diapering DOs and DON'Ts

My Mama and my Mom-in-law are strong advocates for using cloth diapers as they are more comfortable for the baby and also economical.

It may not be comfortable to the caregiver/s (ahem!) as to the need to wash a lot of cloth diapers a day.

They both stress, however, that using cloth diapers would lessen our baby's chance of getting a UTI again and diaper rash.

We first started on using disposable diapers since our baby came home with a heplock or IV port for his antibiotic injection which we don't want to risk soiling.

After the week-long antibiotic therapy, we are shifting from disposable to cloth diapers from time to time.

Yesterday, I saw diaper rash on baby's buttocks which was probably due to more hours on disposable diapers. So now, from prevention, our focus had been on lessening the diaper rash.

Diapering Dos and Don'ts

You'll probably decide before you bring your baby home whether you'll use cloth or disposable diapers. Whichever you use, the baby will dirty diapers about 10 times a day, or about 70 times a week.

Before diapering a baby, make sure you have all supplies within reach so you won't have to leave your baby unattended on the changing table. You'll need:

• a clean diaper
• a fastener (if cloth is used)
• diaper ointment if the baby has a rash
• a container of warm water
• clean washcloth, diaper wipes, or cotton balls

After each bowel movement or if the diaper is wet, lay your baby on his or her back and remove the dirty diaper. Use the water, cotton balls, and washcloth or the wipes to gently wipe your baby's genital area clean. When removing a boy's diaper, do so carefully because exposure to the air may make him urinate. When wiping a girl, wipe her bottom from front to back to avoid a urinary tract infection. To prevent or heal a rash, apply ointment. Always remember to wash your hands thoroughly after changing a diaper.

Diaper rash is a common concern. Typically the rash is red and bumpy and will go away in a few days with warm baths, some diaper cream, and a little time out of the diaper. Most rashes occur because the baby's skin is sensitive and becomes irritated by the wet or poopy diaper.

To prevent or heal diaper rash, try these tips:

• Change your baby's diaper frequently, and as soon as possible after bowel movements.
• After cleaning the area with mild soap and water or a wipe, apply a diaper rash or "barrier" cream. Creams with zinc oxide are preferable because they form a barrier against moisture.
• If you use cloth diapers, wash them in dye- and fragrance-free detergents.
• Let the baby go undiapered for part of the day. This gives the skin a chance to air out.

If the diaper rash continues for more than 3 days or seems to be getting worse, call your doctor — it may be caused by a fungal infection that requires a prescription.