Diaper leak is a problem that every parent deals with, especially new mothers.
While there are many options out there, a newborn diaper leak is a big problem. Here’s what you need to know about newborn diaper leaks.
A diaper is a soft piece of toweling wrapped around a baby’s bottom to absorb and retain urine and feces.
Diaper leak is a process whereby a diaper cannot hold the urine or feces for a long time. This is a result of the diaper being of low quality or non-absorbent.
There are many reasons why diaper leaks. This includes: a diaper that is too small may be prone to leakage because there isn’t enough absorbent for the amount of urine. Always ask and consult the size of the newborn diaper in comparison to their age.
Apart from being small, the diaper may also leak when it is too large for the baby. Make sure the diaper fits comfortably around the waist and thighs by checking with your fingers around the edges to ensure that there are no gaps.
History of diapers
For many years, diapering has been a practice globally. Many people have been aware of the importance to cover their genital area, for privacy, and also to contain waste.
Many cultures would use leaves to cover their genital areas. This has been from the time of Adam and Eve living in the Garden of Eden, they used leaves to cover up their genital parts.
The painting of Adam and Eve, and leaving the Garden of Eden shows that leaves covered the genitalia.
The methods of diapering were a practice depending on the tradition, culture, and demographics of the people involved. In some communities like Europe, they never used diapers at all.
Swaddling the baby involved taking materials such as linen and cotton and covering the baby around the body.
In other countries, such as Africa, where the climate is warm and favorable, a piece of cloth is used to cover the genitals.
The process of using diapers in Europe did not stop until the Industrial Revolution in 1820. Safety pins came about in the 1880s which helped create protection for the baby and prevent leakages.
However, safety pins were not effective, they would cause bacteria and viruses in infants.
Home diapers were the next step but still, they did eliminate the problem related to irritation and leakage.
In the 1940s, during World War II, many women and men joined the workforce. Thus they did not have time to wash the diapers, as a result, the first diaper laundry service made an appearance.
The most recent innovation came up with disposable diapers. It is unknown who designed the first disposal diapers. They have been of importance until today as environmentalists argue that disposable diapers are important for a conversation about the environment.
How to choose a newborn diaper
There are two types of diapers disposable diapers and cloth diapers. The difference between them is that disposable diapers are more convenient as compared to cloth diapers.
The use of disposable diapers has offered a lot of health care benefits. This is as compared to cloth diapers, also known as nappies. Cloth diapers lead to urine and feces leakage and the act of hand to mouth by babies leads to many diseases.
Apart from that, the tender skin of a newborn may lead to a napping rash. Thus, in the modern-day, disposal diapers, when compared to nappies, have displayed great ability in absorbing urine and feces, thus leading to a low rate of diseases.
Thus, when choosing a diaper for your newborn, make sure that they are of good size, fit the baby, are non-leakage, comfortable and free from rash, and are cost-friendly depending on the family.
What is the best diaper brand for newborns?
We have varieties of diapers including Huggies, Pampers, Molfix, and Softcare. They are the most common in Kenya.
The best diaper depends on you and your family. The cost also depends as well as the absorbent and the texture of the pads.
Though the best diapers recommended are Huggies and Softcare. Which is best between disposable diapers and cloth diapers
It all depends on the family. Disposable diapers are the best because they are readily available, easy to wear and remove, and save a lot of costs when it comes to cleaning.
On the other hand, cloth diapers are also good, in a situation whereby you own a washing machine and not a shared one, it can be fit to wash your baby’s cloth diapers without problems.
Wash the cloth diapers with detergents and natural bleach to prevent harm to the newborn skin.
When it comes to disposable diapers, you don’t need to wash them rather than dispose of them. However, you will need to wash more clothes as many diapers tend to leak and blow out.
cost
The cost of owning and washing your own cloth diaper is good as compared to using a cloth diaper service. It saves time and money and is easily accessible by anyone. You only use water and laundry soaps.
If cost is not a problem for you, you can use disposable diapers which are expensive since they cannot be washed.
Choice and Control
While you can choose anything that suits your baby well. You can choose which fabric should your diaper have and a detergent to be used.
This is important especially when your baby has sensitive skin or when exposed to plastics
This is also important when using disposable diapers since you’re free to choose which brand suits well for you.
You can control how many diapers you should have, and the time for the baby to wear especially during sleep.
Environment
When using cloth diapers there are many environmental factors that you should consider. This whereby diaper clothes will conserve the environment more compared to disposable diapers.
No matter what type of disposable diapers you are using, either recycled, organic, or biodegradable cloth diapers are the best for conserving the environment.
Time
Time is an important factor in life. When using disposable diapers you will consume a short time as compared to cloth diapers which you need to wash and fold.
If you do not like the washing and laundry process, then disposable diapers are good for you.
In the end, I can’t really advise which is the best since this depends on you being well off. If you can manage disposable diapers every day, you can go with them, if not cloth diapers are also good.
What is the best treatment for diaper rash?
Diaper rash is a common skin disorder in newborns. It may occur at any time to any child and more frequently from 9-12 months. It occurs as a reaction to irritation by urine feces or also as a result of friction.
Bacteria and yeast infections are another cause. The warm nature of the diaper can form the breeding of bacteria that thrive under that condition. You can mitigate these bacteria by often changing the baby’s diaper and using a barrier clean can help.
Diaper leak causes newborn rash as a result of irritation from stool or urine. Keeping them for a long time can lead to irritation for the baby’s sensitive skin. Frequent diaper changes, especially the dirty ones, can help.
Tight diapers can also cause a rash in newborns. Choose a diaper that is well fit for a newborn and comfortable.
The introduction of new food to babies is another cause. The feces of a newborn change as a result of solid food leading to a rash. Delaying the introduction of solid food to newborns can reduce the risk as a mother monitors the best meals for them.
How often should you change a newborn diaper?
The diapers should be changed as frequently as possible. When the baby poops or wets the diaper it should be changed immediately to avoid causing a diaper rash.
Conclusion
Diaper leak should be considered and changed soon as it occurs. Always buy diapers of good quality. It is always said that cheap is expensive.
Thus don’t go for those cheap diapers which will cost you a lot of time and money. Choose something that is good and appropriate for your baby.
Do not over-stay a newborn in a wet diaper which can lead to diaper rash.
Let me know what you think about this article. If you have any questions or something to add feel free to add them in the comment section below.
