Choose the Right Kind of Diapers

(This original guide can be found here.)

When mom's due date approaches, it's time to stock up on diapering supplies. Whether you use cloth or disposable diapers is a personal choice. Both have advantages, so you may want to try each kind.

You might even wind up using a combination as your child grows. Here's some information to get you started.

Cloth baby diapers

• Come in cotton, terry, or flannel.
• Can be purchased pre-folded or unfolded.
• Fasten with safety pins, Velcro, or special diaper covers.
• Must be changed promptly when soiled to prevent irritation.
• Must be rinsed and then machine-washed in hot water.
• Can be used with disposable diaper liners for easier cleanup.

Many parents prefer cloth baby diapers, especially for everyday use at home, because they are more economical in the long run than disposable baby diapers. Some parents use the savings to hire baby diaper-cleaning services—companies that pick up soiled baby diapers and drop off a fresh supply of clean, folded ones. Some parents opt for cloth diapers for environmental reasons. A baby may go through upward of 5,000 diapers before potty training, and using cloth diapers cuts down on landfill waste. Even parents who use disposable diapers often keep some cloth diapers on hand because they double as burp cloths and versatile towels. Popular brands of cloth diapers include Kushies, Kissaluvs, Bumkins, Motherease, Fuzzi Bunz, and Little Lambs.

Disposable baby diapers

• Fasten with tape or Velcro strips.
• Are thrown away when soiled.
• Are typically used by daycare centers.
• Help prevent diaper rash and irritation by drawing wetness into a gel layer, keeping it away from the skin.

Though more expensive than cloth baby diapers in the long run, it's hard to beat the convenience of disposable baby diapers, especially when traveling. Popular disposable diaper brands include Pampers and Huggies.

Swim diapers

For the pool or beach, both reusable and disposable swim diapers prevent leaks while babies play in the water. Many swimming facilities require that babies wear swim diapers to protect others.

Prevent Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is a common discomfort for babies, and while you can take steps to prevent it, it's likely that your baby will experience at least one form of baby diaper rash during infancy.

Because baby's skin is so sensitive, many factors can create diaper rash. Yeast or bacterial infections are common sources, but so is simple baby diaper chafing. If your baby develops a rash that looks severe (oozing, pus, or open sores), see your doctor.

Follow these steps to help prevent baby diaper rash:

• Keep baby dry. Most baby diaper rash is caused by wetness, so it's best to change a dirty baby diaper as soon as possible. When diapering, make sure air can circulate inside the diaper. Don't use airtight plastics or wrap diapers too tightly.
• Be gentle. Clean up thoroughly, but don't over-wipe. Pat skin dry; don’t rub. Treat baby's skin as gently as possible.
• Avoid irritants. Be aware of the substances that come in contact with your baby's skin. If baby diaper rash recurs, try changing disposable diaper brands. Double-wash cloth baby diapers in hot water, but don't use detergent or fabric softeners that can irritate the skin. Make sure baby wipes are alcohol-free. Pay attention to how your baby's skin reacts to anything that touches it so you can detect and stop sources of irritation.
• Use ointment. A good barrier ointment like white zinc oxide will keep wetness from baby's skin and is safe to use frequently. Petroleum ointment is also effective, though talcum powder should be avoided, as it can cause respiratory discomfort if inhaled by the baby.
• Detect baby food allergies. Introduce solid foods one at a time and pay attention to any changes in your baby's skin sensitivity.

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Get Ready for Potty Training

Kids develop at different rates. They'll let you know when they're ready to start potty training, usually between ages two and four. It's best to let them set the pace and to use positive reinforcement throughout the process.

Determine whether your child is ready for potty training

The following signs indicate your child may be ready to begin potty training:

• Stays dry for several hours (indicates that bladder muscles have developed).
• Follows simple directions and can pull their own pants up and down.
• Lets you know when they’re having a bowel movement (indicates an understanding of the physical signals around going to the bathroom).
• Uses words for urine and bowel movements.
• Demonstrates an interest in adult bathroom habits.

Gear up for potty training

When they're ready, you'll need a potty seat and training pants. Potty seats come in many designs and colors to help make toilet training fun for kids, but the basic requirements are simply a comfortable place to sit and a removable bowl that mom or dad can empty into the toilet.

When your child is comfortable with a potty seat, you can find child-sized toilet seats that fasten to regular toilets to ease the transition for them. When toilet training is under way, it's time to start using training pants. These pants are easy for your child to take off and put on. Disposable training pants absorb wetness and are convenient for travel or daycare. Cloth training pants can also help with toilet training because they're uncomfortable, and the feeling of wet pants encourages kids to use the toilet. They also ensure that they get changed quickly, since diaper rash is still an issue when using training pants.

Tips for potty training

Toilet training happens. For first-time parents, the best advice is to be patient and let it happen at its own pace. Here are a few more tips:

• Don’t rush or compare your child with others: Every child has their own timing for toilet training. Kids can be ready any time between 18 months and four years. Waiting until they are ready will help make it easier.
• Make using the potty part of your child's routine: Allow and encourage them sit on the potty at regular times while clothed, even before they start using it, to help them become familiar with it. Eventually let your child sit on the potty seat without diapers. Again, this is just to get them used to sitting there, and making it a routine habit.
• Involve your child: Teach your child where bowel movements go. Show them how you empty a diaper into the toilet to help them make the association. You can even let them flush and teach them to wash their hands afterward.
• Give encouragement: Gradually encourage your child to use the potty for its intended purpose. Have your child tell you when they have to go so they can associate the physical urges with the process of using the toilet. Be sure to congratulate them and celebrate their accomplishments at each step.
• Be patient: Accidental wetting and bedwetting at night are normal for many months after a child has learned to use the toilet. This problem usually passes. You can lessen bedwetting by limiting liquids before bedtime. Never get angry or punish a child for accidents.

Always check with your pediatrician if you have questions about your child’s potty training.