on their delicate skin.
Leaving the child without diapers several times a day enables adequate drying time and prevents allergies and skin infections.
Is The Use of Diapers Overnight Safe?
Initially, diapers were for overnight use only, but for convenience and to avoid the constant change of clothes, they were adapted for daytime use.
The overnight use of diapers depends on how often the baby pees. If the diaper gets full and overflowing, it means it is not absorbing any further and needs a change.
Therefore, it is advisable to check the diaper’s wetness every 3 hours at night and change it if necessary. To avoid rashes, change the diaper no later than an hour after its wet.
Health Effects Brought About using Diapers
Diaper Dermatitis
Diaper dermatitis is a common diaper condition in babies and toddlers that causes skin irritation and inflammation around the diaper area.
The moisture trapped around the skin area covered in diapers breeds many bacteria that can cause diaper rash. The rash may result in skin irritation and inflammation.
Forms Of Diaper Dermatitis
i) Contact Diaper Dermatitis
This condition is a form of dermatitis that results from skin contact with urine and fecal matter.
The skin area around the thighs, belly, buttocks, and waist is likely affected by this condition, leaving out the folds. Symptoms include red and shiny rashes on the affected area.
ii) Candida Diaper Dermatitis
Candida is a yeast infection affecting the diaper area that may occur if diaper dermatitis is not treated within a few days.
The skin turns dark red and extends to the folds and parts outside the diaper.
iii) Seborrheic Diaper Dermatitis
The skin turns red and has yellow, oily patches that affect the diaper area and skin folds. It also extends to the face, neck area, and even the scalp.
Other Effects of Diapers
- a) Causes Rashes
Leaving the child with a diaper for many hours leads to extended exposure to urine and stool, irritating the baby’s skin.
If the child is experiencing frequent bowel movements or diarrhea, they are more prone to rashes if the diaper is not changed regularly, as fecal matter is more irritating than urine.
b) Rubbing On Skin
Tight diapers that rub against the baby’s skin led to rashes because of friction.
c) Allergic Reaction
Babies have very gentle and delicate skin. Kids are different, and some react differently to various diaper brands.
Some manufacturers use harsh chemicals such as synthetic fibers, dyes, bleach, fabric softener, perfumes, lotions, and other harsh chemicals that may irritate the child’s sensitive skin.
d) Bacterial or Yeast (Fungal) Infection
As stated, diapers pose a risk of yeast infections because of the warm and moist environment.
These rashes may start as a mere infection and spread to other surrounding areas. If not treated, it may become severe.
e) Toxicity
Most diapers use chemicals and synthetic materials that can be toxic to the child when exposed for long durations of time.
Children wear diapers throughout the night, so it is advisable to minimize diaper usage during the day to minimize contact with the diaper chemicals.
f) Increases Chances of Infection
Diapers are usually made of absorbent material to absorb the baby’s urine and maintain dryness.
The disadvantage of this porous material is that it may also hinder airflow, creating a perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria.
Excessive use of diapers makes them prone to contracting infections from these bacteria.
g) Disposable Diapers Are Not Environmentally Friendly.
Disposable diapers are not environmentally friendly as most contain synthetic fibers, plastic, and other harmful materials that are hard to decompose.
These diapers pose a significant risk to the environment, considering the number of diapers disposed of each day.
Diaper Usage Tips
- Give the child six to eight hours of open air time daily.
- When changing diapers, many parents use baby wipes to clean their child’s skin. However, it is advisable to use water instead and only opt for wipes in instances of unavailability of water or when on the move.
- During the winter season, use water and cotton for cleaning. Dip the cotton in water and dab it on the baby’s skin. Do not rub.
- Air-dry the baby’s skin when wet.
- Change the baby’s diaper often.
- Use olive or coconut oil to keep the baby’s skin moisturized, which will help create a protective layer around the skin to prevent diaper rashes.
Alternatives To Disposable Diapers
Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers are suitable for your child’s skin and are recyclable, making them a good fit for the environment.
There are a variety of cloth diapers available on the market, so you have a diverse selection.
The downside to this pick is that it comes with additional work, as you will need to wash and change the soiled diaper regularly.
Diaper Liners
With diaper liners, you can place them inside a cloth diaper, and they are easy to change and flash when soiled. They are also easily accessible on the market.
Eco-friendly Disposable Diapers
At times, it is inevitable to use disposable diapers as a parent. You can now get eco-friendly and disposable diapers that are soft on your child’s delicate skin.
Choosing The Most Favorable Diaper for Your Child
a) Good Absorbency
Diapers with a high absorbency seal in moisture and keep the baby’s skin dry, reducing the risk of leaks, rashes, and even infections.
b) Material
Purchase a diaper made of soft and chemical-free materials to avoid irritation of the child’s gentle skin and prevent rashes.
c) Good Fit
A well-fitting diaper is essential to prevent leakage and keep the baby comfortable.
The Benefits of Diapers
- Diapers do not have adverse effects as their benefits make them widely accepted and recommended.
- Diapers are lightweight and very comfortable for children. Moreover, it is easy to wear, unlike cloth nappies, which take more time and effort.
- Diapers are more absorbent than cotton nappies. They retain moisture from the child’s skin, keeping it dry.
- A well-fitting diaper is breathable, allowing air circulation and preventing bacteria accumulation.
- With diapers, you do need to change the baby every time due to frequent urination. Diapers can keep your child comfortable and dry for 4-5 hours, and you only need to change them when they become full and heavy.
- A diaper keeps the skin dry. All the necessary precautions do not lead to frequent rashes and may only be problematic when overused.
Diapers Are An Important Part Of Baby’s Life
Diapers are an essential part of a child’s life. Over the years, manufacturers have strived to make diapers safe for the use of children and eco-friendly.
By purchasing a good diaper for your child and following the tips provided in the article, you are sure to guarantee your child’s safety and wellness with the use of diapers.